written or reviewed by
Arthur L. Schwartz, M.D.

What is a Glaucoma Suspect?

A glaucoma suspect is someone who has one or more risk factors for developing glaucoma, but does not yet have damage or vision loss due to the disease.

Have you or any of your relatives been told that they might have glaucoma or might be a glaucoma suspect? According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, several million people in the US have been identified as glaucoma suspects, but the majority of these people will never suffer vision loss due to the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are key, as once vision is lost from glaucoma, there is no way to restore it.

Washington Eye has five specialists fellowship-trained in glaucoma diagnosis and management; Drs. Arthur Schwartz, Howard Weiss, Kenneth Schwartz, Lisa Tom and Lindsay Dawson. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States among the entire population and the first among those of African descent. Washington Eye is committed to evaluating our glaucoma patients with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools in conjunction with proven treatments that help lower intraocular pressure and preserve vision.

As part of your glaucoma evaluation you will have a full eye exam, including measurement of your intraocular pressure, automated visual field testing, and analysis of the optic nerve in the back of the eye. Nerve fiber layer analysis is checked with the OCT device and nerve anatomy is documented with digital color photos.

Your glaucoma specialist will be able to help you understand the nature of the condition and possible treatment options. Glaucoma is often called “the sneak thief of sight” as it can progress silently and only be caught by the patient after severe visual damage has already occurred. Washington Eye is committed to helping aid in the early detection of glaucoma via careful attention to all the components of your complete eye exam by utilizing the latest in diagnostic imaging and nerve fiber layer assessment.

Washington Eye offers the newest diagnosis and treatment options for glaucoma in the Washington DC area.  Contact us to schedule a consultation with our glaucoma specialists.