Which symptom is often not present in the early stages of open-angle glaucoma?

In the early stages of open-angle glaucoma, loss of peripheral vision is often not present or may be very subtle and go unnoticed by the patient. Open-angle glaucoma is characterized by a gradual loss of vision that typically begins with peripheral (side) vision, and this process can be insidious. Many individuals are unaware of the gradual narrowing of their visual fields until significant damage has occurred, which makes this type of glaucoma particularly challenging to detect without regular eye exams.

The other symptoms, such as headaches, increased intraocular pressure, and blurred vision, may present initially or can be recognized more easily by the patient. Headaches may occur due to the strain of trying to focus or compensate for vision changes. Increased intraocular pressure is a hallmark of the disease, and while it may not always correlate with visual symptoms, it is a crucial factor for diagnosis. Blurred vision may also occur, especially as the disease progresses, but peripheral vision loss is often a later sign, making it typically absent or not detected in the early stages of the disease. Thus, it is essential for those at risk to have regular eye examinations to monitor for changes in intraocular pressure and peripheral vision.