Glaucoma Treatment in Colorado Springs

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Because early glaucoma often has no symptoms, routine eye exams are the best way to detect changes early and protect your sight. At Spectrum Eye Care, we provide glaucoma screening, monitoring, and co-management using advanced diagnostics—including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and visual field testing—to identify risk and track progression over time.

A Marco eye diagnostic device with a connected touchscreen monitor, used for vision testing in clinical settings.
A man in a suit assists another man undergoing an eye exam using specialized equipment in an office setting.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of conditions typically associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP). When fluid inside the eye does not drain properly, pressure can build and gradually damage the optic nerve.
Common types include:

  • Open-angle glaucoma: The most common form, usually slow and symptomless early on

  • Angle-closure glaucoma: A medical emergency that can cause sudden pain and vision changes

  • Normal-tension glaucoma: Optic nerve damage can occur even with “normal” eye pressure

Glaucoma-related vision loss often starts in peripheral vision, which is why many people do not notice it until the disease is more advanced.

Risk Factors and Symptoms

You may be at higher risk for glaucoma if you:

  • Are age 60+

  • Have a family history of glaucoma

  • Have diabetes or high blood pressure

  • Have a history of eye injury

  • Use steroid medications long-term

  • Have untreated sleep apnea

  • Are African American (higher risk earlier) or Hispanic (risk increases with age)

Most glaucoma has no early symptoms. If you notice peripheral vision loss or “tunnel vision,” schedule an evaluation promptly. If you experience sudden eye pain, halos, redness, headache, or nausea, seek emergency eye care immediately.

A medical diagnostic device with a red circular component and computer screen displaying ocular test results, mounted on a mobile cart with wheels.
An eye doctor examines a patient's eyes using a slit lamp in an optometrist's office.
glaucoma-image

How Glaucoma Is Diagnosed

A glaucoma evaluation may include:

  • Tonometry to measure eye pressure

  • Optic nerve assessment and retinal imaging

  • OCT scanning to measure optic nerve and nerve fiber layer thickness

  • Visual field testing to detect subtle peripheral vision loss

  • Ongoing comparison over time to monitor change

These tests help detect glaucoma earlier—before significant vision loss occurs.

Glaucoma Treatment and Long-Term Management

Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can typically be controlled. Treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure and protecting the optic nerve. Depending on your condition, care may include:

  • Prescription eye drops to reduce pressure or improve fluid drainage

  • Coordination with ophthalmology for laser or surgical interventions when needed

  • Regular monitoring to confirm treatment effectiveness and adjust as necessary

Consistent follow-ups are essential, even when you feel fine, because glaucoma can progress silently.

Diagram showing an eye exam using the Optovue Solix OCT device, with labeled eye anatomy, imaging processes, and the device on the right.
A woman stands at a computer while a man sits nearby in an eyewear store, with display racks of glasses in the background.
An eye doctor performs an eye exam on a patient using a slit lamp, shining a bright light into the patient's eye.

Schedule Your Glaucoma Evaluation

Early detection is the most effective way to protect your vision from glaucoma. If you have risk factors—or it has been more than a year since your last eye exam—schedule a glaucoma screening.

Call Spectrum Eye Care today to schedule your glaucoma evaluation near Gleneagle.