Are There Symptoms of Glaucoma?

In the most common form of glaucoma, buildup of fluid pressure happens very slowly. Often, there are no uncomfortable or painful symptoms.

In less common kinds of glaucoma, symptoms can be more severe. These symptoms can include:

• Hazy vision
• Eye and head pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• The appearance of rainbow-colored circles around bright lights
• Sudden sight loss

Glaucoma affects people of all ages, from babies to older adults. Although everyone is at risk for glaucoma, those at higher risk include people over age 60, relatives of people with glaucoma, people of African, Asia, or Hispanic descent, people who use steroids, and people who have elevated eye pressure or have had an eye injury. Sight loss resulting from glaucoma cannot be reversed. However, early detection and careful, lifelong treatment with medication or surgery can maintain vision.