Glaucoma

Did You Know?

Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the United States.

Glaucoma Q&A

What is Glaucoma?

It is an eye disease that can cause vision loss by damaging the optic nerve, which is a bundle of nerve fibers that transmit visual signals from the eye to the brain.

What are the symptoms of this disease?

This optic nerve disease is known as the “Silent Thief of Sight” as patients don’t typically notice symptoms until the late stages of the disease. This is one of the many reasons our doctors stress the importance of an annual comprehensive eye exam

Am I at risk for this condition?

You are at higher risk if you:

Are over 40 years of age
Are African American
Are Hispanic/Latino
Have a family history of glaucoma
Have elevated eye pressure
Have high myopia
Have a history of an eye injury
Use corticosteroids

What can I expect during an evaluation?

During an evaluation, our doctors will:

Measure the intraocular pressure inside the eye
Inspect the drainage system of the eye
Test the peripheral vision of each eye
Evaluate the health of the optic nerve
Use photography and computerized imaging of the optic nerve (OCT) to monitor for changes

How is Glaucoma treated?

Treatment is aimed at reducing the intraocular pressure in the eye. Prescription eye drops are the most common and often the first treatment. Some instances may require use of systemic medications, laser treatment, or surgery. While there is not yet a cure for glaucoma, early diagnosis and continuing treatment can preserve eyesight.

Our doctors at First Class Eye Care are both residency-trained in ocular disease and use advanced in-house technology to diagnose and manage eye conditions. If you have glaucoma, or are at risk, schedule an evaluation with us today!