Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 3 minutes
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide, yet many people don’t know they have it until damage has already occurred. That’s because most forms of glaucoma develop without pain or obvious symptoms in the early stages.
We provide eye care for children and adults at our locations in Denver, Aurora, Hampden and Thornton. We accept Medicaid!
| Dental and Vision Care in One Convenient Location At our Denver and Aurora locations, Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics and Youth Vision are conveniently located in the same building. This means your child can receive both dental and vision care at one familiar location, without extra travel or scheduling stress. |
Table of Contents
What Is Usually the First Sign of Glaucoma?
Most people do not notice any early signs of glaucoma. The first change is typically subtle loss of peripheral vision, which develops gradually and is easy to miss.
Glaucoma affects the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. Once optic nerve fibers are damaged, the vision they control does not return. In many cases, this damage is linked to elevated pressure inside the eye, but glaucoma can also develop even when eye pressure appears normal.
Because peripheral vision is affected first and changes happen slowly, the brain adapts. Most common forms cause no pain and no obvious visual changes early on, which is why glaucoma is often detected during routine eye exams rather than because of symptoms.
Who Is at Higher Risk for Glaucoma
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma and influence how closely someone should be monitored.
Family history is one of the strongest risk factors. A family history of glaucoma in a parent or sibling increases risk and typically calls for earlier and more frequent eye exams.
Other risk factors include:
- Increasing age
- Elevated eye pressure
- Thin corneas
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure or vascular disease
- Long-term steroid use, including eye drops, inhalers, or injections
- Prior eye injury or eye surgery
How To Prevent Glaucoma-Related Vision Loss
You can’t always prevent glaucoma from developing, but you can reduce the risk of serious vision loss.
What actually helps:
- Routine comprehensive eye exams
- Earlier screening if you have risk factors
- Disclosing family history to your eye doctor
- Monitoring eye pressure if you use steroids
- Wearing protective eyewear like safety glasses to prevent injury
- Following treatment plans exactly if diagnosed
Lifestyle changes alone do not replace medical care, but adherence does.
Schedule An Eye Exam With Youth Vision
Glaucoma causes permanent vision loss, often without early symptoms. Comprehensive eye exams remain the most effective way to protect your vision long-term.
If you have glaucoma risk factors or want to stay proactive about your eye health, schedule an eye exam today at the location most convenient for you:
Denver Youth Vision
Phone: (303) 825-2295
Aurora Youth Vision
Phone: (303) 343-3133
Thornton Youth Vision
Phone: (303) 953-880
Hampden Youth Vision
Phone: (720) 866-9906
FAQ
Is glaucoma hereditary?
Genetics play a role in glaucoma, and having a close relative with the condition increases your risk, though it is not the only factor involved.
Does weed help glaucoma?
THC may lower eye pressure briefly, but the effect lasts only a few hours. Glaucoma requires continuous pressure control, and marijuana is not a safe or effective treatment. Some studies suggest CBD may raise eye pressure in certain cases.
How often should I be checked for glaucoma?
That depends on age, family history, and other risk factors. Your eye doctor determines the appropriate screening schedule.
How do optometrists test for glaucoma?
Optometrists screen for glaucoma during routine eye exams by checking eye pressure, evaluating the optic nerve, and assessing peripheral vision. These tests help detect early changes before noticeable symptoms appear.
Where can I get an eye exam near me?
You can schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Youth Vision locations in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, and Hampden. Each office provides routine eye exams for children and adults, including glaucoma screening as part of regular care.
