Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because it can cause irreversible vision loss without obvious symptoms until it’s too late. This eye disease damages the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure inside the eye. Understanding your risk factors and prioritizing routine medical eye exams can help protect your vision for the long term.
 

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, the part of the eye responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. This damage is often (but not always) linked to elevated pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure. Over time, glaucoma can lead to gradual and irreversible vision loss, typically starting with peripheral vision. Because the condition often progresses without noticeable symptoms, many people don’t realize they have it until significant damage has occurred. Early detection through routine eye exams is crucial to slowing or preventing vision loss from glaucoma.
 

Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?

While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain individuals face a higher risk. Knowing where you stand can empower you to take preventive action.
 

• Age: People over 60 are significantly more likely to develop glaucoma.
• Family History: If you have a parent or sibling with glaucoma, your chances of developing it are several times higher. Glaucoma tends to run in families, making regular screenings essential.
• Ethnicity: African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian populations are more prone to different types of glaucoma. African Americans, for instance, are more likely to develop open-angle glaucoma, while Asians are at higher risk for angle-closure glaucoma.
• High Intraocular Pressure (IOP): Elevated eye pressure is a major risk factor. It doesn’t cause symptoms on its own, so only an eye doctor can detect it through specific testing.
• Existing Health Conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can increase your risk of glaucoma. Managing these conditions and getting regular eye exams is key to early detection.
• Eye Injury or Surgery: A previous eye injury or certain types of eye surgery can raise your risk. Even something as minor as a sports-related injury could have long-term effects on eye health.
• Prolonged Corticosteroid Use: Long-term use of corticosteroid medications can lead to increased eye pressure, potentially contributing to glaucoma.

Why Routine Medical Eye Exams Matter

Glaucoma is most treatable in its early stages - but the early stages are also the most difficult to detect without a professional exam. At Nolo Eye Care + Eyewear Gallery, we use advanced diagnostic tools to assess your eye pressure, evaluate your optic nerve, and perform visual field testing when needed.
 

Regular comprehensive eye exams allow us to detect glaucoma before symptoms develop and begin treatment to slow or prevent vision loss. Most people should get a full eye exam every year, but those at higher risk may need more frequent monitoring.
 

Protect Your Sight at Nolo Eye Care + Eyewear Gallery

Glaucoma is a serious, often symptomless eye condition that can lead to permanent vision loss. By understanding the key risk factors and committing to routine medical eye exams, you can take an active role in protecting your sight.
 

Schedule your routine eye exam at Nolo Eye Care + Eyewear Gallery to stay ahead of glaucoma before it impacts your vision. Contact our office in Nolensville, Tennessee, by calling (615) 283-7321 to book an appointment today.