Glaucoma

Glaucoma Eye Exams, Diagnosis & Management in Everett, WA

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, but early detection and ongoing monitoring can help protect your vision. At Silver Lake Eye Care Center in Everett, WA, Dr. Darran Kim, Dr. Katy Tan, and our experienced eye care team provide comprehensive glaucoma evaluations to identify risk factors, detect early changes, and monitor your eye health over time.

Because glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms, routine glaucoma screenings are essential—even if your vision seems normal.
 

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the connection between your eye and brain that allows you to see. Over time, damage to the optic nerve can lead to permanent vision loss.

Many forms of glaucoma are associated with increased intraocular pressure (eye pressure), but glaucoma can also occur when eye pressure is within a normal range. This is why a complete glaucoma evaluation involves more than just checking your eye pressure.
 

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Early glaucoma often has no symptoms. Many patients do not notice vision changes until the disease has already caused permanent optic nerve damage.

As glaucoma progresses, symptoms may include:

• Loss of peripheral (side) vision

• Difficulty seeing in dim lighting or low-contrast situations

• Needing more light to read or perform tasks

• Increased difficulty adjusting between bright and dark environments

• Advanced vision loss in severe cases

Because early glaucoma can be silent, regular comprehensive eye exams and glaucoma testing are the best way to detect changes before noticeable vision loss occurs.
 

Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?

You may have a higher risk of developing glaucoma if you have:

• A family history of glaucoma

• Elevated eye pressure

• Increasing age

• High levels of nearsightedness (myopia)

• Diabetes or other medical conditions affecting eye health

• A history of eye trauma

• Long-term use of steroid medications

• Certain genetic or racial risk factors

If you have glaucoma risk factors, regular monitoring can help detect changes early and allow for timely treatment.
 

How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

At Silver Lake Eye Care Center, we use advanced diagnostic technology to evaluate the health of your optic nerve, measure eye pressure, assess visual function, and detect glaucoma at its earliest stages.

• Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Measurement – Measures the pressure inside your eye to identify elevated eye pressure, a major risk factor for glaucoma.

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Produces detailed images of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer to detect early glaucoma damage before vision changes occur.

• Visual Field Testing – Evaluates your peripheral vision to detect vision loss caused by glaucoma.

• Electroretinogram (ERG) – Evaluates retinal ganglion cell function and may help identify early functional changes associated with glaucoma.

• Corneal Hysteresis – Measures the biomechanical properties of the cornea. Lower corneal hysteresis has been associated with a higher risk of glaucoma progression.

• Eye Angle Assessment (Gonioscopy) – Examines the drainage angle of the eye to determine whether glaucoma is open-angle or angle-closure.

• Optic Nerve Evaluation – Examines the appearance of the optic nerve for changes that may indicate glaucoma.

How is Glaucoma Treated?

Although glaucoma cannot be cured and vision loss cannot be reversed, early treatment can help slow or prevent further damage to the optic nerve and preserve your remaining vision.

Depending on the type and severity of glaucoma, treatment may include prescription eye drops, laser procedures, surgery, or ongoing monitoring. At Silver Lake Eye Care Center, we develop personalized treatment and monitoring plans based on your individual needs and coordinate your care with ophthalmologists when surgery or other advanced treatments are needed.
 

Schedule a Glaucoma Eye Exam in Everett, WA

If you are at risk for glaucoma, have elevated eye pressure, or have been diagnosed with glaucoma, our experienced team is here to help protect your vision. Contact Silver Lake Eye Care Center today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and glaucoma evaluation.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when damage to the optic nerve leads to gradual vision loss. While elevated eye pressure is a major risk factor, glaucoma can also develop in people with normal eye pressure. Genetics, age, certain medical conditions, eye injuries, and long-term steroid use can all increase your risk.

2. Is glaucoma hereditary?
Yes. Having a parent, sibling, or close relative with glaucoma significantly increases your risk of developing the disease. If you have a family history of glaucoma, regular comprehensive eye exams are especially important.

3. Can glaucoma cause blindness?
Yes. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause progressive, irreversible vision loss and eventually blindness. Fortunately, early detection and ongoing management can greatly reduce the risk of severe vision loss.

4. What is ocular hypertension?
Ocular hypertension means the pressure inside the eye is higher than normal. While ocular hypertension is not glaucoma, it is a significant risk factor, and regular monitoring is important because some patients eventually develop glaucoma.

5. How often should I get tested for glaucoma?
The recommended frequency depends on your age, overall eye health, family history, and individual glaucoma risk factors. At Silver Lake Eye Care Center in Everett, WA, our experienced doctors will evaluate your risk and recommend a personalized monitoring and follow-up schedule based on your unique eye health needs.

Schedule Your Eye Exam