Glaucoma
Glaucoma is not just one disease, but a group of conditions resulting in optic nerve damage, which diminishes sight. Abnormally high pressure inside the eye, usually, but not always, causes this damage. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. Sometimes called the silent thief of sight, glaucoma can damage your vision so gradually you don’t notice any loss of vision until the disease is at an advanced stage. Early diagnosis and treatment can minimize or prevent optic nerve damage and limit glaucoma-related vision loss.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
A common laser treatment for glaucoma is called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty or SLT. In SLT, laser treatment is applied to the drain of your eye in order to open it up and let the fluid out, lowering the eye pressure and saving your sight. SLT treatment takes only a few minutes, is performed in the office, is safe and effectively lowers eye pressure in most people. The treatment is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating glaucoma, and is covered by essentially all insurance plans.
Frequently asked questions
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve — often related to elevated pressure inside the eye — and it’s a leading cause of irreversible vision loss.
Does glaucoma have symptoms?
The most common forms have no early symptoms. Vision loss is gradual and painless, usually starting with peripheral (side) vision, which is why regular eye exams are essential for catching it early.
How is glaucoma treated?
Treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure and may include prescription eye drops, laser treatment such as Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), or surgery — depending on the type and stage. We tailor the plan to you and monitor it over time.
Can glaucoma be cured?
Glaucoma can’t be reversed, but with early detection and ongoing treatment, vision loss can usually be slowed or prevented.
Who is at higher risk?
Risk increases with age, a family history of glaucoma, certain ethnic backgrounds, diabetes, and higher-than-normal eye pressure.
Schedule a glaucoma evaluation
Because glaucoma often has no early warning signs, routine eye exams are your best protection. To schedule an evaluation at our St. Joseph or Cameron office, call (816) 233-2020 (St. Joseph) or (816) 632-3501 (Cameron). Meet our doctors.
