Glaucoma Treatment and Care at Washington Eye Institute
Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of irreversible vision loss in the United States and around the world. Recent research estimates that over 4.2 million Americans are living with glaucoma, and it is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. At Washington Eye Institute, our glaucoma care team — including Michael Summerfield, M.D., Sarah Chang, M.D., and Joseph Mekhail, M.D. — provides comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and advanced treatment for patients throughout Greenbelt, Rockville, Cumberland, and communities across Maryland. Early detection and ongoing management are essential to preserving your vision and protecting long-term eye health.
4.2M+
Americans with Glaucoma
75%
Drop-Free at 3 Years
with Laser-First Treatment
Recent Glaucoma Clinical Studies · LiGHT Trial, 2023–2025
Could You Have Glaucoma?
Schedule a consultation with our glaucoma care team to discuss your symptoms and explore your treatment options.
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What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of irreversible vision loss in the United States and around the world. According to recent estimates, over 4.2 million Americans have glaucoma, and it is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. At Washington Eye Institute, our glaucoma care team — including Michael Summerfield, M.D., Sarah Chang, M.D., and Joseph Mekhail, M.D. — provides comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and advanced treatment for patients throughout Greenbelt, Rockville, Cumberland, and communities across Maryland. Early detection and ongoing management are essential to preserving your vision and protecting long-term eye health.
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is the critical structure responsible for transmitting visual information from your eye to your brain. In most cases, this damage occurs gradually over time and can progress without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the optic nerve deterioration caused by glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.
Dedicated Glaucoma Care
Focused exclusively on diagnosing and managing all types of glaucoma with personalized treatment plans.
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Utilizing OCT imaging, visual field analysis, and tonometry to detect glaucoma at its earliest stages.
Glaucoma Care in Expert Hands
The glaucoma team at Washington Eye Institute brings decades of combined experience in diagnosis, medical management, and surgical treatment. Using advanced imaging technology and proven approaches, our specialists work together to help patients preserve their vision and maintain long-term eye health.
Comprehensive Glaucoma Evaluation
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Team-Based Approach
3 Maryland Locations
Board Certified
Personally Involved
Board Certified Ophthalmologists
Is It Time to See a Glaucoma Specialist?
If you have a family history of glaucoma, elevated eye pressure, or have noticed changes in your peripheral vision, a comprehensive glaucoma evaluation can help determine your risk and guide early intervention.
Our specialists use advanced diagnostic imaging and visual field testing to detect glaucoma in its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective at preserving your remaining vision.
Early detection is the key to preventing irreversible vision loss from glaucoma. Regular screenings can make all the difference.
Say Goodbye
Advanced Glaucoma Treatments
Washington Eye Institute offers the latest minimally invasive and surgical treatment options to lower eye pressure and protect your vision.
SLT Laser Treatment for Glaucoma
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a safe, effective in-office procedure that uses targeted laser energy to improve the natural drainage of fluid from your eye, lowering intraocular pressure without the need for incisions or implants.
SLT is often recommended as a first-line treatment or as a complement to eye drops for patients with open-angle glaucoma. The procedure takes just minutes and can be repeated if needed to maintain pressure control over time.
How SLT Laser Treatment Works
Evaluation & Imaging
Your specialist performs a comprehensive eye exam and takes baseline pressure measurements to plan your treatment.
Protective Shielding
Anesthetic eye drops are applied and a special contact lens is placed on the eye to direct the laser beam precisely.
Laser Application
Brief, targeted laser pulses are applied to the trabecular meshwork to enhance your eye's natural drainage system.
Recovery and Follow-Up
You return home the same day. Your doctor monitors your eye pressure at follow-up visits to confirm treatment success.
Glaucoma Warning Signs
Glaucoma often develops without early symptoms. Recognizing these warning signs can help you seek timely evaluation and protect your vision.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Our glaucoma center is equipped with the latest technology for precise diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing monitoring.
OCT Optic Nerve Imaging
High-resolution cross-sectional imaging of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer
Visual Field Testing
Automated perimetry to map your peripheral vision and detect early functional loss
Gonioscopy & Pachymetry
Evaluation of drainage angle structure and corneal thickness measurement
Tonometry & Nerve Photography
Precision intraocular pressure measurement and optic nerve head documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can glaucoma be cured?
There is currently no cure for glaucoma, and any vision that has been lost to the disease cannot be recovered. However, with early detection and consistent treatment, it is possible to slow or stop the progression of the disease and preserve remaining vision. This is why regular eye examinations and adherence to your prescribed treatment plan are so important.
How often should I be screened for glaucoma?
Adults between the ages of 40 and 54 with no risk factors should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to three years. Those aged 55 to 64 should be examined every one to two years, and adults 65 and older should be evaluated annually. If you have known risk factors such as a family history of glaucoma, elevated eye pressure, or African American heritage, more frequent screening may be recommended.
Does glaucoma only affect older adults?
While glaucoma is more common in older adults, it can affect people of all ages. Congenital glaucoma can occur in infants, and juvenile glaucoma can develop during childhood or adolescence. Adults in their 30s and 40s can also develop the condition, particularly if they have significant risk factors. Early screening is especially important for individuals with a strong family history.
Will I go blind from glaucoma?
With proper treatment and regular monitoring, most patients with glaucoma maintain useful vision throughout their lives. Blindness from glaucoma is typically associated with late diagnosis, lack of treatment, or poor adherence to a prescribed treatment regimen. The key to preserving your vision is early detection and consistent follow-up care with a qualified glaucoma specialist.
Are glaucoma eye drops something I will need to use permanently?
In most cases, glaucoma eye drops are a long-term commitment. Because glaucoma is a chronic condition, ongoing treatment is needed to keep intraocular pressure under control and protect the optic nerve. Some patients may transition from eye drops to laser treatment or surgery, but all forms of glaucoma management require continued monitoring by your eye care provider.
How do I schedule a glaucoma evaluation at Washington Eye Institute?
To schedule a comprehensive glaucoma evaluation with our ophthalmologists, please call our office at 301.800.7490. We welcome patients at our convenient locations in Greenbelt, Rockville, and Cumberland, Maryland. Our team is committed to providing thorough, personalized glaucoma care to help protect your vision for years to come.
Schedule Your Glaucoma Evaluation Today
Our glaucoma care team is ready to help you protect your vision with expert diagnosis and advanced treatment.