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The EyeDoctors Optometrists in Kansas

Glaucoma Doctors in Kansas

Find Experienced Glaucoma Specialists Near You

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Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. "The silent thief of sight" refers to a group of eye conditions that develop slowly and often go unnoticed.  Patients  diagnosed with glaucoma can lose up to 40% of their eyesight before noticing any issues with their vision. 

The CDC estimates that there are over 3 million people in the United States with glaucoma but only 50% of them know they have the disease. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, making it extremely important for early detection and care.

Routine eye exams allow our team at The EyeDoctors Optometrists to detect diseases and conditions that could potentially harm your vision. . 

Glaucoma cannot be prevented, it can be controlled. Our eye doctors in Kansas are specialized in glaucoma care and will help you maintain your vision.

Schedule A Glaucoma Exam at The EyeDoctors Optometrists Today

Glaucoma Exam

Protect your vision by scheduling a routine glaucoma exam at The EyeDoctors Optometrists in Kansas.

The EyeDoctors Optometrists is proud to have offices located throughout the state of Kansas including cities like Lawrence, Topeka, Grand Junction, Manhattan, and Emporia. This gives you access to expert glaucoma doctors no matter where you live. 

Schedule an exam at The EyeDoctors Optometrists near you. 

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What is Glaucoma? 

 

Glaucoma occurs when your eye cannot maintain a balance between the amount of intraocular fluid your eye produces. Intraocular fluid maintains the shape of your eye and flows between the iris and the lens.

 

When there is an imbalance, the pressure in your eye increases. Too much pressure causes damage to the optic nerve, which is the part of the eye that is responsible for sight. 

 

If left untreated, over time the pressure created by glaucoma can impact your ability to see clearly. 

 

Common Cause of Glaucoma

Glaucoma can also be caused by blunt or chemical eye injuries, a severe infection, blocked blood vessels, and inflammatory conditions.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Glaucoma can be hereditary and affect people of all ages, including infants, children, and young adults. It can cause throbbing headaches, extreme eye pressure, redness of the eye, and reduced peripheral vision. 

If you have a family history of glaucoma or are at risk for the disease, tell your doctor. This can help protect your eyes and prevent discomfort. Additional risk factors for glaucoma include:

  • African American, Irish, Russian, Japanese, Hispanic, Inuit, or Scandinavian background

  • Diabetes

  • Heart disease

  • Sickle cell anemia

  • Hypertension

  • High blood pressure

  • High eye pressure

  • Steroids including hydrocortisone and prednisone

  • Medications for bladder control and seizures

  • Some over-the-counter cold remedies

  • Previous eye injury 

  • Family history of glaucoma

  • Nearsightedness or farsightedness

  • Thin corneas

Understanding Your Glaucoma Treatment Options

Glaucoma cannot be prevented, and damage to the optic nerve cannot be reversed, but it can be slowed down and managed. 

The team at The EyeDoctors Optometrists can help you with glaucoma, including identifying it, diagnosing it, and treating it. They will work with you to find the best treatment option to keep your eyes healthy. Two of the most common glaucoma treatments include:

  • Eye Drops: Eye drops are designed to decrease pressure in the eye by limiting the production of intraocular fluid or by promoting better outflow. Like all glaucoma medications, you must have a prescription for these drops. One drawback is that they require continuous, daily use to prevent loss of vision.

  • Glaucoma Surgery: The most common type of surgery to treat glaucoma involves inserting a device to help fluid flow out of the eye.  Our glaucoma specialists perform this painless procedure using the smallest FDA-approved stent available, the iStent®. Most patients don’t even feel the device or need to use eye drops as much after surgery or at all.

Schedule a Glaucoma Exam at The EyeDoctors Optometrists Today

Schedule Glaucoma Exam

Early detection of glaucoma is key because symptoms often go unnoticed and once vision loss occurs, it cannot be restored. If you are at risk for glaucoma, you should see your eye doctor more regularly. Schedule an appointment with The EyeDoctors Optometrists today.

Schedule Your Eye Exam

Frequently Asked Questions About Glaucoma

How Does an Eye Doctor Check for Glaucoma?

The doctors at The EyeDoctors Optometrists are experts in personalized eye care and use the most advanced technology available in comprehensive eye exams. In addition to considering any risk factors, your eye doctor will dilate your pupils, inspect the inside of your eye, and perform additional tests if necessary.

Tests for glaucoma include:

  • Visual field test to evaluate your peripheral vision

  • Fundus photos to monitor the retina and optic nerve

  • Gonioscopy to evaluate the flow of intraocular fluid

  • Pachymetry to measure the thickness of the cornea

  • Tonometry to measure the intraocular eye pressure

  • OCT (ocular coherence tomography) to visualize the deeper structure of the optic nerve and monitor for changes

Your eye doctor will analyze the results and may consult an ophthalmologist to determine the best course of treatment for your unique eyes.

If Untreated, Can Glaucoma Lead to Blindness?

Glaucoma can lead to blindness if left untreated. Of about 2.3 million cases of glaucoma, 12 percent have resulted in vision impairment and approximately 120,000 have resulted in complete loss of sight.

Routine eye exams are essential to eye health because they allow your doctor to monitor your vision, detect eye conditions like glaucoma, and provide treatment to manage the progression of the disease.

What Is the Prognosis for a Glaucoma Diagnosis?

The prognosis depends on the type and severity of the glaucoma diagnosis. While glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be controlled through routine eye exams and treatments.

If you are living with glaucoma, contact The EyeDoctors Optometrists today. Our team of glaucoma specialists can help you preserve your vision and live your life more comfortably.