Glaucoma

At Eye-Site of Boynton Beach, our optometrists are committed to protecting your vision and eye health. One of the most serious conditions we evaluate for during routine exams is glaucoma - often called the “silent thief of sight.” Because it develops gradually and without warning, understanding glaucoma, its causes, and treatment options is essential for safeguarding your vision.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the crucial link between your eyes and your brain. The two main types are open-angle glaucoma, the most common form that develops slowly and silently, and angle-closure glaucoma, a less common but more sudden and severe type that can cause acute symptoms. Most often, glaucoma develops when fluid pressure inside the eye increases, but it can also occur with normal eye pressure. Without early detection and treatment, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss and blindness.

What Causes Glaucoma to Develop?

The exact cause of glaucoma varies depending on the type, but the most common factor is an imbalance in how fluid drains from the eye. This leads to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) that gradually harms the optic nerve. Damage to the optic nerve related to eye pressure can occur often without early warning signs, and many people are diagnosed with normal or low-tension glaucoma despite having normal eye pressure.

Other risk factors include:

• Having a family history of glaucoma

• Being over age 60

• Medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes

• Certain medications that raise eye pressure

• African American and Hispanic individuals, who face higher rates of glaucoma

• Smoking and poor lifestyle habits

The Importance of Routine Eye Exams

Glaucoma rarely shows symptoms in its earliest stages, which makes routine eye exams essential for detection. At Eye-Site of Boynton Beach, our doctors perform thorough evaluations that include pupil dilation, detailed assessments of optic nerve health through imaging, measuring eye pressure with tonometry, and testing peripheral vision to check for early signs of vision loss. Since glaucoma progresses silently, regular check-ups are the most effective way to catch the disease early, when it is most manageable.

Recognizing the Early Signs of Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma accounts for nearly 90 percent of cases and usually causes gradual vision loss, often starting with defects in peripheral vision. Conversely, angle-closure glaucoma is less common but far more dangerous, as it can create sudden and severe symptoms such as eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, nausea, and severe headaches. Any sudden change in vision should be treated as a medical emergency.

Can Glaucoma Be Prevented?

While there is no guaranteed way to completely prevent glaucoma, there are steps you can take to lower your risk and protect your vision. Staying physically active, avoiding smoking, and eating a diet rich in nutrients all contribute to better eye health. However, the most important factor in managing glaucoma is keeping up with regular eye exams. Only an eye doctor can detect the condition in its earliest stages, when it is easier to treat and control. Missing exams, especially as you get older or if you have risk factors, increases the chance of not receiving the care you need in time.

How Is Glaucoma Treated?

Although glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be successfully managed to slow or prevent further vision loss. Treatment options may include:

• Prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure

• Oral medications to improve fluid drainage

• Laser therapy to open clogged drainage channels

• Surgical procedures in advanced cases

Our optometrists will design a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, helping you maintain the best vision possible.

Trust Eye-Site of Boynton Beach for Glaucoma Care

Glaucoma affects nearly three million Americans, yet many don’t realize they have it until irreversible damage has occurred. With early detection and proper treatment, glaucoma can be managed effectively, helping you preserve your vision and maintain your quality of life. Our optometrists are dedicated to protecting your eye health with thorough evaluations and personalized care.

​​​​​​​At Eye-Site of Boynton Beach, we proudly serve patients in Boynton Beach and surrounding communities with compassionate, advanced eye care, including the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. Call us today at (561) 738-0111 to book your next eye exam and take an important step in protecting your lifelong vision.