Depending on the individual, the onset of glaucoma may be related to gradual changes in drainage tissue in the eye, increased fluid production, or a congenital abnormality. Whatever the specific cause, the effect is the same: The increase in pressure from excess fluid damages the optic nerve, which relays visual messages to the brain. As the optic nerve deteriorates, your field of vision narrows and you have difficulty seeing things at either side. If nerve damage continues, it can affect your central vision and lead ultimately to blindness. Here are some symptoms to watch for:

• Teary, aching eyes, blurred vision, occasional headaches and progressive loss of peripheral vision are signs of chronic glaucoma. However, remember that chronic glaucoma usually has no symptoms until it is very advanced.
  
  
• A sudden onset of severe throbbing pain, headaches, blurred vision, rainbow halos around lights, redness in the eye, dilated pupils, and sometimes nausea and vomiting are signs of acute glaucoma.
  
  
• Blurred vision, headaches and halos around lights following an eye injury are signs of secondary glaucoma.
  
  
• In infants, teary or cloudy eyes, unusual sensitivity to light and enlarged corneas are signs of congenital glaucoma.

Medically reviewed by Dominique Walton Brooks, M.D., MBA medical editor, WebMD, December, 2001.

Glaucoma | The Basics | Symptoms | Treatment

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