Glaucoma at Baltimore Washington Eye Center serving greater Baltimore & Washington, D.C.

Glaucoma is really not a single disease but is a collective term that is used to characterize a broad range of eye problems that damage the optic nerve and potentially cause loss of vision. Many patients are under the impression that Glaucoma is simply due to a high pressure within the eye. The pressure inside the eye is called Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and generally falls within some range that is considered “normal”. While a high Intraocular pressure certainly can be one cause of Glaucoma, and in fact is the most common cause of Glaucoma, a high IOP may not be the only cause of Glaucoma. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for patients between the ages of 18-65 years of age. It is estimated that approximately 3 million people have Glaucoma, yet only half of those actually know that they have it. While most people are familiar with the eye disease Glaucoma, few are aware of why Glaucoma is such a significant threat to sight.

Most serious eye diseases, eye conditions or eye problems usually produce some symptoms that make patients uncomfortable or disturb their vision. Glaucoma begins without any symptoms or obvious loss of vision. In this way it is quite insidious in onset and, if not diagnosed and treated early in its course, will lead to progressive, permanent, and unnoticed vision loss. This is what makes it essential to diagnose and treat Glaucoma as early in its course as possible.

How Often Should I be Checked for Glaucoma?

At Baltimore Washington Eye Center, we recommend that all patients over 50 years of age who have no previous family history of Glaucoma or other general health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, be evaluated for Glaucoma every two years.

If there is any family history of Glaucoma at all, or there any other general health problems, we recommend patients be evaluated for Glaucoma every year beginning at age 40.

In addition, we now also know that there is considerable risk for siblings of those who have Glaucoma. In the Nottingham Glaucoma Study, it was found that the siblings of Glaucoma patients are at 5 times the risk for developing Glaucoma by the age of 70 and, therefore, should be examined every year.

Glaucoma is a very complex eye disease, and not simply an elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP). Nonetheless, when detected early it can be successfully treated. Baltimore Washington Eye Center doctors provide the full scope of advanced technology diagnostic testing and treatment, as well as take the time necessary to give each patient the personal education needed to fully understand their condition and get the best possible outcomes for their patients. If you or a family member or friend have not had a recent screening and examination for Glaucoma, please take a moment to request an appointment by calling Baltimore Washington Eye Center at 800.495.3937.    

Patients wishing to learn more about Glaucoma in the greater Baltimore or Washington, D.C area will find that Baltimore Washington Eye Center is conveniently located for people from Arbutus, Carney, Clarksville, Columbia, Dundalk, Edgemere, Essex, Ellicott City, Ferndale, Glen Burnie, Kenwood, Laurel, Linthicum, Lutherville, Millersville, Odenton Owings Mills, Reisterstown, Towson, Parkville, Randallstown, Rivera Beach, Pasadena, Severna Park, South Gate, and Woodlawn Maryland. To schedule an appointment for a Glaucoma consultation or examination please call us at 800.495.3937.