Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide — affecting more than three million Americans. What makes it especially dangerous is that it often develops without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Many people don’t realize they have glaucoma until significant vision loss has already occurred.
 

This progressive eye disease damages the optic nerve, typically due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). However, glaucoma can also occur even when eye pressure is normal, which makes regular eye exams even more important. While anyone can develop

glaucoma, your risk increases with age, family history, certain medical conditions, and previous eye injuries.
 

Recognizing the early warning signs can help protect your vision and prevent long-term damage. Below are some of the most common symptoms to watch for — and what they might mean for your eye health.

 

1. Blurred or Hazy Vision

One of the earliest indicators of glaucoma is subtle blurriness or “foggy” vision, especially around the edges of your visual field. This occurs when elevated eye pressure begins to damage the optic nerve. You may notice:

• Difficulty focusing on fine details

• A general reduction in clarity

• Vision that seems less crisp or sharp
 

Because this symptom can also be caused by cataracts, dry eye, or refractive changes, a comprehensive eye exam is essential for determining the cause.

 

2. Seeing Halos or Rainbows Around Lights

Haloing — seeing rainbow-colored rings around headlights, lamps, or streetlights — can be an important sign of increased eye pressure. This is especially concerning if:

• The halos appear suddenly

• You experience them along with eye pain

• Your vision becomes blurry at the same time

Halos are commonly associated with acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is a medical emergency. Without immediate treatment, serious vision loss can occur within hours.

 

3. Eye Pain or Pressure

While many types of glaucoma develop slowly and painlessly, certain forms can cause noticeable discomfort. Symptoms may include:

• Severe eye pain

• A feeling of intense pressure behind the eye

• Headaches

• Nausea or vomiting

• Rapid changes in vision
 

These signs should never be ignored, as they may indicate a sudden rise in IOP requiring

urgent attention.

 

4. Gradual Loss of Peripheral (Side) Vision

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it typically affects peripheral vision first. This means your central vision may stay sharp while the edges become dim or missing — a change many people don’t immediately notice.

Signs may include:

• Bumping into objects on one side

• Trouble seeing cars or pedestrians approaching from the periphery

• A feeling that your field of view has narrowed
 

Early detection through routine eye exams is the only way to identify this slow, progressive vision loss before it becomes advanced.

 

5. Persistent Redness in the Eye

Occasional redness is usually harmless, but persistent or painful redness can be a sign of increased eye pressure or inflammation related to glaucoma. Redness accompanied by vision changes, sensitivity to light, or discomfort should be evaluated promptly.

Are You at Risk for Glaucoma?

You may be at higher risk if you:

• Are age 60+

• Have a family history of glaucoma

• Have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other vascular conditions

• Are extremely nearsighted or farsighted

• Have had eye injuries or previous eye surgery

• Use steroid medications
 

Even if you have no symptoms, you may still be developing glaucoma — which is why routine, preventive eye exams are crucial.

 

How Glaucoma Is Diagnosed

At North Texas Ophthalmology Associates, we use advanced diagnostic technology to detect early glaucoma changes, including:

• Optic nerve imaging (OCT)

• Visual field testing

• Comprehensive pressure measurements

• Gonioscopy to evaluate drainage angles

• Corneal thickness measurements
 

These tools allow our ophthalmologists to identify glaucoma early and tailor a treatment plan to protect your vision.

 

Treatment Options — Including Glaucoma Surgery in Wichita Falls

Depending on the type and severity of glaucoma, treatment may include:

• Prescription eye drops

Designed to lower eye pressure and slow progression.

• Oral medications

Used in certain cases to reduce IOP quickly.

• Laser therapy

Minimally invasive procedures like SLT or LPI help improve fluid drainage.

• MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery)

Advanced surgical options offering effective pressure control with a faster recovery.

• Traditional glaucoma surgery
 

For advanced or complex cases requiring long-term pressure regulation. Our ophthalmologists in Wichita Falls provide comprehensive glaucoma management, including both medical and surgical treatments tailored to each patient’s needs.

 

Protect Your Vision with Expert Glaucoma Care in Wichita Falls

Early detection is the best defense against glaucoma-related vision loss. If you’re experiencing symptoms — or if it’s been over a year since your last eye exam — now is the time to schedule a visit.

 

At North Texas Ophthalmology Associates, our experienced team is here to help you protect and preserve your sight.

Call (940) 240-8400

Visit www.ntoaeye.com

Serving Wichita Falls and the surrounding North Texas community