You can’t feel it. You can’t see it coming. And by the time most people notice something’s wrong, glaucoma has already stolen part of their vision—permanently.
That’s why we don’t wait for symptoms. At Eye Care Center LTD, we use cutting-edge technology and proven clinical techniques to catch glaucoma long before it robs you of what matters most. Here’s exactly how we do it.
Across our Addison, Burbank, and Willowbrook clinics, we use a combination of advanced imaging and classic examination techniques to catch glaucoma early and monitor it accurately.
- Maestro OCT Imaging: This gives us a detailed look at your optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer. We rely heavily on OCT because it shows microscopic changes long before symptoms appear.
- Humphrey Visual Field Testing: This helps us measure how glaucoma may be affecting your side vision. Even if your central vision seems fine, this test can uncover early changes.
- Goldmann Applanation Tonometry (GAT): The gold standard for measuring eye pressure. When accurate pressure readings are critical—such as during diagnosis, progression checks, or borderline cases—we use Goldmann at the slit lamp.
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iCare & Tonopen (Supplemental Tools): Handheld devices that are useful for patients who:
- Cannot sit at the slit lamp
- Are pediatric or anxious
- Require quick or repeat IOP checks
These tools are convenient, but when precision matters, we always confirm results with Goldmann tonometry.
- Gonioscopy / Angle Assessment: Allows us to evaluate whether the drainage angle is open, narrow, or at risk for closure—an essential step in determining the type of glaucoma.
What’s New in Glaucoma Care (2024–2025)
Glaucoma care continues to evolve, and we’ve been integrating newer approaches into our clinical decision-making.
- AI-Enhanced OCT Interpretation: Advanced software now uses artificial intelligence to compare your scans against large national databases. This doesn’t replace the doctor, but it helps identify subtle early changes with even greater confidence.
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Sustained-Release Medication Options: New treatments are reducing the need for daily eye drops, including:
- Medication-eluting implants
- Drug-filled punctal plugs
- Emerging microneedle technologies
These options are especially helpful for patients who struggle with drop adherence or preservative irritation.
- MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery): When drops aren’t enough, we co-manage modern MIGS procedures alongside cataract surgery. These techniques lower eye pressure with less downtime and fewer side effects than traditional glaucoma surgery.
- Home IOP Monitoring (Emerging Trend): New devices are being developed that allow certain patients to check eye pressure at home, giving us better insight into daily pressure fluctuations.
How We Manage Glaucoma Long-Term
If you’re diagnosed with glaucoma or considered a glaucoma suspect, your care typically includes:
- OCT imaging at least annually
- Visual field testing every 6 to 12 months
- Goldmann pressure checks when accuracy is critical
- Angle evaluation when clinically indicated
- Fundus photography to monitor optic nerve changes
- Customized treatment plans, including drops, sustained-release therapy, or surgical co-management
- Education on how sleep apnea, blood pressure, diabetes, and steroid use can affect glaucoma
We tailor treatment because no two glaucoma patients are exactly the same.
Final Thoughts
Glaucoma is serious, but with early diagnosis and proper monitoring, we can preserve vision for a lifetime. If you haven’t had a dilated eye exam recently, or if glaucoma runs in your family, now is the perfect time to check in.
Our team is here to help you protect your sight using the best technology and care available.