Glaucoma WARNING: Watch out for this sign in your eye - you could have the condition

GLAUCOMA is an eye condition where the optic nerve connecting the eye to the brain becomes damaged. Left undiagnosed or not treated early enough, it can lead to loss of sight. While the damage happens inside eye, one symptom maybe be visible from the outside.

Cause of Glaucoma explained

Glaucoma is usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, according to the NHS. This then increases pressure inside the eye. In the very early stages there may be no symptoms, as the condition tends to develop over many years. One of the best ways to find out if you have the condition is via a routine eye test. But if you do notice symptoms, one may be evident on the outside of the eye.

Glaucoma: one sign to be aware of is redness in the white of the eye

There are different types of glaucoma - one being acute angle glaucoma.

And one sign to be aware of is redness in the white of the eye, says Bupa.

A red eye can be alarming, but it’s also important to note that it could just be the sign of a minor eye condition, such as conjunctivitis or a burst blood vessel.

If you also experience any of the following symptoms, says the health organisation, you should seek urgent medical attention straight away:

  • Loss of sight
  • Blurred vision or a halo around lights
  • Pain in your eye
  • headache
  • Feeling sick or vomiting
  • Fixed and semi-dilated pupils

Glaucoma WARNING: Watch out for this sign in your eye - you could have the condition

Glaucoma WARNING: Watch out for a particular sign on the outside of your eye (Image: GETTY)

Dr Nigel Best, spokesperson for Specsavers, said: “There are several factors which could make you more at risk of developing glaucoma such as there being a family history of the disease and age (two in every 100 people over 40 are affected). Those who are black –African or who have higher levels of short sightedness and raised pressure in the eye are also more at risk.”

Eye drops are the main treatment for glaucoma. There are several different types available, but they all work by reducing the pressure in your eyes.

If eye drops don’t improve your symptoms you may be recommended last treatment.

In rare cases where treatment with eye drops or laser haven’t been effective, surgery may be an option.

The eyes can indicate a variety of different health conditions - another is high cholesterol.

Someone with this condition may have a white or grey ring that appears around the iris (the coloured part of the eye).

Glaucoma WARNING: Watch out for this sign in your eye - you could have the condition

Glaucoma WARNING: A routine eye test can pick up the condition (Image: GETTY)

Glaucoma WARNING: Watch out for this sign in your eye - you could have the condition

Glaucoma WARNING: Redness in the whites of your eyes could be a sign (Image: GETTY)

This condition is known as arcus senilis. Mayo Clinic explains: “It’s caused by fat (lipid) deposits deep in the edge of the cornea.”

But it’s important to note this isn’t a definite sign of high cholesterol and can be common in older adults.

If you’re under the age of 40 and notice this sign, there’s a high chance high cholesterol has developed as part of a genetic condition.

Other causes of high cholesterol include an unhealthy diet with high levels of saturated fat, smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure.

But note that a young person with arcus senilis may well eat healthily.

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