Glaucoma Diagnosis and Management in Bronxville & White Plains, NY
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss, often without early warning signs. At Bronxville Vision Care Inc, our optometrists in Bronxville and White Plains, NY perform thorough glaucoma screenings, determine the severity of any damage, and help you manage glaucoma to protect your sight.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. It is often linked to elevated pressure inside the eye, but it can also occur with normal eye pressure. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss and blindness, and in its most common form, it develops slowly and without pain. Many people do not notice symptoms until significant side vision has already been lost.
Types of Glaucoma
- Open-angle glaucoma – The most common type, which progresses gradually and often without symptoms.
- Angle-closure glaucoma – Occurs when the eye’s drainage angle becomes blocked. Acute attacks cause severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and blurry vision and require emergency eye care.
- Normal-tension glaucoma – Optic nerve damage that occurs even when eye pressure is within the normal range.
- Secondary glaucoma – Caused by another condition, injury, or medication, such as steroid use.
Who Is at Risk?
Risk factors include age over 60, a family history of glaucoma, high eye pressure, diabetes, high blood pressure, high nearsightedness, and long-term steroid use. Patients with diabetes should also review our diabetic eye care services.
Glaucoma Screening and Diagnosis
Early detection of glaucoma is crucial in preventing vision loss; the earlier the better. During a comprehensive eye exam, our highly trained doctors perform a proper screening that includes measuring eye pressure, testing peripheral vision, and examining the optic nerve. Optos Digital Retinal Imaging helps us document the optic nerve and retina so we can track subtle changes over time. These tests also help us determine the severity of any damage.
Managing Glaucoma
There is no cure for glaucoma, but several treatment methods can manage, slow, or halt its progression. Treatment varies depending on the stage and severity for each patient and may include prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure, regular monitoring, and referral for laser or surgical treatment when needed. Consistent follow-up visits are essential. Glaucoma often occurs alongside cataracts and macular degeneration in older adults, so we monitor your overall eye health at every visit. Some glaucoma drops can cause dryness, which our dry eye treatment can help relieve. Visit our conditions page to learn about other eye diseases we manage.
Glaucoma FAQs
Does glaucoma have early symptoms?
The most common type, open-angle glaucoma, usually has no early symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are so important.
Can glaucoma be cured?
There is no cure for glaucoma, but treatment can slow or halt progression and help protect your remaining vision.
How is glaucoma tested?
We measure eye pressure, test peripheral vision, and examine the optic nerve, often using digital retinal imaging.
Is high eye pressure the same as glaucoma?
Not always. High eye pressure is a major risk factor, but glaucoma is diagnosed when there is damage to the optic nerve.
Is glaucoma hereditary?
A family history of glaucoma increases your risk. Let your optometrist know if relatives have been diagnosed.
How often should I be checked for glaucoma?
Adults should be screened during routine eye exams. People with risk factors or a glaucoma diagnosis need more frequent monitoring.
How do I schedule a glaucoma screening?
Call our Bronxville office at (914) 337-4440 or our White Plains office at (914) 949-8900, or request an appointment online.
Protect Your Vision From Glaucoma
Early detection makes all the difference. Call our Bronxville office at (914) 337-4440 or our White Plains office at (914) 949-8900 to schedule your glaucoma screening.