Glaucoma Treatment in Inner West Side

Glaucoma Treatment in Inner West Side

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(210) 431-0366

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 - Evers Rd. 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 - Evers Rd., 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 Inner West Side


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 - Evers Rd. in Inner West Side 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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661 Reviews
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- Oct. 22, 2024
Friendly staff and fast service.
- Oct. 03, 2024
I have been a customer of this business for 20 years plus. Thorough eye exams and patient and friend... ly staff that assist you in selecting your eye glasses.
- Oct. 02, 2024
Good place, good eye tests, good staff. I've been going for the last 7 years for my annual checkup. ... I would recommend.
- Sep. 23, 2024
Always have a great experience here everyone is friendly and helpful
- Sep. 16, 2024
If you're looking for vision care, I highly recommend visiting Hill Country Vision Center. The staff... is exceptionally friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you walk in. They offer an impressive selection of glasses, ensuring you'll find the perfect pair. The office itself is modern and comfortable, enhancing the overall experience. The customer service I received was outstanding, and I truly can't praise it enough.
- Aug. 25, 2024
Great staff and very friendly service and doctors where very informative.
- Aug. 21, 2024
Great service and all the staff were lovely. Dr.Zuercher and technicians were wonderful and got me t... ested, fitted, and sent me home with contacts in one day. Highly recommend
- Aug. 10, 2024
It was good πŸ‘πŸ˜Š
- Aug. 08, 2024
I love this place but when i shedule an appointment with a certain dr please don't assign me a diffe... rent one.
- Jul. 26, 2024
THE OPTOMETRIST DR. TASHA WARD SHOWED CARING AND SUCH GENUINE CONCERN. SHE PROVIDES HER SERVICES IN ... DETAIL DR TASHA WARD ANSWERS ALL QUESTIONS ASKED!!!! YOU'RE NOT RUSHED OR OVERLOOKED!!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND DR. TASHA WARD!!!! NO WORRIES NOW!!!! I FINALLY FOUND THE RIGHT OPTOMETRIST FOR ME!!!! WAS HIGHLY IMPRESSED!!!! THE STAFF THERE ARE QUITE COURTEOUS AND HELPFUL, TOO!!!!
- Jul. 26, 2024
A must go for your eye prescription and glasses selection. Dr. Green is very good at what he does.
- Jul. 25, 2024
Everyone there is very friendly and welcoming. Love this place.
- Jul. 22, 2024
Everyone was so nice and helpful. It was a quick and easy process
- Jul. 09, 2024
Dr. Aguilera was awesome !! super friendly, very patient, great customer service!
- Jun. 24, 2024
Thank you for your service! Good doctor. Nice staff!
- Jun. 19, 2024
Great Staff and Dr Michael Aguilera answered all my medical needs for my eye vision Thank you Hill C... ountry Vision Center for outstanding service
- May. 31, 2024
Staff was very friendly,professional and knowledgeable. Had a great experience there.
- May. 26, 2024
Good place to have your vision checked and get your glasses and contacts
- May. 22, 2024
My kids been coming here for years they are so nice
- May. 14, 2024
Very nice staff with prompt service and good frame selection.

View All 661 Reviews

Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Inner West Side

Our optometry practice in Inner West Side

Photograph of Alexandra  Zuercher
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Metlife Vision

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(210) 431-0366