Glaucoma is often called the silent thief of sight for a reason – it usually doesn’t cause symptoms until significant, irreversible vision loss has already begun. Because most types of glaucoma develop slowly and quietly, nearly half of the people who have it don’t even know it.
The best way to protect your vision? Regular eye health exams. When glaucoma is caught early, your eye doctor can create a treatment plan to slow progression and help preserve your sight. When it goes untreated, though, glaucoma can silently steal your vision over time.
Let’s take a closer look at what happens if glaucoma isn’t treated – and how early detection makes all the difference.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that damages your optic nerve, the “cable” that connects your eye to your brain. This damage often happens when fluid builds up in the front of your eye and increases your intraocular pressure (IOP).
Because optic nerve damage can’t be reversed, untreated glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and even blindness.
Types of Glaucoma?
Open-Angle Glaucoma
This is the most common form. It develops slowly and usually has no warning signs early on. The eye doesn’t drain fluid as it should, which gradually raises pressure inside the eye. Over time, this pressure can damage your optic nerve.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This less common type can develop suddenly – and it’s a medical emergency.
Angle-closure glaucoma happens when the iris (the colored part of your eye) blocks the drainage angle, preventing fluid from leaving the eye. Pressure rises quickly and can cause rapid vision loss.
Symptoms of an acute angle-closure glaucoma attack may include:
- Halos around lights
- Intense headache
- Severe eye pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Eye redness
- Blurred or decreased vision
If you experience these symptoms, call your eye doctor right away. There’s always a doctor on call at VisionPoint Eye Center so you can get the care you need quickly.
What Happens if Glaucoma Isn’t Treated?
If glaucoma goes untreated, you can go blind. Glaucoma is progressive, meaning it steadily worsens over time. Because most people don’t notice symptoms early on, significant optic nerve damage may already be happening before you realize anything is wrong. Once that vision is gone, it can’t be restored.
Untreated glaucoma leads to:
- Ongoing optic nerve damage
- Worsening peripheral (side) vision loss
- Tunnel vision
- Complete blindness
The good news? With early diagnosis and proper treatment, you can slow or even stop the progression of glaucoma and preserve the vision you have.
How Can Glaucoma Be Diagnosed Early?
The only way to catch glaucoma early is through regular, comprehensive eye health exams. These exams are simple, non-invasive, and painless – and they allow your doctor to detect the smallest changes in your eye pressure, optic nerve health, and peripheral vision.
Who’s at Higher Risk?
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but your risk increases if you:
- Have high eye pressure
- Are over 60
- Have had a past eye injury
- Use steroid medications
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Have extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Are of Asian, Hispanic, or African descent
Your eye doctor will recommend how often you should schedule exams based on your age, eye health, and risk factors. Following those recommendations is one of the most important things you can do to protect your vision.
Guard Your Vision from Glaucoma
Regular eye health exams at VisionPoint Eye Center help you stay ahead of glaucoma and give you the best chance at protecting your sight for years to come.
If you’re due (or overdue) for an eye health exam, the start of a new year is the perfect time to make your vision a priority. Scheduling your exam now helps you protect your sight and start the year with healthy eyes.
Schedule your appointment at VisionPoint Eye Center in Bloomington, IL, and take a proactive step toward preserving your eyesight.
