Glaucoma Specialist in Washington, DC

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss, often progressing without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. At Visionary Eye Doctors in Washington, DC, our board-certified ophthalmologists provide expert glaucoma screening, diagnosis, and treatment to help protect your vision. Whether you need a routine eye exam, advanced diagnostic testing, or surgical management, our team is here to help.

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What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. This nerve damage typically results from elevated intraocular pressure, although some patients develop glaucoma even with normal eye pressure. Because glaucoma often develops in its early stages without pain or noticeable vision changes, many patients remain unaware of the condition until significant damage has occurred. Without treatment, glaucoma leads to progressive vision loss, starting with peripheral vision and eventually affecting central sight.

The most common forms include:

Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most prevalent type, developing gradually as the eye’s drainage system becomes less efficient over time. Most patients experience no early symptoms, making regular eye exams essential for early diagnosis.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma: A less common but more urgent condition where the drainage angle becomes blocked suddenly, causing rapid increases in eye pressure. This form requires immediate medical attention.

Signs of Glaucoma and Risk Factors

While early glaucoma rarely produces symptoms, certain signs may indicate the condition has progressed:

Gradual loss of peripheral vision
Tunnel vision in advanced stages
Blind spots in your visual field
Halos around lights (particularly with closed-angle glaucoma)
Eye pain or redness (in acute cases)

Several factors place individuals at higher risk for developing glaucoma:

Age over 60
Family history of glaucoma
African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage
Diabetes or diabetic retinopathy
High myopia (nearsightedness)
Previous eye injuries or surgical procedures
Long-term corticosteroid use
Elevated intraocular pressure

If you have one or more of these risk factors, our eye doctors recommend more frequent glaucoma screening to catch any changes early.

Glaucoma Treatment Options

While there is no cure for glaucoma, effective treatment options can slow or halt disease progression. The goal of all glaucoma treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure to protect the optic nerve from further damage.

Treatment options include:

Prescription eye drops to reduce fluid production or improve drainage
Laser treatment, such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), for minimally invasive pressure control
Glaucoma surgery, including trabeculectomy and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
Advanced surgical treatments for complex cases or patients who have not responded to other therapies

Our ophthalmologists have completed fellowship training and ophthalmology residency programs that provide expertise in the latest surgical techniques. Your treatment plan depends on the type and severity of your glaucoma, your overall eye health, and your response to initial therapies.

How We Diagnose Glaucoma

Our glaucoma specialists use advanced diagnostic technology to identify the eye condition before significant vision loss occurs. Your glaucoma screening may include:

Visual field testing: Maps peripheral vision to detect blind spots that may indicate nerve damage
OCT imaging: Provides high-resolution images of the optic nerve to identify early signs of glaucoma
Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness, which affects eye pressure readings and glaucoma risk

Early detection through routine screening allows our eye doctors to establish a baseline and monitor changes over time.

Senior woman eyesight test with binocular slit-lamp. Checking retina of a female eye close-up. Ophthalmology clinic

Why Choose Visionary Eye Doctors for Glaucoma Care

Finding a glaucoma specialist you trust is essential for managing this lifelong eye condition. Patients choose our Washington, DC practice because we offer:

Compassionate, Personalized Care
Our team combines medical expertise with a supportive, patient-focused approach.

Advanced Diagnostic Technology
We use modern imaging and intraocular pressure testing to identify glaucoma accurately and efficiently.

Full-Service Vision Care
In addition to glaucoma treatment, we provide cataract surgery, LASIK consultations, pediatric eye care, and retinal care for conditions like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, all in one location.

Convenient Washington, DC Location
Located in the Van Ness Center near the Van Ness-UDC Metro Station, we offer flexible appointment times and accept most insurance plans, including DC Medicaid.

Schedule Your Glaucoma Evaluation in Washington, DC

Whether you need a glaucoma screening, a second opinion, or ongoing care for an existing diagnosis, Visionary Eye Doctors is here for you. Early detection is the key to preventing vision loss from glaucoma.

Call (301) 591-1763 or schedule your appointment online to book your consultation at our Washington, DC location.