Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. Unfortunately, glaucoma often has no warning signs and may not be noticed until there is advanced and irreversible damage. There is research to suggest that if someone in your family has glaucoma, you may be at risk for developing glaucoma.

How We Can Help

Our doctors are trained in how to diagnose and treat glaucoma. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, treatment may include eye drops to lower eye pressure or different surgical options. Some of these surgical options can be performed in the Midwestern University Eye Institute Ophthalmology department. Every primary care eye exam at the Midwestern University Eye Institute screens for glaucoma.

What to Expect

If you are seen in our glaucoma clinic, you will be examined by a team of Midwestern University students and doctor. The exam will be around two hours in duration and you will most likely have your eyes dilated. To assess glaucoma, your doctor will likely order additional eye tests to assess the health of the optic nerve and the function of the optic nerve. If you have risk factors for glaucoma or are diagnosed with glaucoma, you will likely be examined over multiple visits to monitor the health of the optic nerve. In most instances, the evaluation will be billed to your medical insurance rather than to vision insurance.