Glaucoma is one of the most important conditions to monitor, because it develops quietly and can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. At Tillman Family Eye Care, our team has spent nearly 40 years helping patients protect their sight with monitoring, advanced diagnostics, and, when needed, surgical treatment options provided by our glaucoma specialist.
Managing Glaucoma in Andalusia & Brewton, AL
silent thief of sight
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the part of the eye responsible for sending images to the brain. This damage is often caused by increased pressure inside the eye, though not always, which is one reason glaucoma can be difficult to detect without a comprehensive eye exam.
Many patients have no symptoms in the early stages. Vision loss begins gradually, typically at the edges of your visual field, and often goes unnoticed until significant damage is present.
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Why Early Detection Matters
Glaucoma cannot be reversed, but it can be managed, and in many cases, progression can be greatly slowed with the right treatment. The earlier we identify changes, the better we can protect the health of your optic nerve.
At Tillman Family Eye Care, we use advanced diagnostic tools that allow us to detect early glaucoma long before symptoms appear, including:
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OCT imaging to measure the optic nerve structure
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Humphrey Visual Field testing to evaluate peripheral vision
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Optos California widefield retinal imaging
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ERG (RetEval) for functional assessment of retinal activity
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Corneal thickness measurements & topography
Early detection allows us to determine whether surgical treatment may be beneficial, especially for patients whose glaucoma is not well controlled.
Our Glaucoma Managing Eye Doctors
Glaucoma management is a long-term commitment. Our team includes Dr. Aaron McKinley, a fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeon who provides advanced surgical treatment options for patients whose glaucoma requires more than medical therapy.
How We Manage Glaucoma
Glaucoma treatment is individualized, depending on the type and severity of the condition. Your plan may include:
Surgical Options
Laser procedures performed by Dr. McKinley can improve fluid drainage and help lower eye pressure for severe glaucoma.
Laser Procedures
For advanced or progressing cases, Dr. McKinley performs glaucoma surgery to help control eye pressure and protect the optic nerve.
Prescription Eye Drops
Eye drops are often the first line of treatment and help reduce pressure inside the eye.
Regular Monitoring
Glaucoma requires continuous follow-up. We track your nerve health, visual field changes, and eye pressure to make sure your treatment remains effective.
Patients at Risk for Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Some patients have naturally narrow drainage angles, which puts them at risk for a sudden rise in eye pressure, known as angle-closure glaucoma. This type of glaucoma can cause rapid vision loss and must be prevented whenever possible.
A peripheral iridotomy, performed in-office by Dr. McKinley, is a simple, preventive laser procedure that creates a small opening in the iris to improve fluid flow inside the eye. This helps reduce the risk of angle closure and protects long-term eye health.
Our eye doctors explain why the procedure is recommended, walk you through what to expect, and make sure you feel at ease every step of the way. For many patients, this treatment offers peace of mind and long-term protection as part of their overall glaucoma care.
Common Questions About Glaucoma
Not when managed early and consistently.
No, glasses improve clarity but do not treat optic nerve damage.
Yes. This is known as normal-tension glaucoma.
Most patients are seen three to four times a year, depending on their diagnosis.
Protect Your Sight Against Glaucoma
Glaucoma can feel intimidating, but with the right care team, it becomes manageable. If you have risk factors for glaucoma, have been told your eye pressure is elevated, or it's been a while since your last exam, we’re here to help. Schedule your glaucoma evaluation, and let our team help protect your vision.