Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can cause irreversible vision loss before noticeable symptoms appear. Understanding your personal risk and taking proactive steps toward prevention are essential to protecting your vision.
 

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the pathway that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is often linked to increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure), though glaucoma can also occur with normal eye pressure.

The two most common types include:

• Open-Angle Glaucoma - The most common form, progressing slowly and without symptoms in the early stages.

• Angle-Closure Glaucoma - A less common but urgent form that develops suddenly and requires immediate medical attention.
 

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors increase your risk:

• Age over 40 (risk increases further after age 60)

• Family history of glaucoma

• African American, Hispanic, or Asian descent

• High eye pressure

• Thin corneas

• Certain medical conditions (such as diabetes or high blood pressure)
 

Why Routine Eye Exams Are Crucial

One of the biggest challenges with glaucoma is that vision loss often begins without symptoms. By the time patients notice blurry vision or blind spots, significant and irreversible damage may already have occurred. Regular comprehensive eye exams are the only way to detect glaucoma early - before it causes permanent damage.

During an exam, your optometrist can:

• Measure eye pressure (tonometry): Elevated pressure is one of the primary risk factors for glaucoma.

• Assess the optic nerve: Advanced imaging and a dilated eye exam allow your doctor to look for subtle changes to the optic nerve that indicate early disease.

• Test peripheral vision (visual field test): Glaucoma typically affects side vision first, often without you realizing it.

• Check corneal thickness and drainage angles: These factors can influence your risk and help determine the type of glaucoma you may have.

By combining these diagnostic tools, your eye doctor can establish a baseline for your eye health and monitor changes over time. This proactive approach allows for early treatment, helping preserve vision and maintain your quality of life.
 

Can Glaucoma Be Prevented?

While glaucoma cannot always be prevented, you can reduce your risk or slow its progression with these steps:

• Schedule routine eye exams - especially if you have risk factors.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, staying active, and controlling conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

• Protect your eyes from injury with appropriate eyewear during sports or high-risk activities.

• Follow your doctor’s recommendations if you’ve been diagnosed with elevated eye pressure or early signs of glaucoma.
 

Protect Your Sight at The Eye Man

Glaucoma is a serious condition, but with early detection and proactive care, vision loss can often be prevented or minimized. Knowing your personal risk factors and committing to regular eye exams are the most effective steps you can take toward lifelong healthy vision.

Schedule your next eye exam with The Eye Man and stay ahead of glaucoma before it impacts your vision. Visit our office in New York, New York, or call (212) 873-4114 to book an appointment today.