As we age, our eyes naturally begin to change, but not all vision problems are simply part of getting older. Some develop quietly, without warning signs, until it’s too late to reverse the damage. One of the most common and serious of these conditions is glaucoma. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma gradually damages the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. For seniors in particular, the stakes are high. That’s why early screening is one of the most important steps you can take to preserve your eyesight. At Koziol-Thoms-Eye in Arlington Heights, we specialize in helping you stay ahead of glaucoma with personalized, compassionate care.
Understanding Glaucoma and How It Affects the Eyes
Glaucoma isn’t just one condition, it’s a group of eye disorders that cause damage to the optic nerve, usually due to high pressure in the eye. It can affect one or both eyes and often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. That’s what makes it so dangerous. While your central vision might remain clear for a while, the disease slowly takes away peripheral vision, making everyday tasks like driving, walking, and reading more difficult over time.
At Koziol-Thoms-Eye, we help our patients understand what glaucoma really is and why early detection is essential. If you’ve never had a glaucoma screening or haven’t had one in a while, now is the perfect time to take action, especially if you’re over 60 or have a family history of the disease.
What Happens During a Glaucoma Screening
When you visit Koziol-Thoms-Eye for a glaucoma screening, we make the process as comfortable and straightforward as possible. It starts with a conversation. We’ll ask about your vision history, any changes you’ve noticed, and whether you have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, which may increase your risk. From there, we perform several painless tests that help us evaluate the pressure inside your eye, the shape and health of your optic nerve, and your field of vision.
These tests include tonometry to measure intraocular pressure and visual field tests to check for areas of vision loss. We may also use advanced imaging tools to capture detailed views of your optic nerve. While these steps might sound technical, they’re quick and non-invasive. Most importantly, they give us valuable insights into our eye health and whether glaucoma is beginning to develop.
Why Early Detection Makes a Difference
The good news is that if glaucoma is caught early, its progression can often be slowed or even stopped. While there is currently no cure for the condition, treatment options like prescription eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery can help lower eye pressure and protect your vision. The key is to begin treatment before significant damage occurs.
That’s why our team in Arlington Heights places such a strong emphasis on preventive care. Regular screenings allow us to track your eye pressure and optic nerve health over time. Even if you don’t have symptoms now, those small changes we monitor during your visits can make a big difference in preserving your sight for years to come.
Supporting Seniors with Personalized Eye Care
For many seniors, eye care often takes a backseat to other health concerns. But when it comes to glaucoma, waiting can have serious consequences. At Koziol-Thoms-Eye, we make it easy for seniors to access high-quality care by offering clear explanations, kind support, and a relaxed environment. Our goal is to help you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Whether you’re getting ready for a big event, spending time with family, or simply enjoying the outdoors in Arlington Heights, your eyesight plays a major role in your quality of life. Regular glaucoma screenings are one of the simplest ways to protect that vision, especially as you age.
Making Vision a Priority at Any Age
Even if your eyes feel fine, glaucoma could still be developing in the background. That’s why screenings should become a regular part of your health routine, just like physical check-ups or dental visits. At Koziol-Thoms-Eye, we encourage our patients to stay proactive because when it comes to glaucoma, early action is the best defense.
Whether you’re new to our clinic or have been coming for years, we’re here to support your journey with personalized eye screenings, advanced diagnostics, and ongoing care. Our Arlington Heights team believes in building long-term relationships with our patients so we can track changes, provide timely treatment, and help you maintain clear, comfortable vision for all of life’s moments.
Conclusion
Glaucoma may be silent, but its impact can be life-changing. The best way to protect your vision is through early screening and consistent monitoring. At Koziol-Thoms-Eye in Arlington Heights, we provide seniors with the tools and care they need to stay ahead of glaucoma and other eye health concerns.
If you’re over 60 or have any risk factors, now is the right time to take action. Schedule your glaucoma screening today and take the first step toward safeguarding your vision for the future.
FAQs
At what age should I start glaucoma screenings?
If you’re over 60, it’s recommended to have annual glaucoma screenings. However, if you have risk factors like family history, diabetes, or high eye pressure, you may need to start earlier.
Can glaucoma be cured once it starts?
While there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection and proper treatment can help manage the condition and prevent vision loss.
Does glaucoma have any symptoms?
In its early stages, glaucoma often has no symptoms. That’s why regular screenings are crucial. As it progresses, you may notice loss of peripheral vision or difficulty adjusting to low light.
How long does a glaucoma screening take?
Most glaucoma screenings take under an hour and are painless. Your eyes may be dilated for a closer exam, so you might experience temporary light sensitivity afterward.
Is glaucoma only a concern for seniors?
While glaucoma is more common in older adults, it can affect anyone. People with certain risk factors may develop it earlier, making regular eye exams important for all ages.
