Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. Without treatment, people with glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral (side) vision. Over time, straight-ahead vision may decrease until no vision remains. In most cases, there are no symptoms of glaucoma at first. That’s why it’s so important to have regular eye exams. Eye doctors can detect glaucoma through a comprehensive exam that includes vision tests to measure distance and side vision, a dilated eye exam in which the retina and optic nerve are examined through a magnifying lens for signs of damage, and tests with specialized instruments that measure the pressure inside the eye and the thickness of the cornea. There is no cure for glaucoma, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, progression of the disease can be delayed. Glaucoma treatments include medicines, laser surgery, conventional surgery or a combination of these.