Ever hear someone say, “I didn’t even know I had it until it was too late”? That’s the story for far too many people with glaucoma. It’s called “the silent thief of sight” for a reason—it can cause vision loss without warning.
At VisionMD Eye Doctors, we take glaucoma seriously. From our comprehensive eye exams to personalized eye care plans, we offer advanced glaucoma surgery right here in Glenn Dale and College Park.
Dr. Saya Nagori and Dr. Katrina Chin Loy are two of our trusted ophthalmologists with extensive experience managing glaucoma. They use state-of-the-art technology to spot even the earliest signs, and they’re supported by a dedicated team that takes the time to walk each patient through their options.
How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
Detecting glaucoma in the early stages gives you the best chance of preserving your vision. During your regular eye exam, we use several tests to catch signs of glaucoma—often before symptoms appear:
- Eye pressure check (tonometry): Elevated pressure in your eye is one of the earliest signs of glaucoma.
- Visual field test: This assesses your peripheral vision, which is often the first area affected.
- Optic nerve imaging: We use high-resolution scans to monitor changes in the optic nerve over time.
- Pachymetry: This test measures the thickness of your cornea, which helps us interpret intraocular pressure readings more accurately.
- Dilated eye exam: This allows us to examine the health of the optic nerve and retina in greater detail.
Our team takes the time to explain the purpose of each test and its importance. You’ll never feel rushed or left in the dark when it comes to your eye health.
Glaucoma Treatment Options at VisionMD Eye Doctors
Glaucoma treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. At VisionMD Eye Doctors, we offer a range of options for treating glaucoma depending on the type you have, how advanced it is, and what works best for your lifestyle.
Prescription Eye Drops
These are often the first step in treatment. They help lower eye pressure by either reducing fluid production in the eye or improving drainage. If you’re using drops, we’ll work closely with you to ensure they’re effective and that side effects are minimal.
Oral Medications
Sometimes, we recommend pills alongside or instead of drops. These work similarly to reduce high eye pressure, but they’re often used short-term or in combination with other therapies.
Laser Therapy
Glaucoma laser treatments, can improve the eye’s drainage system and reduce the need for daily medication. This procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and performed right here in our office.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
For patients who require a more advanced approach, we may recommend minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). These minor procedures reduce pressure without the longer recovery of traditional surgery.
Traditional Surgery
In more advanced cases, surgeries like trabeculectomy or tube shunts may be necessary. We’ll guide you through the process, ensuring you understand the benefits, risk factors, and what recovery will entail.
Keep an Eye on Your Glaucoma with Ongoing Monitoring
Once you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, regular check-ins are essential. This isn’t a condition you treat once and forget. Your vision can change over time, and staying ahead of those changes makes all the difference.
At VisionMD Eye Doctors, we create a personalized monitoring plan based on your specific needs. That might mean visits every 3–6 months, depending on the stability of your condition. During those appointments, we’ll repeat some of the key tests—especially visual field exams and optic nerve imaging—to track any changes.
Because we invest in high-end technology and have the time to focus on the little details, you can feel confident that nothing gets overlooked. And if something does change, we’ll adjust your treatment plan right away.
Take Charge of Your Vision in Glenn Dale and College Park
Glaucoma might be silent, but the steps to protect your vision don’t have to be. At VisionMD Eye Doctors, we’re here to help you stay informed, stay proactive, and stay seeing clearly.
Our clinics in Glenn Dale and College Park have the tools and skills to care for you now and in the future. If you’ve never had a glaucoma screening—or if it’s been a while since your last one—book your appointment.