Glaucoma Diagnosis near Kansas City, KS

Glaucoma is known as the "silent thief" of vision. This category of ocular disorders is caused by high intraocular pressure that leads to optic nerve damage due to built-up fluid. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to vision loss and even total blindness. While there are generally no symptoms or signs of glaucoma in its early stages, the damage it can cause is irreversible. Heart of America Eye Care offers glaucoma diagnosis and treatments to help manage this condition. Contact one of our locations in Belton, MO or Shawnee Mission or Overland Park, KS to learn more about glaucoma.

Detecting glaucoma early can make a significant difference in preserving your vision and long-term eye health. Since this condition often develops without noticeable symptoms, a professional diagnosis is the first step in managing it effectively. Key benefits of glaucoma diagnosis include:

• Early detection of optic nerve damage before significant vision loss occurs
• Timely treatment options to help reduce intraocular pressure and prevent progression
• Customized care plans based on the specific type and stage of glaucoma
• Improved monitoring of changes in eye pressure and visual function over time
• Greater chances of preserving vision and avoiding blindness with early intervention

Glaucoma is often diagnosed during a routine eye exam. Some of the tests we may perform to diagnose glaucoma include measuring the pressure of your eye, measuring the thickness of your cornea, and determining the degree of the angle between the cornea and the iris. We may diagnose you with one of two forms of glaucoma:

• Open-angle glaucoma: Occurs due to an issue with fluid retention in the trabecular meshwork
• Closed-angle (or narrow-angle) glaucoma: Occurs because the area between your iris and cornea is either too small or obstructed

While glaucoma cannot be reversed, we can prescribe medications or perform surgical procedures to prevent damage from occurring in the future. In its early stages, medications and eye drops may be able to control the condition and prevent nerve damage. In its more advanced or complex stages, however, we may need to consider a surgical option to slow the condition's progression.

Early detection is vital when it comes to treating and managing glaucoma. At Heart of America Eye Care, our eye doctors can perform various tests to diagnose glaucoma and offer state-of-the-art treatment options to minimize optic nerve damage or vision loss. For more information or to schedule an eye exam, contact a location near you in Shawnee Mission or Overland Park, KS, or Belton, MO.