Protect your vision—early detection is key.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye. It’s one of the leading causes of blindness in people over 60—but it can be managed if caught early. That’s why regular eye exams are so important.

What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma usually develops when fluid builds up in the eye, increasing pressure and damaging the optic nerve. The two main types are:

• Open-angle glaucoma: The most common form, where fluid drains too slowly despite a normal-looking drainage angle.
  
  
• Angle-closure glaucoma: Less common, but more urgent—caused by a sudden blockage in the drainage angle, leading to a rapid pressure increase.
  
  

Symptoms May Include:

• Loss of peripheral (side) vision
  
  
• Eye pain or pressure
  
  
• Halos around lights
  
  
• Redness or blurred vision
  
  
• Nausea or vomiting (in acute cases)
  
  

Many people have no symptoms until vision loss occurs, making early detection through annual exams essential.

Who’s at Risk?

• People over 40
  
  
• Those with a family history of glaucoma
  
  
• Individuals with diabetes
  
  
• People with past eye injuries or prolonged steroid use
  
  

Diagnosis & Treatment
At Potomac Eye Care, we use advanced testing to check your eye pressure, evaluate your optic nerve, and assess your peripheral vision. If glaucoma is detected, treatment may include prescription eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery—depending on severity.

Stay ahead of glaucoma. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today.