Expert Glaucoma Care to Protect Your Vision
Glaucoma affects over 3 million Americans, yet nearly half of those with the disease do not even know they have it. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma develops gradually and can cause irreversible vision loss before symptoms appear. At American Eye Associates, we specialize in comprehensive glaucoma care, offering cutting-edge diagnostic technology, laser treatments, and micro-invasive surgical options.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that damages the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP). The optic nerve transmits visual signals to the brain—once damaged, vision loss is permanent.
- Glaucoma typically starts by reducing peripheral (side) vision
- As it progresses, blind spots develop, eventually leading to tunnel vision
- Without treatment, it can cause total blindness
Unlike other vision conditions, you cannot reverse glaucoma, making early detection and ongoing management critical for preserving eyesight.
Types of Glaucoma
Glaucoma comes in several forms, each with different symptoms and risk factors. Types of glaucoma include normal-tension glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and congenital glaucoma, but the two most common types are:
Risk Factors for Glaucoma
You may be at higher risk for glaucoma if you:
- Are over the age of 60 (or over 40 for certain ethnicities)
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Are African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian
- Have elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Have thin corneas or optic nerve abnormalities
- Have a history of eye trauma or prior eye surgery
- Live with chronic eye inflammation
- Take long-term steroid medications (including eye drops, oral, or inhaled)
- Have underlying health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or poor circulation
Glaucoma Diagnosis & Monitoring
Because early glaucoma symptoms are often unnoticeable, comprehensive eye exams are essential for detecting and managing the disease. We use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose glaucoma and track its progression.
- Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Uses high-resolution imaging to detect optic nerve damage
- Visual Field Testing: Evaluates peripheral vision loss
- Gonioscopy: Examines the eye’s drainage angle to determine the type of glaucoma
- Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness, which affects IOP readings
Glaucoma Treatments
We offer a range of glaucoma treatments tailored to each patient’s needs, from prescription eye drops and advanced monitoring to in-office procedures and surgical solutions.
For patients who need more than medication, we provide laser eye surgery and micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Explore each option to learn how our specialists can help you manage glaucoma with the latest technology and personalized care.