Glaucoma Treatment in Boerne

Glaucoma Treatment in Boerne

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(830) 249-8090

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 - Boerne 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 - Boerne, 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 Boerne


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 - Boerne in Boerne 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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256 Reviews
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- Aug. 26, 2024
Just ask for Renee when you arrive . I didn’t have an appt and needed eye care right away . I d... idn’t even wait ten minutes and they put me in a room wow wow, wow all I need to say is this dr really listened to my concerns she had a lot of knowledge and understood what I was going through she ran all these tests and figured out on the spot what it was. . I was out of there in less then 20 minutes. If you have an eye emergency go here ask for Renee she will get you all set up. She was very caring and understood and so helpful . This will be my new eye place Hill county vision they also have a huge selection of eyewear amazing place and amazing doctors. They know what they’re doing here. I wouldn’t go anywhere but here . If you want to be treated like family come to Hill country Vision and ask for Renee
- Apr. 22, 2024
Professional, Caring, and Thorough. Dr Arriega and Dr Nguyen went the extra mile in diagnosing my si... tuation, answering my questions, and alleviating my concerns. Furthermore, their team advised me well in selecting the best eyeglasses and lens for my needs. Grateful we have such caring and competent doctors in our town looking after us.
- Apr. 02, 2024
The entire staff is extremely polite and helpful! Dr. Arrieta took the time to explain what all of t... he imaging and scans looked like and could determine. Fabulous experience!
- Aug. 19, 2023
My family has been seeing Dr Arrieta for more than 16 years. He and the Staff are incredible! Always... plenty of time to answer questions and explain how things work. He prides himself on always having the latest technology and pairs that with an incredible amount of knowledge! I recommend him without hesitation and with great admiration!
- Sep. 21, 2022
We have been coming here for almost 20 years. They are fantastic and have a wonderful selection of g... lasses and sunglasses. Family atmosphere.
- Apr. 01, 2022
We have been visiting this location for years and have been happy with the Dr's and staff.
- Oct. 29, 2021
Friendly staff and was seen at my scheduled time. Dr was able to answer all questions and provide v... aluable information. Never felt rushed..excellent care
- Aug. 30, 2021
I have been going to Vision Source for 4-5 years if not more. They are always very nice and helpful.... The doctors are full of information and take time to answer questions and have conversations with you.
- Aug. 27, 2021
Great service from a wonderful staff!
- Aug. 27, 2021
Everyone here is really friendly and informative. I’ve only been going to this vision source for a... bout a year, but every time I’m there I have a great experience!
- Aug. 19, 2021
Love the eye care I receive from Dr Arrieta and his staff is always professional and friendly.
- Aug. 03, 2021
Friendly people that work there, would definitely recommend
- Aug. 03, 2021
Outstanding service and thorough eye exam
- Jul. 31, 2021
Dr. Nguyen was very personable and made sure to understand how I work to ensure that she gave the ri... ght prescription. Highly recommend.
- Jul. 29, 2021
Very happy with the service overall. Friendly staff, great doctor who listens and is also informativ... e. Also found they had a good selection of frames at reasonable prices.
- Jul. 21, 2021
Very thorough, professional exam and extremely helpful with eyeglasses..not only with selection and ... fitting but also regarding warranty repairs and scratch replacement.
- Jul. 21, 2021
Don’t hesitate to come here for your vision needs. Every visit has been wonderful and I have alway... s felt like I’m the only patient they have to deal with all day. I never feel rushed and the doctors take the time to answer all questions.
- Jul. 19, 2021
Very polite, answered all my questions. My first time there and if I need further care I will ret... urn
- Jul. 07, 2021
Amazing office everyone was very nice. I didn’t wait at all the providers have been very knowledge... able and super friendly. They explain everything so you understand and don’t get confused during your visit.
- Jun. 16, 2021
Vision Source in Boerne is the best! Employees are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Dr. Ngu... yen is amazing! She is very thorough and takes her time with each examination and follows up, when needed. She really cares about her patients as individuals. I would definitely recommend Vision Source!

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Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Boerne

Our optometry practice in Boerne

Photograph of Joseph Arrieta
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(830) 249-8090