Kansas City’s Leaders in Eye Care, Experts in Glaucoma Treatment

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve, responsible for sending visual information from the eye to the brain, is damaged. Most people do not notice symptoms until they begin to lose some vision. The result is a slow and gradual loss of vision, which can potentially lead to blindness. Approximately 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older have glaucoma.

How is Glaucoma treated?

Discover Vision doctors are committed to providing you with the latest glaucoma treatment methods available, including the SLT™ Laser (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty). Traditionally, glaucoma is treated with eye drop therapy, lasers or other procedures designed to lower intra-ocular pressure.

Although glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection and treatment can usually preserve vision. Discover Vision Centers recommends individuals with increased risk for developing glaucoma have their eyes examined every year. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that patients over the age of 65 have their eyes examined every year to protect and maintain good vision.

Individuals at risk include:

• African-Americans over the age of 40
• People with a family history of glaucoma
• individuals over age 60
• people with other health conditions, such as diabetes
• individuals who have experienced a serious eye injury

Anyone who falls into one or more of these categories should talk with an eye doctor. If you or someone you know may be at risk for glaucoma, call 816.478.1230 today or click here to schedule an appointment.