Glaucoma

Glaucoma can gradually damage your optic nerve and affect your vision, often without causing noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Early diagnosis and ongoing treatment can help slow its progression and protect your eyesight. At Fremont Eye Center in Fremont, California, board-certified ophthalmologist and eye surgeon Ho Sun Choi, MD, diagnoses and treats glaucoma using personalized care. To schedule an eye exam or glaucoma evaluation, call the office today or click the online booking feature.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from your eye to your brain. This damage is often associated with increased intraocular pressure, although glaucoma can also develop when intraocular pressure is within the normal range.

The most common type, open-angle glaucoma, typically develops slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms until permanent vision loss has occurred. Angle-closure glaucoma is less common but can develop suddenly and requires immediate medical attention.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Open-angle glaucoma usually doesn’t cause pain or other obvious symptoms in its early stages. As the condition progresses, you may gradually lose peripheral, or side, vision.

Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma can appear suddenly and may include:

• Severe eye pain
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Halos around lights
• Eye redness
• Nausea or vomiting

Sudden eye pain or vision changes require prompt medical evaluation.

Who is at risk of developing glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but your risk may increase as you get older. Other risk factors include a family history of glaucoma, certain medical conditions, previous eye injuries, and long-term use of corticosteroid medications.

Because glaucoma can progress without obvious warning signs, routine eye exams are important even when your vision seems normal. Dr. Choi can recommend an appropriate screening schedule based on your age, eye health, and individual risk factors.

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Dr. Choi performs a comprehensive eye evaluation to look for signs of glaucoma. Depending on your needs, he may measure intraocular pressure, examine your optic nerve, test your peripheral vision, and assess your drainage angle.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) may also be used to create detailed images of the optic nerve and surrounding structures. These tests help Dr. Choi diagnose glaucoma and monitor changes over time.

How is glaucoma treated?

Glaucoma treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure to help prevent or slow additional optic nerve damage. Depending on the type and severity of your glaucoma, Dr. Choi may recommend prescription eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery.

Because vision already lost to glaucoma typically can’t be restored, early detection and consistent treatment are important for preserving your remaining vision. Dr. Choi develops a personalized treatment and monitoring plan based on your eye health and response to treatment.

To learn more about glaucoma diagnosis and treatment, call Fremont Eye Center today or click the online booking feature.