Why choose Geisinger for glaucoma care?
Although glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss, early diagnosis and the right treatment can slow its progression and protect your sight. Our optometrists and ophthalmologists work as a team, getting to know your eye health over time and building a treatment plan around your needs.
Whether you need a comprehensive eye exam, advanced diagnostic testing, medication management or a minimally invasive procedure, you'll have what you need to manage glaucoma at every stage.
And because glaucoma is a lifelong condition, our specialists stay with you for the long haul — monitoring changes, adjusting your care and helping you hold onto the vision and independence that matter most.
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FAQs
What’s glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye.
In a healthy eye, fluid continuously flows in and out to nourish the eye's tissues. When this fluid doesn't drain properly, pressure can build inside the eye and affect the optic nerve. While elevated eye pressure is a common risk factor, some forms of glaucoma occur even when eye pressure remains within a normal range.
Because glaucoma often develops gradually and without noticeable symptoms, regular eye exams help catch glaucoma early.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Glaucoma often has no symptoms in its early stages. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Difficulty focusing on objects
Having these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have glaucoma, but it's worth scheduling an eye exam to find out.
What are the different types of glaucoma?
There are several types of glaucoma, each affecting the eye in different ways:
- Open-angle glaucoma: The most common form of glaucoma. It develops gradually when fluid doesn't drain properly from the eye, causing pressure to build over time and damage the optic nerve.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: A less common type of glaucoma that occurs when the drainage angle in the eye becomes blocked. This can cause a sudden increase in eye pressure and requires prompt medical attention.
- Normal-tension glaucoma: This form of glaucoma damages the optic nerve even though eye pressure stays in a normal range. The exact cause isn't always known.
- Congenital glaucoma: A rare condition present at birth or developing during infancy due to problems with the eye's drainage system.
What causes glaucoma?
Doctors don’t always know the exact cause of glaucoma. Factors that may increase your risk include:
- Being over 60
- Having a family history of glaucoma
- Having diabetes
- Previous eye injuries
- Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
- Being African American and over 40
- Being Mexican American and over 60
If you have risk factors for glaucoma, regular comprehensive eye exams can help identify changes in your eye health before symptoms develop.
How do you diagnose glaucoma?
Diagnosing glaucoma involves a comprehensive eye examination and specialized testing. Your eye doctor may recommend:
- Visual acuity testing to evaluate your vision
- Dilated eye exams to examine the retina and optic nerve
- Visual field testing to assess peripheral vision
- Tonometry to measure pressure inside the eye
- Pachymetry to measure corneal thickness
These tests help identify glaucoma early and guide treatment decisions.
How do you treat glaucoma?
While glaucoma can't be cured, treatment can help slow or prevent further vision loss. Depending on your needs, treatment options may include:
- Prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure
- Oral medications
- Laser procedures that improve fluid drainage
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
- Traditional glaucoma surgery when necessary
- Vision rehabilitation services and assistive devices
Your care team will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on the type and severity of your glaucoma.
Where can I get glaucoma care in central and northeastern Pennsylvania?
Glaucoma care at Geisinger
When you have glaucoma, you need ongoing care to monitor changes in your vision. Our team offers:
- Coordinated eye care: Optometrists and ophthalmologists work together to diagnose glaucoma, monitor your condition and recommend the right treatment at the right time.
- Advanced treatment options: From prescription eye drops and laser procedures to minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), you'll have access to treatments designed to help preserve your vision.
- Comprehensive diagnostic testing: Specialized eye exams and diagnostic tools help detect glaucoma early and track changes in eye pressure, visual fields and optic nerve health over time.
- Convenient access to follow-up care: With eye care locations in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, it's easier to keep up with the regular appointments and monitoring glaucoma requires.