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Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness, often progresses silently. Many people lose up to 40% of vision before noticing symptoms. Routine eye exams detect disease early, before vision loss. Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but treatments can control it. Our doctors specialize in glaucoma care to help preserve your sight.
How is Glaucoma Treated?
If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma or think you may be at risk our team is here to help you find the treatment plan that’s right for you. While glaucoma cannot be cured, early diagnosis and ongoing treatment can help manage the condition and protect your vision. Depending on your needs, treatment options may include:
Medications & Eye Drops: Prescription medications or eye drops can help lower eye pressure and reduce the risk of optic nerve damage.
Laser Treatments: Laser procedures can improve fluid drainage in the eye, helping to reduce pressure and slow the progression of glaucoma.
What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma symptoms are usually invisible at first, with no pain and no noticeable changes. By the time symptoms like gradual peripheral vision loss appear, irreversible optic nerve damage has already occurred. Common symptoms include:
Gradual loss of peripheral side vision
Patchy blind spots in side or central vision, often in both eyes
“Tunnel vision” in advanced stages
Blurred or hazy vision
Halos or rainbow rings around lights
Eye pain or pressure
Poor night vision or trouble adapting to darkness
When Should You See a Doctor for Glaucoma?
Because glaucoma can develop quietly and cause permanent vision loss over time, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor if you notice any changes in your vision or experience symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help protect your optic nerve and preserve your sight.
We also recommend regular glaucoma screenings as part of your routine eye care. Adults over age 40 should be tested during their comprehensive eye exam every 3–4 years, while those with a family history of glaucoma may need more frequent screenings.
How Does Nationwide Vision Diagnose Glaucoma?
A regular eye exam is the best way to detect glaucoma. Nationwide Vision uses a combination of tests to determine your diagnosis.
Tonometry Exams
To measure the pressure inside each eye
Gonioscopy Exams
To examine the eye’s drainage angle
Ophthalmoscopy
To examine the optic nerves
Perimetry Testing
To measure the visual field of each eye.
Why Should You Get Your Glaucoma Treated?
Glaucoma causes irreversible optic nerve damage, often without early warning. Prompt treatment slows disease progression, preserves vision, and protects long-term quality of life.
Slows or prevents further vision loss
Preserves peripheral and central vision needed for driving and daily tasks
Reduces risk of sudden pressure spikes and emergencies
Maintains independence and safety at home and work
Expands treatment options, less invasive care is more effective earlier
Lowers long-term costs by avoiding advanced disease and surgery
Supports better monitoring of other eye conditions and overall eye health
The Day of Glaucoma Surgery: Requirements and Expectations
Preparation:
Before surgery, follow fasting instructions, take only approved medications, and arrange for a driver. Bring your ID, insurance card, medication list, and sunglasses, and avoid eye makeup, lotions, or perfume the morning of your procedure.
Arrival & Check-In:
On the day of surgery, you’ll check in at the front desk before being taken to a waiting area for preparation. Your doctor will review the procedure and answer any final questions before administering numbing eye drops to keep you comfortable during treatment.
The Procedure:
During glaucoma surgery, a laser or small surgical instruments are used to improve drainage and lower eye pressure. The procedure is typically quick, outpatient, and followed by protective shielding, eye drops, and follow up care.
Follow-Up and Recovery:
After surgery, follow up visits help monitor healing and eye pressure. During recovery, use prescribed eye drops, wear a protective shield while sleeping, avoid rubbing the eye or strenuous activity, and expect mild discomfort or temporary blurry vision.
Preparation:
Before surgery, follow fasting instructions, take only approved medications, and arrange for a driver. Bring your ID, insurance card, medication list, and sunglasses, and avoid eye makeup, lotions, or perfume the morning of your procedure.
The Procedure:
During glaucoma surgery, a laser or small surgical instruments are used to improve drainage and lower eye pressure. The procedure is typically quick, outpatient, and followed by protective shielding, eye drops, and follow up care.
Arrival & Check-In:
On the day of surgery, you’ll check in at the front desk before being taken to a waiting area for preparation. Your doctor will review the procedure and answer any final questions before administering numbing eye drops to keep you comfortable during treatment.
Follow-Up and Recovery:
After surgery, follow up visits help monitor healing and eye pressure. During recovery, use prescribed eye drops, wear a protective shield while sleeping, avoid rubbing the eye or strenuous activity, and expect mild discomfort or temporary blurry vision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glaucoma
Early detection of glaucoma is essential, as symptoms often go unnoticed in the early stages. Additionally, once vision loss occurs, it cannot be reversed. If you are at risk for glaucoma, you should see your eye doctor regularly to monitor your eye health and maintain your vision. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms or at risk for glaucoma, schedule an appointment with our glaucoma experts today.