Glaucoma Diagnosis in Chesterfield, MO

Glaucoma is often called a "silent thief" of vision. In this category of ocular disorders, rising intraocular pressure due to built-up fluid causes damage to the optic nerve. When left untreated, glaucoma can lead to vision loss and, in extreme cases, total blindness. In its early stages, glaucoma often presents no outward warning signs or symptoms, but the damage to the optic nerve and vision that happens is irreversible. There are many treatment options that can help preserve vision when glaucoma is caught early on. West County Ophthalmology proudly performs diagnostic tests to detect glaucoma and offers many treatment options for the management of glaucoma. Please call one of our centers in Chesterfield or O'Fallon, MO to schedule your comprehensive eye exam.

To diagnose glaucoma, our vision professionals can perform a variety of tests and exams including measuring eye pressure (tonometry), measuring the thickness of your cornea (pachymetry), and assessing the degree of the angle between the iris and the cornea (gonioscopy). There are two primary types of glaucoma we can diagnose, open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma occurs because of a problem with fluid retention in the trabecular meshwork. Closed-angle or narrow-angle glaucoma occurs because the area between the cornea and iris is too small or obstructed. Glaucoma cannot be reversed; medications and surgical exams can help prevent future damage, however. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma in its early stages, medications and eye drops may be prescribed to control the glaucoma and prevent optic nerve damage that can result in vision loss. If the glaucoma is more advanced or complex, there are several surgical options available to treat rising intraocular pressure and slow the progression of glaucoma.

Early detection and continued management of glaucoma are ideal for protecting your vision and overall quality of life. West County Ophthalmology proudly offers diagnostic tests during our comprehensive eye exams for this common vision complication. To learn more about the diagnosis and management of glaucoma, please contact one of our centers in Chesterfield or O'Fallon, MO.