Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment
in Fayetteville, NC
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide — but with early diagnosis and expert care, vision loss is highly preventable. Carolina Vision Center offers comprehensive glaucoma evaluation and treatment right here in Fayetteville.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve — the critical bundle of nerve fibers that carries visual information from your eye to your brain. This damage most commonly results from elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), though glaucoma can also develop with normal pressure levels.
What makes glaucoma particularly dangerous is that most patients have no symptoms in the early stages. By the time vision loss is noticeable, significant optic nerve damage has already occurred. This is why glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” — and why regular comprehensive eye exams are so important.
Types of Glaucoma We Treat
Open-Angle Glaucoma
The most common form, accounting for ~90% of cases. Develops gradually as drainage canals become less efficient over time. No pain, no symptoms — often discovered only during a routine exam.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Less common but more urgent. The drainage angle between the iris and cornea becomes blocked, causing a rapid spike in eye pressure. Can cause sudden eye pain, headache, nausea, and blurred vision — a medical emergency.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Optic nerve damage occurs despite normal IOP readings. Not fully understood, but may involve poor blood flow to the optic nerve. Requires careful monitoring and management.
Secondary Glaucoma
Develops as a complication of another condition — diabetes, eye injury, inflammation, or long-term steroid use. Treatment targets both the underlying cause and the elevated pressure.
Warning Signs & Symptoms
Most glaucoma develops without any warning signs, which is why regular exams are essential. However, acute angle-closure glaucoma can cause sudden, severe symptoms:
- Sudden severe eye pain
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Halos around lights
- Redness of the eye
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache around the eye
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?
While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors significantly increase your risk:
- Age over 60 — risk increases significantly with age
- Family history — having a first-degree relative with glaucoma raises your risk 4–9x
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)
- African American or Hispanic descent — higher prevalence and earlier onset
- Diabetes or high blood pressure
- Previous eye injury or surgery
- Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
- High myopia (nearsightedness)
How We Diagnose Glaucoma
Glaucoma diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation — no single test is definitive. At Carolina Vision Center, our comprehensive glaucoma evaluation includes:
Tonometry
Measures intraocular pressure (IOP). Elevated pressure is a key glaucoma risk factor.
Optic Nerve Imaging (OCT)
Advanced imaging of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer to detect structural damage.
Visual Field Testing
Maps your peripheral vision to identify areas of loss — often the first sign of glaucoma damage.
Gonioscopy
Examines the drainage angle of the eye to classify glaucoma type and guide treatment decisions.
Corneal Thickness (Pachymetry)
Thin corneas can cause IOP to appear lower than it actually is — pachymetry corrects for this.
Dilated Fundus Exam
Direct examination of the optic nerve head and surrounding retina for signs of glaucoma damage.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
While glaucoma cannot currently be cured, it can almost always be effectively controlled to prevent further vision loss. The right treatment depends on the type and severity of your glaucoma:
Eye Drop Medications
The most common first-line treatment. Prescription eye drops reduce IOP either by decreasing fluid production in the eye or improving drainage. Consistent, daily use is essential — missing doses can allow pressure to rise and damage to progress.
Laser Therapy (SLT — Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty)
A quick, in-office laser procedure that improves fluid drainage from the eye. SLT is often used alongside or instead of eye drops and can be effective for several years. It is safe, repeatable, and requires no incision.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
A newer category of surgical procedures that reduce IOP with minimal tissue disruption and faster recovery than traditional glaucoma surgery. MIGS procedures are often performed at the same time as cataract surgery for patients who have both conditions.
Traditional Glaucoma Surgery (Trabeculectomy / Tube Shunts)
For advanced glaucoma that does not respond to drops or laser, surgical procedures create new drainage pathways to lower IOP more aggressively. These are reserved for cases where other treatments have been insufficient.
Glaucoma & Cataract Surgery
Many patients with glaucoma also develop cataracts. The two conditions can be treated simultaneously — cataract removal with IOL implantation naturally lowers IOP in many patients, and MIGS procedures can be added at the time of cataract surgery for additional pressure control. If you have both conditions, ask Dr. Woodcock about a combined approach.
Your Care Team: Dr. Michael G. Woodcock & Associates
Carolina Vision Center’s physicians bring decades of experience diagnosing and managing glaucoma and other complex eye diseases. Dr. Woodcock has performed over 30,000 eye procedures and has been recognized among America’s Top Ophthalmologists every year since 2004.
Our Fayetteville team also includes Dr. Ray Freeman and Dr. Nicholas Rougraff — providing comprehensive eye care from routine monitoring to advanced surgical management.
America’s Top Ophthalmologists Since 2004
35+ Years Serving Fayetteville
Frequently Asked Questions About Glaucoma
Can glaucoma be cured?
There is currently no cure for glaucoma, but it can be very effectively controlled. With proper treatment — eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery — the vast majority of patients are able to stop or dramatically slow the progression of the disease and preserve their remaining vision for life. The key is early detection and consistent treatment.
Is glaucoma hereditary?
Yes, family history is one of the strongest risk factors for glaucoma. If a parent, sibling, or child has glaucoma, your risk is 4 to 9 times higher than average. If you have a family history of glaucoma, we recommend beginning regular comprehensive eye exams well before age 40, and annually after age 40.
How often should I be screened for glaucoma?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive baseline eye exam by age 40 for adults with no risk factors, and annual exams for those over 60 or with risk factors like family history, elevated IOP, diabetes, or African American descent. Glaucoma suspects require more frequent monitoring — often every 3–6 months.
Will I go blind from glaucoma?
With modern treatment, the vast majority of glaucoma patients do not go blind. Blindness from glaucoma is largely a problem of late or no diagnosis. When glaucoma is detected early and managed properly, most patients retain good functional vision throughout their lives. This is why regular eye exams — especially for high-risk individuals — are so critically important.
Does glaucoma treatment hurt?
Most glaucoma treatments are minimally uncomfortable. Eye drops have no pain. Laser treatments (SLT) typically cause only mild pressure sensation during the procedure. MIGS surgery is performed under local anesthesia and most patients experience minimal discomfort during recovery.
Where can I get a glaucoma evaluation near Fayetteville, NC?
Carolina Vision Center at 2047 Valleygate Drive in Fayetteville, NC offers comprehensive glaucoma evaluations including IOP measurement, optic nerve OCT imaging, visual field testing, and gonioscopy. Our physicians have over 35 years of experience managing glaucoma in the Fayetteville and Fort Bragg community. Call (910) 485-3937 to schedule your evaluation.
Protect Your Vision. Schedule Today.
Glaucoma has no warning signs — but it does have treatment. Don’t wait until vision loss occurs. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam at Carolina Vision Center in Fayetteville, NC.