What Does Glaucoma Pain Feel Like?

Glaucoma, the world's second-leading cause of blindness, is not a single condition but a family of related conditions with a common cause. That common cause is usually increased pressure within the eye, which injures delicate tissues or components. One especially threatened ocular structure is the optic nerve, the roadway connecting the eyes to the brain. And when glaucoma damages this vital link, irreparable vision loss occurs.

Since glaucoma can develop silently without signs or symptoms, it's imperative that you stay up to date with your eye exams. Being proactive about eye health can allow you to enjoy better vision well into the future. So, contact us today to schedule a consultation at inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham.

What causes glaucoma?

Glaucoma is generally caused by a fluid buildup in the eye, resulting from multiple ailments, including poor drainage or leaky blood vessels within the delicate ocular tissues. And as the pressure builds within the eye (intraocular pressure), the optic nerve becomes damaged. As the structure responsible for sending signals from the eyes to the brain, any harm to the optic nerve results in vision loss.

This vision loss cannot be reversed since, unlike many other tissues throughout the body, the optic nerve is incapable of regeneration. Therefore, the most effective treatment strategies rely on early diagnosis and glaucoma maintenance strategies — it's vital that you see us in Birmingham if you have any concerns, increased risk factors, or a family history of glaucoma.

What does glaucoma pain feel like?

Glaucoma typically does not cause pain, at least not during its formative stages. This is why glaucoma is such a threat to people's vision and why it's called the "silent (or sneaky) thief of sight." With no apparent symptoms or signs in its early stages, millions of people with glaucoma do not even know they have it. And when vision loss has become noticeable, permanent damage may have occurred. But even though glaucoma is incurable and its associated vision loss is irreversible, we're here to help you enjoy your best possible outcome.

One of the most important things you can do is be proactive about your eye health and schedule routine eye exams so that we can offer you the most effective treatments. And much of that hinges on early detection, which will allow us to help you preserve your vision and eye health as much as possible through glaucoma management strategies.

It's also important that you seek immediate treatment or medical help if you feel severe eye pain (especially if it has suddenly or rapidly developed), which may also be accompanied by a headache, nausea, or vomiting. These symptoms may signify a medical emergency: an attack of acute-angle closure glaucoma, which must be treated right away. This condition is caused by a rapid increase in intraocular pressure, which can also affect one's eyesight. If prompt intervention is not sought, permanent damage or vision loss can occur.

Manage your glaucoma and enjoy an improved ocular outcome in Birmingham

There's nothing our ophthalmologists would like more than to help you manage your glaucoma and maintain your ocular health and visual acuity. But glaucoma can strike silently, so your best bet for future well-being is to contact our experienced team at inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham and set up a consultation. A professional eye exam can have a huge impact on your future, so please don't hesitate to contact us.