Can Glaucoma Progress More Rapidly in One Eye Than the Other?

Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it can progress without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. One of the more perplexing aspects of this eye disease is its asymmetrical nature. Many patients wonder - can glaucoma progress more rapidly in one eye than the other?

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the vital link between your eyes and brain. This damage is often caused by an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), though glaucoma can also occur with normal eye pressure. Over time, the pressure damages the optic nerve fibers, leading to gradual and irreversible vision loss, typically starting with peripheral vision.

Understanding Glaucoma Progression

It’s not uncommon for glaucoma to affect one eye more severely or more quickly than the other. This asymmetry can result from a variety of factors, including:

Differences in Eye Anatomy: Each eye is unique. Variations in optic nerve structure, drainage angle configuration, or blood flow can influence how glaucoma develops in each eye.
Intraocular Pressure (IOP): While both eyes may have elevated pressure, one may experience more significant or more frequent spikes in IOP, leading to faster optic nerve damage.
Pre-existing Conditions or Injuries: A history of trauma, inflammation, or surgery in one eye can predispose it to faster progression of glaucoma.
Types of Glaucoma: Some forms, such as normal-tension glaucoma, can affect each eye differently and progress at varying rates even with similar pressure readings.

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter

Because glaucoma often advances without warning signs, routine comprehensive eye exams are essential for early detection and ongoing management. At Optique Vision, we use advanced diagnostic tools to measure intraocular pressure, evaluate the optic nerve, and assess peripheral vision.

Early detection allows us to start treatment before significant vision loss occurs. In cases where one eye shows signs of faster progression, we can tailor a more aggressive treatment plan to protect that eye while continuing to monitor the other.

Protect Your Sight with Proactive Care

Glaucoma can indeed progress more rapidly in one eye than the other, but with vigilant monitoring and individualized care, we can help protect your vision. If you have a family history of glaucoma, are over the age of 40, or have risk factors such as high eye pressure or diabetes, regular eye exams are even more crucial. Even if you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma already, consistent follow-ups are necessary to detect changes in each eye and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam at Optique Vision to stay ahead of glaucoma. Visit our office in Albany, New York, or call (518) 302-2106 to book an appointment today.