Glaucoma is a disease that occurs when the pressure inside the eye, called the intraocular pressure, builds up, eventually pressing against blood vessels and the optic nerve and causing irreversible loss of sight. Pressure increases because the eye is unable to drain properly, enabling fluid to collect and press against the structures of the eye. More than 3 million American adults have glaucoma, and many people have the condition and don’t even know it.

Until loss of vision occurs, glaucoma typically causes no symptoms at all, earning it the nickname of “the silent thief of sight.” As the disease continues and is left untreated, patients may notice a gradual deterioration in peripheral or “side” vision, which eventually encroaches inward causing a permanent narrowing of the visual field, and finally, blindness. Because it causes no symptoms early on, having regular eye exams is the best way to catch the disease before it causes permanent vision loss.

Our doctors use a special, painless test to measure the pressure inside your eye, and during your dilated exam, they’ll also look for changes inside your eye that are characteristic of damage associated with the early stages of the disease.

Glaucoma can’t be cured, but there are treatments that can help slow or halt the progression of the disease to preserve vision. Treatments may include pills or eye drops, or both, to reduce pressure and improve drainage, or laser or traditional surgery to help the eye drain the way it should so pressure doesn’t build up.

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but people over age 60, those with heart disease, diabetes or thyroid conditions, and people with a family history of glaucoma are especially at risk.

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