Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can slowly damage your vision without you noticing until it’s advanced. Around 4+ million adults in the U.S. have glaucoma, and many don’t even know it. Early detection and treatment are game-changers for preserving your sight. (Source)

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions where pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve — the cable that carries visual signals from your eye to your brain. Once that nerve is harmed, vision loss cannot be reversed, which is why catching it early matters. (Source)

Think of your eye like a slowly clogging sink: fluid drains more slowly over time, pressure builds, and if untreated the “pipe” (your optic nerve) gets damaged without obvious warning signs.

Why It’s Called the Silent Thief

Glaucoma often doesn’t hurt or show symptoms early on. Many people don’t notice problems until peripheral vision begins to fade — sometimes permanently — which is why regular eye exams are your best defense. (Source)

Common Types of Glaucoma

Who’s at Risk?

Everyone can get glaucoma, but risk increases with:

• Age — especially 60+
• Family history of glaucoma
• Race/ethnicity — African, Hispanic, and Asian descent can carry higher risk
• High eye pressure or thin corneas
• Medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
• Previous eye injuries

If you check one or more boxes, regular eye exams are even more essential. (Source)

How Glaucoma Is Diagnosed

Your eye doctor may use several tools:

• Tonometry — measures eye pressure
• Visual field testing — checks peripheral vision
• Optic nerve imaging — looks for early changes
• Gonioscopy — evaluates the drainage angle

Most importantly: dilated, comprehensive exams help catch glaucoma before vision loss becomes noticeable. (Source)

Treatment Options: Protecting What You Have

There’s no cure yet for glaucoma, but treatments can slow or halt further vision loss. (Source) Options include: