Glaucoma Treatment

Name: Glaucoma Treatment
Brand: Ophthalmology Associates

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often without warning signs, but with early detection and the right treatment, vision loss can usually be slowed or stopped.

Protecting Your Vision from a Disease You Can't Feel

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually due to elevated pressure inside the eye, and it's one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Because it typically progresses without pain or noticeable symptoms until vision loss is already advanced, routine screening is often the only way to catch it early. Ophthalmology Associates has diagnosed and managed glaucoma across North Texas for more than 50 years, combining regular monitoring with a full range of treatment options to protect your vision for the long term.

Schedule a glaucoma screening to check your eye pressure and optic nerve health before symptoms ever start.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is most often linked to a buildup of fluid pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure, which gradually damages the optic nerve fibers responsible for carrying visual information to the brain. Once those fibers are damaged, the resulting vision loss can't be reversed, which is why early detection and consistent treatment matter so much.

Glaucoma Research

Types of Glaucoma

Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common form, developing slowly as drainage channels in the eye gradually become less efficient over time.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A less common but more urgent form, occurring when the eye's drainage angle becomes blocked, sometimes causing a sudden spike in pressure.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage that occurs even when eye pressure stays within a normal range, making regular optic nerve evaluation essential.
Congenital Glaucoma: A rare form present at birth, caused by improper development of the eye's drainage system.

How Glaucoma Is Diagnosed

Because glaucoma rarely causes early symptoms, diagnosis depends on a thorough eye exam rather than how your vision feels day to day.

Our ophthalmologists measure your eye pressure, examine the optic nerve directly, and use imaging technology to track its health over time.

A visual field test may also be used to check for any subtle blind spots that can signal early nerve damage.

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Amazing staff! The doctor was so thorough in going over my issues that I was having with my eyes. She’s actually addressing issues that I’ve had for three years and no one else addressed.

Shawn Smith

Who's at Risk for Glaucoma?

Certain factors increase your likelihood of developing glaucoma, which is why regular screening becomes more important as you age. Risk increases for adults over 60, individuals with a family history of glaucoma, those of African American or Hispanic descent, and patients with naturally high eye pressure or thin corneas. Having one or more of these risk factors doesn't mean glaucoma is inevitable, but it does mean more frequent monitoring is worthwhile.

Glaucoma Treatment Options

Treatment is aimed at lowering eye pressure to slow or stop further optic nerve damage, and the right approach depends on the type and severity of your glaucoma.

Prescription Eye Drops: Often the first line of treatment, used daily to reduce fluid production or improve drainage.
Laser Therapy: A quick, in-office procedure that improves the eye's natural drainage system, often reducing or delaying the need for eye drops.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): A newer category of procedures, often combined with cataract surgery, that uses tiny devices to improve drainage with a faster recovery than traditional surgery.
Traditional Glaucoma Surgery: Reserved for more advanced cases, this creates a new drainage pathway to lower eye pressure when other treatments aren't enough.

Living with Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a lifelong condition, not a one-time fix, so ongoing management is a core part of treatment. Once you're diagnosed, you'll have regular follow-up visits to track your eye pressure and optic nerve health, allowing your ophthalmologist to adjust your treatment plan as needed. Consistent care is what keeps early-stage glaucoma from progressing into significant vision loss.

Why Choose Ophthalmology Associates?

Ophthalmology Associates has diagnosed and treated glaucoma across North Texas for more than 50 years, led by board-certified, physician-owned ophthalmologists rather than outside investors. We take a proactive, patient-first approach to glaucoma care, from routine screening through advanced surgical treatment, all under one roof. Our team stays current with the latest glaucoma research and treatment technology to protect your vision for the long term.

Glaucoma Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

Can glaucoma be cured?

No. Glaucoma has no cure, but with early detection and consistent treatment, its progression can usually be slowed or stopped, preserving the vision you have.

Is glaucoma hereditary?

Genetics can play a role. Having a parent or sibling with glaucoma increases your own risk, which is why family history is part of every screening conversation.

How often should I be screened for glaucoma?

Most adults should have a baseline glaucoma screening by age 40, with more frequent exams as you age or if you have risk factors. Your ophthalmologist can recommend a schedule based on your individual risk.

Does untreated glaucoma always lead to total blindness?

Left untreated, glaucoma can progress to significant vision loss and, in severe cases, blindness. This is why routine screening and early treatment are so important, since damage that's already occurred can't be reversed.

Can glaucoma return after surgery?

Eye pressure can rise again over time even after successful surgery, which is why ongoing monitoring remains necessary even for patients who've had a procedure.

Will I still need glasses if I'm being treated for glaucoma?

Glaucoma treatment addresses eye pressure and optic nerve health, not your prescription, so you may still need glasses or contacts for clear vision separately.