Glaucoma: The “Silent Thief of Sight”  

(and how we protect your vision) 

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month—a perfect reminder that some of the most serious eye conditions can progress quietly, long before you feel anything is “wrong.” In fact, as many as half of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it, because early changes are often subtle and painless.  

What Is Glaucoma? 

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the structure that sends visual information from your eye to your brain. Over time, that damage can lead to permanent vision loss. Glaucoma is often associated with higher-than-normal eye pressure, but it can also occur even when eye pressure is in the normal range, which is one reason comprehensive exams matter.  

Common Symptoms (and why many people miss them) 

For the most common type—open-angle glaucoma—there are often no noticeable symptoms early on, and vision may feel perfectly normal at first. When symptoms do appear, they may include: 

• Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision (sometimes described as “tunnel vision” later on)  

• Halos around lights  

• Eye pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting (especially if sudden—see emergency note below)  

Note: A less common form, angle-closure glaucoma, can come on quickly and may require urgent care. Symptoms can include sudden severe eye pain, red eye, halos, headache, and nausea/vomiting. If this happens, don’t wait—seek immediate medical attention.  

How Glaucoma Is Detected 

Because glaucoma can be symptom-free early on, the best way to check for it is a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Depending on your eyes and your risk factors, your exam may include: 

• Eye pressure measurement (IOP) 

• Optic nerve evaluation (the “health check” of the nerve tissue) 

• Retinal imaging/OCT to measure the nerve fiber layer and track change over time 

• Visual field testing to look for peripheral blind spots 

• Angle assessment to determine whether the drainage angle is open or narrow/closed 

The goal isn’t just to find glaucoma—it’s to catch changes early and monitor them closely so we can protect your vision long-term. 

Treatment Options: What Can Be Done? 

While there’s no cure and vision already lost can’t be restored, treatment can often slow or stop further damage, especially when started early. The main strategy is to lower eye pressure to a safer level for your optic nerve. 

• Prescription Eye Drops (most common first step) 

For many patients, treatment begins with prescription drops. The National Eye Institute notes that prescription eye drops are the most common treatment for glaucoma, working by lowering eye pressure to help prevent further optic nerve damage.  

• Laser Treatment (often quick, in-office performed by an Ophthalmologist) 

For open-angle glaucoma, a common option is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT). SLT uses low-level laser energy to help the eye’s natural drainage system work more efficiently. The Glaucoma Research Foundation notes SLT is often used as a first-line treatment for open-angle glaucoma and that a single treatment’s effect may last 2–3 years (sometimes longer).  

For narrow angles or angle-closure risk, a different laser procedure may be recommended to reduce the chance of sudden pressure spikes—your doctor will guide you based on your anatomy. 

• Surgery (when additional pressure lowering is needed) 

If drops and/or laser treatment isn’t enough, surgery may be recommended. Options range from minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) to more traditional procedures designed for greater pressure reduction. The N.E.I. notes glaucoma treatments can include medicines, laser trabeculoplasty, conventional surgery, or combinations depending on the case.  

Living Well with Glaucoma 

Glaucoma management is a long game—think of it as protecting what you have. Regular follow-ups matter because your eye doctor is watching for stability over time and adjusting your plan if needed. If you’re ever struggling with drop schedules, side effects, or cost, tell us—there are often alternative medications, dosing strategies, or procedures that can help. 

Need Peace of Mind? 

If it’s been a while since your last eye exam—or if you have risk factors like age, family history, diabetes, or higher eye pressure—this is a great month to get checked. Schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam with our team, and we’ll evaluate your eye pressure, optic nerve health, and overall eye wellness with the level of detail your vision deserves. 

 
References:  

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024, May 15). About Glaucoma. Vision and Eye Health.  
https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/glaucoma.html 
National Eye Institute (NEI). (2025, November 26). Glaucoma. 
https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma 
National Eye Institute (NEI). (2025, August 6). Laser Treatment for Glaucoma. 
https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma/treatment  
National Eye Institute (NEI). (2025, October 27). National Eye Institute Statement on Detection of Glaucoma and Adult Vision Screening. 
https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/education-and-outreach/glaucoma-resources/national-eye-institute-statement-detection-glaucoma-and-adult-vision-screening 
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Glaucoma — Symptoms and causes 
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839 
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Glaucoma — Diagnosis and treatment. 
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372846 
Glaucoma Research Foundation. (n.d.). Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT).  
https://glaucoma.org/treatment/laser/slt 
National Eye Institute (NEI). (2014, January 21). Glaucoma: The “silent thief” begins to tell its secrets. 
https://www.nei.nih.gov/research-and-training/research-news/glaucoma-silent-thief-begins-tell-its-secrets