Glaucoma often develops without symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. We use advanced imaging to detect it early, monitor it closely, and manage it effectively to protect your long-term sight.
Glaucoma is often called the silent thief of vision because it steals peripheral sight gradually, without pain or warning, until damage is already significant. At Santé Eyecare, we use OCT optic nerve imaging, Optomap widefield retinal photography, and intraocular pressure (IOP) testing at every exam to detect subtle changes before they become irreversible. Early detection is not just helpful — it is the difference between preserved vision and permanent loss. Not sure if you are at risk? Learn about glaucoma symptoms and risk factors.
Many people with glaucoma have no idea until an eye exam reveals it. If you fall into any of these groups, regular glaucoma screening is especially important.
Adults with elevated eye pressure
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most significant modifiable risk factor for glaucoma. If your eye pressure has been flagged as high or borderline, close monitoring is essential to determine whether intervention is needed.
Patients with family history of glaucoma
First-degree relatives of patients with glaucoma have a four to nine times higher risk of developing the disease. If a parent or sibling has glaucoma, you need regular optic nerve and pressure monitoring even if you have no current symptoms.
Adults 60+ or those with diabetes or high blood pressure
Age is a primary risk factor for glaucoma. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high myopia also increase risk. Annual comprehensive exams with imaging are critical for anyone in these categories.
Whether this is your first glaucoma screening or ongoing monitoring, our process is thorough, precise, and designed to give you complete confidence in your eye health status.
We evaluate intraocular pressure, optic nerve appearance, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness using OCT imaging and Optomap photography — giving a complete baseline picture of your glaucoma risk.
For patients with elevated pressure or suspected glaucoma, we schedule regular follow-up visits to measure IOP trends, compare optic nerve imaging year over year, and detect any signs of progression as early as possible.
When treatment is required, we prescribe and manage pressure-lowering eye drops for glaucoma suspects and early glaucoma. For more advanced disease, we coordinate referrals to trusted ophthalmologists for laser treatment or surgery, and provide co-management care throughout.
Have a question not answered here? Feel free to call or text our team.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve — the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. The most common form, open-angle glaucoma, is typically caused by elevated intraocular pressure that gradually damages nerve fibers over time. Because peripheral vision is affected first, most people have no symptoms until significant damage has already occurred.
There is currently no cure for glaucoma, and vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored. However, with early detection and proper treatment, glaucoma progression can be slowed or halted, preserving the vision you have. This is why regular screening and monitoring — even before symptoms appear — is so critically important.
Not necessarily. When detected early and managed appropriately, many patients with glaucoma maintain good functional vision throughout their lives. The key is early diagnosis and consistent treatment compliance. Patients who skip follow-up exams or stop using prescribed drops are at much higher risk of significant vision loss.
The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower intraocular pressure to protect the optic nerve. Options include prescription eye drops (the most common first-line treatment), laser therapy (selective laser trabeculoplasty, or SLT), and surgical procedures for more advanced disease. Our optometrists manage early and moderate glaucoma and coordinate with ophthalmology specialists when laser or surgical intervention is indicated.
Most patients with glaucoma do not require surgery, especially when the condition is caught early. Eye drops effectively control pressure for a large proportion of patients. Laser treatment is a common next step when drops are insufficient or poorly tolerated. Surgery is typically reserved for cases where other approaches have failed to adequately control pressure. We will guide you through the appropriate level of care for your specific situation.
Regular screening is the only way to protect yourself. Book a comprehensive exam today.