LASIK and Glaucoma
Chicago, Illinois Eye Doctor
Glaucoma is a vision-threatening condition affecting over 4 million Americans, about half of whom are undiagnosed. In glaucoma, the optic nerve suffers damage, causing the loss of vision. In most cases, the damage to the optic nerve is caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). IOP rises when the eye is unable to adequately drain the fluid it produces. Elevated IOP or a high risk of elevated IOP can preclude you from getting LASIK surgery.
Glaucoma is one of several vision conditions that can limit your candidacy for LASIK. Prior to scheduling you for LASIK surgery, you will receive a thorough eye exam by Dr. Mark Golden to ensure you are a candidate for the procedure. Please call or email us today to schedule your exam.
Understanding Glaucoma
There is not one, but several types of glaucoma. Types of glaucoma include:
- Primary open angle glaucoma
- Closed or narrow angle glaucoma
- Secondary glaucoma
The most common type of glaucoma is primary open angle glaucoma. In this type of glaucoma, the drainage angle, which is supposed to allow the liquid out, becomes gradually clogged with debris, causing a buildup of liquid and pressure inside the eye. In closed angle glaucoma, the angle becomes blocked suddenly, typically by the iris, other times by a sudden accumulation of debris. This type of glaucoma can lead to acute symptoms and rapid vision loss. Secondary glaucoma can be caused by injury or illness in the eye.
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?
There are several major factors that can increase your risk of glaucoma, including:
- African-American, Native American, and Hispanic ancestry
- Family history of glaucoma
- Elevated blood pressure
- Current or previous steroid users
- Recent eye injury
If you have any of these risk factors, it may be recommended that you begin regular screening for glaucoma at an earlier age than the general population.
Glaucoma and LASIK
If you have end-stage glaucoma, LASIK is not recommended. Otherwise, there is no reason to be concerned about the transient spikes in IOP that occur during LASIK surgery. LASIK safety depends first and foremost on patient selection and Doctors For Visual Freedom carefully screen our patient to ensure they are good candidates.
To learn more about glaucoma and how it can affect your candidacy for LASIK, please call our Chicago eye doctors or email Doctors For Visual Freedom to schedule your consultation today.
Two Locations:
Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center
875 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1550
Chicago, IL 60611 | Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center
2010 S Arlington Heights Rd, Suite 121
Arlington Heights, IL 60005 |
