Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is essential for clear vision. It usually happens when fluid builds up in the eye, increasing pressure inside. Over time, this pressure damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss.
But here’s the tricky part, glaucoma often doesn’t show symptoms until the damage is already happening. That’s why it’s often called the “silent thief of sight.” You might not notice a problem until your side vision starts to go. And once that vision is lost, it can’t be restored.
That’s why regular eye exams matter so much. At Contact Lens and Vision, we screen for glaucoma at every comprehensive eye exam, even when your eyes seem perfectly healthy. It’s part of how we protect your long-term eye health.
What Causes Glaucoma?
There’s no single cause of glaucoma, but the most common type, called open-angle glaucoma, usually stems from poor drainage of the fluid inside the eye. When the drainage system doesn’t work right, pressure builds and damages the optic nerve over time.
Other types of glaucoma can occur suddenly (like angle-closure glaucoma), be present from birth (congenital glaucoma), or develop as a result of another condition or injury (secondary glaucoma). While pressure is a big factor, not everyone with high eye pressure develops glaucoma, and not everyone with glaucoma has high pressure.
Some contributing factors include:
- Blocked drainage channels
- Poor blood flow to the optic nerve
- Eye trauma or inflammation
- Certain medications (like corticosteroids)
And some people are more likely to develop it than others.
Risk Factors for Glaucoma
Glaucoma can affect anyone, but some people are at higher risk. Understanding the risk factors for glaucoma can help you know when to take extra precautions.
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Are over age 60
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Are African American, Asian, or Hispanic
- Have high internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure)
- Have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
- Have thin corneas
- Have had eye injuries or certain surgeries
Because many of these factors are invisible to the patient, a professional eye exam is the only reliable way to monitor risk. That’s why our eye care team at Contact Lens and Vision recommends regular visits, even if your eyes feel fine.
Early Detection with ERG Testing
One of the most effective tools we use to catch signs of glaucoma is a test called electroretinography, or ERG. This non-invasive test measures how the retina’s light-sensitive cells respond to light. These responses can show us subtle changes in how the retina and optic nerve are working, even before you notice any symptoms.
This type of early functional testing gives us an advantage. Traditional glaucoma tests, like eye pressure measurements and optic nerve imaging, are useful but might not catch early-stage glaucoma. ERG can detect abnormalities in your eye’s function before any visible damage occurs.
The earlier we detect the condition, the better we can protect your vision with targeted care.
What Happens If Glaucoma Becomes Severe?
In the later stages of glaucoma, vision loss can become significant. It often starts with peripheral (side) vision and progresses inward. In cases of severe glaucoma, central vision may eventually be affected as well. People with advanced glaucoma may find it hard to drive, read, or navigate safely in familiar environments.
Because vision loss from glaucoma is permanent, treatment focuses on stopping or slowing progression. That’s why catching the disease early, before it reaches this stage, is so critical.
Treatment Options and Ongoing Care
If you’re diagnosed with glaucoma, the good news is that we have several effective ways to manage it. Treatment usually starts with prescription eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure. Some people may need oral medications, laser therapy, or, in more advanced cases, surgery.
What’s most important is ongoing monitoring. Glaucoma is a lifelong condition that requires regular follow-up exams. Our team at Contact Lens and Vision will tailor a treatment plan based on your specific needs and track your progress closely.
Because of our use of high-end diagnostic tools, including ERG testing, we can monitor not just the structure of your eye, but its actual function, which helps us make better decisions about your care.
Glaucoma Testing in Woodbridge
You don’t need to wait for symptoms. If you have any of the risk factors for glaucoma, or if it’s just been a while since your last eye exam, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit. Glaucoma may be stealthy, but we’re ready for it.
At Contact Lens and Vision, we’re open seven days a week for your convenience. Our advanced diagnostic tools and experienced team help us detect eye diseases like glaucoma earlier, so you can make informed choices about your health.
Whether you need a routine eye exam, a consultation for glaucoma, or a second opinion, we’re here to help.
Call 732-855-7950 or request your eye care appointment online today. Protect your vision for the future, starting now.