The Sneak Thief of Sight
If left untreated, glaucoma can cause severe, irreversible vision loss. These diseases can progress with little to no symptoms until it damages your vision. Glaucoma is more common in older adults, but it can develop at any age.
While glaucoma is often called the “sneak thief of sight,” we have the technology available to help diagnose this condition in its early stages. We test for glaucoma during every eye exam we complete, no matter your risk. Visit us at Clear Lake Eye Center, and we can help protect your vision.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the part of your eye responsible for sending signals to your brain. As the leading cause of blindness for people over 60, glaucoma affects many people’s vision.
While glaucoma can lead to severe vision loss, it typically progresses with limited if any symptoms, making regular eye exams vital for diagnosing this disease. When identified early, we can work to prevent or slow vision loss with various treatments. Our team has several tests for diagnosing this disease in its earliest stages.
How We Test for Glaucoma
While glaucoma can develop symptom-free, many forms of this disease raise your internal eye pressure. Your intraocular pressure (IOP) is the fluid pressure inside your eye, and high IOP increases your risk of glaucoma. We have several ways to measure your IOP. Measuring your IOP is a standard part of every comprehensive eye exam we perform.
We will also complete several additional tests for an accurate diagnosis including Ophthalmoscopy, pachymetry, gonioscopy, visual fields test, and O.C.T.
Types of Glaucoma
Several types of glaucoma exist today, presenting a risk of vision loss. Of the many types of glaucoma, angle-closure, normal-tension, and open-angle glaucoma are among the most common forms.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage canals in the eye become blocked, similar to a sink’s drain becoming covered. The iris is not as wide or open as it should be, narrowing the space between the iris and cornea. Eye pressure can build slowly or rapidly, making angle-closure glaucoma a potential medical emergency.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Normal-tension glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve without increased eye pressure. Experts are unsure of why this damage occurs, but some researchers believe abnormalities in blood flow or structural weaknesses in the optic nerve tissue may be a factor.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of this disease, affecting approximately 3 million Americans. This form of glaucoma causes eye pressure to gradually rise because fluid cannot drain out of the eye correctly. The build-up of fluid places pressure on the optic nerve.
Helping Manage Glaucoma
Glaucoma can significantly affect your eyesight, leading to potential vision loss. However, an early diagnosis can help us recommend a treatment plan to manage this disease. Depending on what form of glaucoma affects you, we may prescribe medicated eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery.
Contact us, and we can help manage your glaucoma.
Visit Our Practice
Clear Lake Eye Center is located in Park Plaza 1, just off of Galveston Road. There’s plenty of parking available in front of our practice for your convenience.
Our Address
- 17040 Highway 3
- Webster, TX 77598
Contact Information
- Phone: 281-338-8474
- Fax: 281-338-4795
- Email: [email protected]
Our Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday : 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday : 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday : 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Our Blog
What Is the OptiLight by Lumenis & How Can It Manage Your Dry Eye?
Eye ResourcesDry eye disease is a widespread and common issue for up to 49 million Americans. This chronic condition can have a significant impact on your quality of life, causing a foreign body sensation in your eyes, pain, blurry vision, and dry or watery eyes. Untreated, it can even lead to further eye-health complications. Despite these […]
Are you managing your eye allergies?
Eye Health and DiseasesWhat are eye allergies? Eye allergies occur when your eyes react to an irritant in the environment. These irritants, also called allergens, can include dust, pollen, smoke, fragrances, and pet dander, which can come from a variety of sources. When exposed to an allergen, your eyes produce a substance called histamine to fight it off, […]
FAQ: Computer Vision Syndrome
Eye Health and DiseasesWhat is computer vision syndrome? Computer vision syndrome, or CVS, is the discomfort or symptoms caused by focusing on a computer or technological device for a long and uninterrupted time. Common symptoms include: Headaches Loss of Focus Burning Eyes Tired eyes Red Eyes Double Vision Eye Twitching Blurred Vision Neck and Shoulder Pain Commonly Asked […]
What Is the OptiLight by Lumenis & How Can It Manage Your Dry Eye?
Dry eye disease is a widespread and common issue for up to 49 million Americans. This chronic condition can have a significant impact on your quality of life, causing a foreign body sensation in your eyes, pain, blurry vision, and dry or watery eyes. Untreated, it can even lead to further eye-health complications. Despite these […]
Are you managing your eye allergies?
What are eye allergies? Eye allergies occur when your eyes react to an irritant in the environment. These irritants, also called allergens, can include dust, pollen, smoke, fragrances, and pet dander, which can come from a variety of sources. When exposed to an allergen, your eyes produce a substance called histamine to fight it off, […]
FAQ: Computer Vision Syndrome
What is computer vision syndrome? Computer vision syndrome, or CVS, is the discomfort or symptoms caused by focusing on a computer or technological device for a long and uninterrupted time. Common symptoms include: Headaches Loss of Focus Burning Eyes Tired eyes Red Eyes Double Vision Eye Twitching Blurred Vision Neck and Shoulder Pain Commonly Asked […]
Our Brands
