ABO NOCE Practice Test

What is a common symptom of glaucoma that may go unnoticed until advanced stages?

1. Severe headache

2. Color halos around lights

3. Sudden vision loss

4. Frequent blinking

The correct answer is: Color halos around lights

Color halos around lights are indeed a common symptom of glaucoma that can often go unnoticed until the disease has progressed. This visual phenomenon occurs due to increased pressure in the eye, which affects the cornea and may lead to the perception of halos or rainbow-like effects around lights, especially in low-light conditions. Many individuals may not recognize this symptom as a concern initially, attributing it to fatigue or other benign factors, which can delay diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. In contrast, severe headaches are not a primary symptom of glaucoma, although they can occur in acute angle-closure glaucoma, a rare form of the condition. Sudden vision loss would typically indicate a more advanced stage of the disease or a different ocular issue, while frequent blinking is not directly associated with glaucoma. Hence, color halos, being subtle and easily overlooked, can be a critical early warning sign for patients to monitor.