Don't Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight
Glaucoma Treatment in North Garland
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. North Garland Vision offers several treatments to help address glaucoma. Learn more about the treatments we provide and contact us to schedule an appointment.
The 2 Main Types of Glaucoma
- 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 North Garland Vision, 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.
What are the Signs of Glaucoma?
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 North Garland Vision in North Garland or visiting your nearest emergency room.
Who's at Risk for Glaucoma?
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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.
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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.
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Other Conditions
High myopia, hypertension and diabetes can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
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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
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.
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.
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
4.5
504 Reviews
MXK I. - Apr 14, 2026
I had a great experience at this vision doctor’s office. The staff was welcoming, professional, and ... Show Moremade me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. The doctor took the time to thoroughly explain my exam results and answered all of my questions without rushing. The office was clean, organized, and well-equipped with modern technology. Scheduling was easy, and I was seen promptly at my appointment time. Overall, the level of care and attention to detail really stood out. I would definitely recommend this office to anyone looking for quality eye care and a friendly, knowledgeable team.
Brandon W. - Apr 2, 2026
I returned Thursday 4/16/26 to p/u my glasses. The experience is always welcoming w/warm caring smil... Show Morees from the whole staff from beginning to end!
Dana, Nick, Heather, Jillian, Gio and Jennifer are some of the very best people that puts North Garland Vision on the map! Ohh btw my glasses are A'mazn! Shout out to Nick for picking em out! 4.6 review rate doesn't do them justice. They're 5 stars with me!
Dr. Ashley Varakalayii
Receptionist Jennifer
Associate Jillian
Specialists Nick and Heather were I mean "Are" all amazing and exceptional in not only finding the perfect fit but at the most affordable cost! Searching for a good optometrist and good selection of eyewear all within budget can be challenging but we stumbled upon a hidden gem all wrapped up in "North Garland Vision"
Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in North Garland
Hours Show More
- Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans Show More
- VSP
- Medicare
- United Healthcare
- Aetna
- Spectera
- EyeMed
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross
Don't lose sight of your future.
With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.