9 shocking symptoms of glaucoma to watch for
Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight”—and for good reason. It’s a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. The damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye and can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated early.
Understanding the symptoms of glaucoma is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. In this blog, we’ll explore the 9 most common symptoms, how they differ by type of glaucoma, and when to seek medical help.
Why is glaucoma so dangerous?
Glaucoma often progresses without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. By the time a person notices vision loss, significant and irreversible damage has already occurred. That’s why early recognition of its subtle signs can make all the difference.
Common symptoms of glaucoma
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Redness in the eye
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Tunnel vision
- Frequent changes in prescription glasses
- No symptoms at all (Silent progression)
1. Gradual loss of peripheral vision
- One of the earliest signs of open-angle glaucoma (the most common type).
- It usually starts in the outer edges of your vision and moves inward.
- Often goes unnoticed until both eyes are affected or the condition becomes severe.
- This peripheral vision loss can feel like you’re seeing through a tunnel, which is why it’s sometimes called tunnel vision.
2. Blurred vision
- Can occur in the later stages.
- A feeling that things are “out of focus,” even with glasses.
- May come and go initially.
3. Halos around lights
- Seeing colored rings or halos around lights, especially at night.
- More commonly associated with acute angle-closure glaucoma.
- Often accompanied by other symptoms like eye pain or nausea.
4. Eye pain or discomfort
- Sudden, severe eye pain is a warning sign of acute angle-closure glaucoma.
- May be felt in or around one eye.
- This is a medical emergency—vision can be lost within hours.
5. Redness in the eye
- May appear along with pain and blurred vision.
- Especially concerning if it’s not linked to allergies or infection.
6. Nausea or Vomiting
- In cases of acute glaucoma, nausea may be triggered by a rapid increase in eye pressure.
- Accompanied by blurred vision and severe eye pain.
7. Tunnel vision
- A result of advanced peripheral vision loss.
- Vision narrows so much that it feels like looking through a narrow tube.
- Peripheral vision loss and tunnel vision may not be noticed until it becomes quite severe.
8. Frequent changes in prescription glasses
- Needing to change your glasses frequently could indicate progressive eye changes due to glaucoma or other conditions.
- May be an early sign of underlying damage to the optic nerve.
9. No symptoms at all (Silent progression)
- In open-angle glaucoma, symptoms develop so slowly that people may not notice anything until vision is significantly affected.
- Routine eye exams are the only way to detect it early.
Types of glaucoma & their symptoms at a glance
Type of glaucoma | Key symptoms |
Open-angle glaucoma | Gradual peripheral vision loss, no pain, no redness. |
Angle-closure glaucoma | Sudden eye pain, headache, nausea, halos, blurry vision, red eye. |
Normal-tension glaucoma | Optic nerve damage without high pressure, may show subtle vision changes. |
Congenital glaucoma (children) | Enlarged eyes, excessive tearing, light sensitivity. |
Secondary glaucoma | Blurred vision, eye pain, depending on the underlying cause (injury, medication). |
When should you see an eye specialist?
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:
- Sudden vision loss.
- Severe eye pain.
- Halos around lights.
- Eye redness with nausea.
For most people over the age of 40, especially with a family history of glaucoma or other risk factors (like diabetes or high blood pressure), regular eye exams are critical—even without symptoms.
Conclusion
Glaucoma can be managed—but only if caught early. Don’t wait for vision problems to appear. Regular eye check-ups and awareness of even subtle symptoms can protect your eyesight for life.
If you or a loved one experience any of the above symptoms, schedule an eye check-up with a trusted eye specialist.
For expert consultation and advanced glaucoma screening, call or visit Krisha Eye Hospital, Ahmedabad. Your vision is our priority.
Author bio
Dr. Dhwani Maheshwari, an esteemed ophthalmologist with over 10 years of experience, leads Krisha Eye hospital in Ahmedabad with a commitment to advanced, patient-centered eye care. Specializing in cataract and refractive surgery, Dr. Maheshwari has performed more than a thousand successful surgeries. Her expertise lies in phacoemulsification, a technique recognized for its precision in cataract treatment.
Dr. Maheshwari’s educational journey includes an MBBS from Smt. NHL MMC, a DOMS from M & J Institute of Ophthalmology, and a DNB in Ophthalmology from Mahatme Eye Bank Eye Hospital, Nagpur. She also completed a fellowship in phacoemulsification at Porecha Blindness Trust Hospital, further enhancing her surgical skills. In addition to her work at Krisha Eye Hospital, Dr. Maheshwari serves as a consultant ophthalmologist at Northstar Diagnostic Centre.
Under her leadership, Krisha Eye Hospital aims to bring all superspecialties under one roof, offering comprehensive eye care solutions for all vision needs.
FAQs
The earliest sign of glaucoma—especially open-angle glaucoma—is usually a gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision, which often goes unnoticed until the condition progresses. Regular eye exams are key to early detection.
Yes. Acute angle-closure glaucoma can cause sudden, intense headaches often accompanied by eye pain, blurred vision, and nausea. It’s a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Not usually. Open-angle glaucoma—the most common form—is painless and symptomless in its early stages. That’s why it’s often called the “silent thief of sight.”
You may not notice any symptoms early on. A comprehensive eye exam with tonometry, optic nerve evaluation, and visual field testing is the only reliable way to diagnose glaucoma.
Early on, vision appears normal. As glaucoma progresses, you may experience tunnel vision—losing peripheral vision while central vision remains intact. In severe cases, central vision is also lost.
Yes, particularly in angle-closure glaucoma, where symptoms like blurred vision, halos, and pain may appear suddenly and then subside. These episodes can be dangerous and should be evaluated urgently.
Yes.
- Open-angle glaucoma: Gradual vision loss with no pain.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: Sudden pain, redness, blurred vision, nausea.
- Normal-tension glaucoma: Similar to open-angle but without high eye pressure.
- Congenital glaucoma: Watery eyes, light sensitivity, enlarged eyes in infants.
Yes. Symptoms like blurred vision, eye discomfort, or headaches can overlap with cataracts, eye strain, or migraines, which is why professional diagnosis is essential.
While glaucoma primarily affects vision, in advanced stages it may contribute to impaired peripheral vision, which can affect depth perception and balance, especially in older adults.
Glaucoma typically affects both eyes, though it may begin in one eye or progress unevenly. One eye may show symptoms before the other.
Yes, but it’s rare. Congenital glaucoma can occur in infants and may show symptoms like excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and enlarged eyes. Prompt medical attention is crucial.
Floaters and flashes are usually not symptoms of glaucoma—they’re more commonly associated with retinal detachment or vitreous changes. However, if you notice them alongside blurred vision or pain, get evaluated.
Yes. If untreated, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss and even total blindness. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, vision loss can often be prevented or slowed.
No. While increased intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor, not all people with high IOP develop glaucoma. And some people with normal IOP can still have optic nerve damage (normal-tension glaucoma).
It depends on the type:
- Open-angle glaucoma progresses slowly over years.
- Angle-closure glaucoma can progress rapidly, with symptoms developing in hours to days.
Regular check-ups help monitor any changes.
Yes, particularly angle-closure glaucoma symptoms like halos around lights and blurred vision may worsen in dim lighting due to pupil dilation, which can narrow the drainage angle further.