How Does Glaucoma Affect Your Vision?

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss, yet many people don’t realize they have it until significant damage has already occurred. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma develops slowly, usually without pain or obvious early symptoms. Understanding how glaucoma affects your vision and why routine glaucoma screenings in Dania Beach, FL matter is essential for protecting your long-term eye health.
 

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the part of the eye responsible for sending visual information to your brain. This damage is often caused by elevated eye pressure, though glaucoma can occur even when eye pressure is normal. Because the optic nerve cannot regenerate, the vision you lose from glaucoma cannot be restored. That’s why early detection is the most important factor in preserving your sight.
 

Loss of Peripheral Vision

One of the earliest effects of glaucoma is a gradual loss of side vision. You may not notice this change right away because the central vision remains clear initially. Over time, the peripheral field becomes narrower, creating a tunnel-like view.
 

Blank Spots in Your Visual Field

As optic nerve damage progresses, you may begin to notice missing patches or dim areas in your sight. These blind spots often appear in the edges of vision first, becoming larger with time.
 

Difficulty Seeing in Low Light

Glaucoma can affect your ability to adapt to dim lighting. Driving at night, walking in poorly lit rooms, or adjusting to indoor light after being outside can become more challenging.
 

Decreased Contrast Sensitivity

Patients with glaucoma often report difficulty distinguishing between similar colors or shades. Everyday tasks like reading, driving, or navigating stairs can become harder.
 

Eventual Central Vision Loss

If glaucoma progresses without treatment, it can affect the central vision as well. This advanced stage can significantly impact daily activities such as reading, recognizing faces, and performing close-up tasks.
 

Why Early Detection Is Crucial

Glaucoma usually develops without noticeable symptoms, making routine eye exams essential. By the time a person realizes something is wrong, permanent vision loss may have already occurred.

Regular glaucoma screenings in Dania Beach, FL at Vicle Eye Care allow your eye doctor to:

• Measure eye pressure

• Examine the optic nerve

• Check your peripheral vision

• Detect subtle changes over time

With early detection, glaucoma can often be managed successfully with prescription eye drops, laser treatments, or minimally invasive surgical options to help protect your remaining vision.
 

Who’s at Higher Risk?

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain factors increase your risk:

• Age 60 and older

• Family history of glaucoma

• High eye pressure

• Certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure

• History of eye trauma

• African American, Hispanic, or Asian descent

If you fall into any of these categories, regular eye exams are especially important.
 

Schedule Your Glaucoma Screening Today

Glaucoma is a serious condition that can quietly steal your sight if left undetected. The good news is that with routine monitoring and timely treatment, most people with glaucoma can preserve their vision for life.

Contact Vicle Eye Care to schedule your glaucoma exam and protect your vision for years to come. Visit our office in Dania Beach, Florida, or call (305) 935-4606 today.