Glaucoma Treatment in Chicago, IL
- During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye pressure will be tested, to detect if you are at risk for glaucoma
- Glaucoma is often called “silent thief of sight” because most types of this disorder happen with no noticable symptoms until vision is lost.
- It is essential that an eye exam is performed every year to monitor and detect glaucoma
- Our surgeons, Jasmeet Dhaliwal, M.D. or John Bello, M.D., perform each eye exam to diagnose and treat glaucoma at our Chicago office
- View our Glaucoma Videos
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. The optic nerves’ function is to transmit images that are seen from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma usually occurs when the natural fluid of the eye is overproduced, or when the fluid does not drain adequately. The most common characteristic, and glaucoma cause, is high intraocular pressure (IOP). Left untreated, high IOP causes the delicate fibers of the optic nerve to become damaged, which may lead to blind spots and vision loss. If the entire nerve is damaged, blindness will occur.
Types of Glaucoma:
There are a variety of different types of glaucoma, as well as glaucoma treatments in Chicago, IL. The most common types are open and closed angle glaucoma. In addition, low pressure, secondary and congenital are other forms of glaucoma.
Open angle glaucoma and narrow angle glaucoma progresses slowly. Vision loss is not usually noticed until a substantial change in vision has occurred. In most cases, the peripheral vision is affected first.
Closed Angle Glaucoma
The symptoms of angle closure glaucoma are more noticeable. The side effects are more sudden and may include blurred vision, severe pain and nausea. If patients don’t seek treatment immediately, blindness may occur.
Low Pressure Glaucoma (Normal Tension)
It is possible to experience symptoms of glaucoma with normal eye pressure. The development of low pressure (normal tension) glaucoma is less understood than the OAG or NAG form, but is usually attributed to low blood pressure in vessels which bring blood to the optic nerve, or due to sensitive optic nerves.
This non-traditional type of glaucoma may be caused by injury, infection, drugs and other health issues that block the drainage channels for eye fluid. Similar to open angle glaucoma, secondary glaucoma involves a gradual loss of vision.
At birth, infants may possess inadequate eye drainage systems. Congenital glaucoma symptoms include: enlarged eyes, cloudy corneas, light sensitivity and excessive tearing. If not treated quickly, congenital glaucoma may lead to permanent blindness.
Glaucoma Treatment & Procedure Options
Unfortunately, there is no cure, but with proper glaucoma diagnosis and treatment, it can be controlled, and vision loss can be avoided. Glaucoma procedures and treatments include:
- Glaucoma Eye Drops
- Glaucoma Medication
- Glaucoma Laser Surgery and/ or Treatment
- Glaucoma Eye Surgery
The use of medication and eye drops are the most common remedies for glaucoma correction. Different results are achieved depending upon the type of medication used. Some eye drops allow for more rapid draining, while others decrease the production of new fluid.
Individuals are more at risk if they have elevated internal eye pressure, are over the age of 60, have a family history of glaucoma, are extremely nearsighted, have diabetes or are of African-American descent.
The best ways to prevent glaucoma are:
- Living a healthy lifestyle- hypertension and obesity have been linked to high intraocular pressures.
- Wearing eye protection- eye injuries can lead to secondary glaucoma. When playing sports or using power tools always wear goggles or safety eyewear.
- Getting annual eye exams- early diagnosis of high (intraocular) pressures, through a glaucoma test, can reduce the threat of permanent vision loss.
If you are seeking glaucoma treatment in Chicago, IL or are at risk of developing glaucoma, we encourage you to contact us today at 1-773-775-9755 to schedule an eye exam.