Frequently Asked Questions

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the structure responsible for sending visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is often associated with increased pressure inside the eye, although glaucoma can also occur in people with normal eye pressure.Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Because vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed, early detection and treatment are essential to preserving sight.In its early stages, glaucoma usually causes no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular comprehensive eye exams are so important, especially for individuals over age 40 or those with additional risk factors.

Most people with the most common type of glaucoma—primary open-angle glaucoma—experience no early warning signs. Vision often remains normal until significant damage to the optic nerve has already occurred.As glaucoma progresses, peripheral (side) vision may gradually become narrower. Because this change occurs slowly, many people do not realize they are losing vision until the disease is advanced.The only reliable way to detect glaucoma early is through routine comprehensive eye examinations that include optic nerve evaluation, measurement of eye pressure, and specialized glaucoma testing when appropriate.

The symptoms of glaucoma depend on the type of glaucoma.Primary open-angle glaucoma usually develops slowly and painlessly, often causing no symptoms until permanent vision loss has occurred. As the disease advances, patients may notice loss of peripheral vision or tunnel vision.Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency and may cause:Severe eye painSudden blurred visionSeeing halos around lightsHeadacheNausea and vomitingEye rednessIf you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately, as prompt treatment is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.

Yes. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness.Glaucoma damages the optic nerve over time, and any vision that has already been lost cannot be restored. However, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can often slow or stop further damage and preserve the vision that remains.Routine eye exams and ongoing monitoring are the best ways to reduce the risk of blindness from glaucoma.

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain individuals have a higher risk.Risk factors include:Age over 40, with increasing risk as you get olderFamily history of glaucomaElevated eye pressureDiabetesHigh blood pressureAfrican American, Hispanic, or Asian ancestry for certain types of glaucomaThin corneasSevere nearsightedness or farsightednessPrevious eye injuryLong-term corticosteroid useIf you have one or more of these risk factors, your ophthalmologist may recommend more frequent glaucoma screenings.

Yes. Family history is one of the strongest risk factors for glaucoma.If a parent, sibling, or close relative has glaucoma, your risk of developing the disease is significantly higher than that of the general population. Because glaucoma often develops without symptoms, family members should inform their eye care provider about any family history of the disease.Regular comprehensive eye examinations are especially important for individuals with a family history of glaucoma.

There is currently no proven way to completely prevent glaucoma. However, early detection and timely treatment can often prevent or significantly slow vision loss.Routine comprehensive eye exams allow glaucoma to be diagnosed before noticeable symptoms develop. Managing underlying health conditions, taking prescribed medications as directed, and keeping scheduled follow-up appointments are also important parts of protecting your vision.The earlier glaucoma is identified, the greater the opportunity to preserve long-term eyesight.

Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination that evaluates the health of the optic nerve and looks for evidence of vision loss.Your ophthalmologist may perform several tests, including:Measurement of eye pressure (tonometry)Examination of the optic nerveVisual field (peripheral vision) testingOptical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imagingCorneal thickness measurement (pachymetry)Gonioscopy to examine the eye's drainage angleDilated eye examinationThese tests help determine whether glaucoma is present, identify its type, and monitor progression over time.

Although glaucoma cannot be cured, treatment can usually slow or prevent additional vision loss by lowering pressure inside the eye.Treatment options may include prescription eye drops, laser procedures, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), or traditional glaucoma surgery. The best treatment depends on the type and severity of glaucoma, your eye pressure, and your overall eye health.Your ophthalmologist will develop an individualized treatment plan designed to preserve your vision for as long as possible.

Prescription eye drops are often the first treatment for glaucoma because they help lower intraocular pressure and reduce further damage to the optic nerve.Several different classes of glaucoma medications are available. Some reduce the amount of fluid produced inside the eye, while others improve drainage of fluid from the eye. Your ophthalmologist will determine which medication—or combination of medications—is most appropriate for your condition.Using glaucoma eye drops exactly as prescribed is essential. Skipping doses or stopping treatment without medical guidance may allow eye pressure to rise and increase the risk of permanent vision loss.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a minimally invasive laser procedure used to lower eye pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.SLT uses low-energy laser pulses to improve the drainage of fluid through the eye's natural drainage system. By improving fluid outflow, the procedure helps lower intraocular pressure and reduce the risk of optic nerve damage.SLT is performed in the office, usually takes only a few minutes, and does not require an incision. Many patients are able to resume their normal activities shortly after treatment.

Yes. For many patients with open-angle glaucoma, laser treatment such as Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a safe and effective way to lower eye pressure.Some patients achieve excellent pressure control with SLT alone, while others may still require glaucoma medications or additional treatment. The effectiveness of laser treatment varies depending on the type of glaucoma and the individual patient.Your ophthalmologist will determine whether laser therapy is an appropriate option based on your eye examination and treatment goals.

No. Glaucoma surgery cannot restore vision that has already been lost.The goal of glaucoma surgery is to lower eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. By reducing pressure inside the eye, surgery helps preserve the vision that remains and slows disease progression.Because glaucoma-related vision loss is permanent, early diagnosis and treatment remain the best ways to protect your eyesight.

The frequency of follow-up visits depends on the severity of your glaucoma, your eye pressure, and how well your condition is responding to treatment.Some patients with stable glaucoma may be seen every three to six months, while others with more advanced disease or changing eye pressure may require more frequent monitoring. Periodic visual field testing, OCT imaging, and optic nerve evaluations help determine whether glaucoma is progressing.Keeping regular follow-up appointments is one of the most important steps in preventing additional vision loss.

Open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma both damage the optic nerve, but they develop in different ways.Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type. The eye's drainage angle remains open, but fluid does not drain efficiently, causing eye pressure to gradually increase over time. This form usually develops slowly and often has no symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred.Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle becomes blocked, preventing fluid from leaving the eye. Eye pressure can rise rapidly, causing severe eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.At LifeviewMD, Dr. Elisabeth Aponte, a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist, provides comprehensive glaucoma care, including early detection, advanced diagnostic testing, medical management, laser treatment such as Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), and surgical evaluation when appropriate.