Glaucoma Treatment in Southwest Houston

Glaucoma Treatment in Southwest Houston

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(713) 771-2020

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. Memorial Eye Center - Meyerland 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 Memorial Eye Center - Meyerland, 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 Southwest Houston


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 Memorial Eye Center - Meyerland in Southwest Houston 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
4.3
188 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Aug. 20, 2024
We have the greatest respect for Dr Zaibaq and have seen him for many years for our eye care. He is... very knowledgeable, personable, professional and gives each patient the time needed to ensure they have the right prescription for their eyes.
- Jul. 19, 2024
This place is great, I want to give a shoutout to Dr. Wong who so patiently and thoroughly took care... of me with my eye exams and picking the right contacts for me. All the staff make me feel welcome and we even can chat together like friends. I appreciate the professional yet warm atmosphere and the professional service.
- May. 09, 2024
They were professional and kind. The appointment ran so smoothly for my son.
- Feb. 14, 2024
Very efficient and good customer service
- Jan. 24, 2024
Was good the Dr. George and his staff are giving excellent services and giving advices and options a... nd the most important they don’t rush with the patient. Thank you!
- Jan. 20, 2024
My family and I have been clients for decades! Dr. Wong is fabulous! We have moved quite a distance ... but I will continue the drive into town for excellent service!
- Jan. 19, 2024
Had a great experience with Memorial Eye Center. The representatives reminded me of my appointment s... everal times and Dr Wong was very thorough and professional.
- Jan. 17, 2024
Dr. Wang and staff we're amazing
- Dec. 07, 2023
Great service and the staff is great always!
- Nov. 18, 2023
Thanks for the experience
- Nov. 13, 2023
I love this place. Doctor and staff were amazing. Doctors bedside manners were amazing and answered ... all the questions I had. After the eye exam and I got to pick out my frames and the staff were amazing and patient because I had no clue what frames looked good on me. I am coming back for the other frames I fell in love with
- Nov. 13, 2023
Amazing
- Sep. 07, 2023
Love Dr Wong! She is always friendly, professional and knowledgable. She explains as she does her ex... am so you are included in the process. My son and I have been patients here for several years. Great atmosphere, great staff, 5 star everytime🙂
- Aug. 14, 2023
(Translated by Google) Very professional, well explained, they treat you well and I feel satisfied w... ith their services. (Original) Muy profesionales, bien explicado , te tratan bien y me siento satisfecha con sus servicios..
- Aug. 09, 2023
I stopped by for an adjustment, and a lady named Grace took very good care of me. Her manager was fr... iendly as well.
- Jun. 30, 2023
This was my first time visiting this facility, and Dr. Zaibaq was fantastic! He thoroughly answered ... all of my questions and went above and beyond to explain what was happening. You can tell he loves his job and cares about his patients. The rest of the staff was amazing too! Everyone was very friendly and professional, and I received some great assistance picking out a new pair of glasses. I would highly recommend this place as your go-to for eye care.
- Jun. 28, 2023
Very nice and knowledgeable personal
- Jun. 20, 2023
Dr. Zaibaq has been my eye doctor for more than 25 years! The staff is friendly and the location is ... great. 😊💙
- May. 25, 2023
I've been a patient here for a number of years and have always found the doctors and entire staff to... be helpful, courteous and caring.
- May. 12, 2023
Excellent service.

View All 188 Reviews

Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Southwest Houston

Our optometry practice in Southwest Houston

Photograph of Veronica Wong
Hours
  • Monday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • VSP
  • Spectera
  • United Healthcare
  • Medicare
  • Blue Cross

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(713) 771-2020