Glaucoma Symptoms

Most people with glaucoma do not notice symptoms until vision loss has already occurred

Unfortunately, many people do not notice symptoms of glaucoma until the disease has already caused significant damage to the optic nerve. As nerve fibers are affected, small blind spots begin to develop — typically in peripheral (side) vision. Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent.

Glaucoma symptoms

When symptoms do occur, they can vary depending on the type of glaucoma . Open-angle glaucoma often develops gradually and painlessly, with no early warning signs. In many cases, noticeable symptoms do not appear until significant vision loss has already occurred.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma, caused by a sudden blockage of drainage channels in the eye, leads to a rapid increase in eye pressure and may cause symptoms such as:

• Blurred vision
• Halos or colored rings around lights
• Eye pain or redness

Why is glaucoma harmful to vision?

The optic nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain. As glaucoma damages these nerve fibers, the amount and quality of visual information decreases, leading to vision loss.

Will I go blind from glaucoma?

When detected early, glaucoma can often be managed effectively:

• If left untreated, both peripheral (side) and central vision may be lost, potentially leading to permanent blindness.
• The best way to protect your vision is through early diagnosis and treatment .
• Regular eye exams, including glaucoma screening, are an important part of preventive care — especially for people over age 35, even if you do not have symptoms.

At Henry Ford, patients come first

The Henry Ford Department of Ophthalmology is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care using the most advanced treatments available. We are dedicated to vision research and remain at the forefront of innovation. As one of the largest ophthalmology practices in the United States, we treat more than 55,000 patients each year at 12 locations throughout southeast Michigan. Our team also collaborates across specialties to provide coordinated, multidisciplinary care.