Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually damage the optic nerve caused by increased pressure inside the eye. Because it develops slowly and painlessly, many people don’t realize they have it until vision loss occurs. That’s why regular eye exams and early detection are so important. At The Eye Clinic, our team will guide you through every step, explaining your diagnosis, offering advanced testing, and creating an effective treatment plan to preserve your sight. With compassionate care and the latest technology, we’re here to protect your vision and give you peace of mind.
Who We Treat
Glaucoma can be devastating, but with the right treatment we can help protect your sight. An ideal candidate for glaucoma surgery usually fits these criteria:
Confirmed Glaucoma Diagnosis: Patients with elevated internal eye pressure that affects the optic nerve are typically diagnosed with glaucoma.
Ineffective Results from Other Treatments: Some patients don’t achieve the best results from drops or laser treatments and may benefit from a different approach.
Want to Reduce or Stop Relying on Medications: Glaucoma patients who are tired of using medications and prescription drops to control eye pressure may be eligible for surgery.
Good Overall Health: Candidates must be healthy enough to safely undergo surgical treatment, with no active infections or uncontrolled medical conditions.
Conditions that Fall
Under Glaucoma
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
This is the most common form of glaucoma, accounting for about 90% of all cases. It develops gradually when the eye’s drainage system becomes less efficient over time, causing intraocular pressure to rise.
The “open angle” refers to the drainage angle where the iris meets the cornea remains open and appears normal. Vision loss typically begins in the peripheral visual field and progresses inward, often going unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.
Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma (PACG)
This form of glaucoma occurs when the iris physically blocks the drainage angle, preventing fluids from flowing out of the eye properly. It can develop gradually (chronic) or suddenly (acute).
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency characterized by severe eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and rapid vision loss. The pupil may appear enlarged, and the eye red. Chronic angle-closure glaucoma develops more slowly with symptoms like open-angle glaucoma.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG)
Also called low-tension or normal-pressure glaucoma, this condition involves optic nerve damage and vision loss despite intraocular pressure within the normal range (below 21 mmHg).
It’s believed that these patients have optic nerves that are particularly susceptible to damage at normal pressures, or that other factors like poor blood flow to the optic nerve contribute to disease progression.
Congenital Glaucoma
This rare condition is present at birth and results from abnormal development of the eye’s drainage system during fetal development. Infants typically present with enlarged eyes, cloudiness of the cornea, excessive tearing, and sensitivity to light. The increased pressure causes the eye to stretch and grow larger than normal, a condition called buphthalmos or “ox eye.” Early surgical intervention is needed to prevent permanent vision loss, as the developing system is particularly vulnerable to pressure-related damage.
Secondary Glaucoma
This category encompasses glaucomas that develop because of other eye conditions, diseases, or treatments. Causes include eye injuries, inflammation (uveitis), certain medications (particularly corticosteroids), advanced cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and tumors.
The underlying condition disrupts normal fluid drainage or fluid production in the eye, leading to increased pressure. Treatment focuses on addressing both the underlying cause and managing elevated intraocular pressure.
Pigmentary Glaucoma
This type occurs when pigment granules from the iris are dispersed throughout the eye and clog the drainage system. It’s more common in young, nearsighted men and often develops between ages 20-40.
The condition may be related to physical exercise, as certain activities can increase pigment dispersion. Patients may experience temporary vision blurring or see halos around lights after exercise. The disease can progress to cause optic nerve damage if left untreated.
Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma
This condition is associated with pseudoexfoliation syndrome, where a flaky, dandruff-like material accumulates throughout the eye, particularly on the lens and in the drainage angle. This material can block the drainage system, leading to increased pressure. It’s more common in older adults and certain populations.
The condition often affects one eye more than the other but can cause more rapid progression of vision loss compared to primary open-angle glaucoma.
Neovascular Glaucoma
This severe form of secondary glaucoma occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow over the drainage angle, blocking fluid outflow. It’s typically associated with conditions that cause poor blood flow to the retina, like advanced diabetic retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion, or carotid artery disease.
