iDose TR Glaucoma Treatment
Innovative Glaucoma Treatment in Austin and Central Texas: Discover iDose® TR at Westlake Eye Specialists
Managing open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension can drastically impact daily life—especially when you rely on prescription eye drops day after day. At Westlake Eye Specialists, our mission is to make glaucoma treatment easier, more effective, and more convenient for patients across Austin, Kyle, New Braunfels, and Killeen. That’s why we are proud to offer iDose® TR (travoprost intracameral implant)—an advanced, minimally invasive option designed to significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for daily glaucoma drops. With locations in
You can access world-class glaucoma care close to home.
What Is Glaucoma? Understanding the Risk
Glaucoma is a serious, irreversible eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in the United States. It occurs when increased intraocular pressure (IOP) damages the optic nerve over time. Vision loss often begins subtly—such as blurriness or dim areas in your peripheral vision—and progresses outward. Because optic nerve damage is permanent, early diagnosis and treatment are essential.
It’s also important to distinguish glaucoma from ocular hypertension:
- Ocular hypertension: Eye pressure is elevated, but no optic nerve damage has occurred.
- Glaucoma: Elevated pressure has already damaged the optic nerve, causing irreversible vision loss.
Since early-stage glaucoma rarely has obvious symptoms, routine exams and glaucoma screenings are critical—especially for individuals with a family history, those over age 40, and certain at-risk ethnic groups.
For a more detailed explanation of glaucoma and its progression, visit: What Is Glaucoma?
Our team provides comprehensive glaucoma evaluations at all four of our convenient locations in Austin, Kyle, New Braunfels, and Killeen, ensuring high-level specialty care is always within reach.
The Interventional Glaucoma Approach
Traditionally, glaucoma has been managed with prescription eye drops. While drops can be effective, many patients struggle with remembering daily doses, applying drops correctly, or managing side effects such as burning and redness.
Modern glaucoma care is evolving toward a more proactive method called Interventional Glaucoma. This approach introduces minimally invasive procedures earlier in the treatment process to help control pressure more consistently, reduce the burden of daily drops, and slow the disease’s progression.
iDose TR is one of the leading innovations in this category—delivering constant, drop-free therapy inside the eye itself.
Patients throughout Central Texas—from Austin and Kyle to New Braunfels and Killeen—now have access to this cutting-edge treatment through Westlake Eye Specialists.
Introducing iDose® TR: 24/7 Glaucoma Control
iDose TR is a tiny, FDA-approved implant designed to continuously release pressure-lowering medication directly inside the eye. Instead of inconsistent peaks and valleys from daily drops, the implant provides around-the-clock glaucoma control.
Why iDose TR Is a Leading Choice for Austin Glaucoma Treatment
✓ Continuous, Consistent Therapy
iDose TR delivers medication 24 hours a day—offering stable, predictable pressure control without daily dosing fluctuations.
✓ Freedom From Eye Drops
Patients gain relief from the stress, inconvenience, and uncertainty of daily eye drops. No more skipped doses, technique challenges, or running out of medication.
✓ Proven Clinical Results
Studies show that 8 out of 10 patients were completely free of prescription eye drops 12 months after receiving iDose TR.
✓ Minimal Side Effects
Most patients experience minimal or temporary side effects such as mild irritation, redness, inflammation, or dry eye.
The iDose TR Procedure and Recovery
The iDose TR procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and typically painless. Here’s what patients can expect:
- A tiny incision is made in the eye
- The implant is gently placed inside
- The procedure is done in an outpatient setting
- Most patients go home the same day
- Medication begins working immediately
- Recovery is fast, and most patients return to normal activities quickly
This streamlined experience is available at all our locations in Westlake/Austin, Kyle, New Braunfels, and Killeen, allowing patients throughout Central Texas to enjoy convenient access to advanced glaucoma care.
Is iDose TR Right for You?
iDose TR may be ideal if you:
- Struggle with remembering daily eye drops
- Experience irritation or discomfort with drops
- Want a lower-maintenance treatment option
- Prefer a consistent method for pressure control
- Have open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension
If any of these apply to you, our team—led by our highly trained glaucoma specialist—can help determine whether iDose TR is the right choice.
Important Safety Information
iDose TR may not be suitable for patients who:
- Have an eye infection
- Have corneal endothelial cell dystrophy
- Have undergone corneal or endothelial cell transplant
- Have narrow angles
- Are allergic to any ingredient in the device
Your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation to ensure the treatment is safe and appropriate.
Meet the Doctors Who Care for Your Vision
At Westlake Eye Specialists, your glaucoma care is guided by Dr. Zarmeena Vendal, MD, our Harvard-trained, fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist. Dr. Vendal’s advanced training and experience with iDose® TR and other MIGS technologies shape how we evaluate and treat glaucoma throughout our practice.
Because we know accessibility matters, our surgeons—including Dr. Luke Barker, MD and Dr. Catherine Makin, MD—are also trained in performing iDose TR and delivering state-of-the-art glaucoma care. This means no matter which office you visit—Austin, Kyle, New Braunfels, or Killeen—you’ll receive the same specialist-led, high-quality approach to protecting your vision.
Meet our glaucoma care team:
- Dr. Zarmeena Vendal, MD
- Dr. Luke Barker, MD
- Dr. Catherine Makin, MD
Insurance and Scheduling
iDose TR may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or commercial insurance plans, depending on your individual coverage. Our team will guide you through insurance verification and help determine your benefits.
If you’re seeking an advanced, effective, and convenient Austin Glaucoma Treatment—or care in Kyle, New Braunfels, or Killeen—contact Westlake Eye Specialists today. We are here to help you gain long-term control over your eye pressure and reduce your dependence on daily drops.