Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight,” and the nickname is well earned. It is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, yet in its early stages it usually causes no pain and no noticeable vision change. By the time most people sense something is wrong, some vision has already been lost — which is exactly why regular exams matter so much.
Most forms of glaucoma involve damage to the optic nerve, frequently linked to elevated pressure inside the eye. The damage typically begins with peripheral (side) vision, and your brain is clever enough to “fill in” the gaps, so you simply do not notice. It is the rare thief that takes a little at a time so you never catch it in the act.
Risk rises with age, a family history of glaucoma, certain ethnic backgrounds, diabetes, and high eye pressure. If glaucoma runs in your family, please make sure we know — it meaningfully changes how closely we watch.
We screen for glaucoma at your comprehensive exam by checking your eye pressure, examining the optic nerve, and, when needed, using advanced imaging and visual field testing. Glaucoma cannot be reversed, but when caught early it can almost always be controlled — protecting the vision you have. The catch is simple: we can only catch it if you come in. Schedule your exam at (843) 796-1155.
Usually not. The most common forms are painless and affect side vision first, so they go unnoticed without an exam. That silence is what makes routine screening essential.
Anyone over 60, people with a family history, those with diabetes or high eye pressure, and certain higher-risk ethnic groups. If that includes you, do not skip your yearly exam.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jason Siegmund, OD, a board-certified optometric physician at Siegmund Eye Care in Myrtle Beach.
© 2026 Siegmund Eye Care • Web Design by Three Ring Focus • Privacy / Terms / Employment