GLAUCOMA MONITORING & CARE

Glaucoma Care in Kailua-Kona

Early detection, eye-pressure monitoring, visual field testing, and long-term medical management to protect your peripheral vision.

Schedule Glaucoma Screening Call Kona Eye Care

Glaucoma: The Silent Sight Stealer

Glaucoma is often called the “sneak thief of sight” because it typically progresses without pain, redness, or noticeable early symptoms.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve—the vital cable transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. In most cases, damage is linked to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) caused by slow internal fluid drainage.

Because glaucoma begins by gradually eroding peripheral (side) vision, many people do not realize vision is slipping away until permanent damage has occurred. Once optic nerve fibers are lost, they cannot be regenerated. However, early detection and consistent management can successfully preserve your sight for life.

Who Is at Higher Risk for Glaucoma?

  • Individuals age 60 and older (or age 40 and older for African American and Hispanic populations)
  • Those with a direct family history of glaucoma (parents or siblings)
  • Patients with high eye pressure, thin central corneas, or severe myopia (nearsightedness)
  • Individuals with diabetes, chronic steroid medication use, or past eye trauma

Diagnostic & Management Protocol

Dr. Nguyen utilizes advanced clinical testing to safeguard your optic nerve:

  • Precision Tonometry: Accurate intraocular pressure measurements tracking day-to-day pressure trends.
  • Computerized Visual Field Perimetry: Sensitive mapping of your peripheral visual field to catch microscopic blind spots early.
  • Optic Nerve Biomicroscopy: Direct microscopic evaluation of optic cup-to-disc ratios and neuroretinal rim health.
  • Target Pressure Drop Therapy: Prescription of topical ocular hypotensive drops tailored to your lifestyle and systemic health.
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Glaucoma Care FAQ

There is currently no cure for glaucoma, and vision lost to optic nerve atrophy cannot be reversed. However, modern medical management—primarily pressure-lowering eye drops, laser procedures, or surgery—is extremely effective at halting further disease progression and protecting your remaining sight.

Yes. This condition is called Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG). In NTG, the optic nerve experiences damage even though intraocular pressure falls within normal statistical ranges. This is why a simple pressure “puff test” is never sufficient on its own—a full optic nerve examination is required.

Take your drops exactly at the prescribed time each day. After instilling a drop, close your eyes gently and press a clean finger against the inner corner of your eyelid (near your nose) for 1 to 2 minutes. This technique (punctal occlusion) prevents the medication from draining into your bloodstream, maximizing effectiveness and minimizing systemic side effects.

Safeguard Your Lifelong Vision with Proactive Glaucoma Care

Whether you need an initial screening or ongoing glaucoma disease management, Dr. Nguyen is here to help.

Schedule Glaucoma Screening Call Kona Eye Care