Glaucoma is a sneaky eye condition that can creep up on you without much warning. Knowing the early signs can make a big difference in protecting your vision. Imagine losing your sight without realizing it is happening. But do not worry – the right information can shine a light on this condition.
 

So, what should you look out for?
 

Changes in Your Night Vision

Have you noticed it is getting harder to drive at night? Maybe you are squinting more at oncoming headlights. Or perhaps you are feeling less confident navigating in low light. These could be early signs of glaucoma.
 

This eye condition can make your eyes more sensitive to light. It can also reduce your ability to see contrasts. This makes night driving particularly challenging.
 

Frequent Changes in Eyewear Prescription

Are you visiting your optometrist more often than usual? Do you feel like your eyeglass prescription is always changing? This could be a red flag. Glaucoma can cause subtle changes in your vision. Your brain might try to compensate by working your eyes harder. This can lead to frequent changes in your prescription.
 

Difficulty Adapting to Dark Rooms

You might find yourself stumbling around in dark places often. It might not just be your age catching up with you. Glaucoma can affect how quickly your eyes adjust to changes in light.

Eye Pain or Pressure

Most types of glaucoma do not cause pain. But one type, called acute angle-closure glaucoma, can. It is less common, but that makes it more important to learn about.
 

This type of glaucoma can cause sudden eye pain. You might feel like there is pressure building up in your eye. Some people describe it as feeling like a pebble is in their eye. If you experience this, especially with blurred vision or seeing halos around lights, get to an eye doctor ASAP. It is an emergency.
 

Patchy Blind Spots

As glaucoma progresses, you might start to notice patchy blind spots. These can occur in your central or peripheral vision. Here is a quick test: Cover one eye and focus on something straight ahead. Can you clearly see everything around it? Are there spots where things look fuzzy or disappear? If you notice any blind spots, it is time for an eye checkup.
 

Seeing Halos Around Lights

Do streetlights suddenly have a hazy ring around them? This could be an early sign of glaucoma. Seeing halos or rainbows around lights might indicate other eye problems, too. But combined with other symptoms, it is a glaucoma red flag you should not ignore.
 

Redness in the Eyes

Bloodshot eyes are not just for late nights or allergies. They can also be a sign of glaucoma. If your eyes are consistently red, especially if accompanied by pain or vision changes, get an eye exam.
 

Glaucoma is tricky. Its early signs can be subtle. But catching it early can save your sight. Pay attention to changes in your vision, and do not ignore eye discomfort. And most importantly, get regular eye exams.
 

For more on glaucoma, visit GrandView Eyecare at our Hebron or Fairbury, Nebraska, offices. Call (402) 768-6651 or (402) 729-6162 to schedule an appointment today.
 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/early-signs-of-glaucoma