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Interventional Glaucoma Austin | Glaucoma Specialist Austin TX | Westlake Eye Specialists
Interventional glaucoma Austin — advanced glaucoma care and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery at Westlake Eye Specialists with Dr. Zarmeena Vendal
Interventional Glaucoma Austin

Austin’s Leader in
Interventional Glaucoma Care.

As a trusted glaucoma specialist in Austin, TX, Dr. Zarmeena Vendal brings Harvard-level training to every patient. Our interventional approach introduces minimally invasive glaucoma surgery earlier in the treatment process—helping control eye pressure more consistently, reduce the burden of daily drops, and preserve your vision for the long term.

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A Modern Approach to Glaucoma in Austin

Why Interventional Glaucoma Care in Austin?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve—the critical structure that sends visual information from your eye to your brain. Because most types of glaucoma do not cause symptoms in the early stages, once vision is lost it cannot be restored. Advanced glaucoma care in Austin at Westlake Eye Specialists represents a paradigm shift: instead of relying solely on daily eye drops, we introduce minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and laser glaucoma treatment earlier to achieve better, more consistent pressure control.

01

Earlier Intervention

Minimally invasive procedures introduced earlier in the treatment process help control pressure before significant damage occurs.

02

Reduced Drop Burden

Many patients struggle with daily eye drops. Interventional treatments can reduce or eliminate the need for daily medication.

03

Sustained Control

Modern implants and procedures deliver consistent, 24-hour pressure control—no more missed doses or technique challenges.

Your Glaucoma Specialist in Austin, TX

Dr. Zarmeena Vendal, MD — Glaucoma Specialist Austin TX

Harvard-Trained Glaucoma Specialist & Board-Certified Ophthalmologist

Dr. Zarmeena Vendal is Austin’s most experienced glaucoma specialist, offering advanced glaucoma care backed by a fellowship at Harvard’s Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. As the founder and owner of Westlake Eye Specialists, she brings elite training and a passion for patient-centered care to every consultation.

Dr. Vendal was the first doctor in the Austin area to introduce the OMNI device for canaloplasty and the iDose TR implant. She serves as a consultant and medical advisory board member for multiple interventional glaucoma companies. Her expertise spans every category of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery available today, along with the latest laser glaucoma treatment options including SLT and DSLT.

  • Glaucoma Fellowship — Harvard University
  • Board-Certified Ophthalmologist & Surgeon
  • Expert in all leading MIGS technologies
  • Consultant & Advisory Board member for leading interventional glaucoma companies
  • Personalized, compassionate approach to every patient
  • Serving Austin, Kyle, Georgetown, Killeen & New Braunfels
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Dr. Zarmeena Vendal, MD — glaucoma specialist Austin TX at Westlake Eye Specialists
Dr. Zarmeena Vendal
Glaucoma Specialist · Owner
Our Austin Glaucoma Services

Advanced Glaucoma Care Austin Patients Trust

From laser glaucoma treatment in Austin to the latest in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, Dr. Vendal will recommend the approach that’s right for you—including advanced diagnostics, in-office SLT and DSLT laser procedures, and cutting-edge MIGS surgical solutions.

Advanced Glaucoma Diagnostics

State-of-the-art diagnostic tools including OCT imaging, visual field testing, gonioscopy, and pachymetry to detect glaucoma early and monitor progression closely so treatment can be adjusted as needed.

Diagnosis & Monitoring

SLT / Direct SLT Laser

The leading laser glaucoma treatment available in Austin. SLT is a convenient, non-surgical in-office procedure that stimulates the eye’s natural drainage system to lower intraocular pressure. Painless and quick, with no downtime required.

In-Office Laser

AbbVie Durysta®

A slow-release bimatoprost medication implant that helps maintain lower IOP for months with a single, in-office treatment. Ideal for patients who struggle with daily eye drop compliance.

Slow-Release Implant

iDose TR

A breakthrough implant that delivers continuous, drop-free glaucoma therapy 24 hours a day. Clinical studies show 8 out of 10 patients were completely free of prescription drops 12 months after treatment.

Sustained Drug Delivery

Glaucoma Stent Surgery (MIGS)

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery using FDA-approved micro-stents including iStent Inject®, iStent Infinite®, and Alcon Hydrus® Microstent—often combined with cataract surgery for dual benefit.

MIGS Stents

OMNI & Canal-Based MIGS

The OMNI Surgical System performs canaloplasty and trabeculotomy in one session, restoring the eye’s natural drainage through Schlemm’s canal—without implants and with fast recovery.

Canal-Based Surgery

Glaukos iAccess

A precision micro-instrument that removes small portions of the trabecular meshwork to open natural drainage pathways. Often combined with other MIGS devices for comprehensive pressure reduction.

Implant-Free MIGS

MST Trabectome®

Electrocautery-based ablation removes diseased drainage tissue through a tiny incision, improving the eye’s natural outflow system—no implants or shunts needed. Safe, effective, and repeatable.

Tissue Ablation
MIGS Austin — Advanced Surgical Solutions

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery in Austin

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) in Austin offers fast recovery, minimal trauma, and strong results. Available at our surgical suites and during cataract surgery, these advanced techniques represent the future of glaucoma management for Central Texas patients.

iStent Inject®

Two microscopic titanium stents placed in the trabecular meshwork during cataract surgery to enhance fluid outflow and reduce IOP long-term.

