Glaucoma
Sometimes referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S.
At Wicker Park Eye Center in Chicago, IL, we provide a range of treatments to control glaucoma and protect your vision.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
High Intraocular Pressure and Changes in Vision
Glaucoma is actually a group of eye diseases. These eye diseases pose a threat to your vision by damaging the optic nerve, which is responsible for carrying impulses from the retina (the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye) to the brain. Many of these symptoms don't become apparent to the sufferer until permanent damage has occurred, which is why regular eye exams are so important. Symptoms of glaucoma can include:
High Intraocular Pressure
Most forms of glaucoma cause higher-than-normal intraocular pressure (IOP), which can damage the optic nerve. If you have high eye pressure, you are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma and should regularly attend eye exams.
Loss of Peripheral Vision
The most common form of the condition is open-angle glaucoma (also known as primary open-angle glaucoma), and it often presents no obvious symptoms until the disease has progressed. Over time, open-angle glaucoma causes irreversible blind spots in your peripheral vision.
Sudden Vision Changes
Acute angle-closure glaucoma, in contrast, occurs suddenly. Patients suffering from angle-closure glaucoma may experience intense eye pain, headaches, blurry vision, halos around lights, nausea, or vomiting.
Am I at risk of developing this condition?
Genetics Plays a Role
While anyone can develop glaucoma, this condition is three to four 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
High IOP and Optic Nerve Damage: The Relationship between Eye Pressure and Vision
Fluid Build-Up
Eye pressure is a delicate balance that is heavily influenced by aqueous humor, the fluid that fills the space between the cornea and the intraocular lens. When this fluid is overproduced or cannot properly drain from the eye, it causes increased eye pressure.
Pressure Damages the Optic Nerve
Over time, high intraocular pressure results in damage to the optic nerve. As the nerve deteriorates, blind spots begin to appear in your visual field. Left untreated, glaucoma eventually leads to blindness. In normal tension glaucoma (NTG), the optic nerve can become damaged in spite of normal intraocular pressure.
DENISE ROWLAND
2020
Friendly, organized, and pretty punctual with appointments. I've never had any problems with Dr. Tepper, who's been my doctor for many years. If you have any questions, he will answer them thoroughly.
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Marie McWilliams
2019
My experience at ( Wicker Park Eye Center), was just great everyone was really nice to me very Professional knew what they were doing and most of they explain all the detail they were going to do to me Thank You
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Take a closer look at how glaucoma affects the eye...
How do I find out if I have glaucoma?
Comprehensive Eye Exams
During a comprehensive eye exam at our Chicago practice, your doctor will test your eye pressure to identify any signs of glaucoma. This exam will also test your visual acuity (the sharpness of your vision), how well your eyes can track moving objects, depth perception, the condition of the retina and other inner structures of the eye, and other important aspects of your ocular health.
Schedule Your Eye Exam Today
People under age 40 should undergo an eye exam every two to five years as recommended by an optometrist. Those over age 40 should have an exam every two to four years, and seniors should undergo an exam every one to two years. If you are experiencing eye pain or impaired vision, Drs. Daniel Tepper and Parisha Shah in Chicago, IL, can determine the cause of your issues and recommend conservative and effective treatments.
Early intervention is key to preventing permanent vision loss due to glaucoma, since elevated pressure can irreversibly damage your optic nerve. If you are due for an eye exam, face a higher-than-normal risk of developing glaucoma, or are experiencing any of the complications mentioned on this page, contact our Chicago office online or call:
(773) 376-2020
"Professional Yet Friendly Eye Care."
Ken Hong
2020
Highly recommended to anyone looking for professional yet friendly eye care! I appreciate the personal touch provided by all staff: the eye doctors, assistants, and receptionists. The reception space is clean, bright, and welcoming, as are the people who work here!
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Favian Ochoa
2020
The ladies there are very helpful and so nice. Love going there for my follow-ups. Highly recommend anyone in the humboldt park area go there for eye checks.
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What are my treatment options?
Advanced Solutions Tailored to Your Needs
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.
Treatment Can Reduce the Risk of Blindness
*According to a study published in 2011
At Wicker Park Eye Center, we are equipped to help you control glaucoma and protect your vision.
