Glaucoma is characterized by optic nerve damage due to fluid buildup in the eye. If untreated, the condition can cause permanent vision loss. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Treatment includes eye drops, laser therapy, and surgery. They can help to slow vision loss and prevent blindness. Treatments are most effective in the early stages. Find out the stages and warning signs of glaucoma. 

Developing Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a term that describes eye disorders that damage the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss. Fluid buildup in the eye puts pressure, gradually causing damage to the nerve. The pressure is known as intraocular pressure (IOP). 

Sometimes, people with normal eye pressure can get glaucoma. Poorly managed or untreated glaucoma can cause permanent or irreversible vision loss. The disease usually affects both eyes, but one can be worse. One eye can have mild glaucoma and the other moderate or severe glaucoma. 

Types of Glaucoma 

Glaucoma is a relatively common eye disease that affects about three million people in the country. There are several types of glaucoma, including:

• Open-angle glaucoma. It is the most common type that affects approximately 90% of individuals with the condition. 

• Closed-angle glaucoma. This type is rare and is often acute. It requires immediate medical care to prevent vision loss. 

• Normal-tension glaucoma. People with this type of glaucoma have normal eye pressure. It is unclear what causes the disease. 

• Congenital glaucoma. Some babies are born with a disorder where drainage canals fail to form properly. It is also known as pediatric, infantile, or childhood glaucoma. 

Warning Signs of Glaucoma 

Understanding early warning signs of glaucoma can help to ensure effective treatment. Unfortunately, glaucoma does not usually exhibit symptoms in the early stages, and vision changes occur gradually. Warning signs include:

• Eye pressure or pain

• Colored halos around lights

• Headaches

• Red eyes 

• Blurry vision or blind spots

• Low or narrowed (tunnel) vision

• Nausea and vomiting

If you experience changes in your vision, visit your doctor immediately. 

Stages of Glaucoma 

Glaucoma develops in different stages. In stage one, there is a change in the drainage system, leading to increased intraocular pressure. In the second stage, patients experience noticeable vision changes, with symptoms like blurry vision. In the third stage, there is a significant increase in eye pressure, which often causes eye pain. 

Glaucoma is considered advanced at this stage. In the fourth stage, there is optic nerve damage that needs correction for the patient to resume normal function. The final stage is when vision loss occurs. 

Risk Factors for Glaucoma 

Glaucoma can affect any individual, but the risk increases as people age. Individuals of African and Hispanic origin are more likely to develop glaucoma. The disease develops earlier than in other ethnic groups. Asians are more susceptible to closed-angle glaucoma. The risk increases among individuals with diabetes. 

Those with a family history of glaucoma, previous eye surgery, or injuries have a high risk. Other risk factors are hyperopia or farsightedness, myopia or nearsightedness, high blood pressure, and long-term use of corticosteroids. 
 

Glaucoma develops from mild to severe. Most people do not realize they have the disease in the early stages as they do not have symptoms. The choice of treatment will depend on the disease stage. 

For more on the stages and warning signs of glaucoma, visit Gulf Coast Vision. Our office is in Gulfport, Mississippi. Call (228) 262-0266 to book an appointment today.