Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually without symptoms until vision is lost. Regular eye exams catch it early, and treatment with drops, laser, or surgery can prevent further loss.

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve — the cable that carries images from the eye to the brain — often because pressure inside the eye is too high for that nerve to tolerate. The most common type, open-angle glaucoma, causes no pain and no early symptoms. Side (peripheral) vision is lost slowly, and by the time most people notice, permanent damage has occurred.

Risk is higher if you are over 60, are of African or Hispanic descent, have a family history of glaucoma, have diabetes or high blood pressure, are very nearsighted, or have used steroid medications long term.

Common symptoms

  • Usually none in the early stages
  • Gradual loss of side vision
  • In acute angle-closure glaucoma: sudden severe eye pain, headache, nausea, redness, and blurred vision with halos

When to seek care right away

Sudden eye pain with blurred vision, halos, headache, or nausea can be acute angle-closure glaucoma — a medical emergency. Call us right away or go to the Erlanger emergency department.

Office: (423) 243-3330 · After hours, Erlanger operator: (423) 778-7000

How Dr. Nicola can help

  • Measurement of eye pressure, optic nerve evaluation, and visual field testing to diagnose glaucoma and track it over time
  • Prescription eye drops that lower eye pressure
  • Laser treatment options when appropriate
  • Referral and coordination for glaucoma surgery when drops and laser are not enough
  • Long-term monitoring — glaucoma can be controlled, but it requires lifelong follow-up

Frequently asked questions

Can glaucoma be cured?

Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, but treatment can slow or stop further damage. That is why early detection through regular dilated eye exams matters so much.

If my eye pressure is normal, can I still have glaucoma?

Yes. Some people develop “normal-tension” glaucoma. Diagnosis depends on examining the optic nerve and testing the visual field, not on pressure alone.

This page is general patient education and is not a substitute for an examination. If you have a question about your own eyes, please call our office.