What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to high pressure inside the eye. The optic nerve carries visual signals from your eye to your brain—so when it’s damaged, it can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated.
It’s often called the “silent thief of sight” because it usually has no symptoms until vision loss has already begun.
Types of Glaucoma
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (most common)
- Pressure builds slowly over time
- Painless and gradual vision loss, especially in peripheral vision
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (less common, but urgent)
- Sudden spike in pressure
- Causes severe eye pain, nausea, headache, and blurred vision
- Medical emergency
Who’s at Risk?
- Age 60+
- Family history of glaucoma
- Diabetes or high blood pressure
- African, Asian, or Hispanic descent
- High eye pressure or thin corneas
How We Test for It
At your eye exam, we use several tools to detect glaucoma early:
- Eye pressure measurement (tonometry)
- Optic nerve imaging
- Visual field testing (to check for blind spots)
- Corneal thickness measurement
- Angle assessment (gonioscopy)
Treatment Options
There’s no cure, but we can slow or stop progression:
- Prescription eye drops to lower pressure
- Oral medications
- Laser treatment
- Surgery (in advanced cases)
Routine monitoring helps keep your vision stable.
The Bottom Line
Glaucoma is serious, but with early detection and consistent care, most people can maintain good vision for life. If you’re over 40, have risk factors, or it’s been a while since your last eye exam—now’s the time to get checked.
