Eye Care Specialty
Expert Glaucoma Care
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide — but with early detection and expert management, most patients preserve their vision for life.
Schedule a ScreeningCall 512.528.1144The Silent Thief of Sight
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually due to elevated pressure inside the eye. The nerve damage is permanent — but progression can be halted with proper treatment.
Most people have no symptoms until significant vision loss has already occurred. That's why routine screening is critical, especially if you're over 60 or have a family history of glaucoma.
Common Types
- Open-Angle Glaucoma — The most common form. Fluid drains too slowly, gradually raising IOP without any pain or obvious symptoms.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma — The drainage angle becomes blocked suddenly or gradually. Acute attacks can cause rapid vision loss and require emergency care.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma — Optic nerve damage occurs despite normal IOP readings. Vascular factors and nerve sensitivity play a key role.
⚠ Risk Factors
- Age over 60 (or 40 for African Americans)
- Family history of glaucoma
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, or migraines
- Previous eye injury or surgery
- Long-term steroid use
No early warning signs. Peripheral vision is lost first — so slowly the brain compensates and most patients don't notice until significant damage is done. Only a comprehensive eye exam can detect glaucoma early.
Why Glaucoma Has No Early Warning Signs
Glaucoma is called the "silent thief of sight" for good reason. The optic nerve contains over one million nerve fibers, and glaucoma destroys them gradually, starting at the periphery. The brain is remarkably good at filling in missing peripheral vision — by the time you notice anything wrong, up to 40% of nerve fibers may already be permanently lost.
Important: Most glaucoma patients experience zero symptoms until the disease is advanced. Annual comprehensive eye exams — including IOP measurement and optic nerve evaluation — are the only reliable way to catch glaucoma before irreversible vision loss occurs.
Comprehensive Glaucoma Testing
Intraocular Pressure (IOP)
We measure the fluid pressure inside your eye using applanation tonometry. Elevated IOP is the primary risk factor for optic nerve damage.
Optic Nerve Imaging
High-resolution OCT scans create detailed maps of the optic nerve fiber layer, detecting structural damage years before vision loss becomes noticeable.
Visual Field Testing
Automated perimetry maps your peripheral vision to detect and monitor the characteristic field defects caused by glaucoma damage.
Corneal Thickness (CCT)
Pachymetry measures the thickness of your cornea, which affects IOP readings and helps us determine your true risk level.
Gonioscopy
We examine the drainage angle of your eye to classify the type of glaucoma and guide the best treatment approach.
Progression Analysis
We track your data over time to detect subtle changes. Trend analysis helps us adjust therapy before vision loss accelerates.
Slowing & Stopping Glaucoma
Prescription Eye Drops
First-line treatment for most patients. Medicated drops lower IOP either by reducing fluid production or improving outflow through the eye's drainage system.
Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty uses a gentle laser to open the eye's drainage meshwork, reducing pressure without drugs or incisions. Safe to repeat if needed.
Filtering Surgery
For advanced glaucoma, trabeculectomy or MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) creates a new drainage pathway to significantly reduce eye pressure.
Don't Wait
Don't Wait Until You Notice Symptoms
Glaucoma damage is irreversible. Schedule a comprehensive screening today — early treatment is the only way to protect your sight.
Request a ScreeningCall 512.528.1144