Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Chicago, IL
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States — and most people who have it don’t even know it. At Ideal Family Eye Care, our experienced optometrists routinely screen for glaucoma as part of every comprehensive eye exam, giving our patients the best possible chance of protecting their vision before irreversible damage occurs. Early detection is everything when it comes to glaucoma — schedule your exam today.
request an appointmentWhat Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve — the critical nerve that transmits visual information from your eye to your brain. This damage is most commonly caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), which occurs when fluid inside the eye cannot drain properly, causing pressure to build up and gradually destroy optic nerve fibers. Once optic nerve damage occurs, it is irreversible, making early detection and ongoing management essential to preserving vision.
Glaucoma affects more than 3 million Americans, yet studies suggest that nearly half of those with the condition are unaware they have it. This is because glaucoma typically causes no pain and no noticeable symptoms in its early stages — earning it the nickname “the silent thief of sight.”
Types of Glaucoma
There are several forms of glaucoma, but the two most common are:
- Open-angle glaucoma: The most prevalent form, accounting for the vast majority of cases. The drainage angle between the cornea and iris remains open, but the trabecular meshwork inside the drainage system becomes partially blocked over time. This causes intraocular pressure to gradually rise and silently damage the optic nerve. Peripheral vision is typically affected first, often going unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: Occurs when the iris bulges forward and physically blocks the drainage angle, causing a sudden and dramatic spike in eye pressure. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency that causes severe symptoms including intense eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and sudden blurred vision. Immediate care is required.
How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed at Ideal Family Eye Care?
Because glaucoma often has no early symptoms, regular screening is the most important tool for catching it early. At Ideal Family Eye Care, our providers routinely perform the following tests as part of glaucoma screening during your eye exam:
- Tonometry: A simple, painless test that measures your intraocular pressure (IOP). Elevated IOP is a primary risk factor for glaucoma.
- Visual field test: Screens for peripheral vision loss associated with glaucoma. Learn more about our visual field measurement services.
- Dilated eye exam: Allows your provider to directly examine the optic nerve for signs of damage.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Creates detailed cross-sectional images of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer to detect subtle structural changes.
- Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness, which is an important factor in interpreting IOP readings.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
While there is currently no cure for glaucoma, the condition can be effectively managed to slow or halt its progression and preserve your remaining vision. Treatment options at Ideal Family Eye Care may include prescription eye drops to lower intraocular pressure, oral medications, laser therapy, or surgical referral for more advanced cases. Our providers work closely with you to develop a personalized management plan and monitor your progress at every follow-up visit.
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or have risk factors such as elevated eye pressure, a family history of glaucoma, or diabetes, call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 to schedule your glaucoma evaluation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glaucoma
What is glaucoma and why is it called the silent thief of sight?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to elevated intraocular pressure. It is called the silent thief of sight because it typically causes no pain or noticeable symptoms in its early stages, allowing it to progress and cause irreversible vision loss before patients realize anything is wrong.
What are the risk factors for glaucoma?
Key risk factors for glaucoma include elevated intraocular pressure, a family history of glaucoma, age over 60, African or Hispanic heritage, diabetes, high blood pressure, extreme myopia or hyperopia, and previous eye injuries. Regular eye exams at Ideal Family Eye Care are the most effective way to catch glaucoma early.
Can glaucoma be cured?
There is currently no cure for glaucoma. However, with early diagnosis and consistent treatment, the progression of the disease can be significantly slowed and vision loss can be prevented or minimized. This is why regular glaucoma screenings at Ideal Family Eye Care are so important.
What does glaucoma feel like in its early stages?
Most forms of glaucoma — particularly open-angle glaucoma — have no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. There is no pain, and vision typically appears normal until peripheral vision is significantly affected. This makes routine eye exams with glaucoma screening the only reliable way to detect the condition early.
How is glaucoma treated?
Treatment at Ideal Family Eye Care depends on the type and severity of glaucoma and typically includes prescription eye drops to lower intraocular pressure, oral medications, laser therapy, or surgical referral for advanced cases. All treatment plans are personalized to each patient’s specific needs and are regularly adjusted based on ongoing monitoring.
How often should I be screened for glaucoma?
Patients with known risk factors for glaucoma should have eye exams at least once a year. All adults should receive glaucoma screening as part of their routine comprehensive eye exam every one to two years. Our providers at Ideal Family Eye Care will recommend the appropriate screening frequency based on your individual risk profile.
How do I schedule a glaucoma screening at Ideal Family Eye Care?
Call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 or use our online booking tool to schedule your eye exam and glaucoma screening. Don’t wait for symptoms — early detection is the key to protecting your vision.