What are the signs of glaucoma?

Signs & symptoms: There are 2 main types of glaucoma: acute closed-angle and chronic open-angle. Acute glaucoma usually affects one eye, presenting with sudden eye pain, blurred vision, halos seen around light, nausea and vomiting, and a non-reactive dilated pupil. Chronic glaucoma usually is asymptomatic, but can present with gradual loss of vision and headache. Both have increased intraocular pressures.

Depends: If the pressure in your eyes goes up rapidly then it can be very painful. If the pressure goes up slowly it almost never has any pain. Both conditions can cause blindness.

Asymptomatic!: In most cases glaucoma is asymptomatic until it becomes more advances and is affecting the vision severely. Some cases when the pressure increases very high quickly one can experience redness, pain, sensitivity to light and halos around lights.

Variable depending: On the type of glaucoma. There are many forms of glaucoma. One type named open-angle glaucoma usually is asymptomatic, and if untreated progresses to gradual loss of vision and headache. It can present with normal or high eye pressure. Glaucoma is called the silent thief of sight. Other forms can cause sudden loss and may be associated with pain as well. Please see your doctor for regular eval.

Usually none: "The (silent) thief of sight" is aptly applied to the most common form of glaucoma called open angle. There is no early warning sign or pain to give you concern. A family history of the disease, as well as high intraocular pressure, African or Hispanic ethnicity, steroid use, eye injury, thin cornea, high myopia, hypertension are important risk factors. A dilated exam is essential for diagnosis.