I'm 40, and I've been wearing disposable contacts for about 24 years now. My optometrist tells me that my eye pressures are elevated -- 20 and 21 to be exact. We have monitored this for a year and it continues to be elevated. He now wants me to see a glaucoma specialist. I am so terrified I cannot make myself go. I have three children, and I need my eyes desperately. What should I do?

Paisley

Glaucoma is a chronic condition that is a significant cause of blindness in the United States, which is why I am sure you are very nervous about seeing an eye doctor. However, what your optometrist may not have explained to you is that vision loss from glaucoma is preventable. The most important thing you can do for the good of both yourself and your family is to make sure to see the glaucoma specialist now to determine the best treatment strategy.

Glaucoma is the medical term for a condition in which the pressure inside the eye is too high. The elevated pressure does not cause any symptoms, such as pain or redness. However, if the eye pressure is not lowered, it will damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss. Early signs of optic nerve damage can be detected by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist). Initially, optic nerve damage causes only mild loss of peripheral vision. However, if people with elevated eye pressure do not receive treatment, they will eventually lose all of their vision.

The treatment of glaucoma has dramatically improved over the last five years. Many new prescription eyedrops have been developed to lower eye pressure. These drops have minimal side effects, and many need to be used only once or twice a day. Most glaucoma patients can be treated with these eyedrops alone. However, some people with glaucoma may require laser surgery to make the pressure lower. Your ophthalmologist will be able to determine what treatment approach is best for you.

Again, I must emphasize that vision loss from glaucoma can be prevented. However, if you have elevated eye pressure, it is vital that you see your eye doctor regularly to preserve your vision.