It is not unusual for individuals with Glaucoma to see no symptoms or signs of this disease. However, there are early signs that you can detect in conjunction with your Portland optometry provider at Foster Vision to preserve your sight and clarify your diagnosis.

Glaucoma 

Glaucoma is not an uncommon condition; in fact, over it is estimated that there are over three million affected in the US, alone. While the majority of these cases, around 2.7 million people, are over the age of 40, Glaucoma can still strike and impact individuals of all ages. Genetics, race, and medical history also contribute to your likelihood of being diagnosed with Glaucoma.

Early Warning Signs of Glaucoma 

When symptoms of Glaucoma do emerge, you may have already lost some of your sight in one or both eyes. Controlling your eye pressure in coordination with your optometry provider can help reduce or minimize further vision loss.

The two different types of Glaucoma have different signs:

• Open-Angle Glaucoma usually manifests in tunnel vision, patchy blind spots, and poor peripheral vision typically in both eyes.
• Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma is marked by headaches, eye pain, nausea, light ‘halos’, and blurred vision.

Open-Angle Glaucoma is the more common of the two types.

Prognosis 

Early detection is key in treating Glaucoma and curbing the loss of sight that it causes. Glaucoma does cause blindness and even those being treated are at risk for becoming blind over time. The vision loss is irreversible, but since this is a progressive disease, it is imperative to maintain regular examinations and monitor your condition.

Do you have signs of Glaucoma? Come see us to learn more. 

Dilation and assessment is key in diagnosing and treating Glaucoma. Speak to your optometry provider to report any of these signs or symptoms at your next appointment; call Foster Vision in Portland to learn more and schedule your examination.