Anyone over the age of 60 is at risk for developing glaucoma. Individuals that do not regularly make appointments with a health care professional run the risk of ignoring the onset of glaucoma. Without a dilated pupil eye exam every two years, vague symptoms may go unnoticed until it's too late and the disease has progressed to a severe stage. Many times, there are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. With glaucoma, there are no initial symptoms.
Vision stays normal, and there is no pain.
However, as the disease progresses, a person with glaucoma may notice his or her side vision gradually failing. That is, objects in front may still be seen clearly, but objects to the side may be missed. As the disease worsens, the field of vision narrows and blindness results. Detection comes from regular dilated pupil eye exams. If glaucoma is detected and treated early, it usually can be controlled before severe vision loss occurs.