Glaucoma Symptoms

The person with one of the chronic glaucomas frequently is unaware that the disease is present in the eye. Like the hands of a clock, it moves so slowly that its progress is not noticed. On the other hand, acute glaucoma, in which the intraocular pressure rises rapidly, often causes symptoms, which may be severe.

Symptoms that suggest the presence of chronic or acute glaucoma include:

• Trouble focusing vision
• Poor night vision
• Sensation of a blind area
• Headaches associated with exercise
• Headaches in the early morning or after dusk
• Pain in the eye, particularly when associated with smoky vision
• Halos around light

When symptoms of glaucoma occur acutely (that is, suddenly) and severely, it can be very painful and/or eyesight can worsen. If this happens, treatment needs to be started within hours. Early diagnosis is the key to corrective action.