MEDICAL EYE CARE
Protecting the vision you have.
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which carries visual information to the brain. It can advance quietly. Care focuses on finding change early and reducing the chance of further damage.
EARLY SIGNS
Often no noticeable symptoms
CARE GOAL
Preserve remaining vision
FOLLOW-UP
Ongoing, even when vision feels stable
On this page: Understanding glaucoma · How testing guides your care · Treatment options · Expected outcomes & follow-up · When symptoms need urgent attention
Understanding glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form. Side vision may gradually become affected before you notice a problem. Eye pressure is one part of the picture: glaucoma can occur at pressures considered normal, and elevated pressure alone does not always mean glaucoma.
A family history of glaucoma and increasing age can raise risk. Tell your clinician about relatives with the condition and bring any previous pressure readings or eye records.
How testing guides your care
A glaucoma evaluation may combine several measurements rather than relying on one pressure reading.
Pressure & corneal thickness
Tonometry measures pressure. Pachymetry measures corneal thickness, which helps your clinician interpret the reading.
Visual field testing
A response-to-light test maps areas of vision. Repeat tests help the clinician look for functional change.
Optic nerve & drainage angle
Our in-office OCT helps assess nerve structure. Examination of the drainage angle may also be recommended as part of a glaucoma work-up.
OCT, Optos retinal imaging with autofluorescence, and visual fields are available in our office. The tests recommended for you depend on your condition.
Treatment options
We provide medical evaluation and follow-up in Torrington. When advanced procedural care is needed, we coordinate with our selected referral and co-management network. Treatment depends on your examination.
Prescription eye drops
Different drops lower pressure by reducing fluid production or improving drainage. The choice depends on your eye findings, other health conditions, side effects, and ability to use the drops consistently. Tell your clinician about irritation, missed doses, or cost concerns rather than stopping treatment on your own.
Laser treatment
Laser trabeculoplasty can improve drainage in open-angle glaucoma. It may reduce pressure, but it does not work for everyone and some patients still need drops. Its effect can lessen over time, so repeat treatment or another approach may be discussed. Follow-up pressure checks remain important.
Surgical options
If pressure is not adequately controlled, an ophthalmic surgeon may discuss procedures that create or improve drainage. Options include filtering surgery, drainage implants, or selected minimally invasive procedures. The best fit depends on glaucoma type, severity, prior treatment, and whether cataract surgery is planned. Surgery has risks, including infection and pressure changes.
Expected outcomes & follow-up
Treatment aims to preserve sight; it cannot restore vision already lost to glaucoma. A stable result may mean that pressure and tests remain controlled rather than that you notice clearer vision.
Your follow-up schedule should reflect your risk and response to treatment. Ask what pressure range is being targeted, which results will be compared over time, and what would lead to a change in your plan.
When symptoms need urgent attention
Severe eye pain with redness, blurred vision, or nausea can be a sign of acute angle closure. Seek immediate eye care or emergency-department care; do not wait for a routine visit.
Questions patients ask
Does feeling fine mean my glaucoma is stable?
No. Glaucoma can progress without noticeable symptoms. Keep the follow-up visits and testing recommended by your clinician.
Can I stop drops after laser?
Only if your treating clinician tells you to. Laser may reduce the need for medicine, but many patients continue drops and monitoring.
PATIENT EDUCATION SOURCES
NEI: Glaucoma ↗ · AAO EyeWiki: Glaucoma screening ↗ · NEI: Glaucoma medicines ↗ · NEI: Glaucoma laser treatment ↗ · NEI: Glaucoma surgery ↗
Educational content updated September 2026. Your diagnosis and care plan require an individual examination.