The scary thing about glaucoma is that it can be so insidious, stealing your vision gradually and without your noticing. Yet glaucoma is a serious disease which can result in severe loss of sight. The best defense against glaucoma is regular eye examinations. Glaucoma most often strikes people over age 50. But it is recommended that during adult life everyone be tested at least every two years.

Some people with glaucoma do experience symptoms, but symptoms vary depending on the type of glaucoma.

Primary open-angle glaucoma
By far the most common type, primary open-angle glaucoma develops gradually and painlessly. Since there are no early warning signs, it can slowly destroy your vision without your knowing it. The first indication may only occur after some considerable vision loss.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma
Results from a sudden blockage of the drainage channels in your eye, causes a rapid build-up of pressure inside your eye accompanied by blurred vision, the appearance of colored rings around lights and sometimes extreme pain or redness in the eyes.