What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Written by Hu Shu Fang
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases characterized by increased eye pressure, leading to optic nerve atrophy and vision loss. The symptoms of glaucoma are mainly caused by increased eye pressure, resulting in eye pain. In cases of acute angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms include eye pain along with nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and tearing, which can easily be mistaken for neurological diseases. Chronic glaucoma symptoms, such as headache, nausea, and vomiting, are less pronounced, and eye discomfort is also more concealed during attacks, making early detection difficult. Therefore, it is important for glaucoma patients to undergo early examination and diagnosis, and to receive appropriate treatment in order to protect the optic nerve and prevent severe vision loss.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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How to deal with vomiting in glaucoma?

Nausea and vomiting caused by glaucoma should be actively treated with pressure reduction. Antihypertensive eye drops include Timolol eye drops, Brinzolamide eye drops, and Pilocarpine eye drops. If the effect is not satisfactory, oral administration can also be considered. Common oral medications include Acetazolamide, and systemic use of Mannitol. If necessary, anterior chamber paracentesis can be performed. This series of active treatments can completely control intraocular pressure and relieve symptoms. Eye symptoms mainly include redness, swelling, pain, foreign body sensation, burning sensation, vision decline, headache, nausea, and vomiting. (Please follow the doctor's orders when using medication.)

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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What to do with high eye pressure glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by typical optic nerve atrophy and visual field defects. Its main features are high intraocular pressure and visual field damage. The treatment of glaucoma primarily focuses on controlling intraocular pressure, delaying damage to the optic nerve, and preserving remaining vision. Lowering intraocular pressure is essential for treating glaucoma, so it can be treated locally with medications that reduce intraocular pressure. If medications cannot control the pressure, surgery may be necessary to manage it. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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The difference between open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma

Primary angle-closure glaucoma is a type of glaucoma caused by the peripheral iris blocking the trabecular meshwork, or permanently adhering to the trabecular meshwork, obstructing the outflow of aqueous humor, leading to increased intraocular pressure. It is characterized by a narrow angle and the anatomical feature of the peripheral iris being prone to contact with the trabecular meshwork. Gonioscopy confirming angle closure is an important diagnostic criterion. The characteristic of open-angle glaucoma, however, is that even though intraocular pressure is elevated, the angle remains open, with the obstruction of aqueous outflow occurring at the trabecular meshwork system.

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Written by Zhou Qing
Ophthalmology
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Early symptoms of glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition where the intraocular pressure exceeds the tolerance limits of the tissues within the eyeball, especially the optic nerve, causing characteristic optic nerve atrophy and visual field defects. In the early stages of glaucoma, the following symptoms may occur: First, there is eye pain, which may also be accompanied by headaches; Second, transient phenomena of rainbow vision or foggy vision, resembling the appearance of rainbow-like halos around light sources such as light bulbs; Third, there is a family history of glaucoma, especially if suspicious symptoms are present; Fourth, the eyeball becomes harder, and may feel as hard as a stone. Fifth, unexplained decrease in vision or visual field defects. Some glaucomas have atypical early symptoms, but the presence of the above symptoms should be taken seriously and prompt a hospital visit for diagnosis. High-risk groups for glaucoma should undergo annual eye exams to prevent the disease.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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What are the symptoms of glaucoma precursor?

The prodromal phase of glaucoma is characterized by transient or recurrent attacks, often occurring multiple times, typically in the evenings. During an attack, patients suddenly experience blurred vision and halos around lights, possibly accompanied by pain in the forehead on the affected side or a sour swelling at the root of the nose on the same side. These symptoms are short-lived and can resolve or disappear after rest. If examined immediately, increased intraocular pressure can be detected, often above 40 mmHg, with slight conjunctival congestion or no congestion. There is mild foggy edema in the corneal epithelium. The anterior chamber is extremely shallow, but the aqueous humor is clear, with a wide closure of the chamber angle, slightly dilated pupils, and sluggish light reflexes. After a minor attack subsides, aside from the characteristic shallow anterior chamber, there generally is no permanent tissue damage.