Glaucoma

Comprehensive Glaucoma Diagnosis & Management Right Here in Wilmette, IL at New Vision Optical

Ever heard of the "sneak thief of sight"? It's glaucoma, and it's estimated to affect at least 3 million Americans according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation. At New Vision Optical, our Wilmette optometry team wants every person to understand this common cause of vision loss.

Normal Eye vs. Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a broad medical term that includes a few different types of diseases which impair the optic nerve—the neurological and physical "wire" or connection between the eyes and the brain. While it's most common among older adults, anyone (even young babies) can have glaucoma, as it can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. 

In the most common form of glaucoma, known as open-angle glaucoma, the canal through which inner eye fluid normally drains is open but the fluid flows through it too slowly, causing it to back up. This can cause an increase in eye pressure and ultimately damage to the optic nerve where it connects to the back of the eye.

Specific risk factors for glaucoma include smoking, history of eye surgery or injury, high blood pressure, diabetes, farsightedness or nearsightedness, family history of glaucoma, age over 40, or increased inner eye pressure. Interestingly, having increased inner eye pressure does not necessarily mean that a person will get glaucoma. 

Signs & Symptoms of Glaucoma

Unfortunately, glaucoma often develops with no warning signs or symptoms—which is why early detection and regular screening with an optometrist is so important! If glaucoma symptoms do show up, they may include loss of peripheral vision or total vision loss (later on). At New Vision Optical Wilmette, we can detect the presence of glaucoma and many other eye conditions before symptoms develop and initiate treatment sooner.

How Our Wilmette Optometrist Staff Diagnoses & Manages Glaucoma

To diagnose glaucoma, our Wilmette optometrist team will use specialized eye drops to dilate your pupils so they can see the inside of your eyes in greater detail. We'll measure the inner eye pressure and test other aspects of your vision and eye health to determine a diagnosis. 

While there's no current cure for glaucoma, it can be managed through a variety of evidence-based treatments and services, including:

  • Corrective eyewear to accommodate vision loss
  • Medications to lower inner eye pressure
  • Pre- and post-operative care if surgical interventions are recommended (e.g., to allow for proper drainage of fluid in the eye)

Are You or a Loved One Due for a Glaucoma Screening? Contact New Vision Optical in Wilmette IL Today

Contact our Wilmette optometry clinic now at (847) 251-3330 and located at 120 Skokie Blvd to schedule an appointment with our optometry and optician team, and to learn more about common eye conditions like glaucoma.

Call us to schedule an appointment
with our optometrist
(847) 251-3330

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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

Thursday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Friday:

9:30 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed