Ophthalmology

Glaucoma

The Glaucoma Service at UI Health is a nationally recognized center for the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma in adults and children. Our service offers comprehensive care and management of all forms of glaucoma, including specialized diagnostic testing.  We are leaders in the latest laser and surgical procedures to treat all forms of the disease. Our specialists are actively involved in glaucoma research, and we are a site for testing new drugs and other therapies to treat glaucoma.

Why Choose UI Health for Glaucoma Care?

At UI Health our expert team specializes in the early detection, treatment, and management of glaucoma. We offer:

• State-of-the-art diagnostic technology.
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
• Compassionate care for lifelong vision health.

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Your Care Team:

• Thasarat Sutabutr Vajaranant, MD, MHA—Director
• Ahmad Aref, MD, MBA
• Pathik P. Amin, OD

Who is at risk for Glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain factors increase the likelihood of developing it. Understanding these risk factors can help with early detection and prevention. You may be at risk of developing Glaucoma if the following applies to you:

• Age 60 and older
• Family History of glaucoma
• Elevated eye pressure
• Thin cornea
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, migraines, or sickle cell anemia
• Severe nearsightedness or farsightedness
• Previous eye injuries
• Long-term use of corticosteroid as eye drops
• Sleep apnea may also increase risk
• African American, Asian, or Hispanic populations are at a higher risk

Types of Glaucoma

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
  The most common type, POAG develops slowly and painlessly. Symptoms often go unnoticed until significant vision loss occurs.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma
  This less common type can occur suddenly and is a medical emergency. Symptoms include severe eye pain, nausea, redness, and blurred vision.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma
  Even with normal eye pressure, the optic nerve can still become damaged. This type requires specialized management.
• Congenital Glaucoma
  Present at birth, this rare type results from improper development of the eye's drainage system.

Treatment Options for Glaucoma

Although there is no cure for Glaucoma, there are various treatments can help preserve vision. Our program’s treatment options include the following:

• Medications: Eye drops, or oral medications reduce eye pressure.
• Laser Treatments: Procedures such as laser trabeculoplasty improve drainage.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical interventions like trabeculectomy or shunt insertion may be necessary.

Early Detection

Routine eye exams are the best defense against glaucoma. A comprehensive eye exam should include:

• Intraocular Pressure Measurement: To check for elevated pressure.
• Dilated Eye Exam: For a detailed view of the optic nerve.
• Visual Field Test: To assess peripheral vision.

Early treatment can slow or prevent vision loss.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

Don’t wait for Glaucoma symptoms to appear. You can protect your vision by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam today. To request an appointment, please call 312.996.EYES (3937)

Locations:

Our comprehensive Glaucoma care services are available at multiple locations for your convenience.

• Specialty Care Building (SCB)
• Millennium Park Eye Center
• 55th & Pulaski Health Collaborative