Glaucoma Often Has No Symptoms — Eye Exams Are Your Best Defence

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” for a good reason—it can cause irreversible vision loss long before you notice any changes to your eyesight. This serious eye disease damages the optic nerve, typically due to elevated intraocular pressure, and is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.

What makes glaucoma especially dangerous is its lack of early warning signs. That’s why routine comprehensive eye exams are your best—often only—defense against it.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that lead to progressive optic nerve damage, which is essential for good vision. In most cases, this damage results from high pressure inside the eye, but not always—some types of glaucoma can occur with normal eye pressure.

There are two primary types of glaucoma:

• Open-angle glaucoma: The most common form, which develops slowly and painlessly.
• Angle-closure glaucoma: A rarer but more acute form that can come on suddenly and may cause pain, blurred vision, or nausea.

Because open-angle glaucoma progresses so gradually, most people don’t realize there’s a problem until significant vision loss has occurred.

This is why knowing what is usually the first sign of glaucoma—often peripheral vision loss—isn’t enough. By the time you notice it, the damage may already be extensive.

Is Glaucoma Hereditary?

Yes, glaucoma can be hereditary. If you have a parent or sibling with glaucoma, your risk of developing it is significantly higher. This makes regular eye exams even more critical for those with a family history of the disease. Early detection is the only way to catch it before it causes permanent damage.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

In the early stages, symptoms of glaucoma are typically non-existent, especially with open-angle glaucoma.

As the disease progresses, some people may experience:

• Loss of peripheral (side) vision
• Blurred vision
• Halos around lights
• Eye pain or redness (more common with angle-closure glaucoma)
• Headaches or nausea (in acute cases)

Because these symptoms often appear too late, relying on them to prompt an exam is risky.

Is Glaucoma Treatable?

Fortunately, glaucoma is treatable, especially when caught early. While there’s no cure, treatments can slow or stop the progression of the disease and help preserve your vision.

Depending on the type and severity, glaucoma treatments may include:

• Prescription eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure
• Oral medications
• Laser therapy
• Surgical procedures to improve fluid drainage in the eye

The earlier treatment begins, the better the chances of protecting your vision.

The Importance of Routine Eye Exams

Because glaucoma often develops silently, the only way to detect it early is through a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, your optometrist can measure your eye pressure, examine your optic nerve, and perform visual field tests to check for any signs of damage.

At DLV Vision, we use advanced diagnostic technology to assess your eye health thoroughly. Scheduling regular eye exams can make all the difference if you’re at risk due to age, family history, or other factors.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Protect your vision with routine eye exams. Book your appointment at DLV Vision today—your eyes will thank you.