01/06/2026
Glaucoma: Going from no symptoms to no sight!
Be hEYEalthy series – Tiffani B. Jackson, OD
What is it?
Glaucoma is an eye condition typically caused due to increased pressure in the eye. Primarily affecting the optic nerve, it causes damage which can lead to peripheral or side vision loss. Ultimately, glaucoma can “lead to irreversible blindness if left untreated.” There are several different types of glaucoma with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) and Normal Tension glaucoma being the two most common types we see here at Advanced Vision Care.
Who can it affect?
Glaucoma most commonly affects older individuals aged 60 and above, but it can also affect younger individuals as well. “Major risk factors for developing glaucoma include age, family history, elevated intraocular pressure, and certain ethnicities” (dependent on the type of glaucoma).
How do we screen for it?
The best way to screen glaucoma is with a comprehensive eye exam that includes checking the intraocular pressure and looking at the optic nerve. If there are abnormal findings, further testing is performed. Further testing includes an OCT scan to assess the cell layers of the retina and Visual Field to assess peripheral (side) vision function.
How is it treated?
The main goal when treating glaucoma is to reduce the eye pressure enough so that it slows down damage to the optic nerve. This number varies between individuals. Glaucoma can be managed by three ways: topical medication such as eye drops to lower the eye pressure, laser procedures to further open the drainage pathway in the angle of the eye, and surgery to provide an alternate drainage route to lower the eye pressure.
What can I do to prevent it?
Glaucoma itself is not preventable, although it can be managed, especially if diagnosed early. It is always recommended to get a complete routine eye examination from your eye doctor to thoroughly check your eye health.
