Glaucoma, a collection of eye diseases, is characterized by the gradual deterioration of the optic nerve. This crucial nerve acts as a bridge between the eyeball and the brain, facilitating the transmission of visual signals and enabling the brain to interpret images. Individuals affected by glaucoma experience elevated eye pressure due to fluid buildup. As the condition advances, several signs and symptoms may manifest.
Asymptomatic Glaucoma: A Slow and Silent Progression
Glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased pressure within the eye, can manifest in various forms. Two of the most common types are open-angle and chronic angle-closure glaucoma. The alarming aspect of these conditions is their exceptionally slow progression, often leading to a gradual deterioration of vision without any noticeable symptoms. As a result, individuals may remain unaware of the developing glaucoma until it reaches advanced stages.
Occasionally, the symptoms that do emerge are so mild that they can easily go unnoticed by the affected person. This underlines the importance of regular eye examinations, particularly for those at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Older adults and individuals with diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure, or poor blood circulation fall into this high-risk category and should prioritize routine eye check-ups as a preventive measure against asymptomatic glaucoma.
Tunnel Vision: A Common Symptom of Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is a progressive eye condition that gradually leads to vision loss. One of the initial signs of this condition is the narrowing of peripheral vision, also known as the edges of a person’s field of vision. This visual impairment typically affects both eyes simultaneously.
As open-angle glaucoma progresses, individuals may experience a phenomenon called tunnel vision. Tunnel vision refers to the shrinking of the visual field towards the center, leaving only a narrow corridor of clear vision. However, it is important to note that tunnel vision usually manifests in the later stages of open-angle glaucoma, as it takes time for the vision loss to reach this extent.