Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure (IOP), and is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. The optic nerve plays a critical role in transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, and when it's damaged, vision loss can occur. In its early stages, glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the "silent thief of sight." If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing glaucoma. These include:

  • Age: Individuals over the age of 60 are at a higher risk, though glaucoma can affect younger individuals as well.

  • Family history: A family history of glaucoma increases your chances of developing the condition.

  • Ethnicity: People of African, Hispanic, and Asian descent are more likely to develop certain types of glaucoma.

  • High intraocular pressure: Elevated pressure inside the eye is the primary risk factor for glaucoma, although not everyone with high IOP will develop it.

  • Medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can increase your risk.

  • Previous eye injuries: Trauma to the eye can increase the risk of glaucoma later in life.

Risk Factors For Glaucoma

The Importance of Regular Screenings

Because glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms, it’s crucial to have your eyes checked regularly.

Routine eye exams allow for early detection and the opportunity to manage the condition before it causes significant vision loss. Regular screening is especially important if you are at higher risk due to age, family history, or other risk factors. Early intervention can help control the disease and prevent irreversible damage to your vision.

Diagnosis and management

With experience in diagnosing and managing glaucoma, care is guided by advanced diagnostic tools such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Visual Field (VF) testing to assess optic nerve health and detect any damage. Based on the results, Dr. Korkis will co-manage your care with Ophthalmology to develop a treatment plan, which may include medication, laser therapy, or surgery depending on severity.

Glaucoma management is an ongoing process, and with proper care and regular monitoring, it is possible to preserve your vision and maintain your quality of life.