Glaucoma affects more than three million Americans and remains a leading cause of blindness. Awareness of the common signs and symptoms is crucial, as early detection offers the best defense against significant impairment and vision loss. The eye doctors at Medical Eye Associates, S.C. offer the following guide to patients in Mukwonago, WI, so they’re aware of the signs of this debilitating condition.

5 Symptoms of Glaucoma

1. Blind Spots

Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of this condition, gets its name from the wide angle between the iris and the cornea. This type of glaucoma typically presents no symptoms until it has become irreversible. At this point, you may experience blind spots in your peripheral vision. Regular eye exams are often the only way to detect open-angle glaucoma before it develops to this point.

2. Blurred Vision

Acute angle-closure glaucoma refers to a narrow angle between the iris and cornea, which can result in a range of symptoms as the gap gets smaller. Blurred vision characterizes this sudden-onset form of the disease. You may also see rainbows or halos around lights.

3. Headaches

Glaucoma increases pressure within the eyes, which often causes headaches. You may also feel pain within the eye area or the forehead. If you experience frequent headaches for no apparent reason, it may be time to schedule an eye exam.

4. Nausea

Nausea and vomiting can also accompany acute angle-closure glaucoma. This symptom usually results from the sudden onset of severe eye pain and pressure within the eyes. Without swift intervention, you may incur damage to the optic nerve, so call an eye doctor right away if you experience this combination of symptoms.

5. Sudden Vision Loss

Glaucoma can also result in a sudden loss of vision. This is usually the case when eye pressure spikes suddenly and may signal a severed optic nerve.

Glaucoma can be debilitating, but most cases are preventable with early intervention. If you’re overdue for an exam, contact Medical Eye Associates, S.C. These trusted eye doctors diagnose and treat a range of vision problems, from myopia to disorders like glaucoma and macular degeneration. They offer the benefit of more than 79 years of experience, during which time they’ve established a reputation for friendly service and comprehensive care. Schedule an exam with an eye doctor today by calling (262) 363-5333. If you’d like more information on glaucoma or other eye conditions, visit the website.