Glaucoma is one of the most serious and silent threats to your eyesight. Known as the “Sneak Thief of Sight,” this disease can cause irreversible vision loss without any warning signs. At Eyes on Group, we emphasize year-round awareness because up to 40% of your vision can be lost before you even notice a problem.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is not a single disease but a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to elevated intraocular pressure. Over time, this damage leads to gradual glaucoma sight loss, typically beginning with peripheral vision and advancing toward the center.
While many associate glaucoma with increased eye pressure, some individuals can have normal eye pressure and still develop the condition, especially with glaucoma at the back of the eye, where early symptoms are virtually undetectable without proper screening.
Common Myths and Unseen Symptoms
Contrary to popular belief, glaucoma doesn’t always present with pain or headaches. Most people won’t feel anything until their vision is already impaired. Only a specific type—angle-closure glaucoma—may cause sudden pain or pressure.
Some individuals also report experiencing strange sensations, such as acid reflux, eye pressure, although this is more likely related to overlapping health conditions than glaucoma itself. Still, these symptoms are worth discussing with an eye care professional.
Types of Glaucoma
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common form, often symptomless.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This condition can cause sudden eye pain and vision changes.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage despite normal eye pressure.
- Secondary Glaucoma: Linked to another condition, such as injury or inflammation.
Treatment for Glaucoma
There is currently no cure for glaucoma, but treatment for glaucoma can effectively slow or halt its progression. Depending on the type and severity, options may include:
- Prescription eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure
- Oral medications
- Laser procedures to improve fluid drainage
- Surgical options in advanced cases
New technologies, such as OCT imaging, enable your doctor to visualize the optic nerve and detect even subtle changes, thereby improving diagnosis and care strategies.
Are You at Risk?
Several factors can increase your chances of developing glaucoma:
- Age over 60 (or over 40 for African Americans)
- Family history of glaucoma
- African, Hispanic, or Asian descent
- Past eye injury or surgery
- Diabetes
- High nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Long-term steroid use (pills, eye drops, or creams)
If any of these apply to you, talk to your eye care professional about more frequent screenings.
Can Glaucoma Be Prevented?
While glaucoma itself cannot always be prevented, you can take meaningful steps to reduce your risk and catch the disease early:
- Avoid smoking
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors
- Follow a nutrient-rich diet with vitamins A, C, E, D, zinc, and omega-3s
- Schedule a comprehensive eye exam annually
These proactive measures support overall eye health and are essential for early detection.
Don’t Let Glaucoma Steal Your Sight
Even people with perfect 20/20 vision may have underlying eye diseases. If you haven’t had a recent exam, now is the time to take control of your eye health.
At Eyes on Group, with locations in Worcester, Randolph, Lincoln, and Cranston, our team uses advanced diagnostics to detect glaucoma before symptoms begin.
Take Action Today:
- Talk about glaucoma with your family and friends
- Review your personal risk factors
- Schedule a comprehensive eye exam
- Commit to an eye-healthy lifestyle
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Protect your vision today—because prevention starts with awareness.