The dedicated eye care professionals at Stiles Eyecare Excellence are committed to providing patients who suffer with glaucoma the knowledge and care you need to preserve your vision and maintain your eye health. We offer personalized glaucoma management with a variety of treatment options, including glaucoma surgery, in Overland Park and Topeka.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma is a progressive disease that can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. Early diagnosis and care are essential to preserve vision. At Stiles Eyecare Excellence, we focus on effective glaucoma treatments to help patients in Overland Park maintain their eye health.
There are several types of glaucoma, including open-angle glaucoma, narrow-angle glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma. Each type has its own unique characteristics and risk factors.
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is, by far, the most common type and affects more than three million Americans and almost 60 million people worldwide. In this type of glaucoma, the eye’s drainage system, known as the trabecular meshwork, does not function correctly. This results in a gradual increase in intraocular pressure over time, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. When we mention glaucoma without specifying a type, you can assume we are discussing open-angle glaucoma.
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it typically progresses without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. Patients with open-angle glaucoma often do not have any symptoms prior to being diagnosed during an eye exam. Patients with glaucoma that has progressed without diagnosis may notice blind spots or vision loss.
Closed-angle glaucoma has immediate and noticeable symptoms, including eye pain, headaches, nausea, and red eyes. Closed-angle glaucoma, also known as a “glaucoma attack,” is quite rare and should be treated as a medical emergency.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to managing glaucoma. The type of treatment that is right for you will depend on the type and severity of glaucoma, as well as your overall health and preferences. Our eye doctors will create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.
Nonsurgical treatments may include prescription medications or laser procedures:
When nonsurgical treatments fail to control intraocular pressure, surgical intervention may be necessary to manage glaucoma effectively. Our glaucoma surgeons are experienced in different types of glaucoma surgery, including:
There are very few symptoms when the disease is in its earliest and most treatable stages. That’s why regular screening is so critical.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness if left untreated. Though there is no cure yet for glaucoma, early detection and medication/surgery can halt further vision loss. Advanced technology makes it possible to diagnose glaucoma earlier than ever before.
This device is injected through a tiny corneal incision through the drainage angle with the outflow end of the collagen device delivered under the superficial tissues of the eye. An opening of the surface tissues, under which the eye fluid is deposited, is NOT required, which avoids some of the complications of traditional surgery and may induce less chance for scarring. Although this device was just FDA approved in 2016, Dr. Stiles was involved in the multicenter research study which helped bring this device to market over the past few years. Therefore, not any surgeon in the U.S. has more experience with the XEN device than the surgeons at SEE.
Others LIGS devices similar to the XEN Gel Stent in that the goal is to avoid the complications of achieving Intraocular pressure (IOP) that is potentially too low while still yielding the dramatic benefit of bypass surgery are under development. SEE is currently involved in a clinical research trial investigating one potential new L.I.G.S. device. The material used to make the implant device is the same material used in cardiac surgery due to its lack of attracting scar tissue cells. This device has NOT been FDA approved and is only available through an FDA research study. Stiles Eyecare Excellence is the only provider in the area involved in the study.
If glaucoma surgery is the best choice for you, your eye doctor at Stiles Eyecare Excellence will review your treatment plan and explain all the risks and benefits of surgery. You will be given detailed pre-op instructions that may include discontinuing certain medications prior to surgery. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your procedure.
Your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic drops before surgery. The surgical steps and length of the procedure will depend on what type of surgery you are having. Rest assured that your eye doctor will explain the treatment plan, and answer any last-minute questions you may have, prior to surgery.
Recovery will also depend on what type of procedure you have. Our team will review recovery instructions with you, including how long you should expect recovery to take. We will also review any post-op medications and scheduled follow-up appointments.
Glaucoma can occur without any known cause. Those over 60, with diabetes, or with a family history of glaucoma may be more likely to be affected by this condition.
While it’s not always possible to completely prevent glaucoma, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk and detect it early:
Glaucoma is often a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. Glaucoma surgery aims to manage and control glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. While surgery can be highly effective in lowering intraocular pressure and slowing the progression of the disease, it may not cure glaucoma. Successful surgery can help preserve your remaining vision and prevent further vision loss, but it’s essential to continue regular follow-up care to monitor and manage the disease.
Glaucoma surgery is primarily aimed at preserving the remaining vision and preventing further vision loss. While some patients may experience improved vision, especially if their high intraocular pressure was causing vision problems, the primary goal of surgery is to halt the progression of glaucoma and protect your eyesight.
Surgery for open-angle glaucoma is an option when other treatments, such as eye drops, medications, and laser therapy, fail to effectively control intraocular pressure or when the disease progresses despite these treatments. Attending regular appointments with your eye doctor and discussing any changes in vision will help determine when glaucoma surgery may be right for you.
Most health insurance plans cover glaucoma surgery because it is medically necessary. The total cost of glaucoma treatment, including out-of-pocket costs, will vary depending on the type of procedure and your individual needs.
