Why You Can Have Glaucoma & Not Realize It Until Serious Vision Loss Occurs

Baptist Eye Surgeons • January 30, 2020

A blurry picture of a person taking a picture of a tree.There’s a good reason eye doctors often refer to glaucoma as “the silent theif of sight.” Because damage to vision is painless and progresses gradually, many patients only realize they were actually experiencing symptoms in hindsight.

For example, Dr. Holt says, “I once had a patient who didn’t realize he had glaucoma. However, he had noticed that after he hit a golf ball he couldn’t see it in the sky. He also mentioned that, while on his job as a plumber, he kept hitting his head on pipes that he just didn’t see were in his way.”

You can probably understand why such examples of vision impairment wouldn’t necessarily set off alarm bells to make someone suspect they had glaucoma. But the nature of this eye disease is that vision typically erodes from the periphery, meaning that the side or outer edges of your vision diminishes before your central, or front, vision does.

This gradual peripheral vision loss is indicative of the most common form of glaucoma, called primary open-angle glaucoma, which develops slowly over time as pressure within the eye stretches the optic nerve.

Primary open-angle glaucoma can develop for quite some time without causing any noticeable symptoms until loss of peripheral vision becomes apparent to the patient or, more ideally, is detected at earlier stages by an ophthalmologist.

A less common type of glaucoma, called acute angle-closure glaucoma , typically occurs quickly due to a rapid increase of pressure in the eye. However, this less common form of glaucoma usually does include symptoms, such as severe eye pain, nausea, blurred vision, redness in the eye, and seeing halos or colored rings around lights.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is an urgent condition in which severe vision loss can occur quickly, so immediate medical attention is required.

Preserving Vision To Prevent Blindness

Regardless of the type of glaucoma, once vision loss occurs from the disease it’s typically permanent. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to significant vision loss in both eyes, including blindness. In fact, glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the U.S.

In addition, there is also currently no cure for glaucoma. That said, medication and/or surgery can stop or slow the progression of vision loss from glaucoma as long as the condition is diagnosed in time. The key to early diagnosis is regular comprehensive eye exams, especially for those with a high risk of developing the condition.

While anyone can develop glaucoma, especially over the age of 40, those who are at an increased risk for the disease include people who:

  • Have a family history of glaucoma
  • Are African Americans over the age of 40
  • Are Hispanics/Latinos over the age of 60
  • Are diabetic
  • Have thinner corneas
  • Have chronic eye inflammation
  • Are taking medications that increase pressure in the eyes

 

Waiting for symptoms to appear or monitoring eye pressure is not sufficient for preventing vision loss from glaucoma. Only a comprehensive exam—including dilation—is effective in evaluating the optic nerve for signs of damage from early stage glaucoma.

It’s recommended that anyone over the age of 35, particularly those with a family history of glaucoma, keep up with annual comprehensive eye examinations. If glaucoma is detected, medications or surgery can help keep eye pressure under control and slow or stop damage to the optic nerve.

 

New medications to help fight glaucoma are always being researched and developed. But the disease must first be diagnosed, ideally in its earlier stages, for any treatment to be effective in preventing vision loss or blindness.

At Baptist Eye Surgeons, our ophthalmologists have the experience and expertise in the detection and treatment, and ongoing monitoring can help to control glaucoma and reduce vision loss. [To learn more about glaucoma, download our free eBook, The Complete Guide To Glaucoma.]

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN, dedicated to providing quality eye care to patients whose needs range from routine comprehensive eye examinations to serious eye injuries, to complex surgeries. To meet our doctors and learn more about our specialities, visit our website, give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information, or schedule an appointment online.

The Connection Between Diabetes and Eye Health

July 29, 2026
Diabetes affects various parts of the body, including your eyes. Keeping your blood sugar under control is not just good for your health overall, but it also helps protect your eyesight. Over time, high blood sugar can irritate the tiny blood vessels in your eyes and increase your risk of serious eye problems. Knowing how diabetes and eye health are linked can help you identify issues and take measures to protect your sight. How Does Diabetes Affect Eye Health? When blood sugar stays high, it can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which is the part of your eye that senses light and helps you see. Damaged blood vessels might leak fluid, swell, or change how well the retina works. Diabetic eye problems usually develop slowly, so you might not pick up on any changes in your vision until significant damage has occurred. That’s why it’s important for people with diabetes to get regular eye exams, even if their eyesight seems fine. Common Eye Conditions Linked to Diabetes People with diabetes are more likely to have certain eye problems. Finding and treating these issues early can lower the chance of losing vision permanently. 1. Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye issue that happens when high blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels. These damaged vessels may leak fluid, which may cause blurry vision, dark spots, or changes in how you see. In advanced cases, abnormal blood vessel growth can lead to serious problems. If diabetic retinopathy worsens, new abnormal blood vessels can grow, causing serious problems, including vision loss. Getting regular eye exams can help catch these changes early, before they become severe. When fluid is retained in the macula (part of the retina which focuses on sharp central vision), this swelling can make it harder to read, recognize faces, or see fine details clearly. When detected early, treatments can help reduce swelling and protect your eyesight. 3. Cataracts People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting cataracts early. Cataracts occur when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy, which can cause blurry vision, increased sensitivity to glare, and difficulty seeing clearly. While cataracts come with age, having diabetes can make them appear sooner or progress quicker. 4. Glaucoma Diabetes can also raise your risk for glaucoma, which is a group of eye diseases that harm the optic nerve. Glaucoma usually starts without any clear symptoms, but if it is not treated, it can cause permanent vision loss. Routine regular eye exams are important for finding glaucoma early and keeping your eyes healthy Diabetes-related eye problems might not cause symptoms at first. Still, there are some warning signs you should look out for: • Blurry or distorted vision • Difficulty focusing • Dark spots, floaters, or shadows in your sight • Increased sensitivity to glare • Trouble seeing colors clearly • Sudden alterations in vision • Partial or complete loss of vision If you notice sudden vision changes, contact an eye doctor as soon as possible. The Value of Regular Eye Exams for People With Diabetes Getting a full eye exam is one of the best ways to protect your vision if you have diabetes. During the examination, your physician will study your retina, look for symptoms of diabetic eye disease, and track any changes over time. Many eye problems linked to diabetes can be treated more easily if they are found early. Regular checkups help your eye doctor give you advice that fits your own eye health and diabetes care. Protecting Your Eyes When You Have Diabetes Looking after your general health is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Here are some things you can do to protect your vision: • Keeping blood sugar levels under control • Managing blood pressure and cholesterol • Scheduling regular diabetic eye exams • Following your diabetes treatment plan • Eating a balanced diet that promotes eye health • Avoiding smoking, which increases the risk of eye complications Prioritizing Your Vision and Eye Health Diabetes and eye health are closely linked, but you can lower your risk of serious vision problems by taking action early. Getting regular eye exams, making healthy choices, and managing your diabetes all help protect your eyesight. If you have diabetes, seeing your eye doctor regularly can help catch changes early and keep your vision clear for the future. Your eyes are a key part of your health, so make caring for them a priority at every age. 

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

June 1, 2026
Understanding eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), is important for protecting your vision. IOP considerably affects the development and progression...