Early symptoms of glaucoma in adults: what should we pay attention to?

Glaucoma is one of the most common eye diseases in people over 60 years of age and can cause irreversible vision loss. It is an insidious condition because, in its early stages, the patient has no symptoms—vision remains clear, there is no pain, redness, or other complaints. However, there is a gradual loss of optic nerve fibers, and peripheral vision becomes increasingly narrowed. That is why many affected individuals are unaware that they have the disease.

Symptoms of glaucoma appear at a later stage, and if it is not diagnosed in time, the disease can cause severe and irreversible damage to the optic nerve. Among the symptoms that tend to appear relatively late are:

• severe headache, especially in the morning

• pain in one or both eyes

• blurred vision

• nausea or vomiting

• appearance of blind spots

• loss of peripheral vision

Elevated intraocular pressure is considered a major risk factor for the development of glaucoma, although damage can also occur at normal levels. In such cases, special attention is paid to vascular factors—low blood pressure, migraine, and circulatory disorders. Normal intraocular pressure values range between 10 and 21 mmHg. However, having higher-than-normal pressure does not necessarily mean that a person will definitely develop glaucoma.

Risk factors for glaucoma include family history, especially if parents or siblings are affected. Myopia, corticosteroid therapy, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes mellitus also contribute to an increased risk of glaucoma. Regular preventive eye examinations after the age of 40 are particularly important. Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss.