Glaucoma Treatment in Olathe

Glaucoma Treatment in Olathe

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(913) 782-5993

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. Olathe Family Vision 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 Olathe Family Vision, 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 Olathe


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 Olathe Family Vision in Olathe 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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71 Reviews
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- Dec. 07, 2024
Dr. Wayne Hemphill is the only eye doctor I’ve found whose first priority is what I want with my v... ision as opposed to a doctor ‘fixing’everything.
- Nov. 05, 2024
They make you feel at home, do not rush you in and out. Make sure you have the best testing and glas... ses available.
- Oct. 30, 2024
We’ve been patients for 3 years now and I can’t say enough good things about both Dr. Hemphill�... �s and their practice! They are top notch, caring and compassionate, explain each step during the exam and truly care about their patients. They have gone above and beyond two separate times to remove foreign objects from two of my kids eyes (caked dirt for one & a tiny wood chip for the other). If I could give them 10 stars, I would!
- Oct. 24, 2024
We have been patients for nearly 35 years and have always been treated with the utmost care. They ar... e like family to us!!
- Oct. 18, 2024
good service
- Sep. 21, 2024
Great office and excellent care
- Sep. 18, 2024
Dr. Hemphill became our eye doctor 23 years ago after he saw our now college graduate son for his 3 ... Year Old “See to Learn” Screening. Our son and daughter have always enjoyed his humor and kindness and actually looked forward to their annual check-ups, as did we! We transitioned to his care as well, so over the years he’s seen the WHOLE FAMILY! He has helped my husband and I with some challenging vision situations. It is so comforting knowing he will do everything he can to give you relief and maintain your vision. So grateful!
- Aug. 09, 2024
I was treated on time in a professional and friendly manner.
- Jul. 26, 2024
Love the people there! Very helpful in taking care of my eye health.
- Jul. 19, 2024
The Hemphills -- Mary and Wayne -- have always provided a high standard of care.
- Jul. 04, 2024
Both Dr. Wayne and Dr. Mary are so knowledgeable and explain everything during the appointment. Love... coming here- it’s one of our favorite medical experiences ever.
- Mar. 22, 2024
Great place to go to get new glasses and eye appointments
- Mar. 13, 2024
Great service - on time and never felt rushed! Very caring and compassionate service.
- Mar. 01, 2024
Dr Hemphil is the best! Caring and a true professional.
- Dec. 08, 2023
Dr. Wayne Hemphill has been our family optometrist for over 30 years. He is not only very knowledga... ble and skilled, but is a very caring person. He takes the time to answer questions, too.
- Oct. 17, 2023
Was traveling in Utah. Started having issues with left eye. A couple text messages and one photo ... of my eye, Dr. Wayne had the issue diagnosed and a script sent to a pharmacy in Mohab, UT. Trip saved. Thanks Dr. Wayne!!!!
- Sep. 07, 2023
I had an exceptional experience at Olathe Family Vision and would gladly give it a five-star review!... Dr. Wayne Hemphill and Dr. Mary Hemphill are not only highly experienced but also incredibly friendly. Whether you're a new patient or a regular, they treat you like a best friend or a family member. Their knowledge and willingness to accommodate your needs are truly impressive. If you're in search of a new eye care doctor, look no further – Olathe Family Vision is the place to go!
- Jul. 21, 2023
Been going here for almost 20 years and wouldn’t want to go anywhere else!
- Jul. 05, 2023
great experience and Dr Hemphill is very knowledgeable and personable
- Mar. 23, 2022
Love Dr. Hemphill & his staff! Very knowledgeable & caring. Highly recommend this practice!

View All 71 Reviews

Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Olathe

Our optometry practice in Olathe

Photograph of Matthew  Martinez
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Cigna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • EyeMed
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • AARP
  • VBA
  • AlwaysCare
  • Aetna Medicare
  • MetLife
  • AARP Medicare Complete
  • PHCS
  • Meritain Health
  • Guardian
  • Aetna
  • GEHA
  • Vision Care Direct
  • Superior Vision
  • Aarp Medicare Advantage
  • Humana Gold Plus
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas
  • Wilson McShane

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(913) 782-5993