Glaucoma

At M&M Eye Institute, our experienced eye doctors use advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options to detect glaucoma early and protect your vision for life.

Understanding Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). Over time, this pressure can lead to irreversible vision loss if not managed properly. Because symptoms typically develop gradually, many people don’t realize they have glaucoma until significant vision loss has occurred.

The glaucoma specialists at M&M Eye Institute provide comprehensive dilated eye examinations to monitor your glaucoma so proper treatment can be delivered and vision loss can be avoided.

Common Types of Glaucoma

  • Open-Angle Glaucoma (Most Common): Caused by fluid buildup and poor drainage inside the eye.
  • Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A sudden blockage of fluid drainage that can cause rapid pressure spikes—this is a medical emergency.
  • Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage occurs even with normal eye pressure.
  • Secondary Glaucoma: Results from injury, inflammation, or other eye conditions.
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Visual reference of peripheral vision.

Signs & Symptoms

Because glaucoma often progresses without pain or early warning signs, regular eye exams are essential. When symptoms appear, they may include:

  • Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
  • Blurred or hazy vision
  • Halos around lights
  • Eye pain or pressure (in acute cases)
  • Sudden vision loss (in severe or advanced cases)

If you experience these symptoms, schedule an eye exam immediately—early detection is key to preserving your sight

Who’s at Risk?

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but some may face a higher risk. You may be at increased risk if you:

  • Are over age 40, especially over 60
  • Have a family history of glaucoma
  • Are of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent
  • Have elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)
  • Suffer from diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease
  • Have experienced eye injuries or previous eye surgeries
  • Have thin corneas or high myopia (nearsightedness)
  • Use steroids (such as for asthma or autoimmune disease) long-term

Image of a women having fields testing.

How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Tonometry: Measures eye pressure
Tonometry: Measures eye pressure
Gonioscopy: Evaluate the optic nerve
 Gonioscopy: Evaluate the optic nerve
Visual Field Testing: Detects early peripheral vision loss
Visual Field Testing: Detects early peripheral vision loss

Glaucoma Treatment Options Offered at M&M Eye Institute

Older African American patient receiving selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) treatment during a slit lamp eye exam with an ophthalmologist.

SLT

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser procedure for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
iDose pressure check example of comprehensive exam

iDose TR

The iDose® TR glaucoma implant is a microscopic implant placed inside the front chamber of the eye.

iDose® TR
Glaucoma patient having questions about surgery.

Explore Advanced Glaucoma Treatments

If you are at risk for Glaucoma or symptoms of Glaucoma are making you uncomfortable and interfering with your daily life, call us. Our doctors across Arizona have the expertise and tools to give you the relief you need.

Glaucoma FAQ

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, typically due to fluid pressure inside the eye becoming too high for the nerve to handle. Over time, this damage can cause permanent vision loss, particularly in peripheral vision, if left untreated.

Most people with the most common type, open-angle glaucoma, do not feel pain or notice early symptoms. Vision usually changes slowly, and side vision goes first, which is easy to miss. This is why regular eye exams are so important, especially after age 40 or if glaucoma runs in your family.

During a glaucoma evaluation, your doctor measures your eye pressure, checks your optic nerve with special lenses, and tests your side vision. You may also have imaging of the optic nerve and cornea. These tests together show whether you have glaucoma, are at risk, or need monitoring.

Glaucoma cannot be cured, and lost vision usually does not come back. The good news is that treatment almost always slows or stops further damage when it is caught early. The goal of every glaucoma plan is to lower eye pressure enough to protect your optic nerve for the long term.

Glaucoma treatment often starts with prescription eye drops that lower eye pressure. Some patients benefit from laser procedures that facilitate the drainage of fluid more easily. Others may need a minimally invasive option that still protects their vision.

Most people who follow their treatment plan and keep regular appointments do not go blind from glaucoma. Serious vision loss usually happens when glaucoma is not diagnosed, when treatment is delayed, or when drops and follow-up visits are skipped. Staying consistent with care gives you the best chance to keep your sight.

Some glaucoma drops can cause redness, stinging, changes in eye color or eyelash growth, or mild blurred vision. Many people tolerate them well. If you notice side effects that bother you, tell your doctor. We can adjust the dose, change the drop, or consider laser or surgical options.

Glaucoma often runs in families. If a parent, brother, sister, or child has glaucoma, your own risk is higher. Please inform your eye doctor about your family history, so we can schedule more frequent exams and closely monitor your optic nerve.

Your follow-up schedule depends on how severe your glaucoma is and how stable your eye pressure stays. Some patients are seen every three to four months, while others may need visits more or less often. Your doctor will tailor a follow-up plan to your specific needs and adjust it as necessary.

Healthy habits support your overall eye and nerve health. A balanced diet, regular exercise, good sleep, and not smoking all contribute to improved circulation and blood pressure. These choices do not replace drops or surgery, but they can support the work your glaucoma treatment is already doing.

Locations

M&M Eye Institute
3223 N. Windsong Dr.
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Clinic

M&M Eye Institute
399 West Palomino Rd.
Chino Valley, AZ 86323

Clinic

M&M Eye Institute
3192 Willow Creek Road
Prescott, AZ 86301

Clinic, Surgery Center, Optical Shop

Doctors

Steve Mortenson, MD
Steve Mortenson, MD

Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, Refractive, Cataract, Glaucoma Surgeon

James Arthur, MD
James Arthur, MD

Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, Glaucoma Specialist

Scott Markham, DO
Scott Markham, DO

Medical Director - Prescott Vision & Eye Surgery Center and Arizona Institute of Eye Surgery

Ralph Lim, DO
Ralph Lim, DO

Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, Cataract, Glaucoma Surgeon