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In addition to the vision correction procedures described on the previous pages, our doctors provide treatments for cataracts and glaucoma, as well as cornea transplants and BOTOX® Cosmetic. Chicago Cornea Consultants also offers comprehensive eye exams and general eye care.
Glaucoma
 Glaucoma is characterized by high levels of pressure on or damage to the optic nerve. There are several kinds of glaucoma, but the two major forms are primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and angle-closure or narrow-angle glaucoma. Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. With POAG, the canals that drain fluid from the eye become clogged, causing inner eye pressure to rise. Primary open-angle glaucoma can develop over several years without symptoms or vision loss. When left untreated, primary open-angle glaucoma gradually reduces vision; however, when diagnosed early, it usually responds well to treatment. With angle-closure glaucoma, pressure builds to high levels when the angle between the iris and cornea becomes obstructed. When angle-closure glaucoma develops quickly, it is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
People with glaucoma often do not experience any symptoms until they begin losing their peripheral vision. One of the scariest things about glaucoma is that it usually has no symptoms in the early stages, earning glaucoma the name “silent thief of sight.” As glaucoma progresses, symptoms may include:
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty adjusting vision in dark rooms
- Difficulty focusing on close work
- Halos around lights
- Frequent need to change eyeglass prescriptions
Glaucoma can cause permanent and irreversible vision loss if it is left undiagnosed and untreated. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Chicago Cornea Consultants immediately to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
How Is Glaucoma Treated?
Here at Chicago Cornea Consultants, we believe early detection and management through medication are vital to treating glaucoma. Additionally, laser procedures such as laser trabeculoplasty are available. Quick and virtually painless, laser trabeculoplasty uses a laser to gently relieve intraocular pressure without damaging tissue. It’s estimated that a million or more Americans have glaucoma and don’t even know it. Glaucoma can steal your vision very gradually, and although there is no certain cure, it can be prevented. Anyone can be at risk, so it’s important to have your vision regularly examined, especially if you have a family history of glaucoma. Contact Chicago Cornea Consultants today to learn more.
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Cornea Transplant
 The clear tissue in front of the eye is known as the cornea. It protects the inner eye, and its curved shape functions somewhat like the lens of a camera, bending light rays so they land correctly on the retina. If the cornea should become damaged or weakened by disease or injury, a cornea transplant may become necessary. The cornea transplant involves replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy cornea donated to an eye bank.
Either local or general anesthesia can be used during cornea transplant at Chicago Cornea Consultants, depending on your needs. Working through a surgical microscope, your damaged cornea will be carefully removed, and at this time any additional work (such as cataract correction, if needed) may also be completed. The clear donor cornea is sewn into place, and a shield is placed over the eye for protection.
The entire cornea transplant procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, so you can go home that day. You should remember that, like any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved with cornea transplant, including a low chance for tissue rejection, which is uncommon and can usually be treated with eyedrops. The success rate for cornea transplant is very high, and most patients are pleased with their improved vision.
We are proud to offer selected patients the “endothelial keratoplasty” procedure, (also known as DSAEK or DSEK), which is associated with much faster rehabilitation, less astigmatism, and less long-term risk than traditional penetrating keratoplasty. If you have damaged or weakened corneas that are affecting your vision, cornea transplant may be right for you. Contact Chicago Cornea Consultants today to schedule a consultation to discuss your options.
Two of the more common indications for corneal transplantation are keratoconus (www.nkcf.org) and Fuchs' corneal dystrophy (www.fuchs-dystrophy.org). For more information on corneal transplantation in general, please visit the website of the Eye Bank Association of America (www.restoresight.org) or the Illinois Eye Bank (www.midwesteyebanks.org).
^ Back to Top BOTOX® Cosmetic
When the clients of Chicago Cornea Consultants complained of “crow’s feet” around their eyes, we responded by offering BOTOX® Cosmetic. BOTOX® Cosmetic allows our surgeons to temporarily alleviate wrinkles around the eye and forehead, creating a smoother and more appealing look.
An FDA-approved agent, BOTOX® Cosmetic can be injected beneath the skin to reduce certain eye muscle spasms, and is also effective in reducing facial frown lines. BOTOX® Cosmetic works by relaxing muscles for several months at a time, softening or eliminating facial frown lines between the eyes, on the forehead, and in the crows’ feet region on the outer side of each eye.
Each BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment usually lasts up to three months, and treatment can be repeated as necessary. You can continue to use BOTOX® Cosmetic as long as your body responds well to treatment and you do not have any allergic reactions. After your BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment at Chicago Cornea Consultants, you may experience some temporary, minor discomfort at the injection site, but most patients report no side effects.
If you have any questions concerning BOTOX® Cosmetic or would like to schedule your appointment, we invite you to contact the vision team at Chicago Cornea Consultants today.
^ Back to Top General Eye Care
Chicago Cornea Consultants is world-renowned for our surgical expertise, but we also provide world-class eyeglasses and contacts for patients who need vision correction or have special needs. Complementing the fine surgeons of Chicago Cornea Consultants is a surgical team of trained specialists and highly skilled optometrists who are an integral part of the high-quality vision care we provide.
If you want to schedule a general eye care exam with one of our doctors, contact Chicago Cornea Consultants today.
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Latisse®
Grow longer thicker lashes.
Prescription only, LATISSE®, is now available at Chicago Cornea Consultants. Call or ask your doctor if it is right for you at your next visit.
LATISSE® solution is the first and only prescription treatment approved by the FDA for the treatment of hypotrichosis used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker.
What is hypotrichosis of the eyelashes?
Hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes.
Great eyelashes don't just happen overnight. That's why it's important to note that LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% works gradually and remarkably, with full results after 12 to 16 weeks. Once you begin treatment, you must continue applying the topical solution each night and follow the directions for best results.
Your eyelashes will experience real measurable growth.
LATISSE® works from the inside out. As the treatment progresses, you'll begin to see changes in length, thickness and darkness gradually. After week 16, you'll see the full effect of LATISSE®, and so will others
There are possible side effects.
Throughout clinical trials, some users did experience itchy eyes and eye redness. However, some users found that these irritations went away once they became accustomed to the product or began applying it properly. As with any prescription treatment, always consult with your doctor for information and proper usage of LATISSE® solution.
If you want to learn more about LATISSE® to grow your eye lashes contact Chicago Cornea Consults or log on to the following website: www.latisse.com
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For more information visit the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
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