Having chronic eye pain? Eye surgeon shares 6 red flags of glaucoma to never overlook

By Admin

21 Aug, 2025

Glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. What makes it so dangerous is its quiet progression most patients don’t realize they have glaucoma until significant damage to the optic nerve has already occurred.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Vineet Sehgal, Senior Glaucoma Specialist at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, explained, “Most of the times, the patient might not be knowing that he is having glaucoma. Glaucoma significantly affects the optic nerve, and when the symptoms become pronounced, it indicates permanent damage.”

The good news? Early detection and timely treatment can help protect vision. Here are six red flags of glaucoma shared by Dr. Sehgal that you should never ignore:

1. Frequent change of near-glass power

If you find yourself needing to change the power of your near-vision glasses often, it could be a warning sign of underlying glaucoma.

2. Seeing halos around lights

Rainbow-colored rings or halos around lights, especially at night, can indicate high eye pressure a common feature in glaucoma patients.

3. Persistent eye pain or headaches

Acute onset glaucoma may cause sudden headaches, severe eye pain, redness, nausea, and even a sensation of a “stony eyeball.” These symptoms require urgent medical attention.

4. Loss of peripheral vision

A classic symptom of glaucoma is difficulty noticing objects or vehicles coming from the side, pointing to gradual loss of peripheral vision.

5. Family history of glaucoma

If glaucoma runs in your family, your risk is significantly higher even if you don’t have symptoms. In such cases, regular eye check-ups should be a top priority.

6. Risk factors such as diabetes, eye injury, and medications

Conditions like diabetes, past eye injuries, or prolonged use of steroids and certain drugs (like antidepressants) can increase the risk of glaucoma. Regular eye pressure monitoring is crucial if you fall into any of these categories.

Dr. Sehgal strongly emphasizes, “Early detection is the best defense against glaucoma. It is recommended to have a comprehensive eye exam every year after the age of 40, or earlier if you have a family history or other risk factors. Don’t ignore the small changes in your vision; your body is always giving you signs that something is wrong.”

Final takeaway

Glaucoma may not show obvious symptoms in its early stages, but ignoring subtle changes in your vision could cost you your sight. Awareness and preventive care especially regular eye exams are the keys to protecting your vision for life.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.