GLAUCOMA TESTING, TREATMENT, AND EVALUATIONS SPECIALISTS

Arlington Heights, IL Glaucoma Testing, Treatment, and Evaluations

Serving you in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove  and the surrounding areas.

847-392-9220

Glaucoma Overview

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the United States. A simple painless eye exam can detect the disease. With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can usually be controlled and blindness prevented.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve when the pressure of the eye becomes too high. Proper eye pressure is maintained by a slow but constant flow of the clear liquid in the eye, called the aqueous humor, to the outside of the eye through a microscopic drainage system. The liquid is not related to the tears on the outer surface of the eye. Glaucoma is usually due to a blocked drainage system where the excess fluid does not drain properly. The increased eye pressure damages the optic nerve over time.
  • Who does glaucoma affect?

    Glaucoma can affect anyone from newborn infants to the elderly. It has been estimated that up to 3 million Americans have glaucoma. At least half of those people do not know they have it because glaucoma usually has no symptoms.

     Risk factors for glaucoma include:

    • At least 45 years old without regular eye exams
    • A family history of glaucoma
    • Abnormally high eye pressure
    • African or Spanish descent
    • Nearsightedness
    • Diabetes
    • Previous eye injury
    • Regular, long-term use of cortisone/steroid products
    • Thin corneas
  • How is glaucoma detected?

    To detect glaucoma, your physician will test your visual acuity, visual field, dilate your pupils and test the pressure in your eye. Fortunately, with regular and complete eye exams, medical advances have made it so we can help to monitor the changes in your eyesight to determine if glaucoma has developed. By scheduling regular check-ups with our eye doctors, we can detect glaucoma in its early stages before it has done severe damage to your eyes.

  • How is glaucoma treated?

    Treatment to control glaucoma includes medications in the form of eye drops or pills, laser surgery or conventional surgery. By using minimally invasive procedures, such as the Lumenis Selecta Duet glaucoma laser system, Northwest Eye Physicians is changing the future vision of our glaucoma patients. The Zeiss Cirrus OCT Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Analyzer, also available at Northwest Eye Physicians, is the most up-to-date method of evaluating optic nerve deterioration. Using laser technology and enhanced computer imagery, we are often able to diagnose and detect problems before a patient begins to experience vision loss.

Frequently Asked Questions About Glaucoma Testing & Treatment

  • What is glaucoma?

    Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye. Without early diagnosis and treatment, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness. Because it usually develops gradually, many people do not realize they have it until significant damage has occurred.

  • What are the early signs of glaucoma?

    Most people with open-angle glaucoma experience no symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, peripheral (side) vision may gradually decrease. This is why regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for early detection.

  • Who is at risk for glaucoma?

    You may have a higher risk of developing glaucoma if you:

    • Are over age 40
    • Have a family history of glaucoma
    • Have elevated eye pressure
    • Have diabetes
    • Are nearsighted
    • Have thin corneas
    • Have experienced a previous eye injury
    • Use steroid medications for an extended period

    Your ophthalmologist can determine your individual risk during a comprehensive eye examination.

  • How is glaucoma diagnosed?

    Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination that may include:

    • Eye pressure (tonometry) testing
    • Optic nerve evaluation
    • Dilated eye examination
    • Visual field testing
    • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
    • Corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry)

    No single test can diagnose glaucoma, so several measurements are often used together.

  • What is an eye pressure test?

    An eye pressure test, also called tonometry, measures the pressure inside your eye. Elevated eye pressure is a major risk factor for glaucoma, although some people develop glaucoma even with normal eye pressure. The test is quick, painless, and commonly performed during routine eye exams.

  • Does high eye pressure always mean I have glaucoma?

    No. Some people have elevated eye pressure without optic nerve damage, a condition known as ocular hypertension. Others develop glaucoma despite having normal eye pressure. Your ophthalmologist evaluates multiple factors before making a diagnosis.

  • How often should I be tested for glaucoma?

    The recommended frequency depends on your age and risk factors. Adults over 40 should receive regular comprehensive eye exams, while people with diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or other risk factors may need more frequent glaucoma screenings. Your ophthalmologist will recommend a schedule based on your individual needs.

  • Can glaucoma be cured?

    There is currently no cure for glaucoma. However, early diagnosis and treatment can often slow or stop additional optic nerve damage and help preserve your vision. Regular follow-up appointments are essential for long-term management.

  • What treatments are available for glaucoma?

    Treatment depends on the type and severity of glaucoma and may include:

    • Prescription eye drops
    • Oral medications
    • Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
    • Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
    • Traditional glaucoma surgery

    Your ophthalmologist will recommend the treatment that best protects your vision.

  • What is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)?

    SLT is a minimally invasive laser procedure that helps lower eye pressure by improving fluid drainage from the eye. It is commonly used to treat open-angle glaucoma and may reduce or eliminate the need for glaucoma eye drops in some patients.

  • Can glaucoma cause blindness?

    Yes. If glaucoma is left untreated, it can cause irreversible vision loss and blindness. Fortunately, with regular eye exams and appropriate treatment, many people maintain useful vision throughout their lives.

  • Will I lose my vision if I have glaucoma?

    Not necessarily. Many patients with glaucoma maintain good vision for decades when the condition is detected early and managed consistently with medications, laser treatment, surgery, and regular follow-up care.

  • Does Medicare cover glaucoma testing?

    Medicare Part B covers glaucoma screenings once every 12 months for people at high risk, including those with diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, certain age and ethnicity risk factors, and other qualifying conditions. Coverage under other insurance plans varies.

  • Is glaucoma testing painful?

    No. Most glaucoma tests are quick, non-invasive, and painless. Some tests may require dilating eye drops or numbing drops, but patients generally experience little to no discomfort.

  • Why choose Northwest Eye Physicians for glaucoma testing in Arlington Heights?

    Northwest Eye Physicians provides comprehensive glaucoma evaluations using advanced diagnostic technology, including visual field testing, optic nerve imaging, OCT retinal nerve fiber layer analysis, and eye pressure measurements. Their experienced ophthalmologists develop personalized treatment plans to detect glaucoma early, monitor disease progression, and help preserve vision for patients throughout Arlington Heights and the surrounding northwest Chicago suburbs.