Cataract Surgery Chicago - Lake County Gurnee

Glaucoma Procedures

Modern Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment

Glaucoma is basically a disease of too much fluid production for the amount of drainage in the eye, which raises pressure higher than the optic nerve can tolerate. Some patients are able to tolerate higher levels of pressure than others, most likely because of a genetic predisposition, so it is important to determine safe pressure levels for an individual patient.

Once the pressure is higher than we feel is safe, treatment consists of eye drops, laser treatment or even filtering surgery.

Michael L. Savitt, M.D., is the only glaucoma sub-specialist in Northern Lake County. Since we are able to develop a large glaucoma practice, we have the resources to invest in advanced technology far beyond a typical general practice.

We use the Heidelberg Optic Disc Tomographer to measure possible changes in the shape of the optic nerve. We use the Humphery automated Visual Field Analyzer to detect changes in the peripheral vision.

If treatment is indicated, Dr. Savitt will discuss the use eyedrops, the SLT laser, or surgery.

We also are doing FDA phase III studies for new drugs that are not yet approved for treatment. Some of our patients are happy to participate in these studies, so that they can get state of the art medications and help to further the treatment of glaucoma for others. Dr. Savitt may discuss study participation for appropriate patients. Obviously, taking part in a study is completely voluntary and is only allowed after full discussion and reading of an informed consent.

If the patient has a cataract that is interfering with his or her lifestyle, or has already had cataract surgery, then ECP combined with, or at any time after, cataract surgery is a very safe and highly successful way to reduce or eliminate the need for eye drops to control glaucoma.