How Routine Eye Exams Can Catch Glaucoma Before It’s Too Late

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” for good reason. This eye disease develops gradually, damaging the optic nerve without causing noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Many people don’t realize they have glaucoma until vision loss has already occurred - and unfortunately, any vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored. The good news is that routine eye exams can detect glaucoma early, before irreversible damage takes place.
 

Why Early Detection Is Crucial

Glaucoma progresses slowly, and most people experience no pain or vision changes at first. By the time you notice blind spots or blurry vision, the disease is usually advanced. Regular comprehensive eye exams allow eye doctors to monitor changes in eye pressure, the appearance of the optic nerve, and other key markers that point to glaucoma. Catching the disease in its earliest stages gives patients the best chance of preserving their sight through timely treatment.
 

Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?

While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain groups are at higher risk:

• Adults over age 40
• People with a family history of glaucoma
• Individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure
• African American, Hispanic, or Asian populations
• People with high eye pressure or thin corneas

If you fall into any of these categories, scheduling regular eye exams is even more important.
 

What Happens During a Glaucoma Screening

During a routine eye exam, your optometrist will perform several tests designed to identify risk factors for glaucoma:

• Tonometry: Measures the pressure inside your eyes (intraocular pressure).
• Ophthalmoscopy: Allows the doctor to examine the shape and color of your optic nerve.
• Visual Field Testing: Detects any loss of peripheral vision, a common sign of glaucoma.
• OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): Provides detailed imaging of the optic nerve and retinal layers to spot early damage.

These tests are quick, painless, and crucial for protecting your long-term vision.
 

Treatment Options When Glaucoma Is Detected Early

Although glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be managed effectively when caught early. Common treatments include prescription eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery to lower eye pressure and slow disease progression. With proper care, many patients can maintain healthy vision for years to come.
 

Don’t Let Glaucoma Steal Your Sight

Glaucoma doesn’t announce itself with warning signs, but routine eye exams provide the best line of defense. By scheduling regular visits with your eye doctor, you can protect your sight and take control of your eye health before it’s too late.
 

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam at Eye Care Center to detect glaucoma early and keep your eyes healthy for the future. Visit our offices are in Fridley, Maplewood, and Maple Grove, Minnesota. Call (763) 308-8440, (651) 777-3555, or (763) 420-6981 to book an appointment today.