What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Most people with primary open angle glaucoma are unaware they have a problem. They don't notice any symptoms until the optic nerve has been damaged and they begin to lose vision. This is why regular examinations with your optometrist or ophthalmologist are so important. One very important point to stress here is that the slow rise in pressure is almost always painless, with the person concerned having no idea that the pressure is above normal.

The first optic nerve fibres to be affected are those that carry the side (peripheral) vision signals, not the central reading vision. If the central fibres were affected first, people would notice symptoms earlier.

Angle-closure glaucoma, although rare, does produce noticeable symptoms. The iris blocks off the drainage angle at the front of the eye, causing a sudden increase in the intraocular pressure. This type of glaucoma is more common in older patients who are long-sighted, and those of Asian background.

Symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma include:

• pain in the eye
• severe headache
• nausea and vomiting
• blurred vision
• haloes and rainbows around lights

This type of glaucoma is serious and can rapidly lead to blindness. It is most important that you contact your family doctor or ophthalmologist immediately if you have any of these symptoms.