Glaucoma

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is two eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. This nerve sends visual messages to your brain so that you can see. When this nerve is damaged, it creates blind spots in your vision, leading to complete blindness if left untreated.

Optic nerve damage occurs when fluid buildup in the back of your eye pressures the nerve. This pressure can result from age-related changes or eye injuries that interfere with the drainage of eye fluids.

Wicker Park Eye Center offers comprehensive glaucoma care, including on-site diagnostic testing. Preventive screenings are also available for those who have risk factors for glaucoma.

Dr. Tepper personalizes treatment to reduce the pressure in your eye and preserve your vision.

When should I seek medical attention for glaucoma?

Many people aren’t aware they have glaucoma because symptoms typically don’t start until the nerve has already been damaged. For this reason, schedule routine glaucoma screenings at Wicker Park Eye Center if you have risk factors, including:

• Diabetes
• Migraines
• Thin corneas
• Poor blood circulation
• History of eye trauma
• Family history of glaucoma
• Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Farsightedness (hyperopia)

Dr. Tepper also offers diagnostic testing in-office if you experience sudden changes in your vision, loss of peripheral vision, intense eye pain, or blurry vision. Glaucoma can also cause nausea and vomiting.

After an eye exam, Dr. Tepper checks the pressure in your eye and measures the thickness of your cornea. He also assesses the extent of your vision loss to determine which treatments you need.

How is glaucoma treated?

Several glaucoma treatments are available at Wicker Park Center, including:

Eye drops

Medicated eye drops control eye pressure in those with mild glaucoma. Medication can improve eye drainage or reduce the amount of fluid your eye produces.

iStent®

iStent is a tiny device that keeps drainage tissues open to prevent pressure from building up in the eye. Dr. Tepper places the iStent during minimally invasive surgery.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)

SLT is a laser treatment to support proper fluid drainage. Laser energy opens the meshwork of tissue in your eye so that fluids can flow out efficiently.

Dr. Tepper also provides personalized nutritional counseling. He recommends eating fish and leafy greens and taking dietary supplements to support your eye health and vision.

Call Wicker Park Eye Center today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for glaucoma symptoms or book an appointment online.