Glaucoma
What are the early signs of glaucoma?
The earliest signs of glaucoma are clinical rather than felt. They include a raised eye pressure reading, a cupped or asymmetric optic disc, thinning of the nerve fibre layer on an OCT scan and small gaps on a visual field test. Patients themselves usually notice nothing, which is why examination based detection is essential.
Signs your ophthalmologist looks for
- Increased cupping of the optic disc, or a clear difference between the two discs
- Thinning or notching of the nerve fibre layer, measured on OCT
- A small bleed at the edge of the optic disc
- Eye pressure above the expected range, or a wide difference between the eyes
- Early defects on the visual field test, often an arc shaped area above or below the centre
- A narrow drainage angle seen on gonioscopy, which raises the risk of angle closure
Risk factors that should prompt a check
Risk is higher with a family history of glaucoma, African ancestry, increasing age, diabetes, previous eye injury or surgery, long term steroid use in any form, and high spectacle prescriptions. Any one of these is a good reason for an eye examination even when your sight feels perfect.
What happens if something is borderline
Not every raised pressure reading or unusual disc means glaucoma. Where findings are borderline, you may be monitored as a glaucoma suspect with repeat pressure readings, fields and scans over time. Comparing scans across visits is often what separates a stable, naturally large disc from genuine progressive damage.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I test myself at home?
- No reliable home test exists. Covering one eye and comparing your field can sometimes reveal a large defect, but it cannot detect early glaucoma or replace an examination.
- How early can glaucoma be detected?
- OCT can show nerve fibre thinning before the visual field changes, so glaucoma can often be identified before you would notice anything at all.
Concerned about these symptoms?
Arrange an eye examination with our consultant ophthalmologist in Garki, Abuja.
Care at Standard Eye
Related answers
- What does glaucoma screening involve?
- What does an OCT scan show in glaucoma?
- Which tests are used to diagnose glaucoma?
- If a parent has glaucoma, what is my risk?
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