What are the symptoms if any,of Glaucoma?

Question

Do you get it in one or both eyes, do you get any physical symptoms?
What age do you expect to get it?
I have heard you must test your eyes if it runs in the family, but when do you need to test?
My left eye aches sometimes, I do have glasses for certain things, not all the time.
thanks.

Answer 1

What is glaucoma?


Glaucoma is a range of conditions in which the pressure inside the eye becomes too high. It is important that the doctor checks the back of the eye for evidence of any damage.


Glaucoma is not one disorder but a range of conditions in which the pressure inside the eye becomes too high. This results in damage to the optic nerve at the back of the eye which can lead to loss of vision if left untreated. Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness worldwide.

How does glaucoma develop?

There is a constant flow of fluid through the eye. The flow into and out of the eye is carefully monitored in order to ensure that the eye maintains its round shape and does not become too hard or too soft.

This fluid is called the aqueous humour. It is secreted into the eye from an area behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye) and flows around through the pupil and drains out of the eye through several microscopic channels.

Glaucoma usually develops when this flow of fluid becomes obstructed and there is a build-up of pressure within the eye.

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Answer 2

Typically you should have an exam every year. During the exam you will be tested for pressure in the eye which would tell the doctor if you have glaucoma.

A friend developed glaucoma and his eyes were read all the time and swollen. They also hurt. There are several treatments for glaucoma that will help the back to normal but you may need to take meds all the the time to control it.

Answer 3

they say you should get your eyes tested every 1 - 3 years,
Glaucoma is often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," because most types typically cause no pain and produce no symptoms. For this reason, glaucoma often progresses undetected until the optic nerve already has been irreversibly damaged, with varying degrees of permanent vision loss.

But with acute, angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms that occur suddenly can include blurry vision, halos around lights, intense eye pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you have these symptoms, make sure you immediately see an eye care practitioner or visit the emergency room so steps can be taken to prevent permanent vision loss

Answer 4

There's a few different types so here they all are:

Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, has no symptoms at first. The pressure in the eye builds up gradually. At some point, side vision (peripheral vision) is lost and without treatment, total blindness will occur.

Acute closed-angle glaucoma results when the normal flow of eye fluid (aqueous humor) between the iris and the lens becomes suddenly blocked. Symptoms may include severe pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and seeing a rainbow halo around lights. Acute closed-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately or blindness could result in one or two days.

Chronic closed-angle glaucoma progresses more slowly and can produce damage without symptoms, similar to open-angle glaucoma.

Low-tension or normal-tension glaucoma occurs in people with normal eye pressure who have optic nerve damage and experience narrowed side vision. Lowering eye pressure at least 30 percent through medicines slows the disease in some people. Glaucoma may worsen in others despite low pressures. A comprehensive medical history is important in identifying other potential risk factors, such as low blood pressure, that contribute to low-tension glaucoma. If no risk factors are identified, the treatment options for low-tension glaucoma are the same as for open-angle glaucoma.

Secondary glaucoma occurs as the result of some other medical problem, such as inflammation, a tumor, or eye injury.

Congenital glaucoma is a condition where babies are born with defects that prevent the normal drainage of fluid from the eye.

Juvenile glaucoma has been used to describe open-angle glaucoma in children, adolescents and young adults.

Pigmentary glaucoma is a rare form of the disease where pigment granules from the iris flake off into the aqueous humor (eye fluid) and then clog the eye drainage system (trabecular meshwork).

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome occurs when outer layers of the lens flake off and block normal flow of the aqueous humor.

Irido-corneal-endothelial syndrome (ICE) consists of a number of features, including the loss of cells from the cornea, which break off and block the drainage channels in the eye, resulting in increased eye pressure. There also may be scarring that connects the iris to the cornea.

Neovascular glaucoma results from abnormal blood vessel growth that blocks the fluid drainage channels of the eye, resulting in increased eye pressure. Low blood supply to the eye as a result of diabetes, insufficient flow of blood to the head due to blocked arteries in the neck, or blockage of blood vessels in the back of the eye can cause the abnormal blood vessel growth.

Answer 5

You have some good answers here already just to say that if it runs in the family its not everyone that is entitled to free tests.

My gran had glaucoma so my dad and his brothers and sisters get free annual eyetests purely because she had it.

I will not qualify for free eyetests unless my dad gets glaucoma so whilst it is in families they don't neccesarily think its right down through the genetics.

Answer 6

You should go to an opthalmologist and have your inter-ocular pressure measured. it is easy and painless, and the only way to be sure. Blurred vision is a symptom, but it is also possible from other causes. Do not delay this, as it can cause blindness.

Answer 7

i believe the first symptoms my mum had was rings around lights. If a family member has had it and you are over 40 you should be able to get free eye tests, if you are worried you should get it checked out.

Answer 8

my nan has Glaucoma, she has drops in her eyes every day she does it her self, it does run in familes but not every one gets it. it is best to get your eyes tested just in case. symtoms are blured vision hard to see, and headaches i suffer with my eyes and i am 25 i have had my eyes done now since i was 19 i have to go every so often to get them tested.the doctors will know stright away if you have it. dont worry.

Answer 9

Ask your doctor about an exercise routine. Regular exercise, such as walking three times a week, may reduce neuropathy pain, improve your muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels. Gentle routines such as yoga and tai chi might also help.

Answer 10

If you have any problems with your eyes please get them tested
Glaucoma runs in my family so i know how important it is to have regular eye tests .
My dad is nearly blind with it