However, generally, the larger the cup, the greater the likelihood of glaucoma. Figure 2 shows an optic nerve without any signs of glaucoma. Figure 4 shows a nerve that is both cupped and has a hemorrhage. Figure 3A Despite high intraocular pressure, the optic nerve of this eye still looks healthy. Symptoms Signs, such as elevated intraocular pressure, reduced visual field, and optic nerve cupping, are flags that alert the physician that something may be wrong.
Symptoms are flags for the patient and the physician alike.
They are, in many ways, more important than signs because they show that whatever is happening is affecting the patient's health. And preserving or enhancing the patient's health is the primary task of the physician. Thus, symptoms are especially important. Even though they may not always be sensitive indicators of glaucoma, especially early glaucoma, they are often highly specific, and always need to be carefully considered. Headaches that occur while reading or when going into dark places, especially when associated with misty vision or haloes, are strongly suggestive of one type of glaucoma.