Glaucoma
Diagnosis & Co-management

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage a nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and potentially blindness. The most common type of glaucoma, called primary open-angle glaucoma, often has no early symptoms and progresses slowly over time. This is why regular eye exams are crucial for detecting glaucoma in its early stages before significant vision loss occurs.

Are you at high risk of glaucoma?

Risk factors for glaucoma include:

• Age (over 40)
• A family history of glaucoma
• Race/ethnicity (African and Hispanic people have an increased risk)
• Certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
• Extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness
• Taking corticosteroid medicines, especially eye drops, for a long time
• Previous eye injury or eye surgery

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Glaucoma testing involves measuring internal eye pressure and a detailed retina scan to check for signs of disease. Glaucoma is often linked to high pressure in your eye, which damages your optic nerve and causes vision loss. While increased eye pressure is a common indicator of glaucoma, it does not necessarily mean you have the disease. The only sure way to detect glaucoma is through a comprehensive eye exam that includes examining the retina—the light-sensitive area at the back of the eye responsible for processing images—and optic nerve for signs of damage.

Glaucoma treatment in Santa Fe, NM

If we detect signs of glaucoma, our team at Ultimate Eyecare Santa Fe will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs. While there is no cure for glaucoma, early intervention can help slow down its progression and minimize its impact on your eyesight. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser therapy, or surgery.