Glaucoma Evaluation in Hillsborough, NJ
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide — and most people who have it don’t know it. Often called “the silent thief of sight”, glaucoma typically causes no pain and no noticeable vision changes until significant, permanent damage has already occurred. At Amwell Eye Care, Dr. Adam Zhao uses advanced diagnostic technology to detect glaucoma in its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective and vision loss can be prevented.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve — the critical connection between your eye and your brain. In most cases, this damage is caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), though glaucoma can also develop in eyes with normal pressure. Once optic nerve fibers are lost, they cannot be regenerated and vision loss cannot be restored. This makes early detection and ongoing monitoring essential to preserving your sight.
There are several types of glaucoma, the most common being:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma — the most common form, developing slowly and painlessly as drainage channels in the eye gradually become less efficient, causing pressure to rise over time
- Angle-closure glaucoma — a less common but more acute form where the drainage angle between the iris and cornea closes suddenly, causing a rapid, painful rise in eye pressure that requires immediate treatment
- Normal-tension glaucoma — optic nerve damage occurs despite normal intraocular pressure, likely due to poor blood flow or nerve sensitivity
- Secondary glaucoma — caused by another condition such as diabetes, eye injury, inflammation, or long-term steroid use
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?
While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors significantly increase your risk. You should be screened regularly if you:
- Are over age 60 — risk increases significantly with age
- Have a family history of glaucoma — first-degree relatives of glaucoma patients have a 4–9x higher risk
- Are of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent — these groups face higher prevalence rates
- Have elevated intraocular pressure (ocular hypertension)
- Have diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease
- Are highly nearsighted or farsighted
- Have had a previous eye injury or surgery
- Use corticosteroid medications long-term
What Does a Glaucoma Evaluation Include?
A glaucoma evaluation at Amwell Eye Care is a thorough, multi-step assessment — not just a single pressure check. Dr. Zhao uses state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to build a complete picture of your optic nerve health and catch subtle changes over time:
- Tonometry (intraocular pressure measurement) — measures the pressure inside your eye; elevated IOP is the primary risk factor for glaucoma
- Ophthalmoscopy (optic nerve evaluation) — dilated examination of the optic nerve head to assess its shape, color, and cup-to-disc ratio for signs of damage
- Visual field testing (perimetry) — maps your peripheral vision to detect blind spots or loss patterns characteristic of glaucoma
- Corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry) — corneal thickness affects IOP readings and is an independent risk factor; thin corneas are associated with higher glaucoma risk
- Gonioscopy — examines the drainage angle of the eye to classify the type of glaucoma and guide treatment decisions
- Fundus photography — high-resolution imaging of the optic nerve creates a baseline record that allows precise comparison at future visits to track any progression
How Is Glaucoma Treated?
While glaucoma cannot be cured and damage already done cannot be reversed, its progression can be slowed or halted with the right treatment plan. Dr. Zhao works closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate approach based on the type and stage of glaucoma:
- Prescription eye drops — the most common first-line treatment, reducing intraocular pressure either by decreasing fluid production or improving drainage
- Oral medications — used when drops alone are insufficient to control pressure
- Laser therapy — procedures such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) improve fluid drainage and can reduce reliance on eye drops
- Surgical referral — for advanced cases, Dr. Zhao co-manages care with trusted ophthalmologic surgeons for procedures such as trabeculectomy or MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery)
The earlier glaucoma is identified, the more options are available and the more vision can be preserved. This is why routine screening — even when you feel no symptoms — is so important.
How Often Should You Be Screened?
- Ages 18–40 with no risk factors: Every 2–4 years
- Ages 40–54: Every 1–3 years
- Ages 55–64: Every 1–2 years
- Age 65 and older: Every 6–12 months
- High-risk patients at any age: Annually or as recommended by Dr. Zhao based on your individual profile
Want to understand more about how glaucoma develops and what the different types mean for your vision? Read our full guide to glaucoma facts for a detailed overview of symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
Insurance & Scheduling
Glaucoma evaluations are covered under most medical and vision insurance plans, including Medicare, VSP, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and EyeMed. Because glaucoma testing is a medically necessary service, it is typically billed to medical insurance rather than vision benefits. Our staff will verify your coverage prior to your visit.
To schedule a glaucoma evaluation in Hillsborough, NJ, contact us online or call (908) 336-3886. Same-week appointments are often available.
Schedule Your Glaucoma Evaluation Today
Don’t wait for symptoms — by then, vision loss may already be permanent. Early screening is the most effective way to protect your sight.
