It’s possible that you could have glaucoma and not even know it. Of the approximately 3 million people who have glaucoma, over half don’t even know it. If you’re over 40, you’ll want to get your eyes checked annually to catch any early signs of the condition.At Classic Vision Care, we’re here to cover all of your eye care needs. That’s why we’ve compiled this helpful guide to the eight troubling symptoms of glaucoma that you’ll want to look out for. The sooner we catch glaucoma the better our chances of preventing it from progressing.
1. Changes in your peripheral vision
Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type of glaucoma, doesn’t present with symptoms until you’ve already suffered significant vision loss. Because open-angle glaucoma gradually affects your peripheral vision, you’ll want to look out for some changes in your side vision.
2. Halos around lights
Usually people with glaucoma see a rainbow-hued halo around lights. If the condition advances, you may not even be able to look at lights because the halos are so blinding. If you start to notice this symptom, it’s best to book an appointment as soon as you can.
3. Vision loss
The most common type of glaucoma takes side vision slowly and without pain, which is why regular exams matter. A sudden attack is different: vision can blur quickly along with pain. You may also have changes in your vision, like blurriness or fuzziness. It’s important that you get seen immediately if you start to experience these symptoms, as waiting can lead to permanent blindness.
4. Red eyes
Sometimes glaucoma can feel like an eye infection. Your eyes can become red and painful, as though they’ve been injured, particularly as your glaucoma develops. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, then you’ll want to come in to get tested as soon as you can.
5. Cloudy or hazy pupils
With glaucoma, others may notice that you have a white cloud or film over your eyes. You may also notice it yourself if you’re looking in a mirror.
6. Vomiting and nausea
This is likely not a symptom that you expect with glaucoma. But if you suffer from glaucoma, you may vomit often and feel nauseous. This symptom usually presents along with intense eye pain. Sudden eye pain with nausea, vomiting, headache or halos can be an acute glaucoma attack, which is an emergency: call us right away or go to the nearest emergency room.
7. Migraine
If you have glaucoma, you may experience a severe migraine along with eye pain. This kind of glaucoma comes on suddenly, so you may want to get checked out as soon as you start to experience it.
8. Tunnel Vision
You may experience tunnel vision with glaucoma, which means that you can’t see anything other than what’s directly in front of you. Anything you see in your side vision appears dark or black. It’s similar to when you look into a tunnel and can only see what’s on the other side.
To schedule an appointment, call us or make an appointment right on our website today.
What are the real glaucoma symptoms, and which ones are an emergency?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness [2]. Glaucoma symptoms depend on the type you have. The eight signs above mix two types, so here is how to tell them apart.
Open-angle glaucoma: usually no symptoms at first. This is the most common type of glaucoma. There are no warning signs or obvious symptoms in the early stages [1]. As it progresses, blind spots form in your side vision [1]. Tunnel vision is a late sign. Treatment won't undo lost vision, but it can stop it from getting worse [2]. That is why glaucoma detection depends on eye exams, not on waiting for symptoms.
Angle-closure glaucoma attack: a true eye emergency. These glaucoma symptoms come on suddenly [1]:
- Suddenly blurry vision
- Severe eye pain
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rainbow-colored rings or halos around lights
Call your eye doctor right away, because waiting can lead to blindness [1]. During office hours, call either Classic Vision Care office. After hours, go to the nearest emergency room.
When should you get checked for glaucoma? Adults should have a complete eye exam around age 40 [1]. If you are at higher risk, you need a comprehensive dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years [2]. Higher risk includes African American adults over 40 and anyone over 60, especially Hispanic or Latino adults [2]. A family history of glaucoma also raises your risk [2].
Can astigmatism cause glaucoma? Astigmatism is not on the AAO list of glaucoma risk factors [3]. Being nearsighted or farsighted is on that list [3]. Other risk factors include high eye pressure, a past eye injury, and long-term steroid use [3]. Diabetes, migraines, and high blood pressure are on the list too [3]. Tell your eye doctor about any of these, even if they seem unrelated to your eyes.
Glaucoma care in Kennesaw and East Cobb. Dr. Mital Patel, OD, and Dr. Sela Hothersall, OD, provide glaucoma detection and management at both offices. A comprehensive eye exam checks your eye pressure and the health of your optic nerve. If you already have glaucoma, keep every follow-up visit, even when your vision feels fine. Call the office nearest you or book online.
Related reading: sudden eye pain and which visits are same-day, pain behind the eye.
Sources
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, "Glaucoma Symptoms" (published Mar. 04, 2026)
- National Eye Institute, "Glaucoma" (last updated August 19, 2026)
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, "Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?" (published Mar. 04, 2026)
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