Glaucoma can develop gradually and cause permanent vision loss before noticeable symptoms appear. At Linden Optometry, we provide glaucoma care in Pasadena, CA, using thorough eye examinations and advanced diagnostic technology to evaluate the optic nerve, measure eye pressure, and monitor changes over time.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a silent eye disease that damages the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is often associated with elevated pressure inside the eye, although glaucoma can also occur when eye pressure falls within a normal range.

Vision already lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, making timely diagnosis and management essential.

Common types of glaucoma include open-angle glaucoma, the most frequently diagnosed form, and angle-closure glaucoma, which occurs when the eye’s drainage angle becomes blocked. Other forms include normal-tension glaucoma, secondary glaucoma caused by another condition or injury, and congenital glaucoma present at birth.

The Importance of Early Detection

Open-angle glaucoma often progresses without pain or obvious early symptoms. Regular eye exams allow our Pasadena optometrists to identify risk factors and detect optic nerve changes before significant vision loss develops. Early treatment can help slow or stop further damage and preserve remaining vision.

Your risk may be higher if you have a family history of glaucoma, are over age 60, have certain medical conditions, use corticosteroids for an extended period, or have experienced previous eye injuries or surgeries.

How Glaucoma Is Diagnosed

A glaucoma evaluation begins with a review of your medical history, family history, current medications, and vision concerns. During your eye exam at Linden Optometry, we may measure your eye pressure with tonometry and dilate your pupils to examine the optic nerve.

Additional testing may include visual field testing to evaluate peripheral vision, pachymetry to measure corneal thickness, and gonioscopy to examine the eye’s drainage angle. Optical coherence tomography, or OCT, provides detailed information about the nerve-fiber layer beneath the retina and optic nerve so we can document subtle changes and compare results over time. Optos ultra-widefield imaging may also be used to create a broader view of the retina and optic nerve.

Early Signs to Watch For

Most patients with open-angle glaucoma do not notice symptoms during the early stages. As the condition progresses, warning signs may include:

Gradual loss of peripheral vision
Blind spots in your field of vision
Blurred or reduced vision
Rainbow-colored rings around lights
Sudden eye pain, redness, headache, or nausea

Sudden eye pain, redness, blurred vision, or nausea may indicate angle-closure glaucoma and requires immediate medical attention.

Personalized Glaucoma Management

Glaucoma management focuses on lowering eye pressure and protecting the optic nerve. Depending on your diagnosis, care may involve prescription eye drops, regular pressure checks, OCT imaging, and visual field testing. When laser treatment or surgery is needed, we can coordinate care with a specialist and continue monitoring your eye health.

Protect your vision with personalized glaucoma care at Linden Optometry. Schedule an eye exam at 477 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101, by calling (626) 796-1191 to book an appointment.