A patient once came in after noticing halos around lights during night drives. At first, they brushed it off as fatigue. But that visit revealed something much more serious—early-stage glaucoma. It’s a common story, and it’s why the team at Regional Eye Center in Americus and Leesburg emphasizes early detection as the key to preventing vision loss from this often silent condition.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, yet it rarely comes with warning signs in its early stages. That’s why we call it “the sneak thief of sight.” By the time patients notice symptoms like tunnel vision or patchy blind spots, permanent damage has often occurred. Fortunately, early diagnosis and proper management can preserve sight—and quality of life.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is not a single disease but a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure (IOP). The most common type, primary open-angle glaucoma, develops slowly over time. Angle-closure glaucoma, on the other hand, can occur suddenly and is a medical emergency.
Both types require attention, but many patients don’t realize they’re at risk until it’s too late. Risk factors include age over 60, family history, African or Hispanic ancestry, high IOP, and certain medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
How We Detect Glaucoma Early
At Regional Eye Center, our advanced diagnostic tools help us catch glaucoma at its earliest and most treatable stage. During a comprehensive eye exam, we:
- Measure intraocular pressure (tonometry)
- Examine the optic nerve (ophthalmoscopy)
- Test your peripheral vision (visual field test)
- Analyze the drainage angle of the eye (gonioscopy)
- Use OCT imaging to assess optic nerve fibers
With these technologies and the experience of our dedicated eye doctors, we’re able to establish a detailed baseline and monitor changes over time—even before symptoms appear.
Treatment Options for Glaucoma
Once diagnosed, treatment focuses on reducing eye pressure to slow or prevent further damage. Options include:
- Prescription Eye Drops: These reduce fluid production or improve drainage.
- Oral Medications: Sometimes used in conjunction with drops.
- Laser Therapy: Procedures like SLT can improve fluid outflow with minimal discomfort.
- Microsurgery: For advanced cases, procedures like trabeculectomy or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) may be necessary.
Our in-office surgical center—Southwest Georgia’s first—means many of these treatments can be performed right here, without a hospital visit. Dr. Tu and our surgical team have successfully completed over 10,000 procedures, ensuring you’re in expert hands.
Glaucoma Management Is Lifelong—But You’re Not Alone
Being diagnosed with glaucoma doesn’t mean you’ll lose your vision. With regular monitoring, timely treatment, and a strong partnership with your eye care team, most patients can maintain their eyesight for life. At Regional Eye Center, we’re committed to walking every step of that journey with you.
Protect Your Sight with a Comprehensive Eye Exam in Americus or Leesburg
Glaucoma doesn’t wait—and neither should you. Book your comprehensive eye exam at Regional Eye Center and take the first step toward lifelong vision protection.
Call us or visit our offices in Americus or Leesburg to schedule your appointment.