Blurry vision and gradual vision loss can quietly change how you see the world. At Eye MDs of Inland, Dr. Marc Shomer and Dr. Robert Gunzenhauser provide expert glaucoma diagnosis and management to help preserve your sight. With advanced imaging and compassionate, individualized care, you can protect your vision and maintain the clarity you deserve.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the critical connection between your eye and brain responsible for vision. This damage often occurs when fluid builds up within the eye, raising intraocular pressure. Without treatment, glaucoma can gradually lead to peripheral vision loss and even blindness. Dr. Marc Shomer and Dr. Robert Gunzenhauser use advanced technology to detect glaucoma early and protect your sight.
Signs & Symptoms of Glaucoma
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision, often unnoticed at first
- Blurred or patchy vision, especially in low light
- Seeing halos or rainbows around lights
- Eye pain or pressure inside the eye
- Sudden, severe headache accompanied by visual changes
- Redness of the eye, sometimes with nausea or vomiting
- Needing brighter light or difficulty adjusting to darkness
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
Open-angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma develops slowly as the drainage canals within the eye become less efficient. Pressure builds gradually, often without noticeable symptoms at first. Over time, this pressure damages the optic nerve, leading to blind spots and progressive vision loss. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and to prevent irreversible damage.
Angle-closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle between the iris and cornea suddenly becomes blocked, causing a rapid rise in eye pressure. This is a medical emergency that may cause severe eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and halos around lights. Prompt treatment from an experienced ophthalmologist is essential to prevent permanent vision loss.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Inside your eye, a clear fluid called aqueous humor continuously circulates to nourish internal structures and maintain pressure. Normally, this fluid drains through a mesh-like channel between the cornea and iris. When this drainage system becomes blocked or inefficient, pressure builds within the eye, gradually damaging the optic nerve, the delicate structure responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain.
Because many factors can influence eye pressure and nerve health, several underlying causes and risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing glaucoma:
- Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) due to poor fluid drainage
- Family history of glaucoma or optic nerve disease
- Age over 40, with risk increasing significantly after 60
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension
- Thin corneas or structural abnormalities in the eye
- Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
- Eye injuries or past ocular surgery
How is Glaucoma Treated?
At Eye MDs of Inland, glaucoma treatment focuses on lowering intraocular pressure to protect your optic nerve and preserve your vision. Depending on your needs, Dr. Marc Shomer or Dr. Robert Gunzenhauser may recommend medicated eye drops, laser treatments, or advanced surgical procedures such as minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) or glaucoma valve implants to improve fluid drainage and reduce pressure safely and effectively.
As a single-site, physician-owned practice, Eye MDs of Inland offers highly personalized, comprehensive eye care in a warm environment. Every treatment plan is customized to your stage of glaucoma and your overall eye health. You’ll receive clear explanations and detailed guidance at every step, ensuring you leave your visit confident, informed, and reassured that your long-term vision is being protected by trusted, board-certified ophthalmologists.
Protect Your Vision for Life
Eye MDs of Inland is led by board-certified ophthalmologists Dr. Marc Shomer and Dr. Robert Gunzenhauser, both trained at UCLA’s renowned Jules Stein Eye Institute. Dr. Gunzenhauser, in particular, received advanced subspeciality training in glaucoma. Together, they provide advanced glaucoma care using state-of-the-art imaging and precision lasers. With individualized plans and a commitment to preserving lifelong vision, you can trust your eyes to true experts. Schedule your glaucoma consultation in Upland, CA, today.
