Why Glaucoma Screening Matters for Your Vision
Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because it develops without symptoms in most people. By the time you notice vision loss, permanent damage has already happened. That's why early detection through regular glaucoma screening can save your sight. At Vision Palace Optical on Avenue U in Brooklyn, we use advanced testing to catch glaucoma in its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective.
What Happens During a Glaucoma Screening
When you come in for an eye exam at our Sheepshead Bay practice, we measure your intraocular pressure (IOP) using a painless tonometer. This device gently measures the fluid pressure inside your eye. We'll also examine your optic nerve and may perform additional testing depending on your risk factors.
Dr. Shlivko and Dr. Sheyko use optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to look at the optic nerve head in detail. This lets us spot changes that might indicate early glaucoma before you lose any vision. If we find signs of glaucoma or elevated eye pressure, we'll explain what your doctor will evaluate and discuss next steps with you.
The whole screening takes just a few minutes and requires no drops or discomfort. We schedule enough time so you're never rushed through this important test.
Who Should Get Screened for Glaucoma in Brooklyn
You're at higher risk for glaucoma if you have a family history of the condition, are over 60, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or take certain medications like corticosteroids. African American and Hispanic patients also have higher glaucoma risk and benefit from earlier, more frequent screening.
If you've never had glaucoma screening or it's been more than a year, now's the time to book an eye exam. Living in Brooklyn means you have easy access to quality eye care right on Avenue U. Whether you're in Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, Gravesend, Marine Park, or surrounding neighborhoods, we're convenient for your schedule.
You don't need a referral to see us, and we accept most insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan — call us or book through Zocdoc to confirm your benefits before your visit.
What Happens If Glaucoma Is Detected
If we find signs of glaucoma during your screening, your doctor will evaluate your individual risk and discuss treatment options. Early treatment—usually with eye drops or laser therapy—can slow or stop vision loss and protect your remaining sight.
We monitor glaucoma patients closely with regular follow-up exams. You might need screening every few months or annually, depending on what your doctor recommends. Many people manage glaucoma successfully for years with consistent care and monitoring.
Don't panic if glaucoma is detected. The key is catching it early and staying committed to treatment. Thousands of Brooklyn residents live full, active lives while managing glaucoma because they caught it in time.
Your Glaucoma Screening at Vision Palace Optical
We're located at 1723 Avenue U in Brooklyn and open Monday through Saturday. You can book your eye exam through Zocdoc or call us at (718) 998-8400. Walk-ins are welcome, though appointments help us give you our full attention.
We accept Medicaid, Medicare, EyeMed, MetroPlus, Fidelis Care, 1199SEIU, and most major vision insurance plans. If you're unsure about coverage, we're happy to help verify your benefits before your visit.
Dr. Shlivko and Dr. Sheyko specialize in glaucoma monitoring and have decades of experience caring for Brooklyn patients. We explain what we find in plain language so you understand your eye health and feel confident about your care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get glaucoma screening?
If you have no risk factors and normal eye pressure, your doctor will typically recommend screening every one to two years during your regular eye exam. If you have risk factors or a family history, your doctor may recommend annual screening or more frequent visits. Ask Dr. Shlivko during your next exam what schedule is right for you.
Does glaucoma screening hurt?
No. The tonometer that measures eye pressure is painless—it takes just seconds. We may use numbing drops to make it even more comfortable. You'll feel nothing during the test.
Can glaucoma be cured?
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be managed and vision loss can be prevented or slowed with early detection and treatment. This is why regular screening is so important.
What's the difference between glaucoma screening and a regular eye exam?
A regular eye exam includes glaucoma screening, plus testing for other conditions like cataracts, dry eye, and refractive errors. Your doctor will evaluate your overall eye health during a comprehensive exam.
If my eye pressure is high, do I definitely have glaucoma?
Not necessarily. High intraocular pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma, but not everyone with elevated pressure develops the disease. Your doctor will evaluate your individual risk and may recommend closer monitoring or treatment to protect your vision.
How much does glaucoma screening cost?
The cost of screening depends on your insurance coverage and whether you need additional testing. Coverage varies by plan — call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
Book your glaucoma screening at Vision Palace Optical — book through Zocdoc or call us at (718) 998-8400. We're at 1723 Avenue U in Brooklyn, open Monday through Saturday. Protect your vision with early detection today.