• 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.

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