Protect Your Vision with Expert
Glaucoma Care

Glaucoma silently steals vision, often without warning, and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. At Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates, our fellowship-trained glaucoma specialists use the latest diagnostic technology and advanced surgical techniques to detect glaucoma early, slow its progression, and preserve the sight you depend on every day.

Glaucoma Explained

Glaucoma Explained

Glaucoma Treatment Options

Glaucoma Surgery Overview

Living With Glaucoma

Fellowship-Trained Glaucoma Specialists

Your Glaucoma Care Team

Our glaucoma specialists bring fellowship-level training from the nation's top eye institutions, combining advanced surgical skill with compassionate, individualized care for every stage of glaucoma.

Early Detection Focus

Advanced OCT imaging and visual field testing to catch glaucoma before symptoms appear.

Personalized Treatment Plans

From eye drops and SLT laser to MIGS and advanced surgical options, tailored to your stage of glaucoma.

Dr. Rebecca Shields
Rebecca A. Shields, M.D.
Dr. Gabe Shakarov
Gabe Shakarov, M.D.

Glaucoma Warning Signs

Glaucoma is often called "the silent thief of sight" because most types cause no symptoms until vision loss has already occurred. If you notice any of the following, schedule an evaluation immediately.

Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
Tunnel vision in advanced stages
Halos around lights
Eye redness or pain (acute angle-closure)
Sudden blurred vision
Nausea or vomiting with eye pain
Headaches with eye pressure
Difficulty adjusting to dark rooms

Advanced Glaucoma Technology

Our specialists use the latest surgical innovations and laser systems to lower eye pressure with less risk and faster recovery.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

Gentle laser that improves aqueous outflow to lower eye pressure without medications

iStent® Micro-Bypass

The smallest FDA-approved implant, placed during cataract surgery to reduce eye pressure

Goniotomy & MIGS

Minimally invasive procedures that open the eye's natural drainage pathway

OCT & Visual Field Testing

Advanced imaging to detect nerve damage and track progression with micron-level precision

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about glaucoma diagnosis, treatment, and what to expect at Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates.

What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. In most cases, this damage is caused by abnormally high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent, irreversible vision loss. It is the leading cause of blindness for people over 60, though it can occur at any age.
What causes glaucoma?
Glaucoma develops when the fluid inside the eye (aqueous humor) does not drain properly, causing pressure to build up and damage the optic nerve. Risk factors include elevated eye pressure, family history of glaucoma, age over 60, African American or Hispanic heritage, thin corneas, severe nearsightedness, and previous eye injuries. In some cases, glaucoma can occur even with normal eye pressure (normal-tension glaucoma).
How is glaucoma detected?
A comprehensive glaucoma evaluation includes several tests: tonometry to measure eye pressure, ophthalmoscopy to examine the optic nerve, gonioscopy to inspect the drainage angle, visual field testing to check for peripheral vision loss, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure optic nerve fiber thickness. Early detection is critical because glaucoma damage is irreversible. Regular screenings are especially important if you have risk factors.
Can glaucoma be cured?
There is currently no cure for glaucoma, and vision lost to the disease cannot be restored. However, with early diagnosis and consistent treatment, the progression of glaucoma can be slowed or halted in most patients. Treatment focuses on lowering intraocular pressure through eye drops, laser procedures like SLT, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), or traditional surgical approaches when necessary.
What is SLT laser treatment?
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a safe, painless in-office laser procedure used to lower eye pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma. The laser targets specific cells in the eye's drainage system (trabecular meshwork) to improve fluid outflow without damaging surrounding tissue. SLT can be used as a first-line treatment or as a complement to eye drops. It takes only a few minutes and can be repeated if needed.
What is minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)?
MIGS refers to a group of newer surgical procedures designed to lower eye pressure with less risk and faster recovery than traditional glaucoma surgeries. These include micro-bypass stents (such as iStent®), goniotomy, and other techniques that improve the eye's natural drainage. MIGS is often performed at the same time as cataract surgery, making it an excellent option for patients who have both conditions.
What are the different types of glaucoma?
The main types of glaucoma include open-angle glaucoma (the most common form, progressing slowly over years), angle-closure glaucoma (which can occur suddenly and is a medical emergency), normal-tension glaucoma (optic nerve damage despite normal eye pressure), secondary glaucoma (caused by another condition such as eye injury, inflammation, or steroid use), and congenital glaucoma (present at birth). Each type requires a different treatment approach.
Who is at risk for glaucoma?
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain groups are at higher risk. These include people over age 60, individuals of African American or Hispanic descent, people with a family history of glaucoma, those with high eye pressure, people who are very nearsighted, those with thin corneas, and anyone with a history of eye trauma or prolonged corticosteroid use. Regular comprehensive eye exams are the best way to catch glaucoma early.
Will I go blind from glaucoma?
While glaucoma is a serious condition, blindness is not inevitable. With early detection and proper treatment, most glaucoma patients retain useful vision throughout their lives. The key is catching it early and staying consistent with your treatment plan. At Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates, our glaucoma specialists use the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options to protect your vision for the long term.
Does insurance cover glaucoma treatment?
Yes. Glaucoma is a medical condition, so most health insurance plans, including Medicare, cover glaucoma evaluations, diagnostic testing, prescription eye drops, laser treatments like SLT, and glaucoma surgery. Our team will review your insurance benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs with you before treatment begins.

Don't Wait Until You Notice Vision Loss

Schedule your glaucoma evaluation with our fellowship-trained specialists. Early detection is the most powerful tool we have to protect your sight.

Call Now: 203-635-2097

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