Protecting Your Vision for a Lifetime.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage to the optic nerve, the vital connection between your eye and brain. In most cases, this damage is linked to elevated pressure inside the eye. Because it often develops without symptoms, glaucoma is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight.”

Glaucoma is most commonly caused by a buildup of fluid pressure inside the eye when the eye's drainage system does not function properly. Risk factors include age over 60, family history, African or Hispanic heritage, diabetes, high myopia, and long-term corticosteroid use. In some cases, glaucoma develops even with normal eye pressure.

Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed with proper treatment. Eye drops, laser therapy, and surgical procedures can lower eye pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage. Early detection and consistent follow-up are essential for preserving vision long-term.

Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, typically has no early warning signs. Vision loss begins in the periphery and progresses so gradually that most patients do not notice it until significant damage has occurred. This is why routine eye exams with pressure checks and optic nerve evaluation are critical for early detection.

Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes measuring intraocular pressure (tonometry), evaluating the optic nerve, testing peripheral vision (visual field testing), and measuring corneal thickness (pachymetry). Advanced imaging will also be used, such as optic nerve OCT, to detect early nerve fiber loss.

Ongoing glaucoma monitoring typically includes intraocular pressure measurements, visual field testing to track peripheral vision changes, and OCT imaging to assess optic nerve fiber thickness over time. These tests help your doctor determine whether your current treatment is effectively controlling the disease.

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, follow-up visits every 3 to 6 months are typically recommended depending on severity. Adults over 40 with risk factors should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every 1 to 2 years. Those over 60 should be examined annually regardless of risk factors.

Yes. Normal-tension glaucoma occurs when optic nerve damage develops despite eye pressure readings within the normal range. This form of glaucoma may be related to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve or increased nerve sensitivity. It is diagnosed through the same comprehensive testing used for other forms of glaucoma.

Treatment options include prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure, laser procedures such as SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty), minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), and traditional filtering surgery for advanced cases. Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on the type and severity of your glaucoma.

SLT is increasingly used as a first-line treatment for open-angle glaucoma. It is a gentle, in-office laser procedure that improves the eye's natural drainage to lower pressure. Studies show it can be as effective as daily eye drops, with the added benefit of not relying on patient compliance with a daily medication routine.

Surgery is typically recommended when eye drops and laser treatments are not adequately controlling eye pressure, or when the disease is progressing despite treatment. Options range from minimally invasive procedures (MIGS) to traditional filtering surgery, depending on the severity of the condition and the target pressure needed.

Yes. Many MIGS procedures are designed to be performed at the same time as cataract surgery, allowing both conditions to be addressed in a single visit. This combined approach can reduce overall recovery time and may lower eye pressure enough to reduce or eliminate the need for glaucoma eye drops.

With early detection and proper treatment, the vast majority of glaucoma patients retain useful vision throughout their lives. Blindness from glaucoma is most often the result of late diagnosis or untreated disease. Regular monitoring and adherence to your treatment plan are the most important steps you can take to protect your sight.

While lifestyle changes alone cannot treat glaucoma, certain habits may support overall eye health. Regular moderate exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and protecting your eyes from injury can all be beneficial. Staying consistent with prescribed treatments and attending all follow-up appointments remain the most effective ways to manage the condition.

Untreated glaucoma leads to progressive, irreversible optic nerve damage and permanent vision loss. The disease typically starts by affecting peripheral vision and can eventually lead to tunnel vision or complete blindness. Because lost vision cannot be restored, early diagnosis and consistent treatment are critical to preventing serious outcomes.