The silent thief
Open-angle glaucoma causes no pain and no early symptoms. Peripheral vision shrinks invisibly until tunnel vision is established. The CDC estimates 3 million Americans live with glaucoma; nearly half are undiagnosed. Once vision is lost, it cannot be recovered — but progression can be stopped.
Who should be screened
- Everyone over 40, every 2 years.
- African Americans over 35 (6x higher risk).
- People with family history of glaucoma.
- Diabetics, regardless of age.
- Anyone with prior eye injury or long-term steroid use.
- People of Hispanic descent over 60.
What screening looks like
A complete glaucoma screen includes intraocular pressure (tonometry), optic-nerve imaging (OCT), and visual-field testing (perimetry). Free screenings every March at Lions Clubs and Lighthouse for the Blind chapters. Your annual ophthalmologist visit covers this if you ask for the full battery.
Living with glaucoma in 2026
Daily life with tunnel vision means missing obstacles at the periphery, bumping into doorframes, struggling to read in dim light. Lumyeye for glaucoma compensates with Vision Live (streaming Q&A on live video), voice navigation, and label reading. Pair it with a long white cane for full mobility coverage.
Treatment 2026
- Eye drops — prostaglandin analogs (latanoprost) are first-line.
- Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) — often replaces drops as first-line in newer guidelines.
- MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) — implanted at time of cataract surgery.
- Tube shunts — for advanced cases that don't respond to drops or SLT.