Glaucoma symptoms & treatment

Find a doctor

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, which transmits information from the eye to the brain. If the nerve becomes damaged, it can lead to vision loss and blindness. Most of the time, what causes glaucoma is too much eye pressure (intraocular pressure). In other cases, glaucoma can be caused by poor blood flow to the optic nerve.

At Aurora, we have experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists who provide eye care for a whole spectrum of issues, including glaucoma. We have hundreds of specialists under one roof, so if your doctor notices another health issue during your eye exam – like symptoms of diabetes - he or she can get you an appointment with another Aurora specialist right away. And if glaucoma symptoms appear suddenly, our ophthalmologists are on call 24/7.

Glaucoma symptoms

Wondering if you might have symptoms of glaucoma? While there are many different types of glaucoma, the two most common types are angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Angle-closure glaucoma causes mounting eye pressure that can damage the optic nerve and eventually cause vision loss. This feeling of pressure in the eye can happen suddenly or over a longer period of time. Symptoms of ACG can come on quickly – make sure you seek immediate care from your ophthalmologist if you notice any of the following glaucoma symptoms:

  • Intense eye pain
  • Severe headaches
  • Nausea with eye pain
  • Vomiting with eye pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Sudden loss of sight

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) often has no symptoms until significant damage has been done to the optic nerve. This is because glaucoma symptoms such as vision loss begin in your peripheral vision, and often go unnoticed – sometimes for years. That’s why it’s so important to get regular eye exams, so your doctor can spot any potential glaucoma symptoms and prescribe preventive treatment for glaucoma before it begins.

Glaucoma diagnosis

Our team of ophthalmologists and eye specialists will first perform a glaucoma test/screening to determine a glaucoma diagnosis. If your results are positive, your doctor will discuss all glaucoma treatment options with you and recommend the one that is best for your type of glaucoma.

Glaucoma treatment

Depending on the type of glaucoma and cause, your condition may be treated with medications (such as medicated eye drops), glaucoma surgery or laser surgery.

Aurora Vision Centers provide comprehensive optometry and ophthalmology services for your entire family at locations near you.

Get care

We help you live well. And we’re here for you in person and online.