Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from your eyes to your brain. The most common form often develops without obvious early symptoms, which means regular monitoring can matter even when your vision seems unchanged.
Corpus Cristi Eye Professionals provides glaucoma evaluation and management as part of its expanding medical eye care services. Dr. Christopher Trevino is a therapeutic optometrist and optometric glaucoma specialist.
Glaucoma-related vision loss cannot be reversed, but treatment can often slow or stop further damage. That makes early detection and consistent follow-up especially important.
Because open-angle glaucoma usually develops gradually, you may not notice changes in your peripheral (side) vision at first. Monitoring gives your optometrist the opportunity to identify concerning changes and respond before more vision is affected.
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain factors increase the likelihood. The National Eye Institute identifies higher risk among people over age 60, African Americans over age 40, people with a family history of glaucoma, and Hispanic or Latino adults over 60.
Other findings, including elevated eye pressure, may also increase risk. However, glaucoma can occur even when eye pressure falls within a normal range, so pressure alone does not determine whether you have the disease.
Checking eye pressure is an important part of glaucoma care, but it is only one piece of the picture. A glaucoma evaluation may also include a dilated eye exam and visual field testing to assess your peripheral vision.
Your optometrist may compare findings from one visit to the next to look for progression. The exact testing and follow-up schedule will depend on your risk factors, diagnosis, and previous results.
Glaucoma is typically managed over time rather than treated in a single visit. The goal is to protect the optic nerve and reduce the risk of further vision loss.
Treatment may include prescription eye drops that lower eye pressure. Some patients may also need laser treatment or surgery, depending on the type and severity of glaucoma.
When treatment beyond the services available at Corpus Cristi Eye Professionals is appropriate, we can help guide you toward the next level of care.
Most glaucoma develops slowly, but angle-closure glaucoma can cause a rapid rise in eye pressure and requires immediate medical attention.
Seek urgent care for sudden symptoms such as:
If you have glaucoma, elevated eye pressure, a family history of the disease, or another risk factor, consistent eye care can help you understand what is changing and what needs attention next.
Contact Corpus Cristi Eye Professionals to confirm current glaucoma service availability and schedule the appropriate visit.