Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is called the "silent blinding disease" since about 50% of people affected do not know they have it. 

Glaucoma causes permanent vision loss due to abnormally high eye pressure that damages the optic nerve in the back of the eye.

Risk factors

• Increasing age

• Family history

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Myopia

Fortunately, routine eye examinations and testing for glaucoma can detect the disease. 

At the American Eye Center, we have good treatments available with medications, laser eye surgery, which can slow or prevent severe or additional vision loss.

Glaucoma Evaluation

• Tonometry--measuring the eye pressure

• Gonioscopy--inspecting your eye’s drainage angle

• Optic nerve evaluation 

• Visual field testing 

• OCT scan of the optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer

Each of these evaluation tools is an important way to monitor your vision to help ensure that glaucoma does not rob you of your sight. Some of these tests will not be necessary for everyone. Your doctor will discuss which tests are best for you. Some tests may need to be repeated on a regular basis to monitor any changes in your vision caused by glaucoma.

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