Glaucoma
Glaucoma — The Silent Thief of Sight
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases damaging the optic nerve — usually from elevated intraocular pressure. It causes irreversible vision loss but is highly treatable when detected early.
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Signs & Symptoms
- No symptoms in early stages (open-angle)
- Peripheral vision loss (often unnoticed until advanced)
- Eye pain and halos in acute angle closure
- Redness and nausea in acute attack
- Blurred vision
What Causes This?
- Elevated intraocular pressure compressing the optic nerve
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (most common)
- Acute angle closure from narrow drainage angle
- Normal-tension glaucoma — optic nerve damage with normal IOP
- Secondary glaucoma from other eye conditions
3M
Americans have glaucoma
50%
Undiagnosed
90%
Vision loss preventable with early treatment
Treatment Options
Eye Drop Medications
First-line IOP-lowering drops — prostaglandin analogues, beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Laser treatment improving trabecular meshwork drainage — increasingly used as first-line.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
Micro-stents and canal procedures reducing IOP with minimal risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can glaucoma be cured?
Glaucoma cannot be cured but can be controlled. Treatment maintains vision by preventing further optic nerve damage.
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Concerned About Your Eye Health?
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Kentaro Yamada, M.D. at Hillcrest Eye Care.