How Does Glaucoma Affect Your Daily Life and Activities?


Glaucoma is often referred to as the silent thief of sight for a reason. This group of eye conditions typically progresses slowly, without early warning signs, and can cause irreversible damage to your vision. Understanding how glaucoma can affect your daily life and why routine eye exams are essential is an important part of preserving your long-term eye health.
 

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve, the part of the eye responsible for sending visual information from the retina to the brain. This damage is most often caused by increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure. There are different types of glaucoma, but the most common is open-angle glaucoma, which develops gradually and painlessly. Angle-closure glaucoma is less common but can cause sudden symptoms and requires immediate medical attention.
 

How Glaucoma Affects Your Daily Life

In its early stages, glaucoma often does not impact your ability to perform everyday tasks. However, as the disease progresses, it can significantly interfere with your quality of life. Some of the ways glaucoma can affect daily activities include:
 

• Reduced Peripheral Vision: One of the earliest signs of glaucoma is the gradual loss of peripheral vision. This can make it difficult to navigate crowded spaces, drive safely, or notice objects or people approaching from the side.
• Difficulty Driving: As peripheral vision worsens, driving (especially at night or in busy traffic) becomes increasingly challenging. Reaction times may slow, and it can be harder to detect other vehicles or pedestrians.
• Struggles with Reading and Screen Time: Advanced glaucoma can make it harder to focus on reading or using digital screens, particularly if central vision becomes affected. Even with corrective lenses, tasks that require visual concentration may become more strenuous.
• Increased Risk of Falls and Injuries: Reduced vision contributes to poor depth perception and difficulty spotting hazards, increasing the risk of falls, bumps, and other accidents at home or outdoors.
• Emotional Impact: Vision loss can be emotionally distressing, leading to anxiety, frustration, and a reduced sense of independence, especially when it begins to interfere with work or hobbies.

Why Routine Glaucoma Tests Are Essential

Because glaucoma can advance without noticeable symptoms, regular comprehensive eye exams are critical. These exams include tests to measure eye pressure, assess the optic nerve, and evaluate your visual field. Detecting glaucoma early gives your eye doctor the best chance of slowing its progression and protecting your vision through medications, laser treatment, or surgery.
 

Routine glaucoma testing is especially important if you:

• Are over the age of 60
• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Are African American or Hispanic
• Have high eye pressure or other risk factors

Protect Your Vision at Coers Family Eyecare

We are committed to helping you maintain your vision and quality of life. If you are at risk for glaucoma or it's been more than a year since your last eye exam, now is the time to take action. Our comprehensive eye exams include the latest technology to detect early signs of glaucoma before it affects your daily activities.
 

Schedule your next eye exam at Coers Family Eyecare and take the first step in protecting your vision from glaucoma. Visit office in Columbus, Indiana, or call (812) 408-8400 to book an appointment today.