GLAUCOMA

Protecting Your Vision for Life

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the vital connection between your eye and brain. In many cases, this damage is associated with increased eye pressure. Because glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, it is known as the "silent thief of sight." Without early detection and treatment, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss. Fortunately, regular eye examinations and timely treatment can help preserve your vision.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but your risk is higher if you:

  • Are over the age of 60

  • Have a family history of glaucoma

  • Have elevated eye pressure

  • Are diabetic or have certain vascular conditions

  • Are highly nearsighted or farsighted

  • Have a history of eye injury or prolonged steroid use

If you have one or more of these risk factors, comprehensive eye examinations are essential for early diagnosis.

Types of Glaucoma

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

The most common form of glaucoma. It develops gradually as the eye's drainage system becomes less efficient, causing damage to the optic nerve. Most patients experience no symptoms until vision loss has already occurred.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

A less common but serious condition in which the eye's drainage angle becomes blocked, causing a rapid increase in eye pressure. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

Secondary Glaucoma

Glaucoma that develops as a result of another eye condition, injury, inflammation, certain medications, or previous eye surgery.

Symptoms

Most forms of glaucoma cause no early warning signs, which is why routine eye examinations are so important.

As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

  • Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision

  • Blurred vision

  • Difficulty seeing in dim light

  • Halos around lights

Acute angle-closure glaucoma may cause:

  • Severe eye pain

  • Sudden blurred vision

  • Headache

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Halos around lights

If you experience these symptoms suddenly, seek immediate medical attention.

Advanced Glaucoma Diagnosis

Our comprehensive glaucoma evaluations utilize advanced technology to detect the disease early and monitor progression before noticeable vision loss occurs.

Diagnostic testing may include:

  • Eye pressure measurement (tonometry)

  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

  • Visual field testing

  • Optic nerve photography

  • Corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry)

  • Gonioscopy to evaluate the drainage angle

Personalized Treatment Options

Although vision lost from glaucoma cannot be restored, treatment can effectively slow or prevent further damage by lowering eye pressure.

Treatment options may include:

  • Prescription eye drops

  • Laser therapy, including Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)

  • Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

  • Traditional glaucoma surgery, including trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage implants

  • Ongoing monitoring with customized treatment plans based on your individual needs

Why Choose Our Practice?

Our physicians provide comprehensive glaucoma care using state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and the latest medical and surgical treatments. We work closely with every patient to develop a personalized treatment plan focused on preserving vision and maintaining quality of life. Whether you require routine monitoring, laser treatment, or advanced glaucoma surgery, our goal is to help you protect your sight for years to come.

Schedule a Comprehensive Glaucoma Evaluation

Early detection is the most effective way to prevent vision loss from glaucoma. If you are at risk or have been diagnosed with glaucoma, our experienced team is here to provide expert care and personalized treatment to help preserve your vision.