We’re dedicated to providing comprehensive glaucoma management services to help protect your vision.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye. There are 2 common types of glaucoma.
- Open-angle glaucoma – This is the most common form, where the drainage canals in the eye gradually become clogged over time, leading to increased eye pressure.
- Closed-angle glaucoma – This type is less common and occurs when the iris is too close to the drainage angle, blocking the fluid from exiting the eye and causing a rapid increase in pressure.
Causes and risk factors
Glaucoma develops due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), which damages the optic nerve over time. This pressure imbalance can result from either excessive fluid production or poor drainage within the eye. Age over 60, family history of glaucoma, and certain ethnicities including African American, Asian, and Hispanic, are all significant risk factors. Additionally, conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease increase susceptibility to glaucoma.
Importance of regular eye exams
Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and management, particularly for those with these risk factors, to protect vision and prevent irreversible optic nerve damage. We recommend annual screenings for early detection, with more frequent follow-ups for those with additional risk factors.
Symptoms and consequences
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can progress without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. When symptoms do appear, they might include:
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Severe eye pain (more common in closed-angle glaucoma)
- Halos around lights
- Redness in the eye
- Nausea or vomiting (in acute cases).
If left undiagnosed and untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss. Since the damage is irreversible, early detection and management are crucial.
Glaucoma screening appointments
The time a typical glaucoma screening appointment takes depends on how high risk you are. We will provide a comprehensive eye exam with dilation to get a full view of your eye health.
Our advanced technology ensures precise diagnosis and monitoring. There are several tests you can expect. We use tonometry – a Goldman and i-care tonometer – to measure eye pressure inside your eye. We also provide OCT scans and high-resolution fundus photography, which create detailed images of your optic nerve and retina. Also, with visual field testing, we can detect any peripheral vision loss.
Schedule your appointment
If you experience any symptoms or have risk factors, contact us to discuss your options or schedule an appointment online. We offer flexible payment options and accept various vision and health plans to make your care accessible.
