Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure within the eye. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss, typically beginning with side (peripheral) vision. Our experienced team offers comprehensive glaucoma care, including advanced diagnostic testing, medical management, laser treatments, and surgical options tailored to your needs. To learn more about glaucoma and protect your vision, call our office or schedule an appointment online.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the critical connection between the eye and the brain. Over time, this damage can lead to permanent vision loss, often beginning with a loss of side (peripheral) vision. While glaucoma is commonly associated with elevated eye pressure, it can also develop in individuals with normal eye pressure.

In its early stages, glaucoma typically causes no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are essential for early detection. At Key-Whitman Eye Center, our glaucoma specialists provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans designed to protect your vision and preserve long-term eye health. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options may include medications, laser procedures, or advanced surgical techniques. To learn more about glaucoma and your treatment options, call our office or schedule an appointment online.

Offering the Most Options for Interventional Glaucoma in DFW!

Because every patient's glaucoma is unique, our surgeons can tailor treatment using the latest technology—from laser therapy and micro-stents to canaloplasty, goniotomy, and sustained-release medication implants including:

  • SLT​ and DSLT
  • Hydrus, iStent inject and iStent infinity
  • iAccess and KDB Glide Goniotomy
  • Omni, Streamline and VIA 360 Canaloplasty with Goniotomy or Trabeculotomy
  • Alloflo Canaloplasty Implant
  • Durysta and iDoseTR long-term and time-released medication

Types of Glaucoma

The two most common types of glaucoma treated at Key-Whitman Eye Center are primary open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Both conditions can damage the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss if left untreated, making early detection and ongoing care essential.

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma, accounting for approximately 90% of cases. It develops gradually when the eye's natural drainage system becomes less efficient over time, causing pressure inside the eye to increase and potentially damage the optic nerve.

Because this condition progresses slowly and often without noticeable symptoms, regular eye exams are critical for early diagnosis. When detected early, treatment can often slow or prevent further vision loss through medications, laser procedures, or surgery.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle of the eye becomes partially or completely blocked, preventing fluid from draining properly. This blockage can lead to a rapid increase in eye pressure and place significant stress on the optic nerve.

Some patients experience an acute attack, which may cause severe eye pain, headache, redness, blurred vision, nausea, or halos around lights and requires immediate medical attention. Other patients may develop chronic angle-closure glaucoma, which can progress with few or no symptoms. Routine eye examinations can help identify patients at risk before serious vision loss occurs.

What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, patients may experience:

  • Loss of peripheral (side) vision
  • Blurred vision
  • Eye redness
  • Headaches
  • Eye pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Halos around lights

The best way to protect your vision from glaucoma is through early diagnosis and treatment. At Key-Whitman Eye Center, our specialists provide comprehensive glaucoma evaluations and advanced treatment options designed to preserve your vision and maintain your quality of life. If you have concerns about glaucoma or are due for an eye exam, call our office or schedule an appointment online.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma develops when damage occurs to the optic nerve, often as a result of increased pressure inside the eye. This pressure can build when the eye's natural drainage system is unable to properly remove fluid. While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors may increase your risk, including:

  • Age 60 and older
  • A family history of glaucoma
  • Elevated eye pressure
  • Previous eye injury or eye surgery
  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Severe nearsightedness or farsightedness

At Key-Whitman Eye Center, our specialists perform comprehensive eye examinations and advanced diagnostic testing to detect glaucoma early and evaluate your individual risk factors. Early diagnosis is one of the most effective ways to protect your vision and prevent permanent vision loss.

What Are the Treatments for Glaucoma?

While vision loss caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, treatment can help slow or prevent further damage to the optic nerve. At Key-Whitman Eye Center, our glaucoma specialists offer a full range of treatment options tailored to each patient's needs.

Medications

Prescription eye drops are often the first line of treatment for glaucoma. These medications work by either reducing the amount of fluid produced inside the eye or improving fluid drainage, helping to lower eye pressure and protect the optic nerve.

Laser Procedures

Laser treatments can help improve the eye's natural drainage system and lower eye pressure. Depending on the type of glaucoma, laser procedures may open existing drainage channels or create a small opening to improve fluid flow.

Glaucoma Surgery

For patients who require additional pressure control, surgical treatment may be recommended. Traditional glaucoma surgery creates a new drainage pathway for fluid to exit the eye, while Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) enhances the eye's natural drainage system using smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

Our glaucoma specialists will work closely with you to determine the most effective treatment plan for your condition, lifestyle, and long-term vision goals. To learn more about glaucoma treatment options, call Key-Whitman Eye Center or schedule an appointment online.

For more information about our treatment options for glaucoma, contact us at (214) 220-3937 to schedule your eye exam at one of our nine office locations.