Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve — the critical link between your eyes and your brain. What makes it especially dangerous is that it typically causes no pain and no noticeable vision changes until significant, irreversible damage has already occurred.

There are two main types: open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, develops slowly as the eye’s drainage channels gradually clog; and angle-closure glaucoma, a less common but more acute form where the drainage angle is suddenly blocked, causing rapid pressure spikes. Both require prompt diagnosis and ongoing management to protect your vision.

Risk Factors You Should Know

Glaucoma can affect anyone, but certain factors significantly increase your likelihood of developing the condition. Understanding your personal risk profile is the first step toward proactive protection. If any of these apply to you, regular screenings become especially important.

Age over 60 — risk increases significantly with each decade
Family history of glaucoma in a parent or sibling
Elevated intraocular (eye) pressure
Thin corneas, which can affect pressure readings
Certain medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension

How We Detect and Monitor Glaucoma

Because glaucoma progresses silently, advanced diagnostic tools are essential for catching it before you notice any changes in your vision. Dr. White uses a comprehensive suite of testing to evaluate every aspect of your eye health and optic nerve status.

Tonometry — precise measurement of intraocular pressure
Visual field testing to map any peripheral vision loss
OCT imaging for detailed analysis of the optic nerve structure
Corneal pachymetry to measure corneal thickness

What to Expect

Comprehensive Testing

A thorough evaluation of eye pressure, optic nerve health, and peripheral vision gives us the full picture needed for accurate diagnosis.

Personalized Treatment

Whether eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery is appropriate depends on your specific type and severity — we tailor every care plan to you.

Ongoing Monitoring

Glaucoma requires lifelong attention. Regular follow-up appointments allow us to track progression and adjust treatment before damage advances.

Glaucoma FAQs

Glaucoma is most commonly caused by elevated intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve over time. However, some people develop glaucoma with normal eye pressure — a condition called normal-tension glaucoma — suggesting other factors like poor blood flow to the optic nerve also play a role.

There is currently no cure for glaucoma, and any vision already lost cannot be restored. However, with early detection and consistent treatment, the disease can be effectively managed to prevent further vision loss and preserve the sight you have.

Adults over 40 should have a comprehensive eye exam every 1–2 years. Those with risk factors — including family history, elevated pressure, or African or Hispanic ancestry — should be screened more frequently. Your doctor will recommend the right interval for your situation.

No — while prescription eye drops are often the first line of treatment, other options include selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), trabeculectomy surgery, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). The best approach depends on your type of glaucoma and how well it responds to initial treatment.

Blindness from glaucoma is not inevitable. Most patients who receive timely diagnosis and follow their treatment plan retain functional vision throughout their lives. The key is not waiting until symptoms appear — by then, significant and permanent damage may have already occurred.

Protect Your Sight — Get Tested Today

Early detection makes all the difference. Schedule your glaucoma screening with Dr. White today.

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