Yes, glaucoma can cause eye pain, but it is not one of the most frequently occurring symptoms of the condition. Open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common variant of the disease, is essentially painless. Patients tend to experience pain in their affected eye primarily when they have acute angle-closure glaucoma.
The section below discusses why acute angle-closure glaucoma causes eye pain and how to manage the situation. The discussion will also inform you about the various stages of the disease.
Protect your vision schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an experienced optometrist at Magnet Health today.
Can Glaucoma Cause Eye Pain?
Acute angle-closure glaucoma occurs due to a sudden blockage in the eye’s fluid drainage. It can happen due to several reasons, including pupillary block, pupil dilation, anatomical crowding, etc. The blockage triggers an instant and dangerous rise in intraocular pressure, which, if not managed at the right time (immediately, to be precise), can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve. The result is vision loss.
The massive intraocular pressure results from the accumulation of fluid inside the eye and triggers throbbing eye pain. As fluid buildup increases, the pressure also rises, leaving the cornea swollen and causing acute pain and vision disturbances. This condition is called corneal edema.
The patient also experiences a dull ache around his/her affected eye. The other symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma include:
- Blurred vision
- Redness of the eye
- Severe headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seeing bright lights and colorful halos
You must understand that eye pain resulting from acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. So, the patient must visit an optometrist and seek treatment as soon as possible. The optometrist will administer IV or oral medications and eye drops to reduce the eye pressure, which will slowly alleviate the pain. At times, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist for undergoing laser iridotomy, a procedure used to remove blockage.
Stages of Glaucoma
The outcome of glaucoma treatment depends significantly on how quickly you get yourself checked and treated. Delayed treatment can cause permanent vision loss. So, knowing the different stages of the disease is crucial. From the start of the disease till vision loss sets in, there are four primary stages. They are:
Stage 1: Mild Glaucoma: The patient tends to experience minor or zero symptoms when in this stage of the disease.As a result, patients often fail to recognize the presence of glaucomawhen in stage 1.In some, the peripheral vision starts to fade a little, and there might be a slight rise in eye pressure.
Most changes occurring in stage 1 can be detected only during eye exams. This makes annual visits to a qualified optometrist important for all. The frequency of these visits should be higher for individuals with a family history of glaucoma, elderly people, and those who have far-sightedness or near-sightedness.
The good news is that mild glaucoma causes minimal damage to the eyes, and progression of the disease can be prevented by getting the right treatment at this stage.
Stage 2: Moderate Glaucoma: Moderate glaucoma results in major damage to the patient’s optic nerve. The change triggers symptoms such as tunnel vision or narrowed peripheral vision. Some even face issues with visual acuity. With the right treatment, progression can be prevented even in this stage.
Stage 3: Severe Glaucoma: This is an advanced stage of the disease, and the patients experience significant vision loss in this stage. Some symptoms that indicate that your disease has progressed to stage 3 include excessive narrowing of your visual field. You will find it difficult even to complete your daily tasks. If you don’t get treated in stage 3, your chance of getting acute glaucoma increases considerably.
Stage 4: Terminal Stage: This is the end stage of the disease, and the patients tend to experience complete vision loss. The optic nerve damage in stage 4 glaucoma patients is irreversible, and the affected eye’s structural integrity is also destroyed. The primary goal of treatment in this stage remains comforting the patient and improving his/her quality of life by reducing complications. The optometrist also takes the necessary steps to preserve any remaining vision.
Conclusion
For people in the Bronx, the best way to prevent and manage glaucoma is by visiting Magnet Health, a leading multi-specialty clinic in the area. You can book an appointment with one of the country’s most experienced optometrists for a comprehensive eye examination. If you have eye pain, call the clinic and describe your symptoms to the staff. They will help you schedule a same-day appointment whenever possible. The clinic also accepts walk-in patients.
