Glaucoma and Your Vision: How Early Detection Can Save Your Sight

When it comes to protecting your vision, glaucoma is one of the most silent yet serious threats. Often called the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma can develop without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has already occurred. This makes early detection critical—not just important, but truly life-changing.
 

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure). The optic nerve is crucial for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, and any damage to it can lead to vision loss. There are several types of glaucoma, with open-angle glaucoma being the most common. This condition develops gradually, often without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. Other forms, like angle-closure glaucoma, can develop suddenly and require immediate medical attention.

As glaucoma progresses, it typically affects peripheral vision first, making it harder to notice objects or movement at the edges of your sight. This can lead to a condition known as "tunnel vision," where central vision remains intact, but the ability to see to the sides diminishes. If left untreated, glaucoma can advance to complete blindness.
 

Who Is at Risk?

While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors increase your risk:

  • Age (especially over 60)

  • Family history of glaucoma

  • High eye pressure (even without symptoms)

  • Certain medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension

  • Prolonged use of steroid medications

  • Previous eye injuries
     

Unfortunately, many people assume they’re not at risk simply because they aren’t experiencing vision problems. By the time you notice changes in your vision, significant damage has already occurred.
 

Why Regular Glaucoma Screenings Matter

The best way to stay ahead of glaucoma is through regular eye exams that assess various aspects of your eye health. These evaluations check for elevated eye pressure, examine the optic nerve for early signs of damage, and detect subtle changes that could indicate the onset of glaucoma. They also assess your peripheral vision, which is often affected in the early stages of the disease. Even if your vision seems perfect, these screenings can identify glaucoma before symptoms appear, giving you the opportunity to begin treatment early and slow or even stop its progression.
 

What Happens If You’re Diagnosed?

Thanks to advancements in eye care, there are many effective treatment options to manage the disease, including prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure, oral medications, laser therapy to improve fluid drainage, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) or traditional surgery for more advanced cases. We work with ophthalmologists to offer treatment, ensuring that patients receive the most comprehensive care possible. The goal of treatment is to prevent further vision loss, and the sooner treatment starts, the better the outcome.
 

Protect Your Sight at BLINK

Glaucoma may be a serious condition, but losing your vision to it doesn’t have to be inevitable. Routine eye exams remain your best defense, giving you the chance to catch it early and take action. We’re here to make sure you stay ahead of glaucoma and any other eye health concerns. Whether it’s been a while since your last exam or you have specific risk factors, now is the perfect time to prioritize your vision.
 

Schedule your eye exam with BLINK and take a proactive step toward saving your eyesight. Visit our office on Newbury Street in Boston, or reach us at (617) 780-0728 to book your appointment today.