Catch the silent thief of sight early.
Glaucoma damages your vision so gradually that most people never feel it happening, until sight is already gone. With regular eye-pressure checks and an ongoing care plan in Hilo, we help you protect the vision you have.
A slow, silent threat to your sight.
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, often because pressure inside the eye is too high. It usually starts by quietly eroding your peripheral vision, with no pain and no obvious warning.
That is what makes it so dangerous: by the time you notice a change, permanent damage may already be done. The good news is that a simple exam can detect glaucoma early, and steady treatment can protect the sight you still have.
Glaucoma care is a long relationship.
Because glaucoma is managed over years, not fixed in a single visit, it helps to have a steady eye care home close by. We track your eye pressure and optic nerve over time, adjust treatment as needed, and keep your care consistent right here on the Big Island.
When your care needs more than drops, we perform laser glaucoma treatments right here in Hilo, including SLT to improve your eye's natural drainage and YAG laser iridotomy for narrow-angle glaucoma, so you get that care without leaving the island.
How we protect your vision.
Screening
We measure your eye pressure and examine your optic nerve to check for signs of glaucoma and gauge your risk.
Diagnosis
If we find glaucoma or early warning signs, we explain what it means for your vision in plain language.
Treatment plan
Most care starts with pressure-lowering drops, and when more is needed we offer in-office laser treatments, SLT and YAG iridotomy, right here in Hilo. We tailor the plan to you.
Ongoing monitoring
Regular visits track your pressure and nerve health over time, so we can act early if anything shifts.
Glaucoma questions
What are the warning signs of glaucoma?
Most glaucoma has no early symptoms, which is why it is called the silent thief of sight. It quietly narrows peripheral (side) vision over time, and by the time you notice, damage may already be done. Regular eye exams that check your eye pressure and optic nerve are the best way to catch it early. Call (808) 935-2964 to schedule a screening.
How is glaucoma treated in Hilo?
Glaucoma is managed, not cured. Treatment usually starts with prescription drops that lower eye pressure, along with regular monitoring. When more is needed, we also perform in-office laser treatments right here in Hilo, including SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty) to improve the eye's drainage, and YAG laser peripheral iridotomy for narrow-angle glaucoma.
Do you offer laser treatment for glaucoma (SLT and YAG) in Hilo?
Yes. We perform SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty), a gentle laser that helps the eye drain fluid and lower pressure, and YAG laser peripheral iridotomy, a quick laser that relieves or prevents pressure build-up in narrow-angle glaucoma. Both are done in our Hilo office, so most patients get laser glaucoma care without leaving the island.
Who is at higher risk for glaucoma?
Risk rises with age and is higher if you have a family history of glaucoma, high eye pressure, diabetes, or are of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent. If any of these apply to you, regular screening is especially important.
Can glaucoma vision loss be reversed?
Vision already lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, but treatment can slow or stop further loss. That is why early detection and steady, ongoing care matter so much for protecting the sight you have.
How do I get screened?
Request an eye exam online or call (808) 935-2964. We will check your eye pressure and optic nerve, explain your risk, and set a monitoring plan that fits you.
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Learn moreDon't wait for symptoms.
A quick screening today can protect your sight for years. Book your eye exam in Hilo.
This information is for education and is not medical advice. Glaucoma outcomes vary, and a qualified provider is responsible for evaluating your eyes and recommending care. Regular monitoring is essential to managing glaucoma.