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3 Early Signs of Glaucoma You Should Know

January 24, 2026

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss – and it often starts with no signs or symptoms at all.

“It’s called the silent thief of sight for a reason,” says Geoffrey Emerick, MD, ophthalmologist at Hartford HealthCare. “You may not know anything’s wrong until the damage is done.”

But early detection can make a real difference – especially if you’re at higher risk. Here’s what to know.

Are you at risk for glaucoma?

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve – the part of your eye that sends visual information to your brain. The buildup of pressure inside the eye usually causes this damage.

“Glaucoma is the leading cause of vision loss in Black Americans and a growing concern for older adults,” says Dr. Emerick. “And your risk is up to 10 times higher if a parent or sibling has glaucoma.”

You’re more likely to develop glaucoma if you:

• Are over age 60.
• Are of Black, Latino or Asian descent.
• Have a family history of glaucoma.
• Are very nearsighted or far-sighted.
• Have diabetes or low blood pressure.
• Have had an eye injury.

“Knowing your risk is important,” he adds. “But it’s also important to know what warning signs to take seriously – and when to get checked for glaucoma.”

> Related: Keeping an Eye on Glaucoma

1. Gradual loss of peripheral vision.

Open-angle glaucoma – the most common type – often starts by affecting your side vision.

“It usually starts at the edges of your vision and moves inward, but it can also start close to the center,” says Dr. Emerick. “People don’t realize it’s happening until it’s already progressed.”

2. Blind spots or blurry patches.

As optic nerve damage worsens, you might notice blurry or patchy areas in your vision.

“You may have missing or shadowed spots,” Dr. Emerick says. “But at that point, there already may be some permanent loss.”

3. A sudden cluster of symptoms.

A less common but more serious type, angle-closure glaucoma, can come on gradually – or all at once. And when it does, it’s a medical emergency.

Watch for:

• Severe eye pain.
• Headache or brow ache.
• Blurred vision.
• Halos around lights.
• Redness, nausea or vomiting.

“If those symptoms happen together, don’t wait – seek immediate medical care,” says Dr. Emerick.

How often should you get your eyes checked?

If untreated, glaucoma can lead to vision loss or even blindness over time.

“Since it often develops slowly – and without obvious symptoms – regular eye exams are the best thing you can do,” says Dr. Emerick.

Here’s what he recommends:

• Under Age 40: Every 5 years.
• Ages 40–64: Every 2–4 years.
• Age 65+: Every 1–2 years.
• At-risk groups: Every year.

> Related: The Best Way to Catch Glaucoma Early? Eye Exams 

What if you’re diagnosed?

You can’t cure glaucoma, but you can manage it – especially when signs and symptoms are caught early.

“There are excellent treatment options at every stage,” says Dr. Emerick. “These include prescription eye drops, office-based laser treatments, and surgery.”

One newer option is micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), often done at the time of cataract surgery. It can allow for faster recovery and fewer side effects. Some patients may also benefit from tiny implants that slowly release medication – reducing the need for daily drops.

“Early detection helps us have a better chance to save your vision,” says Dr. Emerick. “And if you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, please let your siblings and children know so they can get checked regularly.”