Glaucoma Treatment in Saint Charles

Glaucoma Treatment in Saint Charles

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(989) 865-9979

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness.

It's caused by fluid build-up and increased pressure within the eye that damages the optic nerve that progressively worsens your vision. This disease can cause severe, irreversible vision loss if left untreated.

In many cases, appropriate control and treatment can help prevent further damage to the eyes and protect your vision. Advanced EyeCare & Contact Lens Center - St. Charles offers several treatments to help address glaucoma. Learn more about the treatments we provide and contact us to schedule an appointment.

Glaucoma diagnosis


The 2 Main Types of Glaucoma

grandfather wearing glasses holding his granddaughter

  • Open-angle glaucoma: the most common type. It is a lifelong condition that accounts for at least 90% of all glaucoma cases.
  • Angle-closure glaucoma: a rare form of the disease which requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the angle is closed in many or most areas between the iris and cornea, which reduces fluid drainage and increases eye pressure.

Glaucoma: The Sneaky Thief of Sight

There is a reason glaucoma is called “the sneaky thief of sight”--half the people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it! Meaning, they may not have symptoms in the early stages.

At Advanced EyeCare & Contact Lens Center - St. Charles, we diagnose and help preserve your vision with cutting-edge glaucoma treatments that can slow the progression of the disease.

If you have a family history of glaucoma or have been diagnosed with glaucoma, contact us today.

optometrist in Saint Charles


What are the Signs of Glaucoma?

glaucoma signs

As mentioned earlier, glaucoma usually shows no symptoms in its early stages. When signs do manifest, it's usually loss of tunnel vision or peripheral vision. Unfortunately, by the time vision loss has occurred, it cannot be reversed.

That said, the less common angle-closure glaucoma does show a sudden onset of symptoms, including:

  • Extreme eye pain
  • Eye redness
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek prompt diagnosis and treatment by contacting Advanced EyeCare & Contact Lens Center - St. Charles in Saint Charles or visiting your nearest emergency room.


Who's at Risk for Glaucoma?

  • Age 40 +

    The prevalence of glaucoma increases with age, with most glaucoma patients aged 40 and up. That said, there is a much rarer form of this disease (congenital glaucoma) that affects infants.

  • Family History & Ethnicity

    Your risk for developing glaucoma is higher if you have a family history of the disease. Those of African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American, and Indigenous Canadian descent have a higher risk of developing this disease.

  • Other Conditions

    High myopia, hypertension and diabetes can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.

  • Eye Injury or Trauma

    An eye injury, trauma or eye surgery can increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma.


Common Glaucoma Treatments

There is currently no cure for glaucoma. However, several treatments are available to prevent the progression of this sight-robbing condition. With the right care, you have a higher chance of managing your glaucoma and preserving your vision.

Common treatments include:

Eye Drops

Your optometrist will prescribe eye drops to help regulate pressure inside the eye by decreasing fluid production and/or improving drainage.

Laser Surgery

If eye drops aren’t doing enough to reduce intraocular pressure or intraocular temperature in open-angle glaucoma, laser surgery may be an option. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) opens up the drainage system in the eye to reduce pressure.

SLT is successful in 80% of cases and can reduce eye pressure by 20%.

Other Surgeries

If a laser procedure or eye drops do not lower eye pressure to the desired level, your eye doctor may recommend one of the following surgeries:

  • Incision Surgery
  • Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
  • Glaucoma Drainage Implants

Glaucoma Testing Treatment FAQs

How does an eye doctor diagnose glaucoma?

Since glaucoma has no side effects early on, it is essential for people with a family history of risk factors for glaucoma to get tested. The following tests diagnose glaucoma:

  • Tonometry: measures the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP)
  • Ophthalmoscopy (dilated eye exam): examines the shape and color of the optic nerve
  • Perimetry: measures your field of vision
  • Gonioscopy: checks the angle where the iris meets the cornea
  • Pachymetry: determines the thickness of the cornea to better evaluate eye pressure.
What foods should you avoid if you have glaucoma?

The following are the foods every glaucoma patient should consider avoiding immediately. It should help keep your optic nerve healthy and minimize eye pressure.

  • Caffeine - certain studies show that caffeine contributes to increased intraocular pressure.
  • Saturated fats - a diet high in saturated fats can lead to weight gain, which not only increases intraocular pressure but also cholesterol levels.
  • Trans fats - try to limit your consumption of trans fats because they can also raise cholesterol levels
  • Salt - make sure to consume salt sparingly, as increased blood pressure can indirectly lead to intraocular pressure.
What percentage of glaucoma patients go blind?

About 60% of patients diagnosed with glaucoma will eventually lose some vision.

However, the rate of legal blindness among glaucoma patients is 5%. Getting effective treatment early on will greatly increase your ability to preserve and maximize your vision.

Patient Reviews
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85 Reviews
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- Oct. 03, 2024
Dr. Autumn is so professional and pleasant. I look forward to my appointments as she keeps me up-to-... date on everything I need to be watching for. The entire staff is so kind and explains every process in detail. Would recommend this eye care facility to anyone!
- Aug. 05, 2024
Staff is friendly. They are prompt with getting glasses as well.
- Mar. 28, 2024
Dr Wicke and staff are awesome !! Thoughtful and caring !
- Mar. 20, 2024
It was a great visit. Everyone was so nice and friendly. I wish every business was like this one!
- Mar. 06, 2024
Dr Dureau is very knowledgeable & caring highly recommended Great Staff as Well ..Very happy to have... him as my Doctor…
- Jan. 10, 2024
Taking care of my vision for now and the future.. caring staff.
- Dec. 22, 2023
Dr. Wicke and the staff at Advanced Eyecare were very helpful and informative regarding my eye care ... options. I would certainly have no issues with recommending Advanced Eyecare to my family and friends.
- Dec. 15, 2023
Advanced Eye Care is a great place to get your eyes looked at and Autumn Wicke is very thorough .
- Oct. 26, 2023
Dr. Autumn is phenomenal. I’ve never had an eye doctor get my prescription right on the first try ... like she did. Very thorough and respectful. 10/10 recommendations for her and the lovely staff
- Sep. 28, 2023
Took great care of my son when getting his new glasses. Patient with us while he tried them on, eve... n cracked a few jokes.
- Aug. 02, 2023
Saw Dr. Wicke for the first time today. I've been struggling with my vision and she was the 3rd opto... metrist I saw about it, and the first one I walked away from feeling like I finally had a clear answer. I also brought my 4 year old in for her first ever eye exam and Dr. Wicke did awesome! So thankful to have this office in STC.
- May. 11, 2023
Dr. Wicke is really the best!!
- May. 01, 2023
Absolutely love Dr. Wicke! She is very friendly and always smiling willing to help me.
- Mar. 24, 2023
(Translated by Google) Dr. Wicke is the best!! (Original) Dr. Wicke is the Best!!
- Mar. 17, 2023
Sure, yes for sure.A five star all the way!!
- Nov. 16, 2020
Wonderful staff and service. Always friendly and helpful. 🥰
- Nov. 09, 2020
Awesome service! Friendly staff and super informative😊
- Oct. 26, 2020
Nice to have a local doctor, friendly staff, accommidating for scheduling appointments.
- Oct. 26, 2020
Was able to schedule appointment quickly. Great experience throughout appointment.
- Oct. 26, 2020
My family has been going to Dr Duryea for years. Every one is always professional, friendly and help... ful. I highly recommend Advanced Eyecare.

View All 85 Reviews

Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Saint Charles

Our optometry practice in Saint Charles

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Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(989) 865-9979