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What is Glaucoma? - The Gradual Symptoms The first thing you'll want to understand about glaucoma is what symptoms you should be on the look out for. You'll want to keep in mind that this illness is often slow effecting. This means that many people experience the symptoms so gradually that they don't realize how far their eyes are going into disrepair. Examples of these gradual symptoms include a loss of peripheral vision and a feeling of tunnel vision - that is only being able to see directly in front of you.  What is Glaucoma? - The Abrupt Symptoms There are also symptoms of glaucoma that can come on suddenly. These might include flu like symptoms, such as pain or pressure around the eyes and vomiting and nausea. These are typically, but not always, signs that the illness has progressed.

If you experience these type of symptoms, it's essential that you see your eye doctor right away so that you can be diagnosed and treated appropriately.  What is Glaucoma? - Who is at Risk? While anyone can get glaucoma, there are people who are at a higher risk than others. For example, African-Americans have a much higher instance of glaucoma than other ethnic backgrounds. Those with a family history are also likely to be in a higher risk category, as the disease is hereditary. The older a person gets, the more likely they are to be diagnosed as well. It's important that you understand your risk level so that you can be screened regularly.  What is Glaucoma? - What Can it Lead to? Just like with most diseases, everyone who is diagnosed with glaucoma is likely to have a different experience than others. In some, it can lead to permanently blurred vision, tunnel vision and in extreme cases it can even lead to total blindness.

While these are frightening scenarios to consider, keep in mind that if you detect the condition early and receive the appropriate treatment, your chances of long term side effects are greatly lessened.  What is Glaucoma? - How Can I Prevent It? While there is no way to be sure to prevent glaucoma, you can reduce your chances of having it effect your life in any major way. As previously noted, the best way to do so is to have regular examinations with your eye doctor. Share with them any concerns you have and let them know if you feel you are at a high risk. They can then test you on a regular basis. For more information, visit www.theeyepharmacy.com.