When should I call my doctor if I have glaucoma?

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you have:

• Sudden, severe blurring of vision in one eye.

• Severe pain in the affected eye. 

• Redness of the affected eye.

• Nausea and vomiting. 

• Colored halos surrounding light sources. 

Call your doctor if you:

• Notice blind spots in your vision. 

• Notice that over time you are having more trouble seeing.

• Have a family history of glaucoma, are age 40 or older and have not had an eye exam in more than a year. You may need to be examined by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist or optometrist) for signs of glaucoma. 

• Have glaucoma and have side effects from the glaucoma medicines that you are taking. 

Who to see

The following doctors can diagnose glaucoma:

• Optometrist 

• Ophthalmologist 

An ophthalmologist can treat glaucoma and perform eye surgery. 

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.