Questions About Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the second largest cause of blindness in the United States. A result of increased pressure within the eye damaging the optic nerve, glaucoma is an age-related condition that is generally first detected at your regularly scheduled eye exams.

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Symptoms of open-angle glaucoma may include a gradual loss of peripheral vision or tunnel vision. Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma may include severe eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, a reddening of the eye, and a sudden onset of visual disturbances. Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma need to be brought to the attention of Kanas City ophthalmologist, Dr. Steven Silverstein immediately.

Can Glaucoma Be Prevented?

Glaucoma is age-related and may be unavoidable. However, there are risk factors including certain medical conditions, ethnic background, family history, and other eye diseases and disorders that may make you more susceptible to this disease.

Prevention may not be possible, but weight and blood pressure control combined with frequent visits to our office can be useful in limiting the effects of glaucoma.

How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Glaucoma is detected through eye pressure tests administered during your regular office visits. These visits should occur every other year between the ages of 40 and 60 and yearly thereafter. Early detection will allow Dr. Silverstein to effectively treat this common disorder.

Can Glaucoma Be Treatment?

Glaucoma can be treated, but not cured. To treat glaucoma, Dr. Silverstein will need to relieve pressure in your eye. This may be accomplished through medications, surgical instruments, or new laser therapies. The method most suited to meet your needs will be determined during your glaucoma evaluation.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

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Our Specialties:

Premium Lens Implants

Premium lens implants provide a continuous range of vision from near to far. In contrast to standard lens implants which require glasses for distance or close-up vision, premium lens implants expand your range of functional vision for both distance and near vision. Corrective eyewear may still be necessary for some activities, but the freedom from glasses and contact lenses is incredible. Learn more about our Premium Lens Implant options.

Diseases of the Cornea

A healthy cornea is critical to your vision and general health. When your cornea is damaged by injury, infection, or disease, your ability to focus is compromised because the incoming light can be distorted or blocked. Steven Silverstein MD, FACS is a fellowship-trained cornea specialist. He is an internationally renowned expert, and will expertly treat any corneal issues you may have.

Ask us about Prokera, a biologic corneal bandage that has natural therapeutic actions known to heal the eye faster with less pain, scarring, and inflammation.

Treatment of Cataracts

If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, cataract surgery is the only way to restore your vision. Your choice of a cataract surgeon can have a significant impact on the quality of your results, so choosing your cataract surgeon carefully is worth the time and effort. At Silverstein Eye Centers, we use only the most advanced technology for laser-assisted cataract surgery. Learn more about cataract treatment options.

Lasik Procedures

LASIK laser vision correction has enabled millions of people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts. Dr. Silverstein has been performing LASIK procedures since the technology first became available, and is an expert in the field. Learn more about LASIK vision correction.

Comprehensive Eye Exams

Proactive eye care starts with routine examinations. Our complete examination will reveal any eye problems, even hidden ones you may not be aware of.

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, elevated cholesterol, or thyroid disease, your vision and the health of your eyes could be affected. Also, certain medications can cause visual problems, which is why it’s so important to have your eyes examined on a regular basis. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment!