Glaucoma Treatment in Spring Branch

Glaucoma Treatment in Spring Branch

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(830) 980-3306

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness.

It's caused by fluid build-up and increased pressure within the eye that damages the optic nerve that progressively worsens your vision. This disease can cause severe, irreversible vision loss if left untreated.

In many cases, appropriate control and treatment can help prevent further damage to the eyes and protect your vision. Hill Country Vision Center - Bulverde offers several treatments to help address glaucoma. Learn more about the treatments we provide and contact us to schedule an appointment.

Glaucoma diagnosis


The 2 Main Types of Glaucoma

grandfather wearing glasses holding his granddaughter

  • Open-angle glaucoma: the most common type. It is a lifelong condition that accounts for at least 90% of all glaucoma cases.
  • Angle-closure glaucoma: a rare form of the disease which requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the angle is closed in many or most areas between the iris and cornea, which reduces fluid drainage and increases eye pressure.

Glaucoma: The Sneaky Thief of Sight

There is a reason glaucoma is called “the sneaky thief of sight”--half the people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it! Meaning, they may not have symptoms in the early stages.

At Hill Country Vision Center - Bulverde, we diagnose and help preserve your vision with cutting-edge glaucoma treatments that can slow the progression of the disease.

If you have a family history of glaucoma or have been diagnosed with glaucoma, contact us today.

optometrist in Spring Branch


What are the Signs of Glaucoma?

glaucoma signs

As mentioned earlier, glaucoma usually shows no symptoms in its early stages. When signs do manifest, it's usually loss of tunnel vision or peripheral vision. Unfortunately, by the time vision loss has occurred, it cannot be reversed.

That said, the less common angle-closure glaucoma does show a sudden onset of symptoms, including:

  • Extreme eye pain
  • Eye redness
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek prompt diagnosis and treatment by contacting Hill Country Vision Center - Bulverde in Spring Branch or visiting your nearest emergency room.


Who's at Risk for Glaucoma?

  • Age 40 +

    The prevalence of glaucoma increases with age, with most glaucoma patients aged 40 and up. That said, there is a much rarer form of this disease (congenital glaucoma) that affects infants.

  • Family History & Ethnicity

    Your risk for developing glaucoma is higher if you have a family history of the disease. Those of African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American, and Indigenous Canadian descent have a higher risk of developing this disease.

  • Other Conditions

    High myopia, hypertension and diabetes can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.

  • Eye Injury or Trauma

    An eye injury, trauma or eye surgery can increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma.


Common Glaucoma Treatments

There is currently no cure for glaucoma. However, several treatments are available to prevent the progression of this sight-robbing condition. With the right care, you have a higher chance of managing your glaucoma and preserving your vision.

Common treatments include:

Eye Drops

Your optometrist will prescribe eye drops to help regulate pressure inside the eye by decreasing fluid production and/or improving drainage.

Laser Surgery

If eye drops aren’t doing enough to reduce intraocular pressure or intraocular temperature in open-angle glaucoma, laser surgery may be an option. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) opens up the drainage system in the eye to reduce pressure.

SLT is successful in 80% of cases and can reduce eye pressure by 20%.

Other Surgeries

If a laser procedure or eye drops do not lower eye pressure to the desired level, your eye doctor may recommend one of the following surgeries:

  • Incision Surgery
  • Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
  • Glaucoma Drainage Implants

Glaucoma Testing Treatment FAQs

How does an eye doctor diagnose glaucoma?

Since glaucoma has no side effects early on, it is essential for people with a family history of risk factors for glaucoma to get tested. The following tests diagnose glaucoma:

  • Tonometry: measures the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP)
  • Ophthalmoscopy (dilated eye exam): examines the shape and color of the optic nerve
  • Perimetry: measures your field of vision
  • Gonioscopy: checks the angle where the iris meets the cornea
  • Pachymetry: determines the thickness of the cornea to better evaluate eye pressure.
What foods should you avoid if you have glaucoma?

The following are the foods every glaucoma patient should consider avoiding immediately. It should help keep your optic nerve healthy and minimize eye pressure.

  • Caffeine - certain studies show that caffeine contributes to increased intraocular pressure.
  • Saturated fats - a diet high in saturated fats can lead to weight gain, which not only increases intraocular pressure but also cholesterol levels.
  • Trans fats - try to limit your consumption of trans fats because they can also raise cholesterol levels
  • Salt - make sure to consume salt sparingly, as increased blood pressure can indirectly lead to intraocular pressure.
What percentage of glaucoma patients go blind?

