Symptoms of high eye pressure can include eye pain or pressure, headaches, rainbow-colored halos around lights, low vision, blurred vision, narrowed vision (tunnel vision) or blind spots, nausea and vomiting, and red eyes.
High eye pressure, also known as ocular hypertension, often presents without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This is why regular eye exams are crucial for detection. When symptoms do appear, they can vary in severity and may indicate potential damage to the optic nerve, a hallmark of glaucoma.
Here's a breakdown of the symptoms associated with elevated eye pressure:
- Eye Pain or Pressure: A feeling of aching or pressure within the eye can be a sign.
- Headaches: Increased pressure inside the eye can sometimes trigger headaches.
- Rainbow-Colored Halos Around Lights: Seeing halos around lights, especially at night, may indicate high pressure affecting the cornea.
- Vision Changes: These can include:
- Blurred vision: Overall decrease in sharpness.
- Low vision: Difficulty seeing even with corrective lenses.
- Narrowed vision (Tunnel vision): Loss of peripheral vision.
- Blind spots: Areas of vision loss.
- Nausea and Vomiting: In acute cases of extremely high eye pressure, these symptoms can occur.
- Red Eyes: Inflammation and redness can sometimes accompany high eye pressure.
It's important to note that some people with high eye pressure may not experience any symptoms at all until significant damage has occurred. This silent progression underscores the importance of routine eye examinations, particularly for individuals with risk factors such as family history of glaucoma, age, and certain medical conditions. Early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult an eye care professional immediately.
