Glaucoma Treatment in Lynchburg, VA

Early Detection Can Help Protect Your Vision

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they have it until vision loss has already occurred.

Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma can develop without noticeable symptoms. In its most common form, the disease gradually damages the optic nerve, which connects your eye to your brain.

Vision loss often begins with your peripheral (side) vision. As the disease progresses, it can eventually affect your central vision.

How Is Glaucoma Treated?

Although glaucoma has no cure, treatment can help protect your remaining vision. Most treatments focus on lowering eye pressure to reduce further damage to the optic nerve. 

Depending on your condition, your ophthalmologist may recommend:

  • Prescription Eye Drops: Medications that help lower pressure inside your eye.

  • Oral Medications: Sometimes used to help control eye pressure.

  • Laser Treatment: Procedures that improve fluid drainage or reduce fluid production inside the eye.

  • Glaucoma Surgery: Surgical procedures that help lower eye pressure when additional treatment is needed.

At Piedmont Eye Center, we use advanced diagnostic technology to detect glaucoma and monitor changes in your eye health.

Our team develops personalized treatment plans based on your condition, eye pressure, and risk of future vision loss.

Meet Our Glaucoma Care Team

You don’t have to travel far to find experienced glaucoma care. Piedmont Eye Center offers comprehensive glaucoma evaluation and treatment right here in Central Virginia.

Our glaucoma care team includes:

Together, our physicians provide care for patients at different stages of glaucoma. Services include early diagnosis, ongoing monitoring, medications, laser treatments, and surgical options.

When Should You Schedule a Glaucoma Evaluation?

Because glaucoma often develops without warning signs, regular comprehensive eye exams are important.

You may need closer monitoring if you have:

  • A family history of glaucoma

  • Elevated eye pressure

  • Diabetes or certain other medical conditions

  • A previous eye injury

  • Increasing age or other glaucoma risk factors

Your ophthalmologist can help determine how often you should have your eyes examined.

Schedule Your Glaucoma Appointment

Have you been diagnosed with glaucoma or told you have elevated eye pressure? Perhaps you’re looking for a second opinion or exploring additional treatment options.

At Piedmont Eye Center, we’re here to answer your questions and help you understand your eye health.

Request an Appointment with our glaucoma care team in Lynchburg, VA.

doctor conducting an eye exam on a man

FAQ

What is glaucoma?

There are many types of glaucoma. Most types are associated with high eye pressure (intraocular pressure). Other types, known as “low tension” or “normal tension” glaucoma are not associated with high eye pressure. The most common type of glaucoma associated with elevated pressure is called “primary open angle glaucoma” or POAG. In this case, the elevated eye pressure causes damage to the optic nerve, which is an important structure that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. As nerve damage progresses, vision is irreversibly lost. In the vast majority of cases, there is no eye pain or other symptoms to indicate a problem. Therefore, most people with undiagnosed glaucoma do not realize something is wrong until the advanced stages of the disease. The lack of symptoms has earned glaucoma the reputation of being the “silent thief of sight.” Early detection and treatment are critical to preserving sight. The best way to detect glaucoma is through a complete eye examination.

What’s the difference between glaucoma and ocular hypertension?

Ocular hypertension (OHT) is a condition in which there is elevated intraocular pressure but no evidence of optic nerve damage. Some patients never develop damage, whereas some do progress to glaucoma. All patients with OHT need regular follow-ups since there is no way to predict who will develop nerve damage and vision loss.

Who’s at the most risk for glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma at any age. However, people over age 60, African-Americans, highly nearsighted individuals, those with diabetes, history of eye trauma, or a family history of glaucoma are at higher risk than the average person.

What are the early signs and symptoms of glaucoma?

There are no reliable early signs of glaucoma, and any damage that occurs is irreversible. This is why it is so important to have regular eye exams. The earlier the condition is detected, the better the odds of preserving vision.

Is glaucoma curable?

Although glaucoma is not curable, it is treatable. Glaucoma treatment is highly effective and can slow down or stop the progression of the disease. With early diagnosis and treatment, most people with glaucoma can retain their vision long-term.

What glaucoma treatments are currently available?

There are a variety of prescription eye drops that are used to reduce intraocular pressure. These drops are used one or several times a day, depending on the medication. Laser surgery can also be used alone or in combination with drops to help lower the eye pressure. In cases where drops of laser cannot get to the eye pressure low enough, surgery may be necessary and usually can be performed as an outpatient procedure.

Online resources
Glaucoma Research Foundation: www.glaucoma.org
The Glaucoma Foundation: www.glaucomafoundation.org
American Glaucoma Society: www.glaucomaweb.org