Texan Eye — Dropless Glaucoma
Control Glaucoma.
Without the Drops.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and most patients don't notice symptoms until vision is already affected. Texan Eye’s doctors specialize in Glaucoma treatments and offer a full spectrum of glaucoma treatment, including dropless options for patients ready to stop relying on daily eye drops.
- Laser and MIGS options often covered by Medicare and insurance
- iStent placement can be combined with cataract surgery
- Two of the most experienced iStent surgeons in Central Texas
Is This Right for You?
Am I a Candidate for Dropless Glaucoma?
Most people develop cataracts with age. If any of the following sound familiar, it may be time for an evaluation.
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it causes no pain and vision loss is gradual, most patients don’t notice until significant damage has occurred. Early detection and consistent pressure control are the only proven ways to prevent progression. If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, ask your doctor whether a laser or surgical option is right for you.
The Procedure
What Is Dropless Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the world, and impacts over 4 million people in the United States alone. Unfortunately, glaucoma is often not diagnosed until vision is already affected.
Our Doctors who specialize in glaucoma treatment are committed to battling this disabling disease by utilizing medications, lasers or surgery as needed. If standard glaucoma medications are not effective or tolerated, Texan Eye has the ability to offer many options such as: laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), laser micropulse treatment, iStent placement, canaloplasty, AlloFlo placement, trabeculectomy, or shunt surgeries to aid in your fight against glaucoma. Our doctors can perform state of the art cataract surgery in conjunction with glaucoma surgery for optimal visual outcomes.
Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery
In order to reduce intraocular pressure, Microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is the most exciting development in glaucoma treatment. At Texan Eye, we have two of the most experienced surgeons in the area with iStent technology. Microinvasive glaucoma surgery has fewer possible complications, a more rapid recovery time, and a high safety profile compared to other more invasive glaucoma surgeries.
Our Doctors at Texan Eye are continuously researching and participating in the development and FDA approval of many upcoming surgical devices and procedures.
We strive to offer innovative technology suited for our patients’ needs.
Am I a candidate for dropless glaucoma treatment?
Dropless glaucoma treatment is ideal for patients who would like to control their eye pressure without the use of eye drops. There are many reasons for this, for example: convenience for the patient, difficulty remembering or instilling eye drops, eye drop cost, allergies to eye drops, dry/ irritable eyes, or suboptimal eye pressure while on eye drops.
Laser trabeculoplasty is the first option to control eye pressure without eye drops. It is an office laser which is typically covered by insurance. It initiates a healing process in the drain inside the eye to better control eye pressure. In addition, Texan Eye offers Durysta® a revolutionary, biodegradable implant that delivers long-lasting intraocular pressure (IOP) control with just one in-office treatment.
If you are having cataract surgery, a MIGS (microinvasive glaucoma surgery) such as an iStent placement may be done at the same time. This stent bypasses blockage in the drainage tissue inside the eye to allow fluid to pass directly into the drainage canal, often lowering eye pressure without further need for drops. Our glaucoma doctors can tell you more about these options, and if you are a candidate.
Patient Reviews
Treatment Options
Laser vs. Surgical Glaucoma Treatment
The right treatment depends on your diagnosis, current pressure level, and whether you are also having cataract surgery. Our glaucoma specialists will guide you through the options at your consultation.
Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
First-line dropless option — office-based procedure
- Uses a low-energy laser to stimulate the eye's natural drainage system
- Performed in-office — no operating room required
- Typically covered by Medicare and most insurance plans
- Can lower IOP significantly in suitable patients
- Repeatable if pressure rises again over time
- Effect may diminish over several years in some patients
Typically Insurance Covered
MIGS — iStent & Microinvasive Surgery
Combined with cataract surgery or as standalone procedure
- iStent — a tiny stent bypasses the drainage blockage in the eye, allowing fluid to flow directly into the drainage canal and lowering IOP
- Can be placed at the same time as cataract surgery — no extra recovery
- Fewer possible complications than traditional glaucoma surgery
- Faster recovery compared to trabeculectomy or shunt surgeries
- Texan Eye has two of the most experienced iStent surgeons in Central Texas
- Additional options: canaloplasty, trabeculectomy, shunt surgery for advanced cases
May be covered - verify with your plan
Procedural Pharmaceutical - iDose & Durysta
In-office implant, dropless, sustained-release option
- Tiny implant placed inside the eye during a quick in-office procedure, delivering medication continuously
- iDose lasts up to 3 years and can be re-administered if needed
- Durysta dissolves naturally over several months
- Reduces or eliminates eye drops
- Can be used alone or alongside laser treatment or MIGS
May be covered - verify with your plan
Our doctors are continuously researching and participating in the development and FDA approval of upcoming surgical devices and procedures, bringing the latest options to our Austin and Cedar Park patients.
Step by Step
Your Dropless Glaucoma Journey
From diagnosis to long-term pressure management — here's how we approach glaucoma care at Texan Eye.
