Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that can cause permanent blindness if left unchecked. Although there is no cure for these diseases, there are ways for eye doctors to slow their progression, thereby preventing blindness. In other words, it’s important to visit an optometrist regularly for preventive eye exams. You should also make an appointment right away if you experience any of the following symptoms. 

Common Signs of Glaucoma 

1. Blind Spots

Any kind of vision loss calls for a trip to the eye doctor. This includes small blind spots, excessive blurriness, and limited peripheral vision, all of which are signs of glaucoma. While patchy blind spots and tunnel vision are common among those who have open-angle glaucoma, blurred vision and light halos are often reported by patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma. 

2. Pain or Pressure

Headaches and sharp or dull eye pain could be indicative of acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is caused by blocked drainage canals and demands immediate medical intervention. Those with this condition may also experience throbbing—but not necessarily painful—pressure in the eye area. 

3. Eye Redness

If you have eye redness that cannot be attributed to allergens or irritants, visit an optometrist. There are several possible causes of chronic redness, one of which is acute angle-closure glaucoma. If this happens to be the cause, the redness will likely be accompanied by other symptoms, like nausea and vomiting, light halos, and blurred vision. 

If you want to discuss your risk of glaucoma with a knowledgeable eye doctor, turn to Abel Klecker & Robbins in Lexington, KY. For more than 60 years, this locally owned and operated practice has been providing quality eye care for patients throughout Fayette County. Led by a father-daughter team, they are proud to perform a variety of procedures in their state-of-the-art facility. To learn more about the services their eye doctors offer, visit their website or call (859) 269-6921 to make an appointment.