Glaucoma: Early Signs, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Our eyes quietly work every day, helping us see the world around us. But some diseases silently damage the vision without showing any specific warning. Glaucoma is one such condition. It is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it slowly harms the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. If left untreated, it may lead to permanent blindness.

What makes glaucoma dangerous is that most people don’t notice any problem until their vision is already affected. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness globally. In India too, lakhs of people are affected, and many are not even aware of it.

The positive side is that glaucoma can be managed if it is found in the early stage. Let’s understand more about this disease. Its signs, causes, treatment options, and prevention tips.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease where the optic nerve gets damaged, often because of increased eye pressure (intraocular pressure – IOP). You can imagine the optic nerve like an electrical wire that carries signals from your eyes to your brain. If this wire becomes weak, your brain won’t receive a clear picture, and your vision starts getting worse.

Not every person with high eye pressure develops glaucoma, and in some cases, the disease can occur even when the pressure is within normal range. That is why glaucoma is tricky and often goes unnoticed. Importantly, vision once lost due to glaucoma cannot be restored, making early diagnosis extremely important.

Types of Glaucoma

Doctors classify glaucoma into several types:

Open-Angle Glaucoma
- The most common type.
- The drainage system of the eye works less effectively, leading to gradual fluid buildup.
- Vision loss is slow and painless.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
- Less common but more serious.
- Fluid is suddenly blocked, causing a sharp rise in eye pressure.
- Symptoms include severe eye pain, blurred vision, headache, nausea.
- Considered a medical emergency.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
- Optic nerve damage happens even though eye pressure is not very high.
- The nerve is more sensitive than usual.
Secondary Glaucoma
- Develops as a result of other eye problems like injury, diabetes, or long-term use of steroids.
Congenital Glaucoma
- Found in babies and children.
- Though rare, it needs urgent medical attention.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

In the beginning, glaucoma usually does not cause noticeable symptoms. However, some warning signs may appear as the disease progresses:

Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision.
Difficulty seeing clearly at night.
Blurred or foggy vision.
Halos or colored rings around lights.
Eye pain or heaviness in certain cases.
Headache, nausea, or vomiting in acute angle-closure glaucoma.

Because the symptoms are subtle, regular eye check-ups are the best way to detect glaucoma before major vision damage occurs.

Causes and Risk Factors

Glaucoma happens mainly when the natural fluid in the eye does not drain properly. This leads to increased intraocular pressure, which gradually damages the optic nerve. Apart from this, many other factors also raise the risk:

Age – risk increases after 40 and more after 60.
Family History – if parents or siblings had glaucoma.
Medical Conditions – diabetes, thyroid problems, high blood pressure.
Eye Injuries – accidents or trauma to the eye.
Steroid Use – long-term use of steroid medicines or drops.
Thin Cornea or Weak Optic Nerve Structure – naturally higher risk.

How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Glaucoma cannot be confirmed by just looking into the mirror or doing a simple eyesight test. Special eye tests are needed, such as:

Tonometry – measures the pressure inside the eye.
Visual Field Test – checks for blind spots or loss of side vision.
Gonioscopy – examines the drainage angle of the eye.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – creates detailed scans of the optic nerve.
Pachymetry – measures the thickness of the cornea.

If you are above 40, or have diabetes or a family history of glaucoma, doctors usually recommend a comprehensive eye check-up every 1–2 years.

Treatment for Glaucoma

Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. The aim of treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure and protect the optic nerve from further damage.

1. Medicines (Eye Drops)

Often the first treatment suggested.
Help reduce fluid buildup or improve drainage.
Need to be used regularly as per prescription.

2. Laser Treatments

Laser Trabeculoplasty – improves fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
Laser Iridotomy – creates a small hole in the iris for angle-closure glaucoma.

3. Surgery

Trabeculectomy – makes a new channel to drain fluid.
Drainage Implants – small devices inserted to release excess fluid.

⚠️ Skipping medicines or delaying treatment can cause irreversible blindness. Regular follow-up is essential.

Living with Glaucoma & Prevention Tips

Although glaucoma cannot always be prevented, you can lower the risk or slow its progress with some lifestyle habits:

Go for regular eye exams after age 40.
Eat a healthy diet with leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Control diabetes and blood pressure.
Avoid overuse of steroids without medical advice.
Protect your eyes while working in risky conditions or sports.

Key Insights & Data

Globally, more than 76 million people live with glaucoma.
In India, over 12 million people are affected.
Around 90% of cases are undiagnosed until late stages.
Regular awareness and check-ups can help prevent blindness.

Conclusion

Glaucoma is one of the most silent but serious eye diseases. It usually develops without early signs, making regular eye check-ups the best defense. With the right medicines, laser treatment, or surgery, glaucoma can be managed, and vision loss can be slowed down.

If you are over 40, or if your family has a history of glaucoma, take eye health seriously.

Remember: Glaucoma steals sight quietly, but timely action can save your vision for life.