Glaucoma Treatment in Omaha

Glaucoma Treatment in Omaha

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(402) 493-3224

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. Malbar Vision 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 Malbar Vision 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 Omaha


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 Malbar Vision Center in Omaha 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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229 Reviews
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- Oct. 25, 2024
Great experience with Dr. Rachel, Jennifer, and staff! Laura
- Oct. 21, 2024
Everyone was very pleasurable, darn right felt like home and my glasses are perfect. my prescription... is spot on and my glasses are beautiful. Im very happy.
- Oct. 18, 2024
Great experience, clean office and nice staff
- Sep. 18, 2024
We were very please with all the staff and the Dr. so kind and caring and very informative
- Sep. 07, 2024
Staff was amazing
- Jun. 23, 2024
Helpful staff friendly with contagious smiles
- Jun. 11, 2024
I purchased new classes last year and have been very happy with the glasses and service I received. ... One of the lenses had become scratched. Because I purchased a warranty the lenses were replaced at no cost. The replacement lenses didn't seem to be correct. Dr Katelyn Keffer worked with me to get the issue resolved. I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend this shop!
- Jun. 10, 2024
Great customer service
- Jun. 07, 2024
Absolutely amazing location! Every one on staff is amazing! They are friendly, efficient, and compas... sionate. I was absolutely treated like I was their only patient. I highly recommend this office.
- Jun. 05, 2024
Since March, I have been experiencing ongoing issues with my right eye. After seeking help, I visite... d Dr. Katelyn Keefers, who demonstrated extensive knowledge, kindness, understanding, and took the time to truly listen to my concerns. I am immensely grateful to her and the entire staff for their exceptional care and support.
- May. 30, 2024
Dr. Keefer is very knowledgeable, friendly, and the staff is very fun to interact with. I would reco... mmend to a friend or family member.
- May. 30, 2024
Dr. was very personable, appreciated that they took the time to explain some technical things
- May. 20, 2024
I love going to Malabar! They always make sure their customers have a good experience and provide an... y discounts they can.
- May. 11, 2024
Very professional and honest about the best lenses I needed. They are very nice.
- May. 08, 2024
Very accommodating and knowledgeable! Everyone really cared about. What was happening with your eyes...
- Apr. 13, 2024
Very good customer service.
- Apr. 06, 2024
They were quick, kind, and helpful. I especially liked that they explained the costs of things as pa... rt of the decision so there wasn't a sticker shock at the end. I will be going there from now on.
- Apr. 03, 2024
Highly recommend! Great staff.
- Mar. 22, 2024
Very friendly staff and good at explaining tests and making sure you understand results. Excellent!
- Mar. 21, 2024
Very thorough with my eyesight.

View All 229 Reviews

Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Omaha

Our optometry practice in Omaha

Photograph of Rachel  Shackelford
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(402) 493-3224