Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight,” and for good reason. This common eye condition can slowly damage your vision without noticeable symptoms until permanent loss has already occurred. At Your Eye Doctor P.C., we’re dedicated to helping our patients protect their vision through early detection, advanced technology, and personalized eye care.
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What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the vital connection between your eyes and brain. This damage is usually caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye (known as intraocular pressure or IOP), though it can occur even with normal pressure levels. When left untreated, glaucoma can gradually lead to peripheral vision loss and, eventually, total blindness.

While there are several forms, the two most common types include:

• Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common type, it develops slowly when the eye’s drainage system becomes less efficient over time, causing pressure to build gradually.

• Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A more sudden and severe type that occurs when the drainage angle closes completely, leading to a rapid rise in eye pressure. This form requires immediate medical attention to prevent vision loss.

Other less common types include normal-tension glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and congenital glaucoma, which can develop in infants or young children.

The Hidden Danger of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it typically causes no pain or noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Vision changes occur so gradually that many patients don’t realize they’re losing sight until it’s advanced. Once the optic nerve is damaged, lost vision cannot be restored - making prevention and early detection essential.

Routine Eye Exams in Ashburn, VA

At Your Eye Doctor P.C., we emphasize the importance of annual eye exams for all adults, especially those over 40 or with risk factors such as family history, diabetes, or high blood pressure. During your exam, Dr. Mandana Nasiri Manesh carefully monitor for signs of glaucoma by:

• Measuring intraocular pressure (IOP)

• Evaluating the optic nerve for damage

• Testing peripheral vision

• Performing optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess nerve fiber health
  
  

Routine exams allow us to detect glaucoma in its earliest stages and to monitor any changes over time.

Early Signs to Be Aware Of

While early glaucoma rarely causes symptoms, some warning signs may include:

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision

• Blurred or hazy vision

• Seeing halos around lights

• Eye pain or headaches

• Redness or nausea accompanying vision changes
  
  

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam immediately.

Glaucoma Management and Treatment Options

While glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed to slow or prevent further vision loss. We provide customized treatment plans that may include:

• Prescription Eye Drops - to lower eye pressure by improving drainage or reducing fluid production.

• Oral Medications - used in certain cases to help control intraocular pressure.

• Laser Therapy - In some cases, we may recommend and refer you to a trusted specialist for laser treatment to help improve fluid drainage and reduce eye pressure.

• Surgical Treatments - For advanced or complex cases where medication or laser therapy isn’t sufficient, surgical treatment may be needed to create new drainage pathways and better manage eye pressure.
  
  

Dr. Mandana Nasiri Manesh and our team works closely with each patient to determine the most effective treatment approach and ensure consistent monitoring for long-term eye health.

Expert Glaucoma Care in Ashburn

Glaucoma may not have early symptoms, but with the right care and regular checkups, vision loss is preventable. At Your Eye Doctor P.C., our experienced optometrists in Ashburn, VA are dedicated to detecting and managing glaucoma at every stage, helping you maintain clear vision for years to come.

Schedule your glaucoma exam today to protect your sight and get the expert care you need