Expert diagnosis and treatment from Austin's trusted glaucoma specialists. Often called the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma can be slowed or stopped with early, advanced care led by Harvard-trained Dr. Zarmeena Vendal, MD.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Often progressing silently without symptoms, it has earned the nickname "the Silent Thief of Sight." At Westlake Eye Specialists, we protect your vision through early diagnosis and advanced treatment — serving patients across Austin, Kyle, Killeen, Georgetown, and New Braunfels, TX with a personalized, compassionate approach.
Jump directly to any glaucoma topic — from our modern interventional approach to specific subtypes, in-office laser treatments, and minimally invasive surgical options.
A proactive paradigm shift: introducing minimally invasive surgery and laser therapy earlier to control pressure, reduce the daily drop burden, and preserve vision long-term.
Dr. Zarmeena Vendal, MD is a nationally recognized eye surgeon and one of the most experienced glaucoma specialists in Central Texas. She trained at Harvard Medical School, completing a glaucoma fellowship at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. As the founder of Westlake Eye Specialists, she combines world-class training with a passion for patient-centered care.
Glaucoma is not a single disease but a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve — the critical structure that sends visual information from your eye to your brain. The most common cause is increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). This pressure gradually erodes the nerve fibers, often without pain or noticeable vision changes until permanent damage has occurred.
Because most types of glaucoma cause no early symptoms, regular comprehensive eye exams are vital. Once vision is lost to glaucoma, it cannot be restored — but early diagnosis and treatment can slow or stop the progression, helping you maintain vision for life. We use advanced imaging, visual field testing, and pressure monitoring to detect glaucoma at its earliest stages.
The eye continuously produces a fluid called aqueous humor, which drains through an angle where the iris meets the cornea. When this system becomes blocked or inefficient, fluid builds up and intraocular pressure rises. Over time, that pressure damages the optic nerve — leading to peripheral vision loss and, eventually, blindness if untreated.
Risk factors include:
Each form of glaucoma behaves differently and may require unique treatment. Explore each type for deeper insight into symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
The most common form — slow-progressing and painless, requiring ongoing monitoring and proactive treatment.
Learn More →A sudden blockage of fluid drainage that is a medical emergency requiring immediate evaluation.
Learn More →Optic nerve damage despite normal eye pressure. Advanced diagnostics are essential for detection.
Learn More →Pigment dispersion from the iris clogs the eye's drainage channels, raising intraocular pressure.
Learn More →A rare, inherited form seen in infants and children. Early detection and pediatric care are critical.
Learn More →Caused by injury, medications, or other eye conditions. Treatment addresses both cause and pressure.
Learn More →We use cutting-edge diagnostic tools to provide the most accurate glaucoma assessments in Central Texas — helping Dr. Vendal and her team identify glaucoma early and monitor it closely.
Measures intraocular pressure (IOP), the leading glaucoma risk factor.
Optical Coherence Tomography scans the optic nerve for early damage.
Assesses peripheral vision loss across the field of view.
Evaluates the eye's drainage angle to classify glaucoma type.
Measures corneal thickness, which influences pressure readings.
The goal of treatment is to lower intraocular pressure and protect the optic nerve. Depending on your type and severity, Dr. Vendal may recommend any of the following.
A painless, non-surgical laser that stimulates the eye's natural drainage to lower pressure. No downtime.
Details →A bimatoprost implant that maintains lower IOP for months from a single in-office treatment.
Details →A breakthrough implant delivering continuous, drop-free therapy 24 hours a day. 8 of 10 patients were drop-free at 12 months.
Details →FDA-approved micro-stents — iStent Inject®, iStent Infinite®, and Hydrus® — enhance fluid drainage, often with cataract surgery.
Overview →Goniotomy with the Kahook Dual Blade, MST Trabectome®, and Glaukos iAccess® remove diseased drainage tissue.
Details →Performs canaloplasty and trabeculotomy in one session, restoring natural drainage through Schlemm's canal — no implants.
Details →Dr. Vendal will discuss which approach is right for you based on your pressure, optic nerve health, lifestyle, and whether cataract surgery is also needed. See our full interventional glaucoma program →
Specialist-led glaucoma care built on world-class training, advanced technology, and a genuinely patient-first approach.
Fellowship training from Harvard's Massachusetts Eye and Ear, applied to every consultation.
First in the Austin area to introduce OMNI canaloplasty and the iDose TR implant.
OCT imaging, visual field testing, and pressure monitoring catch glaucoma before vision loss.
We take the time to explain your diagnosis clearly, so you feel confident in your plan.
Austin, Kyle, Georgetown, Killeen, and New Braunfels — specialist care close to home.
A reputation across Central Texas built on outcomes, compassion, and patient-centered care.
Clear, direct answers to the questions Central Texas patients ask most about glaucoma and our interventional approach.
Wherever you are in Central Texas, you'll receive the same specialist-led care from Dr. Vendal and her team. All scheduling routes through one number: (512) 472-4011.
If you've been diagnosed with glaucoma — or are at high risk — don't wait. Schedule with Dr. Zarmeena Vendal, a Harvard-trained glaucoma expert and trusted Austin glaucoma specialist. We're here to preserve your sight, independence, and quality of life every step of the way.
