6 Early Warning Signs of Glaucoma

Everyone needs to see their eye doctor every year. Some people need extra attention to be sure to catch glaucoma at its earliest, treatable stage. If either of your parents had glaucoma, if you are Hispanic or African-American, or if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, you need to make sure you schedule regular visits with the optometrists with Eye Care Center - Ballantyne in Charlotte, NC. Here are six signs glaucoma testing is an urgent issue for you.

Your Eyesight Has Suddenly Gotten Worse

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is important to see your eye doctor right away if you have a sudden loss of sight. There is a form of glaucoma known as acute glaucoma that can take away sight very quickly if it is left untreated. Of course, there are many other conditions that can cause sudden loss of sight, but all of them are signals that you need to be seen by your eye doctor immediately.

Your Eyes Are Bloodshot

Glaucoma is most often caused by increased eye pressure. Sometimes, the buildup of pressure in your eyes can leave them bloodshot. Swollen eyes are also a possible warning sign of glaucoma.

You Feel Nauseous

Nausea most often stems from digestive issues, but if you feel nauseous and your eyesight seems different, especially if you have diminished peripheral vision, you may be experiencing acute glaucoma. Acute glaucoma always requires treatment from your eye doctor as soon as possible.

You Are Experiencing Tunnel Vision

Glaucoma interrupts your ability to see the corners and edges of anything you are looking at directly. As the condition progresses, you may become aware that you have tunnel vision. Untreated, the tunnel of visible images will become progressively narrower until you see nothing at all.

Your Vision Is Blurry

Eye diseases like glaucoma do not cause blurry vision until they are significantly progressed. Most eye diseases do not interfere with vision at all during their more treatable stages. Anytime you experience blurry vision, make an appointment with your eye doctor to find out the cause.

You See Halos Around Lights at Night

Most people who have glaucoma first notice symptoms at night, especially when they try to drive. Seeing halos around lights at night is a classic symptom of glaucoma.

See your eye doctor regularly, but see your eye doctor right away if you have any of the listed symptoms.

If you have any of these symptoms of glaucoma, please make an appointment to see Dr. Blanton or Dr. Askary at Eye Care Center - Ballantyne in Charlotte, NC, right away. Even if you don't, please come in to see us at least once a year for a checkup. Request your appointment online or call us at (704)-541-5500 today!