Treating Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, And Other Conditions of the Eye at Our Chicago Practice

In addition to helping patients achieve clearer vision through LASIK, Intralase®, and intraocular lens implants, Dr. Sanjay Rao also treats serious eye disorders and diseases at our practice serving those from Forest Hills, Highland Park, and other areas in and around the metropolitan Chicago area. Glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy treatments, as well as keratoconus and other treatments are provided. Patients who suffer from any of these eye conditions are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanjay N. Rao to discuss the various treatment options available at our office.

Glaucoma Surgery
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
Keratoconus Surgery
Pterygium Treatments
New Treatments for Dry Eyes

Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma is a disease in which pressure builds up in the eye, causing damage to the optic nerve. If left untreated, glaucoma can diminish vision and even result in blindness. In fact, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. Symptoms of glaucoma include halos, eye pain, red eyes, nausea, and headaches. However, the disease often develops without any symptoms, and many individuals don’t even realize they have glaucoma until their vision becomes impaired. Therefore, it is important to schedule regular eye exams with an experienced ophthalmologist, like Dr. Rao, who can diagnose the disease early on. Because there is a better chance of being able to treat glaucoma when it is caught early, our Chicago practice serving Forest Hills, Highland Park, and surrounding areas, focus on advanced diagnostic techniques to facilitate early detection. 

The goal of glaucoma treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure. Glaucoma can sometimes be treated with eye drops and medications, but in most cases, surgery is the best option. During glaucoma surgery at our Chicago practice, Dr. Rao will either expand the current drainage area within the eye to relieve pressure, or create a new drainage area to release the fluid. To learn more about glaucoma, or to find a treatment that’s right for you, contact Lakeside Eye Clinic today.

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

Diabetic Retinopathy is a degenerative eye condition that affects individuals with type I or type II diabetes. Over time, increased blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels of the retina. As these blood vessels become weak they begin leaking fluid and are unable to deliver the necessary nutrients to the retina. The body then begins creating new blood vessels to restore blood flow to the retina, but these new blood vessels are also weak. As a result, vision loss and even blindness can occur.

There are two treatments for diabetic retinopathy, photocoagulation and vitrectomy surgery. To assist those with diabetic retinopathy, each treatment is provide at our centrally located Chicago practice serving those from Lake Forest, Highland Park, and a multitude of other areas. During photocoagulation treatment, Dr. Rao uses a laser to seal damaged blood vessels in the eye in order to prevent them from leaking. While photocoagulation cannot restore lost vision, it can prevent further vision loss. In cases where blood does not clear from the vitreous (the clear gel between the retina and the lens) on its own, Dr. Rao may recommend vitrectomy surgery in conjunction with photocoagulation. During vitrectomy surgery, Dr. Rao will carefully remove the cloudy fluid in the vitreous and replace it with a clear, sterile solution. Vitrectomy is often successful in treating diabetic retinopathy and improving vision.

To learn more about the treatments available to combat diabetic retinopathy or other severe ocular diseases, please contact our Chicago practice to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rao.

Keratoconus Surgery

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease characterized by a cone-shaped cornea and thinning corneal tissue. Individuals with keratoconus typically experience distorted vision and sensitivity to light. While keratoconus can often be treated with corrective lenses, surgery may be required if the disease continues to progress. Surgical options include AcrySof® Toric IOLs, Intacs®, or corneal transplant surgery.

AcrySof® Toric IOLs are effective in treating keratoconus, and are often placed after cataract removal for patients who suffer from cataracts and astigmatism. These intraocular lenses are rounded on both sides to allow for clear, crisp vision.

Intacs® are thin corneal inserts used to flatten the cornea without removing tissue. Intacs® work by gently applying pressure to the cornea, but do not cause discomfort. During the procedure, a small incision is created in the surface of the cornea in order to place the Intacs®. The procedure lasts about an hour and the results are immediate.

In corneal transplant surgery, the damaged cornea is removed and replaced with a healthy cornea from a donor. Because the patient is receiving donor tissue, there are risks including tissue rejection and allergic reactions to the foreign tissue. However, these side effects can be greatly minimized with the use of immunosuppressing drugs. While patients generally experience the benefits of clear vision within a few days, it may take several months for the eye to completely heal.

Pterygium Treatments

A pterygium is a benign (non-cancerous) growth that forms in the conjunctiva – the white portion of the eye – and extends onto the surface of the cornea. Found most often in people who live in tropical locations, pterygia are thought to be at least partially caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light.

Although a patient afflicted by a pterygium may or may not experience redness or irritation, if the pterygium obscures a patient's vision, surgical removal may be necessary. At Lakeside Eye Clinic, Dr. Rao recommends early treatment to prevent scar tissue and lesions. During pterygium surgery, he will remove the growth and position a conjunctival graft. Pterygium surgery with a conjunctival graft is a highly successful treatment provided by our Chicago area practice that significantly reduces the rate of recurrence of the pterygium. 

New Treatments for Dry Eyes

Chronic dry eyes is a condition characterized by itching, burning eyes that are often red and irritated after performing computer work, watching TV, or reading. Contact lenses, certain medications, and the natural aging process can be contributing factors in the development of chronic dry eye syndrome. Fortunately, however, there are various means of controlling this condition. At Lakeside Eye Clinic, Dr. Rao is an expert in treatments and new therapies for dry eyes. One such innovative treatment uses punctal plugs. Suitable for people with dry eyes that do not produce enough tears, punctal plugs help the eyes retain the tears they are able to make.

To learn more about glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other conditions and their treatments at our Chicago practice serving Lake Forest, Highland Park, and other areas, contact Lakeside Eye Clinic.

If you have glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or another visual condition, contact our practice serving Chicago, Lake Forest, and Highland Park to discuss your care. We are proud to help our patients enjoy lasting visual health.

* indicates a required field

Message

Lakeside Eye Clinic
180 N. Michigan Ave. 19th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 553-1818

<< Click map for location and directions.

Midwest Eye Clinic
6254 S. Pulaski
Chicago, IL 60629
(773) 581-1515

<< Click map for location and directions.