Glaucoma Evaluation and Treatment in Austin

Glaucoma is a group of diseases characterized by progressive optic nerve damage, which can cause loss of the field of view for each eye.  Since glaucoma damage can occur without any symptoms and is more likely to develop as a person ages, it is important to periodically undergo screening for the condition.

Glaucoma damage is permanent but controllable or preventable with appropriate treatment.  All current practice treatments are aimed at reducing the pressure within the eye to halt or limit the optic nerve damage caused by glaucoma.

This can be achieved with topical eye medications, laser procedures, surgery, or any combination thereof.  Our patients with glaucoma require closer monitoring and more frequent examinations than the majority of our patients.

All of our ophthalmologists are capable of screening for, diagnosing, and treating glaucoma.  Dr. Steven H. McKinley is a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist who is available for consultation on more challenging cases that may require a surgical intervention.

Below is a list of some tests and procedures used for glaucoma care that are available at our office.

Call Us Today for an Evaluation: 512-454-8744

Visual Field Test

An automated test that measures the extent of the area visible to an eye by having the test eye fixate on a central target is useful for determining the degree of glaucoma damage and for monitoring the stability of the disease.

Optical Coherence Tomography

A non-invasive test that uses light waves to measure retinal nerve fiber loss and provide an anatomic analysis of the optic nerve; a helpful test for monitoring glaucoma progression when used in conjunction with the visual field test.

Peripheral Iridotomy

An in-office laser procedure is used to create a small hole in the iris near its base.  Indicated for the treatment of narrow-angle or angle-closure glaucoma, cases where the intraocular pressure may rise quickly and drastically leading to rapid glaucoma damage.

Laser Trabeculoplasty

An in-office laser procedure is used to enhance the natural drainage of aqueous humor (the fluid within the eye) in an attempt to reduce the intraocular pressure.

Trabeculectomy and Glaucoma Drainage Implant (“Tube Shunt”) Surgery

Usually performed for advanced cases of glaucoma or if glaucoma is uncontrolled despite medical or laser treatments.

Insertion of the iStent® Device

A small implantable stent can be placed into the natural drainage channel of the eye during cataract surgery in order to help reduce eye pressure.