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6200 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60660
Mon-Tues, Thurs-Fri
9:00am-7:00pm
Sat.
9:00am-5:00pm
Wed & Sun
Closed
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Glaucoma is an eye disease of which the exact cause is not known. It occurs as a result of the internal pressure of the eye rising to a point that the optic nerve is damaged. The pressure that builds up is usually due to a problem in the production, flow or drainage of the fluid normally produced in the eye. An injury, infection or tumour in or around the eye can also cause the internal eye pressure to rise. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness.
Glaucoma most frequently occurs in individuals over the age of 40 and studies point to a possible hereditary component. Primary open-angle glaucoma can show up at an earlier age and leads to blindness at a much greater rate. Patients with diabetes, high blood pressure and eye injuries are at greater risk to develop glaucoma.
Primary open-angle glaucoma often develops painlessly and gradually. There are NO early warning signs! Acute angle-closure glaucoma may have symptoms such as nausea, eye pain, red eyes, blurred vision and haloes around lights.
If diagnosed at an early stage, glaucoma can be controlled and little or no further vision loss should occur. Treatment via eye drops and surgery is usually effective in maintaining the remaining vision. If left untreated, peripheral and central vision will be destroyed and almost complete blindness can occur.
A comprehensive optometric eye health examination is often the only way to detect glaucoma.
I hope to see you in our practice soon.
Sandra Rafael, OD
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