Glaukos

iStent Infinite®

Three precision-placed stents for moderate to advanced glaucoma. Designed for standalone use—does not require cataract surgery.

Glaukos

Hydrus® Microstent

A flexible 8mm scaffold that spans and dilates 90° of Schlemm’s canal for extensive outflow improvement, implanted during cataract surgery.

Alcon

OMNI System

Performs canaloplasty, trabeculotomy, and goniotomy in a single session through one device—no implants required.

Sight Sciences

iAccess Trephine

Manual excision technique that removes portions of the trabecular meshwork. Often combined with other MIGS for maximum effect.

Glaukos

MST Trabectome

Electrosurgical ablation of diseased tissue restores natural drainage. Can be repeated or combined with future treatments.

MST
Types of Glaucoma We Treat in Austin, TX

Expert Glaucoma Care for Every Diagnosis

Glaucoma is not a single disease. As a leading glaucoma specialist in Austin, TX, Dr. Vendal and her team provide individualized diagnosis and treatment for all subtypes of glaucoma across our five Central Texas locations.

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

The most common form of glaucoma. Slow progressing and painless, it requires ongoing monitoring and proactive treatment to preserve vision.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

A sudden blockage of fluid drainage in the eye that constitutes a medical emergency. Requires immediate evaluation and treatment.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Optic nerve damage despite normal eye pressure levels. Advanced diagnostics are essential for detection and management.

Secondary Glaucoma

Caused by injury, medications, or other eye conditions. Treatment addresses both the underlying cause and elevated pressure.

Congenital Glaucoma

A rare, inherited form seen in infants and children. Early detection and specialized pediatric care are critical for outcomes.

Glaucoma Care Across Central Texas

Five Convenient Austin-Area Locations

Whether you’re in Austin, Kyle, Georgetown, Killeen, or New Braunfels, you’ll receive the same specialist-led, advanced glaucoma care from Dr. Vendal and her expert team at every Westlake Eye Specialists location.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Interventional Glaucoma FAQ

At Westlake Eye Specialists, interventional glaucoma is a proactive, modern approach to managing the disease. Instead of relying solely on prescription eye drops and waiting to see if your vision worsens, our Austin physicians use advanced, minimally invasive procedures (like lasers or micro-stents) earlier in the disease process. The goal is to safely lower your eye pressure, preserve your vision, and improve your overall quality of life.
Historically, patients were prescribed daily eye drops as a first-line defense, which often cause red, irritated, or dry eyes, and can be frustrating to maintain. As a leading glaucoma specialist in Austin, TX, Westlake Eye Specialists focuses on reducing or eliminating the burden of daily drops by utilizing advanced laser therapies or microscopic surgical options much sooner.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) refers to a group of microscopic procedures designed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) safely and effectively. For our Austin patients, these procedures use tiny incisions and specialized devices to improve the natural fluid drainage in your eye. Because they are minimally invasive, they offer a faster recovery and a higher safety profile than older, traditional glaucoma surgeries.
No, laser glaucoma treatment (such as Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or SLT) is typically painless. It is performed directly in our Westlake Eye Specialists clinics in Austin, takes only a few minutes, and requires no incisions. Most patients only feel a slight tapping sensation or see brief flashes of light, and you can usually return to your normal routine the very next day.
For many patients, yes. One of the primary goals of the advanced glaucoma care Austin patients receive at Westlake Eye Specialists is to reduce your dependence on topical medications. While we cannot guarantee that you will be completely drop-free forever, many of our patients significantly reduce their daily drops, and some are able to stop them entirely following a successful intervention.
To be completely straightforward, there is currently no cure for glaucoma, and vision that has already been lost cannot be restored. However, interventional treatments are highly effective at halting the progression of the disease. By proactively managing your eye pressure, the surgeons at Westlake Eye Specialists work to protect the vision you still have for the long term.
You may be an excellent candidate for interventional care at Westlake Eye Specialists if you are:
  • Newly diagnosed and prefer to avoid starting daily eye drops.
  • Currently struggling with the cost, strict routine, or side effects of your glaucoma medications.
  • Experiencing eye pressure that is not adequately controlled despite using drops.
  • Already scheduled for cataract surgery, as many MIGS procedures can be performed concurrently.
Yes. Because these are proven, medically necessary procedures, most MIGS and laser treatments are covered by Medicare and major commercial insurance providers in Texas. The dedicated administrative team at Westlake Eye Specialists will work closely with your insurance provider to verify your specific coverage and explain any out-of-pocket costs prior to your treatment.
Recovery is generally fast and straightforward. For laser treatments, Central Texas patients typically resume normal activities within 24 hours. For MIGS procedures, you may experience mild blurry vision or slight discomfort for a few days, but recovery is significantly smoother compared to invasive glaucoma surgeries. Your Westlake Eye Specialists doctor will provide clear aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.
Getting started is easy. If you are unhappy with your current glaucoma regimen or have been newly diagnosed, contact Westlake Eye Specialists to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Our team will assess your eye health, review your intraocular pressure, and determine if you are an ideal candidate for interventional glaucoma in Austin.

Austin’s Most Trusted Glaucoma Specialist Is Ready to See You

If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma—or are at high risk—schedule a consultation with Harvard-trained glaucoma specialist Dr. Zarmeena Vendal for advanced glaucoma care in Austin today.

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