At Arizona Eye Institute, our experienced eye doctors offer comprehensive glaucoma management — from early detection through advanced surgical treatment.
Glaucoma is a group of progressive eye conditions that damage the optic nerve — most often due to elevated intraocular pressure. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” it typically progresses without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has already occurred. An estimated 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but nearly half are unaware of it. The only way to detect it early is through regular comprehensive eye exams.
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): The most common form. Drainage channels become partially blocked over time, causing pressure to gradually increase and silently damage the optic nerve.
Narrow-Angle (Angle-Closure) Glaucoma: Less common, but potentially serious. A sudden blockage can cause a rapid, dangerous pressure spike. Symptoms: sudden eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, halos around lights. This is a medical emergency — seek immediate care.
Secondary Glaucoma: Caused by another eye condition, injury, or medication.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage occurs even with normal intraocular pressure.
Testing includes: intraocular pressure, optic nerve evaluation, peripheral visual field, corneal thickness, and OCT imaging to detect early structural changes.
Nonsurgical treatments may include prescription medications or laser procedures:
Medicated Eye Drops: First-line treatment reducing IOP by decreasing fluid production or improving drainage.
Laser Treatment: SLT and LPI are effective options to improve drainage and lower pressure.
Surgical Options: Trabeculectomy, tube shunts, and MIGS for cases where medications and laser aren’t sufficient.
I-Stent: A microscale device implanted during cataract surgery to improve fluid drainage.
Sustained-Release Implants: Glaucoma iDose and Allergan Durysta for ongoing IOP management.
FLAG: Confirm current availability of iDose and Durysta at this practice.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss within hours. If you experience sudden eye pain, vision changes, headache, nausea, or halos, call us immediately.
Phone: (623) 975-2020
Adults with no known risk factors should have a baseline exam by age 40. Those with risk factors, or anyone over 60, should be evaluated annually.
No. Vision lost to glaucoma is permanent. Early detection and treatment are critical — the goal is to stop progression and protect the vision you have.
For most patients, yes. It’s a chronic condition requiring ongoing monitoring and management.
