Ophthalmology

Silent Glaucoma: How to Detect It Before Vision Loss

An eye disease that can progress without symptoms and cause permanent vision loss if it is not detected in time.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. The most concerning aspect is that many people do not know they have it until the disease is already advanced.
It is known as the “silent thief of sight” because it progresses without noticeable symptoms in its early stages.

What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, the structure responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain.
In most cases, it is related to increased intraocular pressure, although it can also occur even when eye pressure is normal. Once the optic nerve is damaged, vision loss is irreversible.

Why is it called silent?
In the most common type, open-angle glaucoma, peripheral vision gradually deteriorates.
At first, patients usually do not notice any changes because central vision remains intact for a long time.
When symptoms such as the following appear, the damage is often already advanced:

Tunnel vision
Difficulty seeing in the dark
Reduced visual field

Risk factors
Certain conditions increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma:

Age over 40
Family history of glaucoma
Diabetes
Hypertension
Long-term use of corticosteroids
High myopia

If you have one or more of these risk factors, regular eye examinations are essential.

How is glaucoma detected?
Diagnosis is made through a comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation, which may include:

Measurement of intraocular pressure
Evaluation of the optic nerve
Visual field testing
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) in some cases

These tests can detect damage even before the patient notices vision loss.

Is there a treatment?
Yes. Although existing damage cannot be reversed, treatment can slow or stop the progression of the disease.
Treatment options include:

Eye drops to lower intraocular pressure
Laser treatments
Surgery in advanced cases

The goal is to preserve the vision that still remains.
Glaucoma does not warn you. But it can be detected in time.
An annual eye exam can make the difference between preserving your vision or losing it permanently.
If you have risk factors or are over 40 years old, schedule your evaluation.
Schedule an appointment with an Ophthalmology Specialist via WhatsApp: (624) 151 0693

BlueNet Hospitals

FAQs

Does glaucoma have symptoms in the early stages?
Generally no. Glaucoma usually progresses without symptoms at first, so many people do not know they have it until vision damage becomes significant.

Can glaucoma cause blindness?
Yes. If it is not detected and treated in time, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss.

How is glaucoma detected?
It is diagnosed through an eye examination that includes measuring intraocular pressure and evaluating the optic nerve.

Is there a treatment for glaucoma?
Yes. Although the damage cannot be reversed, treatments such as eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery can help control the disease.