What Is Glaucoma? Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Glaucoma is often referred to as the "silent thief of sight"—and for good reason. This group of eye diseases typically develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, but can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. At Primera Eye Care, we believe that knowledge is a powerful tool in protecting your eye health.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the crucial link between your eye and brain that enables vision. The most common form, open-angle glaucoma, occurs when fluid in the eye drains too slowly, increasing intraocular pressure (IOP) and gradually damaging the optic nerve. Less commonly, angle-closure glaucoma can occur suddenly and requires immediate medical attention.

Common Causes of Glaucoma

While the exact cause of glaucoma can vary, the most significant contributing factor is elevated intraocular pressure. However, not everyone with high eye pressure will develop glaucoma, and some individuals with normal eye pressure may still experience optic nerve damage.

Contributing causes include:

•          Impaired drainage system within the eye

•          Poor blood flow to the optic nerve

•          Genetic predisposition

•          Other medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or extreme nearsightedness

Recognizing the Symptoms of Glaucoma

One of the biggest challenges in diagnosing glaucoma is that it often presents no symptoms until vision loss begins. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

•          Blurred or hazy vision

•          Loss of peripheral (side) vision

•          Seeing halos around lights

•          Eye pain or pressure

•          Sudden visual disturbances (in acute angle-closure glaucoma)

Because symptoms are typically absent in the early stages, many people do not realize they have glaucoma until significant damage has occurred.

Who is at Risk?

Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. These risk factors include:

•          Age – People over the age of 60 are at increased risk

•          Family history – Having a close relative with glaucoma raises your risk

•          Ethnicity – African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians may have higher susceptibility

•          Medical conditions – Diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure

•          Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications

•          Eye injuries or past eye surgeries

Understanding your risk profile can help you and your eye doctor take proactive steps in preserving your vision.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Because glaucoma can progress without any warning signs, comprehensive eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment. During an eye exam, we can measure intraocular pressure, evaluate your optic nerve, and perform visual field testing—all of which are critical in identifying glaucoma as early as possible.

When detected early, glaucoma can often be managed successfully with prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatments, or surgery. But once vision is lost, it cannot be restored, which is why prevention and early diagnosis are key.

Protect Your Vision with Primera Eye Care

We’re committed to safeguarding your vision through personalized, comprehensive eye care. Whether you're at high risk for glaucoma or simply due for your annual exam, we’re here to help you see clearly for years to come.

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with  Primera Eye Care and take the first step in protecting your eyesight from glaucoma. Contact our office in Lake Mary, Florida, by calling (321) 343-5300 or text (407) 821-3345 to book an appointment today.