Glaucoma Care at Norman Professional Eyecare: Reliable Eye Health Monitoring in Cape Girardeau

Glaucoma is a severe, chronic eye disease affecting the optic nerve that, unless treated, can result in permanent vision loss. Norman Professional Eyecare specializes in early detection, regular monitoring, and effective treatment of glaucoma in patients of all ages. Dr. Brian Norman's progressive approach provides individualized care to every patient, with accurate testing and state-of-the-art treatment technology available to manage this multifactorial disease.

With more than 17 years of practice and national board certification, Dr. Norman delivers exceptional care through patient education, diagnostic precision, and ongoing support.

---

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a collection of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve, usually arising from elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). The optic nerve provides visual information from the eye to the brain. The damaged nerve is non-regenerating, and therefore, the importance of early detection and follow-up is emphasized.

There are various types of glaucomas; the most common is open-angle glaucoma. It progresses slowly and may have no symptoms until a significant vision loss occurs. Angle-closure glaucoma, in contrast, progresses quite rapidly and develops more severely, calling for immediate medical treatment.

---

Why Early Detection Is Important?

Nine in ten people with glaucoma do not know they have glaucoma until damage has begun to lead to permanent vision loss. Since glaucoma produces no symptoms, eye exams are the optimal method of detecting glaucoma early and preserving sight.

We perform glaucoma testing as part of our full eye exam for anyone over 40 years or who has other risk factors, such as the following:

• Family history of glaucoma
• Eye pressure
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• African, Hispanic, or Asian ancestry
• Past eye injury or specific medications

We use diagnostic technology to screen for early warning signs of optic nerve damage or pressure changes before they impact your vision.

---

Our Glaucoma Evaluation Process

Glucoma test is a multi-step process that gives a complete picture of your eye health. During your visit to Norman Professional Eyecare, Dr. Norman will assess your risk and determine a series of tests to see if glaucoma is present. These include:

1. Tonometry: This test measures intraocular pressure. Elevated pressure inside the eye is a major risk factor for glaucoma. However, some patients with normal pressure can still develop the disease.
2. Ophthalmoscopy: Dr. Norman examines the color and shape of the optic nerve with a special lens and light for thinning or injury.
3. Perimetry [Visual Field Test]: This test plots your peripheral vision, which can pick up early loss of vision you haven't detected yet. Glaucoma usually starts to injure peripheral vision.
4. Pachymetry: A simple, speedy test that measures how thick your cornea is. Your eye pressure and your tendency to glaucoma are dependent on corneal thickness.
5. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Scan provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retinal layers and optic nerve, thereby allowing precise follow-up with any change over time.

---

Successful Treatment of Glaucoma

Though there is no known cure for glaucoma, it can be controlled. The treatment must lower and stabilize eye pressure so as not to cause further damage to the optic nerve. Based on the type and severity of glaucoma, Dr. Norman will recommend a personalized management plan, which may include:

• Prescription eye drops: These are often the first line of defense. Eye drops work by reducing the amount of fluid the eye produces or improving fluid drainage.
• Oral Drugs: In other patients, tablets are combined with eye drops to control pressure.
• Follow-Up and Monitoring: Glaucoma is a long-term illness that needs to be watched regularly. We also check up on you occasionally at Norman Professional Eyecare to alter your treatment plan, re-check eye pressure, and look for changes in the optic nerve.
• Referral for Surgical Options: Suppose the pressure cannot be managed medically. In that case, we'll refer you to a qualified surgeon for surgery, e.g., laser treatment or a drain placed, and we will remain in consultation with the specialist to co-manage your treatment.

---

Insurance and Payment Flexibility

We have a long list of insurance companies with which we are a participating provider to make our patients' right care accessible. We accept: BlueCross/Blue Shield, Humana, Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, EyeMed, VSP, Superior, Davis, Coventry, Advantica, Avesis, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), Anthem, Healthlink, UMR, Spectera, NVA, VBA, and more.

If unsure of visit coverage, we can help verify benefits before your visit. We strive to be cost-transparent and provide convenient billing for our patients' needs.

A Personalized Approach to Lifelong Eye Health

At Norman Professional Eyecare, we treat more than just the condition—we treat the person behind it. Dr. Norman takes the time to educate each patient on their diagnosis, help them understand test results, and discuss all available treatment options in clear, practical language.

Whether you are newly diagnosed or seeking better long-term management, our practice provides practical, empathetic care from diagnosis through to treatment and beyond. With advanced diagnostic tools, evidence-based treatments, and a commitment to proactive monitoring, we help patients preserve their vision and independence.