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Glaucoma Diagnosis & Management at Family Eye Care

 

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it causes damage to the optic nerve without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. At Family Eye Care in North Andover, our doctors use advanced diagnostic technology to detect glaucoma as early as possible—before vision loss occurs.

What is Glaucoma?

The optic nerve is made up of more than one million fibers that transmit visual information from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that progressively damage this nerve. Once vision is lost, it cannot be restored—making early detection and management critical.

 

Types of Glaucoma

  • Open-Angle Glaucoma
    The most common type. Drainage canals in the eye become clogged, raising intraocular pressure (IOP) and damaging the optic nerve. If caught early, it usually responds well to treatment. If untreated, it leads to permanent vision loss.

  • Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
    A medical emergency caused by a sudden rise in eye pressure when fluid drainage is blocked.
    Symptoms include: severe eye pain, headache, nausea, rainbow halos around lights, and very blurry vision. Without immediate treatment, vision can be permanently lost. Treatment typically requires surgery.

  • Normal-Tension Glaucoma
    Optic nerve damage occurs despite normal IOP levels. Regular monitoring and specialized testing are key for detection.

 

Who is at Risk?

Glaucoma can affect anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk, including:

  • People over age 60

  • African Americans and Hispanics (especially in older age groups)

  • Asians (higher risk for angle-closure glaucoma)

  • Those with a family history of glaucoma

  • People with high myopia, hypertension, or past eye injuries

  • Long-term steroid users

 

How We Diagnose Glaucoma

At Family Eye Care, we use a combination of tests to screen for and monitor glaucoma:

  • Dilated Eye Exam – To examine the optic nerve for signs of damage.

  • Tonometry – Measures intraocular pressure (IOP).

  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Provides high-resolution images of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer.

  • Visual Field Testing – Maps your side (peripheral) vision to identify blind spots caused by glaucoma.

 

Treatment Options

While glaucoma cannot be cured and lost vision cannot be restored, treatments are highly effective at slowing progression and preserving sight. Depending on the type and severity, treatment may include:

  • Prescription eye drops or oral medications

  • Laser therapy

  • Surgical procedures to improve fluid drainage

 

Protecting Your Vision

Because glaucoma often develops without symptoms, regular comprehensive eye exams are the best defense. With early detection and personalized care, our doctors can help protect your sight for years to come.

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