Glaucoma is called the “silent thief of sight” for a reason — this common eye disease damages your vision slowly and without noticeable symptoms until it’s too late. In fact, an estimated 50% of people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it.
Glaucoma is the term for a group of eye conditions that affect the optic nerve, which is essential for transmitting visual information from your eyes to your brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss and even complete blindness. The good news? Early detection and advanced treatment can protect your eye health.
Anthony Cirino, DO, and our team at Cirino Eye Center in Brunswick, Ohio, specialize in glaucoma care. Here’s what you need to know about how glaucoma works and how it can be managed, so you can maintain good vision for years to come.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage your optic nerve, a bundle of more than 1 million nerve fibers that transmit visual information from your retinas to your brain.
Your eye naturally has fluid inside it (the aqueous humor) that fills the front part of your eye between the cornea and the lens. The aqueous humor helps maintain intraocular pressure (IOP), provides nutrients to your eye tissues, and removes waste. But if the fluid doesn’t drain properly, pressure can build up.
Over time, elevated intraocular pressure damages the delicate fibers of your optic nerve and leads to glaucoma-related vision loss.
There are several different types of glaucoma, but the two most common are open-angle glaucoma, which develops gradually and painlessly, and angle-closure glaucoma, which occurs suddenly and causes severe eye pain, nausea, and rapid vision loss
Open-angle glaucoma is by far the most common type. But because it develops so slowly, many people don’t realize they have it until they notice vision changes — and by then, the damage is often permanent.
Most people with open-angle glaucoma don’t experience noticeable symptoms in the early stages. That means it’s possible to have glaucoma and optic nerve damage without knowing it.
As open-angle glaucoma progresses, symptoms may include gradual loss of peripheral vision and tunnel vision in advanced stages. That’s why regular eye exams are essential, especially if you are over 60, have a family history of glaucoma, or have other risk factors.
For angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms include sudden-onset blurred vision, halos around lights, severe eye pain, and nausea. This type of glaucoma requires immediate care to prevent permanent vision loss.
Since early-stage glaucoma is silent, most people find out they have it after getting a comprehensive eye exam. Regular eye exams are the best way to protect both your vision and your eye health, and at Cirino Eye Center, we use the latest diagnostic tools to detect glaucoma as early as possible and monitor any changes over time.
A few of the most common tests we do are:
We review your results with you, then discuss treatment options. Vision loss from glaucoma can’t be reversed, which is why early treatment is essential to help stop or slow further damage.
The best glaucoma treatment depends on your specific needs and your overall health. We may recommend a combination of treatments, which can include:
From medication management to advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Cirino and our team are dedicated to helping you improve your eye health and protect your sight. Glaucoma is a lifelong condition, but with early diagnosis and expert care, it’s possible to maintain good vision.
If you’re due for an eye exam or you have concerns about your eye health, we’re here for you. Schedule a comprehensive evaluation at Cirino Eye Center and take the first step toward preserving your vision. Call our office at 330-273-5588 or request an appointment online now.
