When left untreated, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over 60. If you experience vision changes or eye pain, turn to Eye Q Optique in Buffalo Grove and the Tri-Taylor and Near West Side neighborhoods of Chicago, Illinois. The exceptional optometry team offers glaucoma management to reduce your chance of complications and blindness. Call the nearest office to learn more or use the online booking tool today.

What is glaucoma management?

Glaucoma is a common eye disease that damages your optic nerve. It’s caused by high pressure in your eyes and can lead to blindness when not managed properly. During glaucoma management, the experts at Eye Q Optique offer a variety of treatments that reduce your risk of permanent vision loss.

Why might I need glaucoma management?

If you have glaucoma, you need glaucoma management to reduce the debilitating progression of the disease. Common symptoms of glaucoma include:

• Tunnel vision
• Patchy blind spots in peripheral vision
• Eye pain
• Severe headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Eye redness
• Blurry vision
• Seeing halos around lights

In the early stages of glaucoma, you might not have any symptoms. That’s why routine eye exams and glaucoma screening are so important. 

What are the risk factors for glaucoma?

Risk factors for developing glaucoma include:

• High internal eye pressure
• Family history of glaucoma
• Being over 60
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Sickle cell anemia
• High blood pressure
• Thin corneas
• Long-term use of some eye drops
• Previous eye injuries
• Past eye surgery
• Nearsightedness 
• Farsightedness

Ways to reduce your chance of developing glaucoma include wearing protective eyewear when working with tools, undergoing routine dilated eye exams, getting regular exercise, and using eye drops only as directed by an eye doctor.

How does my provider diagnose glaucoma?

To find out if you have glaucoma, your Eye Q Optique specialist reviews your medical history and eye health history. Your optometrist may also complete a dilated eye exam by placing eye drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils. They measure your cornea thickness and evaluate your eye’s pressure using specialized tests.

What should I expect during glaucoma management?

Glaucoma management often consists of making lifestyle changes, using eye drops, taking oral medicines, or undergoing eye surgery. The Eye Q Optique team recommends eating nutritious foods, getting regular exercise, taking vitamin supplements when needed, and limiting caffeine. You might also need contact lenses or glasses to correct vision problems. 

Your optometrist personalizes each glaucoma treatment to match your needs and follows up with you regularly to evaluate your eye health and vision. The Eye Q Optique team can make changes to your glaucoma management plan if needed.

To take advantage of glaucoma management at Eye Q Optique, call the nearest office or use the online booking tool today.