Glaucoma Treatment in Springfield Commons

Glaucoma Treatment in Springfield Commons

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(937) 323-1233

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness.

It's caused by fluid build-up and increased pressure within the eye that damages the optic nerve that progressively worsens your vision. This disease can cause severe, irreversible vision loss if left untreated.

In many cases, appropriate control and treatment can help prevent further damage to the eyes and protect your vision. Shawnee Optical - Springfield offers several treatments to help address glaucoma. Learn more about the treatments we provide and contact us to schedule an appointment.

Glaucoma diagnosis


The 2 Main Types of Glaucoma

grandfather wearing glasses holding his granddaughter

  • Open-angle glaucoma: the most common type. It is a lifelong condition that accounts for at least 90% of all glaucoma cases.
  • Angle-closure glaucoma: a rare form of the disease which requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the angle is closed in many or most areas between the iris and cornea, which reduces fluid drainage and increases eye pressure.

Glaucoma: The Sneaky Thief of Sight

There is a reason glaucoma is called “the sneaky thief of sight”--half the people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it! Meaning, they may not have symptoms in the early stages.

At Shawnee Optical - Springfield, we diagnose and help preserve your vision with cutting-edge glaucoma treatments that can slow the progression of the disease.

If you have a family history of glaucoma or have been diagnosed with glaucoma, contact us today.

optometrist in Springfield Commons


What are the Signs of Glaucoma?

glaucoma signs

As mentioned earlier, glaucoma usually shows no symptoms in its early stages. When signs do manifest, it's usually loss of tunnel vision or peripheral vision. Unfortunately, by the time vision loss has occurred, it cannot be reversed.

That said, the less common angle-closure glaucoma does show a sudden onset of symptoms, including:

  • Extreme eye pain
  • Eye redness
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek prompt diagnosis and treatment by contacting Shawnee Optical - Springfield in Springfield Commons or visiting your nearest emergency room.


Who's at Risk for Glaucoma?

  • Age 40 +

    The prevalence of glaucoma increases with age, with most glaucoma patients aged 40 and up. That said, there is a much rarer form of this disease (congenital glaucoma) that affects infants.

  • Family History & Ethnicity

    Your risk for developing glaucoma is higher if you have a family history of the disease. Those of African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American, and Indigenous Canadian descent have a higher risk of developing this disease.

  • Other Conditions

    High myopia, hypertension and diabetes can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.

  • Eye Injury or Trauma

    An eye injury, trauma or eye surgery can increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma.


Common Glaucoma Treatments

There is currently no cure for glaucoma. However, several treatments are available to prevent the progression of this sight-robbing condition. With the right care, you have a higher chance of managing your glaucoma and preserving your vision.

Common treatments include:

Eye Drops

Your optometrist will prescribe eye drops to help regulate pressure inside the eye by decreasing fluid production and/or improving drainage.

Laser Surgery

If eye drops aren’t doing enough to reduce intraocular pressure or intraocular temperature in open-angle glaucoma, laser surgery may be an option. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) opens up the drainage system in the eye to reduce pressure.

SLT is successful in 80% of cases and can reduce eye pressure by 20%.

Other Surgeries

If a laser procedure or eye drops do not lower eye pressure to the desired level, your eye doctor may recommend one of the following surgeries:

  • Incision Surgery
  • Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
  • Glaucoma Drainage Implants

Glaucoma Testing Treatment FAQs

How does an eye doctor diagnose glaucoma?

Since glaucoma has no side effects early on, it is essential for people with a family history of risk factors for glaucoma to get tested. The following tests diagnose glaucoma:

  • Tonometry: measures the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP)
  • Ophthalmoscopy (dilated eye exam): examines the shape and color of the optic nerve
  • Perimetry: measures your field of vision
  • Gonioscopy: checks the angle where the iris meets the cornea
  • Pachymetry: determines the thickness of the cornea to better evaluate eye pressure.
What foods should you avoid if you have glaucoma?

The following are the foods every glaucoma patient should consider avoiding immediately. It should help keep your optic nerve healthy and minimize eye pressure.

  • Caffeine - certain studies show that caffeine contributes to increased intraocular pressure.
  • Saturated fats - a diet high in saturated fats can lead to weight gain, which not only increases intraocular pressure but also cholesterol levels.
  • Trans fats - try to limit your consumption of trans fats because they can also raise cholesterol levels
  • Salt - make sure to consume salt sparingly, as increased blood pressure can indirectly lead to intraocular pressure.
What percentage of glaucoma patients go blind?

About 60% of patients diagnosed with glaucoma will eventually lose some vision.

However, the rate of legal blindness among glaucoma patients is 5%. Getting effective treatment early on will greatly increase your ability to preserve and maximize your vision.

Patient Reviews
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123 Reviews
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- Oct. 12, 2024
VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND PROFESSIONAL--KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
- Sep. 10, 2024
I’ve started going to Dr Penny the past couple of years. The staff is always friendly and helpful... . Dr Penney is wonderful and takes time to explain what’s going on as well as my options. It’s an excellent office in the Springfield area for glasses or contacts!
- Aug. 30, 2024
The doctor was very thorough and sweet, took his time and explained everything to me, and actually f... ound something that would work when nobody in the past has done that!
- Aug. 16, 2024
We usually go to another provider. Husband went in to pick out glasses…staff was so friendly and h... elpful, I decided to go there also for my eye exam. Wait times are reasonable and always had my questions answered. I recommend…..
- Aug. 05, 2024
A Great place
- Aug. 01, 2024
It was a good place to visit!! Everybody was so warm and friendly!!
- Jul. 30, 2024
Very courteous, friendly and Dr. Penny was very professional and thorough. Highly recommend
- Jul. 30, 2024
Great staff, kind and patient people all around. Dr Penny was punctual with the appointment time and... displayed a real desire to get my vision back to 20/20. I wish all the Dr appointments we have to have were this pleasant.
- Jul. 17, 2024
All good.
- May. 29, 2024
The diagnostic tests and supportive treatment for eye care at the Springfield Shawnee office was top... notch and totally acceptable for me.
- May. 12, 2024
Comfortable setting, patient , friendly staff. Small issue with my glasses resolved in just a few mi... nutes with staff doing some adjustments
- Apr. 23, 2024
The whole process from scheduling, to the exam and checkout is very efficient. The entire staff seem... s competent and are all very friendly.
- Apr. 21, 2024
Every single time I go here I leave feeling happy as everyone is so helpful and wants to be sure you... have what you need to be your best self. I would recommend this place over any other place due to the positive energy and kindness they always have when I’m there. Thank you!
- Apr. 18, 2024
Excellent Service
- Feb. 27, 2024
I went to another company & after several attempts to correct my vision at 2 different locations, th... ey finally admitted they they didn't know how to do it. Dr. Penny immediately recognized the problem & addressed it appropriately.
- Dec. 04, 2023
Staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Never have a long wait time and the office is always nice and cl... ean.
- Nov. 10, 2023
Courteous, Professional and prompt! Best eye exam I have ever had.
- Jun. 27, 2023
Everyone was nice and polite from walking in for my visit till I was leaving.
- Apr. 16, 2023
Great service
- Mar. 20, 2023
Everyone here is professional, personable and knowledge. I always experience excellent care when I'm... here.

View All 123 Reviews

Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Springfield Commons

Our optometry practice in Springfield Commons

Photograph of Richard  Penny
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Aetna

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(937) 323-1233