Glaucoma

Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma causes vision loss that can’t be reversed, which makes it important to detect and treat this condition as early as possible. At Losh Optometry, Dr. Ryan K. Losh provides glaucoma diagnostic services and treatment for patients in Northwest Missouri and Southwest Iowa.

Glaucoma Q & A

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to certain conditions that result in a chronic optic nerve atrophy. This damage to the nerve can lead to permanent vision loss. Regular eye examinations can help detect signs of glaucoma early so that Dr. Losh can start treatment to reduce the possibility of vision loss.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Glaucoma doesn’t always cause noticeable signs and symptoms in the early stages. As this condition gets worse, however, individuals typically experience symptoms. The exact symptoms depend on the type of glaucoma an individual has. Common signs of open-angle glaucoma, which is among the most common types, include tunnel vision and blind spots in peripheral vision. These symptoms usually affect both eyes rather than just one eye. Those with symptoms that indicate a serious form of glaucoma called acute angle-closure glaucoma should seek immediate care if they have severe headaches, nausea, eye pain, and blurry vision.

What causes glaucoma?

A higher level of pressure in the eye usually causes glaucoma, although researchers aren’t fully sure why this happens. This increased pressure damages the optic nerve and raises the risk of vision loss. In some individuals, glaucoma occurs without any increase in eye pressure. Certain risk factors, such as having diabetes, being over 60 years old, and having a family history of glaucoma increase the chance of having this condition.  Smoking or using tobacco is the only controllable risk factor.

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Dr. Losh conducts certain tests to check for evidence of glaucoma. These include examining the nerve, scanning the nerve with our Topcon 3D OCT, and measuring pressure in the eye. Other tests include checking the eyes for vision loss through a visual field test and measuring the thickness of the cornea. Dr. Losh might also perform gonioscopy to check the drainage angle to see if a "clog in the drain" is causing pressure to go up in the eye.

How is glaucoma treated?

Treatments for glaucoma aren’t aimed at reversing damage, which isn’t possible. Instead, treatment involves slowing the progression of glaucoma and decreasing eye pressure to reduce the risk of vision loss. Early treatment makes it easier to protect the eyes from vision loss. Treatments include medicated eyedrops that reduce pressure by improving drainage or reducing fluid production in the eye. Other treatment options include oral medicine to lower eye pressure if eye drops aren’t effective, laser therapy, drainage tubes, and filtering procedures to improve drainage. Examinations every three, four, or six months are also necessary to monitor the condition to ensure progression is minimized.

Individuals who have symptoms of glaucoma or those who are at risk of this condition should contact Losh Optometry @ 660.241.5001, for an appointment.


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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday, Wednesday - Friday:

8:00 am to 12:00 pm

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Tuesday:

11:00 am to 7:00 pm

Saturday, Sunday:

Emergency / By Appointment

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Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

Happy patients are our priority!

  • "It was a good visit. Eyes didn't change that much. Very thorough. I highly recommend Dr Losh. Thank you very much."
    Linda P. Submitted 05/03/17
  • "Dr Losh is the most thorough eye doctor I've experienced. He explains what he is doing, why he is doing it and leaves no question unanswered."
    Kelley O. Submitted 01/15/18
  • "Was very helpful and nice!"
    Trevor W. Submitted 04/06/17
  • "Great experience! I liked how much time he spending working with you and explaining things to you."
    Robin R. Submitted 03/14/17
  • "Great service and would definitely recommend to a friend."
    Kelly E. Submitted 02/28/17
  • "Great experience very professional and helpful. Friendly staff."
    Paul H. Submitted 02/01/17
  • "Great experience! The staff was very friendly and laid back."
    Bill M. Submitted 01/02/17
  • "I walked in and was immediately greeted with a smile! He helped me right away and was very pleasant to talk to! Nothing but great reviews!"
    Kay P. Submitted 10/18/16
  • "It was great. The doctor was helpful and so was the desk attendant."
    LaNee W. Submitted 10/10/16
  • "Great experience."
    Paul M. Submitted 09/29/16
  • "My family and I have been patients of Dr. Losh's for the last year and a half. Being in the health care profession myself, I truly appreciate the high standard of care that Dr. Losh provides and the professionalism that is shown in his practice. He is thorough, takes time to listen and evaluate, and I like how he explains things throughout the exam. Every Spring, I battle annoying eye allergies and had all but given up on a solution to manage them, but Dr. Losh provided a successful answer that has helped my eye allergies to be much more tolerable. I am thankful that Dr. Losh and his wife Tracey have their practice in Maryville and without hesitation, would recommend them to family and friends."
    Trelawny S. Submitted 09/02/16
  • "Great service and would definitely recommend to a friend."
    Lydia E. Submitted 09/02/16
  • "Dr Losh is awesome! He gave me a very thorough exam and took his time with me. Staff was friendly and very helpful. I felt Very comfortable. I would recommend Dr. Losh to all my friends and family."
    Barbara H. Submitted 07/12/16
  • "Great doctor! Dr. Losh is very informative and I learned a lot from my visit!"
    Breana H. Submitted 05/25/16
  • "Dr. Losh was very professional and thorough with my exam. Their office has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They were very helpful in assisting me to choose glasses frames. I will definitely go back again and recommend Losh Optometry to my friends."
    Carma K. Submitted 03/16/16
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