Glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss before you even realize something is wrong.
Learn how regular eye exams at 20/20 iCare and iWear in Las Colinas Irving, TX can help protect your sight.
Stop the Sneak Thief of Sight Before It Strikes
One of the most frustrating things about glaucoma is how quietly it moves. You might go years without noticing a single change in your vision – until one day, it’s too late. Often called “The Sneak Thief of Sight,” glaucoma has earned its nickname for good reason.
Unlike other eye conditions that come with flashing lights, blurriness, or pain, glaucoma typically starts without symptoms. It slowly damages your optic nerve, usually due to high intraocular pressure (IOP). Once vision loss sets in, it’s permanent. That’s why early detection is the key to protecting your eyes.
Who’s at Risk for Glaucoma?
Glaucoma doesn’t discriminate, but certain factors make it more likely to develop. Some people are even born with it.
Still, the risk increases if you fall into any of these categories:
- Age 60 or older (or 40+ if you’re African American)
- Family history of glaucoma
- High blood pressure or high eye pressure
- African American, Japanese, or Hispanic descent
- Previous eye injury or surgery
- Diabetes
- Use of corticosteroids
- Severe nearsightedness or farsightedness
The list may seem long, but here’s the good news – glaucoma can be managed if caught early. Habits like regular exercise, UV protection, and maintaining a healthy diet are all linked to reduced risk. You don’t need to overhaul your life, but you do need to stay consistent with your checkups.
The Two Faces of Glaucoma
Most glaucoma cases fall into one of two categories: open-angle or angle-closure. Open-angle glaucoma is the more common type and progresses slowly over time, often without warning signs. Angle-closure glaucoma, on the other hand, may come on suddenly and can become a medical emergency.
Common symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma include:
- Severe eye pain or headache
- Blurry vision or tunnel vision
- Halos around lights
- Nausea and vomiting
Open-angle glaucoma may not show symptoms until your peripheral vision begins to fade – and by then, damage has already occurred. That’s why it’s critical to detect these conditions early with routine eye exams.
How We Detect Glaucoma at Your Las Colinas Irving Eye Exam
At 20/20 iCare and iWear, we don’t rely on just one test – and we never assume clear vision means healthy eyes. During your comprehensive eye exam in Las Colinas Irving, we include a range of tools to detect glaucoma early, even before symptoms begin.
Typical glaucoma screening includes:
- Tonometry to measure your intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Optic nerve imaging and evaluation
- Visual field testing to check for blind spots or peripheral vision loss
We also offer Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – a high-resolution scan that shows detailed cross-sections of your optic nerve. This allows us to detect early damage that might not show up on basic screenings. If you've ever had an eye injury, OCT can be especially helpful in identifying long-term changes caused by trauma.
Whether you're coming from Las Colinas Irving, Las Colinas, Valley Ranch, or Coppell, we're here to help you protect your sight.
Treating Glaucoma at 20/20 iCare and iWear: What to Expect
Once diagnosed, glaucoma treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure to preserve the vision you have.
Depending on your case, this may include:
- Prescription eye drops
- Oral medications
- Laser procedures like SLT
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
The most common treatment is medicated eye drops. These lower your eye pressure and help prevent further nerve damage. If your drops cause irritation or you forget to use them consistently, talk to us – there may be better options that work with your lifestyle.
Glaucoma treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our team at 20/20 iCare and iWear takes the time to create a plan that fits your eyes, your health history, and your goals.
Make Glaucoma Part of the Conversation at Your Next Eye Exam
You don’t have to wait for vision problems to bring up glaucoma – and you shouldn’t. Because of its slow progression, it’s easy to overlook until damage has been done. But with the right testing and care, glaucoma can be managed for life.
If you have a family history of glaucoma or belong to a higher-risk group, be sure to mention it during your exam. Even if your vision seems perfect, we’ll take a closer look where it counts.
At 20/20 iCare and iWear, we serve patients across Las Colinas Irving and surrounding communities like Grapevine, DFW, and Las Colinas. We’re committed to helping you stay ahead of eye diseases like glaucoma with advanced diagnostics, compassionate care, and real answers.
FAQ: Glaucoma and Your Eye Health
How often should I get checked for glaucoma? Most adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every 1–2 years. If you’re at high risk for glaucoma, annual testing is recommended.
Can glaucoma go away on its own? No. Glaucoma is a chronic condition that requires lifelong monitoring and management. Without treatment, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
Is there a cure for glaucoma? There’s no cure yet, but with the right treatment, glaucoma can be controlled and further damage can be prevented.
Is glaucoma painful? Open-angle glaucoma is usually painless. Angle-closure glaucoma, however, can cause sudden and severe eye pain – which is a medical emergency.