January Is Glaucoma Awareness Month
Happy New Year from all of us at Collins Vision! As Southwest Florida rings in 2026, many of us are welcoming a new year by focusing on fresh starts and healthy habits. One of the most important steps you can take for your well-being, both now and for the future, is prioritizing your eye health. Glaucoma Awareness Month is the perfect reminder to do just that.
For more than 20 years, Collins Vision has been dedicated to delivering exceptional, patient-centered eye care with advanced technology and a compassionate touch. We believe the more you understand your eye health, the better equipped you are to protect it—and we’re here to partner with you every step of the way.
Understanding the “Silent Thief of Sight”
Did you know that more than 4 million Americans are living with glaucoma, yet nearly half don’t even know they have it? The most common form of the eye disease, primary open-angle glaucoma, develops slowly and without pain. It’s possible to lose a significant portion of peripheral vision before noticing any changes.
Glaucoma’s impact is significant and growing, especially with aging populations, making awareness and early diagnosis more important than ever.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when fluid inside the eye doesn’t drain as it should, increasing pressure that damages the optic nerve. Once this delicate nerve tissue is damaged, vision loss is irreversible.
While glaucoma is most commonly seen in people over the age of 60, the condition can affect anyone at any age, which is why comprehensive, annual comprehensive eye exams are an essential part of your self-care routine. At Collins Vision, every exam includes glaucoma screening, and our experienced team performs thorough evaluations when additional testing is needed. We use advanced technology, including OCT (optical coherence tomography) that takes an image of the nerve to look for damage from glaucoma.
How Is Glaucoma Treated?
While there is no cure, today’s treatments can slow—or even stop—vision loss when the condition is detected early. Treatment options include:
MICRO TREATMENT FOR GLAUCOMA – ISTENT
If you have both cataracts and open-angle glaucoma, we may suggest the iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass to treat your open-angle glaucoma. Dr. Collins is one of the first and most experienced surgeons in the Southwest Florida area to offer the iStent. With the implantable iStent, you may be able to forgo or greatly reduce the daily use of medicated eye drops while still lowering excess intraocular eye pressure.
ENDOCYCLOPHOTOCOAGULATION (ECP)
ECP is a laser treatment done at the time of cataract surgery that delivers a gentle type of light energy through a fine fiber optic probe. During the cataract operation, our surgeons are able to use the same tiny incisions to remove the cataract, implant an intraocular lens, and perform the ECP procedure.
SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY (SLT)
This procedure involves short bursts of energy to reduce pressure on the optic nerve in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. It may reduce dependence on drops and can be safely repeated many times.
OMNI® GLAUCOMA TREATMENT SYSTEM
MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery) procedures lower eye pressure in a safe manner with rapid recovery and minimal restrictions. Instead of creating an artificial drain in the eye, they unclog the natural drainage system of the eye and enhance drainage. Dr. Friedrichs is able to offer MIGS with a new platform called the OMNI® Glaucoma Treatment System, combining two procedures known as trabeculotomy and vasodilation of Schlemm’s canal in one hand-held device without the need for additional incisions.
XEN GEL STENT
XEN Gel Stent is a tiny gelatin implant designed to help bypass the blocked drainage system of the eye. It works by creating a small channel in the eye to drain fluid and help reduce the IOP. XEN is suggested for patients with open-angle glaucoma where previous surgical treatment has failed and/or medications (at maximum dosage) alone were insufficient. The XEN Gel Stent is implanted in a minimally invasive procedure and can be done at the same time as cataract surgery, saving patients time and money.
Our doctors specialize in diagnosing and managing glaucoma and will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your eyes and your lifestyle.
Are You at Risk?
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but the risk increases if you:
- Are 60+
- Are African American or Hispanic and over 40
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Have diabetes, high blood pressure, migraines, or sickle cell anemia
- Have thin corneas
- Have experienced eye injuries or previous eye surgery
- Are very nearsighted or farsighted
- Use long-term steroid medications
Understanding your risks—and staying consistent with yearly eye exams—is the best way to safeguard your vision.
Start 2026 with Healthy Vision for Your Future
If you’ve been meaning to schedule your annual eye exam, now is the ideal time. Your future vision depends on the steps you take today.
At Collins Vision, we’re honored to care for the eyes of Southwest Florida. From comprehensive eye exams and advanced management of glaucoma and other eye conditions to modern cataract surgery and laser vision correction, we’re here to help you see your best—this year and for many years to come.
Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today.