The Connection Between Eye Pressure and Open-Angle Glaucoma
Healthy eye pressure requires the constant release of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork. If your eye doctor in Chicago is concerned that you may have glaucoma, one factor he or she will consider to make a diagnosis is your eye pressure. This video explains more.

Your eyes constantly produce and release aqueous humor. When this doesn’t happen, pressure in your eye will build up and damage may occur to the optic nerve fibers. If your eye doctor discovers this kind of damage in your eye, you may be diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma. Regular exams can let your eye doctor catch this buildup in pressure and prescribe the appropriate eye care to protect your vision.

Glaucoma 101

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness in the world. Although there is no cure for glaucoma, when it is diagnosed and treated early, eye doctors can often slow or prevent its progression so that it doesn’t cost people their vision. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to increase public awareness about this common and serious eye condition. Making an appointment for eye care in Chicago is a good way to participate in Glaucoma Awareness Month and to learn more about your personal risk of the disease. These facts will also arm you with the important information you need to protect your eyesight.

Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve.

Glaucoma refers to multiple diseases that are associated with optic nerve damage. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of this condition, and occurs when the fluid in the eye is not able to drain properly, causing an increase in pressure. This increase in eye pressure causes damage to the optic nerve. However, glaucoma can occur for other reasons, as well. High blood pressure can damage the optic nerve, and glaucoma can also occur without an increase in pressure in the eyes, as is the case with low-tension glaucoma.

Glaucoma doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages.

Most people who have glaucoma do not experience any symptoms as the disease develops. Eventually, people may experience a loss of peripheral vision as the first symptom that something is wrong. Once glaucoma has reached this stage, the vision loss that has occurred is permanent. Seeing an eye doctor regularly is the only way to know you have glaucoma before permanent vision loss occurs.

Early treatment may prevent vision loss.

Although glaucoma can cause blindness, it doesn’t have to rob you of your vision. From medicated eye drops to eye surgery, your doctor can provide several treatments that could slow the progression of the disease before you experience vision loss. Because lost vision cannot be restored, an early diagnosis is essential for protecting your eyes. Your eye doctor can recommend how often you should have eye exams, based on your age, risk factors, and current health.

Am I a Good Candidate for Visian ICL Lenses?

Visian ICL—Implantable Collamer Lenses—are FDA-approved to correct nearsightedness without the use of glasses and contacts. With a short procedure, this eye surgery can offer life-changing benefits to people who are accustomed to relying on glasses and contacts to get through the day. Should you consider this kind of vision correction in Chicago?

Although only your eye doctor can decide for sure if you are a good candidate for Visian ICL, they are generally appropriate for people who are between the ages of 21 and 45 who are nearsighted with mild to severe myopia. Patients should not have had any changes to their glasses or contact prescriptions of greater than .5D for at least a year—this helps to ensure that their vision loss will not progress further after getting Visian ICL. This procedure is ideal for people who need a treatment that does not create dry eye complications. However, if you have been diagnosed with astigmatism of more than 2.5D, then your eye doctor may recommend a different treatment plan.

Answering Common Questions About Dry Eye

If you suffer from dry eye, then you know how uncomfortable and frustrating the condition can be. Fortunately, you don’t have to simply accept your symptoms. There are many things your eye doctor in Chicago can do to help you get the relief you need. Here are the answers to questions dry eye sufferers often have about their conditions, including what kind of eye care can help with the symptoms.

Is dry eye a medical condition?

Although your eyes can feel dry for a number of different reasons, chronic dry eye is a medical condition that occurs when there is a problem with the amount or quality of tears that your eye produces. You can also develop chronic dry eye if there is a problem with the tear film in your eyes. There are several different factors that can trigger chronic dry eye, including hormonal changes and inflammation in your eyes. Some health conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, can also increase the risk of developing dry eye.

What are the symptoms?

Dry, itchy eyes are the most obvious symptoms of dry eye, but there are other signs, as well. You may notice that you constantly feel like something is caught in your eye or that your eyes burn. You may also experience blurry vision and sensitivity to light, and struggle to see when you’re driving at night. If you wear contacts, they may feel uncomfortable. Some people don’t experience dry eyes at all but have watery eyes, instead. This is usually because the eyes are trying to overcompensate for dryness by producing more tears.

Are treatments available?

If you think you could have chronic dry eye, it’s important to see your eye doctor as soon as possible. Dry eye is a progressive disease and could affect your vision if left untreated. There are several treatment options available that can slow the progression of your symptoms and protect your eyesight, including artificial tears, prescription medications, and tear duct plugs. Your eye doctor will determine which treatments are right for you based on your symptoms and the condition of your eyes.