Glaucoma Treatment in Grabill

Glaucoma Treatment in Grabill

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(260) 627-1091

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. Grabill Eye Center 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 Grabill Eye Center, 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 Grabill


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 Grabill Eye Center in Grabill 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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117 Reviews
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- Jun. 19, 2024
Great place!
- Apr. 28, 2024
I had a very nice time at Grabill Eye Center. Dr. Hobbie was very professional and improved my presc... ription. I was even able to get glasses at a discount since I bought a year of contacts. Thanks Grabill!
- Apr. 23, 2024
Great office. Tech & Dr took their time during my exam. Didn't feel rushed like other places. Wil... l definitely be back for my next eye exam.
- Mar. 01, 2024
Grabill Eye Center is fantastic, they take very good care of their customers and go the extra mile t... o make sure you are comfortable and have exactly what you need to see well. They have great attitudes and make you feel well cared for.
- Feb. 08, 2024
Amazing staff
- Dec. 02, 2023
Everyone is super nice and patient with Children and very clean
- Nov. 24, 2023
Great service - great staff!
- Nov. 12, 2023
Dr Laughlin and staff are professional, friendly, honest and helpful in a small town environment. Th... ank you for your services.
- Nov. 09, 2023
Denise, Michelle, and Dr Hobbie were all fantastic. It was my son’s first eye exam and couldn’t ... have had a better experience for him. Thank you for everything.
- Oct. 30, 2023
Dr. Laughner and staff always professional but friendly atmosphere! Never rushes your appointment a... nd answers all of your questions.
- Oct. 06, 2023
Great service and they got me in on a last minute cancellation.
- Sep. 21, 2023
Always a positive experience!
- Sep. 17, 2023
The staff are all friendly and helpful. Dr Laughlin is thorough and follows up in previous concerns... . I value Tim’s input in choosing glasses.
- Sep. 10, 2023
I loved my experience with Grabill Eye Center. The examine was thorough, the staff is friendly and ... very helpful and I couldn't be happier with my new eyewear.
- Aug. 23, 2023
Everyone in the office is extremely friendly and helpful. Dr. Laughlin takes the time to talk to her... patients and answer all their questions which makes you feel like you matter to her. No assembly line type of experience. Highly recommend!
- Aug. 17, 2023
Friendly staff and doctor. Great selection of frames.
- Aug. 16, 2023
Dr Laughlin and staff were awesome. Very thorough and best eye exam I've ever had!
- Jul. 29, 2023
We’ve been coming here for years. Great experience every year!
- Jul. 21, 2023
Very friendly helpful staff.
- Jul. 15, 2023
Dr. Hobbie is great at communicating. She explained what she saw in my eyes and answered all my ques... tions. The staff is great at fitting glasses and are always courteous. Good people.

View All 117 Reviews

Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Grabill

Our optometry practice in Grabill

Photograph of Kara  Laughlin
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(260) 627-1091