Understanding Glaucoma: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually because fluid does not drain properly and pressure builds up inside the eye. The most common form, open‑angle glaucoma, develops slowly and often has no early symptoms. Angle‑closure glaucoma occurs suddenly when the drainage angle is blocked. Without treatment, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss. Early detection through regular dilated eye exams is critical for preserving sight.

Glaucoma often develops silently, so vision loss may occur before you notice any symptoms. Warning signs include patchy blind spots in your side or central vision, tunnel vision, blurred vision, eye pain, halos around lights, headaches, and, in angle‑closure glaucoma, nausea or vomiting. Major risk factors include being over 60; African American, Hispanic or Asian ancestry; a family history of glaucoma; elevated eye pressure; thin corneas; nearsightedness or farsightedness; systemic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure; and long‑term corticosteroid use. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment.

Treatment for glaucoma focuses on lowering eye pressure. Medications are typically the first-line therapy and work either by reducing the amount of fluid your eye makes or improving the flow of fluid out of the eye. Selective laser trabeculoplasty or peripheral iridotomy may be used to improve drainage. Surgical options include trabeculectomy, drainage implants and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery devices such as the iStent. Your ophthalmologist will recommend the appropriate therapy based on the type and severity of your glaucoma. Early and ongoing treatment is key to preserving vision.

Glaucoma is diagnosed through comprehensive dilated eye exams. Your eye doctor will measure your intraocular pressure, inspect the optic nerve for damage using specialized imaging like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optic nerve photographs, and test your peripheral vision with visual field testing. Gonioscopy is performed to examine the drainage angle and determine the type of glaucoma. Regular monitoring helps detect progression and adjust treatment, so ongoing follow‑up visits are essential to preserve vision.

Successful management of glaucoma requires ongoing care. Take prescribed eye drops consistently and never stop medication without your doctor's advice. Attend regular eye exams to monitor eye pressure and optic nerve health. Adopt a healthy lifestyle—exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and avoid smoking—to support overall eye health. Keep blood pressure and diabetes under control. Ask about low-vision aids and safety tips to adapt to vision changes. Continued follow-up helps maintain vision and adjust treatment as needed.

If you have questions about glaucoma or need support, our team is here to help. We can discuss your treatment options, provide educational materials, connect you to support groups and low‑vision services, and schedule appointments for comprehensive glaucoma evaluations. Reach out to us to learn more about protecting your vision and finding community resources.