The new blood vessels can also cause scar tissue formation, further obstructing drainage. This type of glaucoma can be difficult to treat and may require aggressive intervention, including surgery, to control pressure and preserve remaining vision.
Before Your
Appointment
If you’re coming in to discuss glaucoma surgery, let us know about any vision issues you’ve noticed, like difficulty with night driving, tunnel vision, or persistent blurriness. Bring your current glasses (if you use them), a complete list of your medications, and any relevant medical or surgical history.
Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and any past eye care records with you. We may need to dilate your pupils for testing, so we recommend scheduling for transportation after your appointment. If it’s your first time visiting The Eye Clinic, we encourage you to complete the necessary forms in advance, available on our Patient Forms page, to make check-in quick and seamless.
During Your
Appointment
During a glaucoma exam, patients undergo a series of quick, painless, and non-invasive tests to evaluate eye pressure, assess the optic nerve, check peripheral vision, and examine how well fluid drains from the eye. These tests help with diagnosis, what type it may be, and how advanced it is—critical steps in guiding the best course of treatment. If your condition can’t be controlled with drops or laser treatments, surgery may be recommended to prevent further vision loss.
There are several surgical options, including minimally invasive procedures and traditional filtration surgeries, all designed to improve fluid drainage from the eye. Our specialists will discuss the most appropriate option based on your unique condition and treatment goals.
After Your
Appointment
After glaucoma surgery, patients may experience mild discomfort, blurred vision, or light sensitivity for a few days as the eye begins to heal. It’s important to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including using prescribed eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Most patients will need to avoid strenuous activity, bending, or heavy lifting during recovery. Follow-up appointments are needed to monitor healing, check eye pressure, and ensure the surgery is working as intended. While recovery times vary, many patients see improved pressure control and reduced reliance on eye drops over time.
FAQ
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and cause gradual vision loss. Starting with peripheral vision, this condition can lead to blindness if untreated. It’s commonly called the “silent thief of sight” because early stages have no symptoms.
Most types of glaucoma have no early symptoms. As it progresses, you may notice gradual peripheral vision loss or tunnel vision. Acute angle-closure glaucoma causes sudden severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and blurred vision – this is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
Risk factors include patients over 60, those with a family history, high eye pressure, diabetes, heart disease, extreme nearsightedness, eye injuries, or with long-term steroid use. Having risk factors doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop glaucoma, but these factors can increase your chances of being diagnosed in your lifetime.
Diagnosis requires a comprehensive eye exam including eye pressure measurement, optic nerve examination, visual field testing, and corneal thickness measurement. Additional tests and imaging may be needed. Regular eye exams are essential to catch issues early and begin treatment before vision loss occurs.
No, glaucoma cannot be cured, and lost vision cannot be restored. However, the condition can be effectively managed with treatment to prevent further vision loss.
Treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure through eye drops, oral medications, laser treatments, or surgical intervention when necessary. Options include traditional surgeries like trabeculectomy or newer minimally invasive procedures. Treatment depends on glaucoma type and severity, and your provider will discuss all available options during your consultation.
Adults should have comprehensive eye exams every 1-2 years, and those with risk factors need more frequent exams starting earlier. People with glaucoma are recommended for monitoring every 3-6 months.
Yes, family history increases your risk, but having affected relatives doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop glaucoma and many people with glaucoma have no family history. Genetic factors can interact with other risk factors.
With early detection and proper treatment, most people with glaucoma won’t go blind. However, any existing vision loss is permanent. Early diagnosis through regular eye exams and consistent treatment are essential for preserving your sight.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) includes procedures that lower eye pressure by improving fluid drainage. These less invasive surgeries typically offer faster recovery and fewer complications than traditional glaucoma surgery. Your surgeon will review the potential risks and benefits for your specific condition.
MIGS procedures vary by device and surgeon, but common approaches include:
• Stent Placement
• Tissue Excision
• Canaloplasty
• Suprachoroidal Shunts
• XEN Gel Stent
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