Glaucoma Chicago

Name: Glaucoma
Brand: Chicago Cornea Consultants
Rating: 4.2 (343 reviews)

Get expert care for glaucoma in Chicago from the eye doctors at Chicago Cornea Consultants, trusted leaders in advanced eye treatment.

Close up image of older person's eyes and nose

Glaucoma: The Silent Thief

It's estimated that approximately three million Americans in Chicago and across the nation are affected by glaucoma, yet nearly half of them remain unaware of their condition. What makes glaucoma particularly concerning is its silent progression, often lacking early symptoms. Unfortunately, noticeable signs, such as peripheral vision loss, typically manifest in the late stages, when the damage is irreversible. This silent thief of sight can affect anyone, underscoring the importance of regular and comprehensive eye examinations, especially for early glaucoma treatment in Chicago.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is defined as a disorder of the optic nerve (the bundle of fibers connecting the eyeball and the brain). Gradual damage and loss of the fibers composing the nerve can lead to vision loss in a specific pattern, initially in the periphery. If advanced, the damage can affect the central vision. The disease is typically but not always associated with elevated intraocular pressure.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in America, but it can often go unnoticed in its earliest stages because there may be no noticeable symptoms. Because of this, regular eye exams are the best way to detect signs of the disease before serious irreversible damage has been done to your eyesight. While there is no cure for glaucoma, if detected early, your vision can often be preserved, and further damage can be prevented.

Older man outside wearing a top hat and long sleeve blue shirt

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is typically caused by an imbalance between the eye's fluid production and the outflow of that fluid. When your eyes experience high levels of pressure, the optic nerve, a delicate and vulnerable part of your eye, can become damaged. Regular eye exams to detect the early stages of glaucoma should be a crucial part of your regular healthcare.

Those who may be at an increased risk of developing glaucoma include people with a family history of glaucoma, people over the age of 40, African-Americans aged 35 and over, diabetics, people with extreme nearsightedness, and those with long-term steroid medication use.

What Symptoms to Look For?

Glaucoma often develops gradually and without obvious warning signs, earning it the nickname “the silent thief of sight.” When the condition progresses slowly, patients may be completely unaware anything is wrong. There may be no pain, no noticeable change in how the eye looks or feels, and no perceptible difference in vision. By the time symptoms do appear, it may be too late to prevent lasting damage. The optic nerve damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible, and any resulting vision loss is permanent. This makes early detection through regular eye exams essential.

As glaucoma progresses, symptoms can become more noticeable. These may include blurred or narrowed peripheral vision, halos around lights, or difficulty seeing in low light. In more serious cases, such as acute angle-closure glaucoma, individuals might experience sudden eye pain, headache, nausea, and rapid vision changes. These symptoms require prompt medical attention. If you have risk factors or concerns, scheduling a glaucoma screening is a critical step in maintaining long-term eye health.

See the Best withChicago Cornea Consultants

Schedule an Appointment

Glaucoma Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves detailed evaluation in the office by one of our expert eye physicians. A complete eye exam will be performed, with measurements of the intraocular pressure (IOP), determination of the thickness of the central cornea (pachymetry), and evaluation of the anterior chamber angle anatomy (gonioscopy). Drops are instilled for dilation of the pupil, which allows for careful visualization of optic nerve appearance.

Imaging studies of the nerve (photographs and ocular coherence tomography) and assessment of its function (visual field testing) are all required to correctly diagnose whether someone may have glaucoma, and if so, how severe, or if the individual is at risk for developing glaucoma in the future (glaucoma suspect).

How Can Glaucoma be Treated?

There is no cure for glaucoma, but it can be managed with a variety of treatment options aimed at lowering and stabilizing the eye pressure, reducing further damage to the optic nerve, and protecting you from vision loss. At Chicago Cornea Consultants, we offer advanced treatment for glaucoma in Chicago, using therapies tailored to each patient’s condition and lifestyle.

Eye drops of several classes can decrease eye fluid production or improve eye fluid outflow. Laser procedures of two types (YAG or SLT) can serve to improve eye fluid circulation. More invasive procedures are at times performed by glaucoma surgical sub-specialists if other treatments are ineffective.

MIGS: A Newer Option for Glaucoma Management

Minimally invasive or micro incisional glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is a treatment option for patients who have glaucoma or glaucoma suspect diagnosis and are undergoing cataract surgery. These are procedures performed in the operating room during the same session as cataract surgery.

After the cataract has been removed and the intraocular lens implant of your choice has been placed, the surgeon can insert a microscopic device into the eye to help with lowering eye pressure. Several devices are presently FDA-approved in the US, including the iStentInject.

Reducing Intraocular Pressure with The iStent

Our Chicago Cornea Consultants specialists have been using the iStent (also known as the trabecular micro-bypass stent) for a number of years and have found it a successful modality for lowering the pressure in our glaucoma patients. A good number of patients are able to achieve target pressures and discontinue or decrease the number of drops they need to use to keep glaucoma under control.

According to Glaukos, the maker of the iStent, it is also "the smallest medical device ever approved by the FDA" – 20,000 times smaller than the (already tiny) intraocular lens used in cataract surgery. You can read more details about this amazing micro-device on the Glaukos website.

Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy

Another MIGS procedure offered at Chicago Cornea Consultants is Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy. This can be performed as a standalone intervention or in combination with cataract surgery and IOL implantation.

A specially-designed microscopic tool, the Kahook blade is inserted into the eye via a tiny corneal incision and is used to remove a strip of tissue (trabecular meshwork) that creates resistance to intraocular fluid flow (goniotomy). The circulation and outflow of fluid are improved, and the intraocular pressure is lowered. For many patients, drops can be decreased or discontinued. Click Here to Learn More

Patients still need to keep their glaucoma under control by taking drops and seeing their doctor regularly, but this technology is an exciting advance we are glad to be offering our patients at Chicago Cornea Consultants.

Patient Testimonials

I was lucky to find Chicago Cornea. They are surprisingly different from other eye laser practices in that your treatment is highly individualized – not a mill where they treat everyone the same. Dr. Majmudar was willing to go the extra mile in designing a treatment that specifically addressed my difficult-to-treat case; one that other doctors shied away from. I was impressed with how professionally the practice is run. Even their technicians are very diligent in getting their measurements right – so important! Post-op, the doctors take time with you, making sure you understand details of your case and helping you to be a good partner in your post-laser care, resulting in excellent vision. I would recommend them highly.

Jerry C.

Thank you to Dr Randy Epstein and everyone in the practice. I am blessed that my opthamologist referred me to you. I was losing vision in both eyes due to complications from earlier vision correction surgery. You restored my vision and gave me a new lease on life. Outstanding care and support from everyone that I dealt with during both surgeries.

Mary K.

I have been a patient for one year. When I first visited Dr. R. Epstein my vision was getting very bad and I was convinced I was going to need more surgery as I had where I previously lived. Dr. Epstein took a very different course and recommended me to his associate Dr. Andrzejewski. In short she was amazing and took me through a process whereby I ended up with Scleral Lens. Nothing else would work because of the irregularities on the surface of my eye. But when we were done with an exhaustive process where she settled for nothing else but perfection my eye site was like it was 40 years ago! Perfect, I was blown away. The professional care taken by both Doctors was just great and I now visit both on a set schedule and am thrilled. BTW these lenses are more comfortable than anything else I have ever worn.

Jerry M.

Living with Crohn's took its toll on my eyes, leaving me discouraged. Dr. Herba's referral to Chicago Cornea Consultants and Dr. Vaidya was a ray of hope. Their dedication and warmth transformed my anxieties into confidence. My surgeries were a success, and my gratitude knows no bounds. Five stars, hands down!

Heather L.

Dr. Epstein changed my life with EVO ICL lens in both of my eyes. I don't have enough words to express my gratitude to Dr. Epstein and his team. Everyone in the practice are nice and they work with you for scheduling. Dr. Epstein explained the procedure and the results are over what I have expected. Thank you for changing my life and finally ben able to see under water without concern my contacts might fall out.

Ah L.

View all Testimonials

Why Choose Us for Glaucoma Treatment?

At Chicago Cornea Consultants, our board-certified ophthalmologists specialize in diagnosing and treating glaucoma using the latest diagnostic tools and treatment techniques. From early detection to advanced surgical options, we offer personalized care tailored to protect your vision at every stage.

Our patients trust us for our experience, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate approach to treating glaucoma in Chicago. Whether you're managing mild glaucoma or require more advanced treatment, our team is committed to delivering exceptional care in a comfortable, patient-focused setting. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step toward protecting your vision.

Glaucoma FAQs

What age groups are most at risk for developing glaucoma?

Is glaucoma treatment covered by insurance plans?

What are the early signs of glaucoma?

Can glaucoma cause blindness?

How often should I get screened for glaucoma?

What age groups are most at risk for developing glaucoma?

People over the age of 60 are at the highest risk for developing glaucoma, with the risk increasing with age. However, glaucoma can affect individuals of all age groups.

Is glaucoma treatment covered by insurance plans?

In many cases, glaucoma treatment is covered by insurance plans. However, coverage may vary depending on the specific insurance provider and plan, so it's advisable to check with your insurance company for details regarding coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

What are the early signs of glaucoma?

Early signs of glaucoma often include no noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, individuals may experience subtle changes in vision, such as reduced peripheral vision or increased intraocular pressure.

Can glaucoma cause blindness?

Yes, if left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness. However, with timely diagnosis and proper management, most patients are able to maintain their vision and quality of life.

How often should I get screened for glaucoma?

We recommend annual comprehensive eye exams for individuals over 40 or anyone with risk factors for glaucoma. These visits can help detect issues early and allow for more effective treatment.

Glaucoma Chicago

Glaucoma: The Silent Thief

What is Glaucoma?

What Causes Glaucoma?

What Symptoms to Look For?

See the Best withChicago Cornea Consultants

Glaucoma Diagnosis

How Can Glaucoma be Treated?

MIGS: A Newer Option for Glaucoma Management

Reducing Intraocular Pressure with The iStent

Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy

Patient Testimonials

Why Choose Us for Glaucoma Treatment?

Glaucoma FAQs

What age groups are most at risk for developing glaucoma?

Is glaucoma treatment covered by insurance plans?

What are the early signs of glaucoma?

Can glaucoma cause blindness?

How often should I get screened for glaucoma?

More Resources

See the Best withChicago CorneaConsultants