Our Services
Glaucoma
Take control of your eye health with comprehensive glaucoma treatment designed to help prevent vision loss and protect long-term sight
Protecting Your Vision Through Early Detection
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve—the structure responsible for carrying visual information from your eye to your brain. It is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide.
The most common forms of glaucoma develop slowly and often have no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Because vision lost from glaucoma cannot be restored, early detection and lifelong monitoring are essential to preserving your sight.
At North Columbus Eye Center, we provide comprehensive glaucoma evaluations, advanced diagnostic testing, and personalized treatment plans designed to help protect your vision.
Did You Know?
Most people with glaucoma do not notice symptoms until permanent vision loss has already occurred.
Routine comprehensive eye examinations can detect glaucoma early—before you notice changes in your vision.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, most commonly due to pressure inside the eye that is higher than the optic nerve can tolerate. However, glaucoma can also develop in people with normal eye pressure.
Damage from glaucoma usually occurs gradually and affects peripheral (side) vision first. Without treatment, glaucoma can continue to progress and may eventually affect central vision.
Although vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed, early diagnosis and treatment can often slow or prevent additional damage.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but your risk may be higher if you:
Are over age 40?
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Have elevated eye pressure
- Have diabetes
- Are African American, Hispanic/Latino, or of Asian ancestry (depending on the type of glaucoma)
- Are very nearsighted or farsighted
- Have used steroid medications for a prolonged period
- Have had a previous eye injury
- Have thin corneas
Even if you have no symptoms, regular eye examinations are especially important if you have one or more of these risk factors.
Common Symptoms
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
The most common form of glaucoma usually develops without pain or noticeable symptoms.
As vision loss progresses, you may notice:
- Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision
- Difficulty seeing objects off to the side
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages
- Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Although uncommon, this type of glaucoma is a medical emergency and may cause:
- Severe eye pain
- Sudden blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Red eye
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency eye care immediately.
How Glaucoma Damages Vision
The optic nerve contains more than one million nerve fibers that transmit visual information to the brain.
When glaucoma damages these nerve fibers, blind spots gradually develop—typically beginning in the peripheral vision. Because these changes occur slowly, many people do not realize their vision is changing until significant damage has already occurred.
(Educational Illustration: “Healthy Optic Nerve vs. Glaucoma Damage”)
Your Glaucoma Evaluation
A comprehensive glaucoma evaluation helps detect glaucoma, determine your risk, and monitor for changes over time.
Depending on your individual needs, your evaluation may include:
- Comprehensive eye examination
- Measurement of eye pressure (tonometry)
- Careful examination of the optic nerve
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
- Visual field testing
- Corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry), when indicated
- Gonioscopy, when indicated
These tests help us diagnose glaucoma, establish a baseline, and monitor your eye health over time.
Treatment Options
The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower eye pressure and reduce the risk of further optic nerve damage.
Your treatment plan may include:
Prescription Eye Drops
Medications may be prescribed to lower eye pressure.
Laser Treatment
Laser procedures may improve the eye’s natural drainage system and help lower eye pressure. For some patients, laser treatment may be recommended as an initial treatment option.
Glaucoma Surgery
When medications or laser treatment are not sufficient, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) or other glaucoma procedures may be recommended.
Protecting Your Vision
Although glaucoma cannot be prevented, early detection and consistent treatment can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss.
You can help protect your eyesight by:
- Keeping regular eye examinations
- Using prescribed medications exactly as directed
- Attending recommended follow-up appointments
- Informing your ophthalmologist about any changes in your vision
Frequently Asked Questions
Can glaucoma be cured?
No. Glaucoma cannot be cured, and vision already lost cannot be restored. However, treatment can often slow or prevent further vision loss.
Does everyone with high eye pressure have glaucoma?
No. Some people have elevated eye pressure without optic nerve damage, while others develop glaucoma despite having normal eye pressure.
Will I notice glaucoma early?
Usually not. Most people with primary open-angle glaucoma have no symptoms until vision loss has already occurred.
How often should I be checked for glaucoma?
The frequency of eye examinations depends on your age, risk factors, and overall eye health. Dr. Ceravolo will recommend a follow-up schedule based on your individual needs.
Schedule Your Glaucoma Evaluation
Protecting your vision begins with early detection.
If you have risk factors for glaucoma or are due for a comprehensive eye examination, we’re here to help.
Meet Your Physician
Experienced Care for Eye Disease
Dr. Joseph Ceravolo provides comprehensive eye care for patients with diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, and thyroid eye disease, with a focus on early detection, personalized treatment, and long-term vision preservation. By identifying eye conditions before they significantly affect vision, he helps patients protect their eyesight and maintain healthy vision through every stage of life.
Our Blog
Latest News
Stay informed with the latest news, eye care advice, treatment innovations, and aesthetic solutions from our experienced team.
Laser Treatment for Redness and Rosacea in Columbus, GA
Persistent redness and rosacea can be frustrating and difficult to manage with skincare alone. Laser technology offers a targeted solution. How Alma Harmony Helps Specific Harmony handpieces target visible blood vessels and redness, helping reduce flushing and improve…
Treating Sun Damage and Brown Spots with Alma Harmony IPL
Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of premature skin aging. Over time, UV exposure can lead to brown spots, sunspots, and uneven skin tone. Alma Harmony IPL treatments offer an effective solution. What Is IPL? IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses broad-spectrum…
ClearLift® Laser Treatment: The “Lunchtime Facelift” in Columbus, GA
For patients looking to improve skin tone, texture, and firmness without downtime, ClearLift® laser treatment is one of the most popular options available today. Offered through the Alma Harmony platform, ClearLift delivers powerful results while allowing you to…