Open-angle glaucoma shows no warning signs or obvious symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, blind spots develop in peripheral (side) vision. In the case of angle- closure glaucoma, there are usually no symptoms before an attack. Some early symptoms of an attack may include blurred vision, halos, mild headaches or eye pain. When these symptoms occur, it is better to get checked by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

An attack of angle-closure glaucoma includes the following:
> severe pain in the eye or forehead
> redness of the eye
> decreased vision or blurred vision
> seeing rainbows or halos
> headache
> nausea
> vomiting

Risk factors of glaucoma include:
> Age above 40
> Certain racial origins like Asians, Africans, and Hispanics;
> Medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension
> family history of glaucoma;
> Long-term steroid medications;
> Eye injuries
> Thin cornea.

As individuals age, particularly after reaching 40 years old, their risk of developing glaucoma rises. Those seeking presbyopic (age-related long sight) glasses due to age-related vision changes are particularly vulnerable. Ask your eye doctor for a glaucoma check-up and get one done when the doctor advises screening for glaucoma. This has been proven effective in detecting glaucoma early. It's also beneficial to get family members evaluated for glaucoma if you have been diagnosed with it. So, on your next visit to the eye doctor, enquire about glaucoma testing.

We are not exaggerating. But it is extremely important to use your glaucoma eye drops exactly as your ophthalmologist tells you to. That includes taking every dose, every day. If you do not do this, you may lose vision. The medication for glaucoma work in different ways: some reduce the fluid the eye produces, few others increase the fluid drainage from the eye, and some make the pupil get smaller so that more amount of fluid gets pushed out of the eye.