Glaucoma Chats

Black and Hispanic communities face a significantly higher risk of glaucoma and often experience barriers to early diagnosis and treatment. In recognition of National Minority Health Month, UCLA ophthalmologist Dr. Victoria Tseng discusses the latest research on glaucoma disparities, cultural and healthcare barriers, and why early screening is critical to protecting vision.

Family history is one of the strongest risk factors for glaucoma—having a parent, sibling, or child with the disease can increase your risk by up to 10 times. In this episode, Dr. Inas Aboobakar explains the role of genetics and family history in glaucoma, what and when to share with relatives, and how to encourage glaucoma eye exams. You’ll also learn about practical resources to help families take proactive steps together.

Open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma are the two most common forms of glaucoma, but they differ in causes, risk factors, and treatment approaches. In this episode, ophthalmologist Dr. Andrew Smith explains the key differences and similarities between these types of glaucoma, who is most at risk, and how each is treated. Learn what these distinctions mean for diagnosis, care, and protecting your long-term vision.

Glaucoma care is evolving, and eye drops are no longer the only path forward. In this episode of Glaucoma Chats, Dr. Mehul Nagarsheth explains how earlier diagnosis can open the door to modern, less invasive treatment options. He will also share a roadmap for the newly diagnosed, including what steps to take after a diagnosis and options for early interventions that can save sight.

Living with glaucoma often means navigating complex information and unanswered questions. In this chat, Dr. Poonam Misra, a glaucoma specialist and fellowship co-director at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, will address some of the most common questions listeners have shared over the past year—from treatment options and lifestyle considerations to the latest educational resources.

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Lucy Q. Shen as we explore cutting-edge research into restoring vision loss from glaucoma. From optic nerve regeneration to promising advances in stem cell and gene therapies, this episode will examine where science stands—and where it’s headed—in the quest to reverse glaucoma damage.

Don’t wait for vision loss to act. Join Dr. Amy Zhang of the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center for a conversation about the benefits of a proactive approach to glaucoma care, including innovative treatments like minimally invasive surgery, continuous drug delivery systems, and at-home eye pressure monitoring. Learn how early intervention can preserve sight and improve quality of life.

National Glaucoma Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, is supporting 38 active research grants around the world. Learn about some of these groundbreaking research projects and how they are advancing earlier detection, risk reduction, treatments, and, ultimately, a cure for glaucoma.

Discover the latest innovations in glaucoma treatment, from surgical implants to sustained-release medications. Dr. Nitasha Gupta will explore options like tube shunts, iStent, Durysta, and iDose, and explain how these approaches can help lower eye pressure and manage glaucoma more effectively. Learn about the benefits, potential side effects, and what these treatments could mean for your long-term eye health.

Can lifestyle changes help reduce glaucoma risk? Join us as glaucoma specialist Jullia A. Rosdahl, MD, PhD, discusses how diet, exercise, sleep, and other non-drug interventions may impact eye pressure and overall eye health. Learn about the latest research on nutrition, supplements, and daily habits that could support vision preservation.

Receiving a glaucoma diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but having the right support makes all the difference. Glaucoma specialist Dr. Lawrence S. Geyman will discuss the types of providers involved in glaucoma care, treatment plans, and how to access resources like insurance guidance, low vision therapy, and support groups. Join us to learn how to navigate your diagnosis with confidence.

Glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can both lead to vision loss and irreversible blindness. Learn about the similarities and differences between these two vision diseases, whether someone can develop both conditions at the same time, and how to reduce your risk.

Join Dr. Qi N. Cui as she explains the science behind glaucoma, a leading cause of vision loss. This program will explore the key mechanisms of optic nerve damage that leads to vision loss, the role of elevated intraocular pressure, and innovative research aimed at developing new treatments for glaucoma.

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Rebecca Sarran, a leading glaucoma specialist, as she discusses the latest research on reducing the risk of glaucoma. Dr. Sarran will cover key risk factors for glaucoma, and how regular eye exams, healthy lifestyle choices, and using eye protection can help preserve vision.

Join us as we explore the diverse landscape of glaucoma treatments. We'll discuss treatment plans, the efficacy of generic versus brand-name medications, and cutting-edge options like implants and laser treatments. Plus, get insights into newly approved treatments and answers to your questions on alternatives to daily eye drops, vision preservation strategies, and the latest in surgical interventions.