There are several types of glaucoma.  Signs and symptoms vary depending on which type the patient is experiencing.

Initially, no symptoms may be present with open-angle glaucoma (e.g., no pain or vision loss). As the disease progresses, peripheral (side) vision is affected, narrowing the field of vision like a tunnel until blindness occurs. Glaucoma can develop in one or both eyes. Usually, both eyes are affected.

An acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma can lead to permanent loss of vision within hours. It involves a rapid rise in eye pressure. These attacks often occur at dusk or dawn or in dark areas such as theaters. The following symptoms indicate a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment:

• Severe eye and head pain
• Blurred vision
• Perception of halos around lights
• Nausea and vomiting accompanied by eye pain
• Reddening of the eye

Neovascular glaucoma, a form of the disease that is strongly associated with diabetes, also is painful and develops quickly.

In children, signs of congenital glaucoma can include cloudy eyes, large eyes, one eye bigger than the other, excessive tearing or increased sensitivity to bright lights.