Glaucoma in Chicago, IL

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the name for a set of conditions that can damage the optic nerve, which is in control of sending visual impulses to the brain. When not treated early enough, glaucoma will typically cause permanent blind spots and/or complete blindness. It is virtually always caused by high pressure within the eye from a build-up of fluid.

Glaucoma mainly occurs in individuals over the age of 60. Today, approximately two million individuals in the U.S. alone have glaucoma, though many of them don't even know it. In the beginning stages, glaucoma doesn't have any glaring symptoms and is frequently known as the “silent thief." Even though science hasn't developed a cure for the condition, it may be controlled through early diagnosis and the appropriate treatments.

Glaucoma is a primary reason why scheduling comprehensive eye exams a minimum of every two years is vital to your overall eye health. At Wicker Park Eye Center, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Daniel Tepper and his experienced team have the most up-to-date diagnostic technologies and are extensively knowledgeable about the most innovative management approaches. If you are over 40 years old, visit us at our Chicago, IL facility to plan your exam and get in control of managing your ocular health.

All cases of glaucoma are due to damage to the optic nerve. Almost always, this injury is due to too much intraocular pressure from fluid buildup. In normally functioning eyes, the fluid essential to the eye tissue can easily drain to different areas via a special tissue, the trabecular meshwork, that sits between the cornea and the iris. In some patients, this flow is obstructed or significantly slowed, which results in built-up fluid.

The most well-known kinds of glaucoma are categorized based on the functional capacity of the trabecular meshwork and the narrowness of the space between the cornea and iris. If the fluid buildup is due to a malfunction within the trabecular meshwork, it is referred to as open-angle glaucoma. In contrast, if the retention is occurring due to the drainage pathway between the iris and cornea being too small or obstructed, this is known as narrow- or closed-angle glaucoma. Scientific studies have indicated that glaucoma caused by intraocular pressure can be inherited. Other than genes and age, additional factors that can elevate internal eye pressure include extended use of corticosteroid eye drops, extra thin corneal tissue, being of certain ethnic descent, and having certain health conditions, such as diabetes. However, glaucoma can be the result of conditions besides eye pressure. In these cases, it is known as secondary glaucoma because it is a byproduct of a separate, pre-existing condition.

Genetics Play A Large Role

While anyone can develop glaucoma, this condition is 3– 4 times more likely to affect African Americans and Hispanics than non-Hispanic whites. This disease is also more common in patients over the age of 40.

Other factors that can increase your chance of developing glaucoma include:

• A family history of the condition
• Near- or farsightedness
• Thin corneas
• Previous eye trauma
• Diabetes
• Migraines
• Poor blood circulation

If a glaucoma diagnosis is made, there are numerous treatments patients can use to help control the condition. All of these glaucoma treatments focus on easing intraocular pressure to stop further harm to the optical nerve. A great number of patients who are in the first stages of glaucoma are often able to curb or interrupt their vision loss by managing glaucoma with specialized eye drops and nutritional changes.

For individuals whose glaucoma has progressed further, more involved glaucoma treatments, like stents, laser therapies, and trabeculectomies, have the potential to ease the condition quite a bit. Whether we provide these treatments or decide to refer our glaucoma patients to a specialist, Dr. Tepper and his team are devoted to determining the ideal solutions for their patients' personalized eye health requirements. Wicker Park Eye Center offers customizable glaucoma treatment options, including:

• Eye Drops: Typically, medicated eye drops are the first treatment option for less urgent forms of glaucoma. Depending on your needs, we may recommend a drop that reduces fluid production or one that improves the drainage process.
• iStent®: The iStent is placed during a minimally invasive surgery to help those with either angle-closure glaucoma or open-angle glaucoma (sometimes called primary open-angle glaucoma). We place two tiny devices into the trabecular meshwork, which is the tissue responsible for draining aqueous humor from your eye. This procedure can allow fluid to drain properly so you can maintain proper IOP.
• SLT: Selective laser trabeculoplasty also helps fluid drain from your eye. After your eyes are numbed, a specialized laser opens the meshwork during this surgery to improve the flow of fluid.
• Nutritional Options: When used alongside other treatments, a healthy diet can promote eye health. We can recommend types of foods, such as leafy greens and fish, that can help protect your vision.

What are the most common signs of glaucoma?

For many patients, glaucoma may present no symptoms and often go undiagnosed. But some of the most common signs of glaucoma include:

• Pulsing eye pain
• Redness in the eye
• Headaches
• Blurry vision
• Halos around lights
• Dilated pupils
• Nausea and vomiting

Can you go blind from glaucoma?

While you can go blind from glaucoma, with today's modern treatments like MIGS surgery, trabeculectomy, and medications, blindness caused by glaucoma is very rare.

Is there a cure for glaucoma?

There currently is no cure for glaucoma. However, with early detection and treatment, the progression of glaucoma can be greatly slowed to help preserve eye health and healthy vision.

At Wicker Park Eye Center, we often see people living with glaucoma to help guide them through managing the disease and protecting their eye health. It’s soothing to know that receiving a diagnosis and treatment in the initial stages can allow you to keep your glaucoma under control and prolong the health of your eyesight. Dr. Tepper urges anybody who has possible symptoms of glaucoma, a family history of glaucoma, or an existing diagnosis of glaucoma to plan an exam at his Chicago, IL practice.