GLAUCOMA SYMPTOMS

Glaucoma symptoms

Open-angle glaucoma
Subjectively, there are no visual disturbances. The patient only notices the symptoms of the gradual impairment of the visual field in the final stages, as the changes develop very slowly over many years and the brain gets used to them. There is also no pain.

Special forms of the prim. Open-angle glaucoma
Ocular hypertension (increased intraocular pressure, but no consequential damage) is a preliminary stage of open-angle glaucoma. The risk of damage to the optic nerve is significantly increased.

Normal pressure glaucoma (glaucoma without on average increased pressure in the eye) shows the changes or damage to the eye that define glaucoma, but here too the patient only notices this very late. A particular sensitivity of the optic nerve is assumed to be the cause.

Read more on the topic: Eye pain or dizziness through the eyes

Forms of glaucoma

Acute angle closure glaucoma
This form has rightly been given the name "glaucoma attack", as this event is perceived as very dramatic by most patients. Symptoms such as very severe pain in the eye and in the respective half of the face occur and may even radiate into the head, teeth and stomach. The eyeball is rock hard and usually reddened. The pupil is rigid with light. Nausea and vomiting are other symptoms. It can also lead to cardiac rhythm disturbances due to nerve stimuli (Vagus stimulus) come. The patient sees poorly, often “like through a smoke screen” and in the dark, possibly also colored rings around light sources.

Similar symptoms occur in intermittent angle closure glaucoma, but in a less pronounced form. The chronic form occurs as a result of the acute attack of glaucoma if it has not been treated appropriately.

In the case of congenital glaucoma, watery and light-shy eyes are noticeable, often accompanied by eyelid cramps. Excessively large eyes are also suspect in newborns.

Secondary glaucomas can have symptoms typical of glaucoma, as described above, or, depending on the underlying disease, develop gradually.