About 60% of patients diagnosed with glaucoma will eventually lose some vision.

However, the rate of legal blindness among glaucoma patients is 5%. Getting effective treatment early on will greatly increase your ability to preserve and maximize your vision.

Patient Reviews
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241 Reviews
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- Nov. 20, 2024
The Dr who did my eye exam was very good and caring. My prescription had changed quite a bit but my ... glasses were perfect the first time. I just Luv my second pair which were 50% off.
- Nov. 11, 2024
The staff there were knowledgeable and acted like they enjoyed working there! That makes a huge diff... erence and you can tell because it’s reflected in how they treat their customers. They did not make me feel rushed whatsoever and answered any/all questions I had. They provided actionable steps to improve eyesight and tips on protecting my eyes throughout the workday. I also was extremely impressed with the quick turnaround of getting my glasses. I would recommend them to any and everyone.
- Oct. 21, 2024
Very professional and friendly office.
- Oct. 13, 2024
Clean and neat office. They got me an appointment quickly and easily. Everyone there from front de... sk, technician, doctor, and ordering glasses/contacts was so friendly and helpful.
- Oct. 07, 2024
They sre the best
- Oct. 01, 2024
The staff and doctors at the Bulverde location actually care about their patients and are able to pr... ovide personal attention to their customers. You don’t have to wait over a week for an appointment like the chain eye doctor offices that in my opinion don’t have the personnel concern for your well being if it doesn’t fit into their schedule. Thanks for being there.
- Aug. 27, 2024
I decided to try this place based on the very high-rated google maps reviews.. and wow, were they ev... er accurate!! Every single employee I interacted with was SO smiley and kind. I’ve always been squeamish about the up-close eye exam (the dreaded old puff machine, and now it’s just the eye touch pencil looking tool) and the 2 young tech’s were so kind and patient with me. Dr. Thomas was so nice throughout the eye exam. Jamie was such a big help with helping me choose my eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses. Thank you so much to everyone who works here!!
- Aug. 21, 2024
Dr. Thomas is wonderful and the staff is so sweet. Hill country vision Center is terrific.
- Aug. 16, 2024
I’m very grateful for the kind services at reception and the doctor at Hill Country Vision. While ... traveling from California to Illinois, I scratched my cornea in a dust storm and the scratch became infected. Of course, the infection exploded at 10:30 at night, the day before we were to leave the area. I spent an hour researching and reading the reviews of all the doctors in San Antonio and the suburbs. I woke up early and arrived at the office five minutes before the opening. I explained my predicament and asked if I could be seen on an emergency basis. The front desk receptionist could not have been kinder and said she would do her best to fit me in or if someone canceled, I could take the appointment. I waited approximately an hour when there was an opening. The doctor was wonderful during the exam and in her explanation of my problem. She gave me a prescription to be filled immediately. Within 24 hours my eye made progress in healing. Within a few days, I was as good as new. As this was the eye that had previously had a retina detachment, I was scared. I’m very grateful for the expertise, kindness and compassion of everyone in the office.
- Aug. 02, 2024
Great place to find a new pair of glasses!
- Jul. 26, 2024
Love this place. They really care. Phil
- Jul. 26, 2024
Very good customer service and very respectful of your budget!
- Jul. 18, 2024
Everyone is so friendly and professional!
- Jul. 03, 2024
Wonderful , kind & patient Dr. & staff!
- May. 31, 2024
What a great place, love getting my glasses here
- May. 13, 2024
Great job, thank you!
- May. 12, 2024
Every since the very 1st time I walked into Hill Country Vision Center, I sure am HAPPY I did! All t... he ladies that work there are GENUINELY KIND & HELPFUL! These people REALLY DO CARE for YOU!😁👍
- Apr. 27, 2024
Great staff, and Dr Thomas prescribed the medicine for my itchy, burning eyes. I'll be back to see t... hem again.
- Apr. 25, 2024
Super friendly staff and quality care
- Mar. 28, 2024
Always outstanding professional and friendly service.

View All 241 Reviews

Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Spring Branch

Our optometry practice in Spring Branch

Photograph of Gladdis  Thomas
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(830) 980-3306