Glaucoma

Glaucoma can be sneaky. In its earliest stages, you can have this eye condition but not know it. Left untreated, it can rob you of your sight and, in some cases, your independence.

Emory Eye Center is here to help you prevent that. You can turn to us for routine eye exams that help detect glaucoma early. And if you have the condition, we’re here with a full range of medical, surgical and emergency treatments for your vision health.

At Emory Eye Center, you’ll find a team of glaucoma specialists committed to helping you prevent vision loss. They work collaboratively to ensure you receive the latest diagnostic tests and treatment. But their work isn’t limited to patient care.

Our doctors serve as faculty members at Emory University School of Medicine. They work to identify the causes and cures for glaucoma and other eye conditions. They’re up to date on the latest research findings and continuously work to improve vision health care for all.

Fluid naturally flows through your eyes. Glaucoma occurs when normal fluid pressure rises. Increased pressure can damage the optic nerve, which transmits images from your eye’s retina to your brain.

If your eye pressure stays too high for too long, your vision will get worse. Without treatment, blindness may occur within a few years.

There are many types of glaucoma. The two main types include:

• Acute-angle closure glaucoma: Pressure rises to high levels quickly. It can cause severe eye pain and needs immediate treatment.
• Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common type and causes a slow increase in pressure.

You have an increased risk of glaucoma if you:

If you have multiple risk factors, your risk of glaucoma increases.

Babies and children can develop glaucoma. It’s a leading cause of blindness in youngsters, especially in the developing world. The childhood version is a more complex chronic condition than the most common form of glaucoma in adults.

In its earliest stages, glaucoma may not cause symptoms. However, if it remains untreated, you may lose side vision (peripheral vision) and eventually all vision.

Other symptoms may include: