Question
I’ve recently experienced a significant decrease in my eyesight, and although I don’t have myopia, I feel headaches and difficulty walking after drinking plenty of water. Could I be showing symptoms of glaucoma?
Answer
Glaucoma can trigger symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and sudden vision loss, but headaches after drinking plenty of water are not necessarily indicative of glaucoma. An eye pressure test is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. If the eye pressure test is normal and the recent decrease in vision may be related to presbyopia, this is due to weakened crystalline lens accommodation. This can be corrected through dilation eye exams and prescription glasses. If the eye pressure is high, then atropine eye drops and mannitol infusion may be used to lower the intraocular pressure.