Protecting sight from the silent thief.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the structure that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. Without treatment, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss and blindness.

Most forms of glaucoma cause no pain, redness, or early warning signs. Vision loss typically begins in the peripheral (side) vision and may go unnoticed until significant and irreversible damage has already occurred.

Glaucoma is usually associated with increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). However, glaucoma can occur even when eye pressure is within the normal range. Genetics, age, race, and certain medical conditions also increase risk.

Normal eye pressure generally ranges from approximately 10 to 21 mmHg. However, glaucoma can occur at any pressure level. Some patients develop optic nerve damage at normal pressures, while others tolerate higher pressures without damage.

The health of the optic nerve is more important than the pressure number alone.

Yes. This condition is called Normal-Tension Glaucoma. Even though eye pressure falls within the normal range, damage to the optic nerve still occurs.

Most patients experience no symptoms during the early stages of glaucoma. This is why regular comprehensive eye examinations are essential.

As glaucoma progresses, patients may experience:

• Loss of side vision
• Difficulty seeing in dim lighting
• Trouble navigating stairs
• Tunnel vision
• Difficulty driving

Vision lost from glaucoma cannot be restored.

Yes. Untreated glaucoma can lead to permanent blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment dramatically reduce the risk of severe vision loss.

No. Damage to the optic nerve caused by glaucoma is permanent. Treatment is designed to preserve the vision you still have and prevent further damage.

Risk factors include:

• Age over 60
• Family history of glaucoma
• African American heritage
• Hispanic heritage
• Elevated eye pressure
• Diabetes
• Thin corneas
• Severe nearsightedness
• Previous eye injury
• Long-term steroid use

Yes. A family history of glaucoma significantly increases your risk. Individuals with parents, siblings, or children diagnosed with glaucoma should receive regular eye examinations.

Diagnosis may include:

• Eye pressure measurement
• Optic nerve examination
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
• Visual field testing
• Corneal thickness measurements
• Gonioscopy

These tests help identify glaucoma before noticeable vision loss occurs.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an advanced imaging technology that measures the thickness of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer. OCT often detects glaucoma damage before visual field loss develops.

A visual field test measures side vision and helps identify areas of vision loss caused by glaucoma. It is one of the most important tests for monitoring disease progression.

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. The eye's drainage system remains open but becomes less efficient over time, causing pressure-related optic nerve damage.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle inside the eye becomes blocked. This can cause a sudden rise in eye pressure and may require emergency treatment.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe eye pain
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Halos around lights

This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

Treatment may include:

• Prescription eye drops
• Laser procedures
• Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
• Traditional glaucoma surgery

The goal is to lower eye pressure and prevent additional optic nerve damage.

No. Eye drops help control eye pressure and slow progression but do not cure glaucoma.

Many patients require long-term treatment. However, some patients may reduce or eliminate medications following successful laser treatment or glaucoma surgery.

Stopping glaucoma medications can allow eye pressure to rise, increasing the risk of permanent optic nerve damage and vision loss.

Patients should never discontinue treatment without consulting their ophthalmologist.

SLT is a laser treatment that improves drainage of fluid from the eye and lowers eye pressure. It is often used as an alternative or supplement to glaucoma medications.

For many patients, SLT can effectively reduce eye pressure while decreasing reliance on daily medications. The best option depends on the individual patient.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) refers to advanced procedures that lower eye pressure using microscopic implants or drainage techniques with faster recovery and fewer risks than traditional glaucoma surgery.

The iStent is one of the smallest medical implants used in the human body. It is commonly placed during cataract surgery to improve fluid drainage and lower eye pressure in glaucoma patients.

Yes. Many glaucoma patients experience lower eye pressure following cataract surgery. In selected patients, cataract surgery may be combined with MIGS procedures for additional pressure reduction.

The Xen Gel Stent is a minimally invasive implant used to create a new drainage pathway for fluid, helping lower eye pressure in patients with moderate to advanced glaucoma.

Surgery may be recommended when:

• Medications fail to control pressure
• Laser treatment is insufficient
• Glaucoma continues to worsen
• Medication side effects become problematic

Follow-up intervals vary depending on disease severity and stability. Some patients are monitored every few months, while others may be seen less frequently.

No. While healthy lifestyle habits support overall eye health, they cannot replace medical treatment for glaucoma.

Regular aerobic exercise may provide modest reductions in eye pressure and offers numerous health benefits. Patients should discuss exercise recommendations with their physician.

Yes. Patients with diabetes may have a higher risk of developing glaucoma and should receive regular comprehensive eye examinations.

Because glaucoma damage is permanent, identifying the disease before symptoms develop is the best way to preserve vision and prevent blindness.

At May Eye Care Center, we offer comprehensive glaucoma diagnosis, OCT imaging, visual field testing, laser glaucoma treatments, SLT laser procedures, MIGS surgery, iStent implantation, Xen Gel Stent surgery, and advanced medical management. We provide individualized treatment plans designed to preserve vision and maintain quality of life for patients throughout Hanover, York, Gettysburg, Adams County, Carroll County, and surrounding communities.