Glaucoma in The Villages, FL

What is glaucoma?

The optic nerve carries pictures from your eye to your brain. In glaucoma, this nerve slowly wears down, often when pressure inside the eye is too high. Lost sight cannot come back, so finding it early matters.

There are several kinds of glaucoma. The most common type develops slowly over years. Because the loss starts at the edges of your sight, your brain can cover the gaps for a long time.

Common symptoms

Early glaucoma usually has no symptoms. As it moves forward, side vision fades first, and you may notice blind spots. Many people do not notice until much sight is gone. A rare type, angle-closure glaucoma, can cause sudden intense eye pain, nausea and red eyes. That is an emergency.

Call right away if this happens. Sudden flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, a curtain over your vision, sudden vision loss or a chemical in the eye: call (352) 399-5412 right away, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Who is at risk?

• Adults over 60, especially Hispanic or Latino adults
• African American adults over 40
• Anyone with a family member who has glaucoma

What a glaucoma check looks like

If you come in for glaucoma in The Villages, first we ask about your family history, because that matters. Then our team measures the pressure inside each eye. Dr. Russell also looks at your optic nerve and may test your side vision. In addition, he may use dilating drops for a closer look.

These tests are painless. Your near vision may be blurry for a few hours after dilation. So bring sunglasses and ask someone to drive you home. Also, bring your current glasses and a list of your eye drops.

Questions to ask your eye doctor

For example, ask whether your pressure and nerve look healthy today. You can also ask how often you should return, and whether any test results changed since last time. If you use drops, ask what to do after you miss a dose. Then write the answers down, so a family member can help you remember.

Everyday tips

If your doctor prescribes drops, take them as directed. A daily habit can help. For example, use them with your morning coffee. However, never stop drops on your own. Also, keep every follow-up visit, because glaucoma changes slowly and only exams can track it. Neighbors with glaucoma in The Villages often tie their visits to a yearly routine.

Treatment options

Treatment aims to protect the sight you still have. Prescription eye drops are the most common choice. Laser treatment can help fluid drain from the eye. If those do not work, an ophthalmologist may perform surgery. Taking drops as directed and keeping follow-up visits are important.

Help With Glaucoma in The Villages

Glaucoma in The Villages gets a simple check at our office. Dr. Russell checks eye pressure and the optic nerve during exams and watches for change from one visit to the next. If we find or suspect glaucoma, we work with a trusted ophthalmologist and co-manage your care, including laser or surgery when needed. Dr. Russell is an optometrist and does not perform surgery. We also help you keep up with drops and follow-up visits.

Request an appointment or call (352) 399-5412.

Our office is at 2478 Burnsed Blvd. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We welcome patients from The Villages, Lady Lake, Oxford, Summerfield, Wildwood and nearby.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Please talk with your eye doctor about your own eyes.

Common questions

Is glaucoma always caused by high eye pressure?

No. Pressure is the main risk factor we can treat, but some people have glaucoma with pressure in the usual range.

How often should I come in?

Your eye doctor will advise you. Many older adults need an exam every one to two years, and more often if risk is higher.

Can I feel glaucoma?

Usually not. Early glaucoma often has no symptoms, so an exam is the way to know.