1
Diagnosis & Evaluation
- Comprehensive glaucoma examination
- Intraocular pressure measurement
- Visual field testing
- Optic nerve imaging and assessment
- Staging and treatment plan established
2
Treatment Selection
- Discuss drop-based vs. dropless options
- SLT laser evaluated as first-line option
- MIGS candidacy reviewed — especially if cataract surgery is planned
- Advanced surgical options discussed for complex cases
- Insurance coverage and costs reviewed
3
Procedure
- SLT: in-office laser, takes only a few minutes
- iStent: performed during cataract surgery at our surgery center
- Trabeculectomy/shunt: surgical center under local anesthesia
- Most patients go home the same day
- Minimal discomfort in all MIGS procedures
4
Ongoing Monitoring
- Regular IOP checks after treatment
- Visual field testing at scheduled intervals
- Optic nerve imaging to track stability
- Treatment adjusted if pressure rises
- Glaucoma requires lifelong monitoring — we're your long-term partner
What to Expect
Expected Dropless Glaucoma Outcomes & Recovery
The goal of glaucoma treatment is not to restore lost vision, it is to preserve the vision you have. Here's what treatment achieves and what recovery looks like.
What Patients Can Expect in the First 30 Days
- Mild redness or light sensitivity for 1–2 days after SLT — normal and temporary
- iStent recovery follows cataract surgery timeline — most patients see clearly within 24 hours
- Regular follow-up monitoring required, glaucoma is a lifelong condition
- IOP reduction from SLT typically noticed at follow-up 4–6 weeks later
- Prescription eye drops still used post-procedure while healing
- Some patients may still need drops at a lower dose even after treatment
Why Texan Eye
Glaucoma Care in Austin & Cedar Park
Glaucoma is a lifelong condition that requires a specialist you can trust over time. Here's why patients across Central Texas choose Texan Eye for their glaucoma care.
Leading iStent Experience
Texan Eye has two of the most experienced iStent surgeons in Central Texas. When combining glaucoma and cataract surgery, experience matters, the precision required for successful MIGS is built over thousands of procedures.
Full Spectrum of Treatment
From SLT laser to iStent to trabeculectomy and shunt surgery, we offer every level of glaucoma intervention. Patients don't need to be referred elsewhere as their condition evolves, we handle it all.
Long-Term Partnership
Glaucoma requires monitoring for life. Our team builds ongoing relationships with our glaucoma patients, tracking pressure trends, adjusting treatment, and responding to changes before they become problems.
Our Team
Meet Our Glaucoma Specialists
Board-certified ophthalmologists specializing in glaucoma diagnosis, laser treatment, and microinvasive and conventional glaucoma surgery.
Find Us
Dropless Glaucoma in Austin & Cedar Park
Schedule a consultation at one of our four convenient Central Texas Locations.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions we hear frequently at Glaucoma consultations, answered directly.
What is glaucoma and how does it affect vision?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, most often due to elevated intraocular pressure. The damage is slow and painless, typically affecting peripheral vision first. By the time patients notice vision loss, significant optic nerve damage has usually already occurred. This is why regular eye exams are critical, especially after age 40 or if you have a family history of glaucoma.
What is dropless glaucoma treatment?
Dropless glaucoma treatment refers to laser and surgical options that control intraocular pressure without, or with fewer, daily eye drops. The two main options at Texan Eye are SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty), an in-office laser procedure, and MIGS (Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery), which includes iStent placement and can be performed during cataract surgery.
What is SLT and how does it work?
SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) uses a low-energy laser to stimulate the eye’s natural drainage tissue, improving fluid outflow and lowering intraocular pressure. It is performed in-office in just a few minutes, causes minimal discomfort, and is typically covered by insurance. It can be repeated if pressure rises over time, and it is generally the first dropless option offered to patients with mild to moderate glaucoma.
What is an iStent and who is a candidate?
An iStent is one of the smallest medical devices ever approved by the FDA. It is a tiny stent inserted into the eye’s drainage canal to bypass the blockage that causes elevated pressure in many glaucoma patients. iStent placement is most commonly performed at the same time as cataract surgery, making it an excellent option for patients who have both conditions. Texan Eye has two of the most experienced iStent surgeons in Central Texas.
Will I still need eye drops after treatment?
Many patients significantly reduce or eliminate their drop regimen after laser or surgical treatment. However, this varies by patient, some may still require drops at a lower dose even after a successful procedure. The goal is to reduce medication burden and achieve the target pressure, not necessarily to guarantee a completely drop-free outcome for every patient.
Can glaucoma damage be reversed?
No. Optic nerve damage from glaucoma is permanent and irreversible with current technology. The goal of all glaucoma treatment is to lower intraocular pressure to a level that stops or slows further damage, preserving the vision you have. This is why early detection and consistent treatment are critical. Patients who begin treatment early generally maintain functional vision for life.
Is glaucoma treatment covered by Medicare?
Yes. Because glaucoma is a medical diagnosis, most treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurance plans when medically necessary. This includes SLT laser trabeculoplasty, iStent placement in conjunction with cataract surgery, diagnostic testing such as visual fields and optic nerve imaging, and more advanced surgical procedures. Our team will verify your specific coverage before any procedure.
How often do I need to be monitored for glaucoma?
Glaucoma requires lifelong monitoring. The frequency depends on disease severity and stability, typically every 3–6 months for patients with active or progressing disease, and every 6–12 months for stable, well-controlled patients. Monitoring includes intraocular pressure measurement, visual field testing, and optic nerve imaging. Consistent follow-up is the most important factor in long-term vision preservation.
Ready When You Are
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Most patients see results within 24 hours. Consultations are available at all four locations, online scheduling takes less than two minutes.