Glaucoma Specialist in The Woodlands & Spring, TX
Most people who have glaucoma don’t know it. There’s no pain, no obvious warning — just quiet damage to the optic nerve that builds up over years. By the time vision changes are noticeable, some of that damage is permanent.
Board-Certified Glaucoma Specialists
Licensed by the Texas Board of Optometry
Dr. Mathukutty & Dr. Kennedy, O.D.
Optometric Glaucoma Specialists
OCT Retinal Nerve Imaging
State-of-the-art early detection technology
New Patients Welcome
Same-day appointments available
Serving The Woodlands Area
Spring, Tomball, Magnolia, Oak Ridge North
What Is Glaucoma ?
Quick Answer
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve — the structure that carries visual signals from your eyes to your brain. In most cases, this happens because intraocular pressure (IOP) builds up when the eye's drainage system becomes less efficient.
Over time, elevated pressure restricts blood flow to the optic nerve and causes irreversible cell loss. Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, develops so slowly that most patients have no symptoms until significant optic nerve damage has already occurred. That's why it's often called the "silent thief of sight."
Peripheral vision deteriorates first — gradually, in ways that are easy to miss in daily life. By the time central vision is affected, the damage is already advanced. This is why early detection through regular eye exams is so important for anyone at risk.
Glaucoma can't be cured, but it can be effectively managed. The earlier it's detected, the more vision there is to protect. Our glaucoma specialists at the Lake Woodlands Drive location use OCT imaging, visual field testing, and precise IOP measurement to catch changes before they become permanent.
If you've been flagged as a glaucoma suspect after a prior exam, or if you have risk factors like elevated eye pressure, family history, or diabetes — regular monitoring with a glaucoma specialist in The Woodlands is essential, not optional.
Glaucoma in the U.S.
Americans have glaucoma — and more than half don't know it yet
Who Is At Risk?
- Age 60 or older
- Family history of glaucoma — especially a parent or sibling
- African American or Hispanic heritage (higher risk, often at younger ages)
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, or history of ocular hypertension
- Previous eye injury or steroid medication use
- High myopia or prior elevated IOP readings
Glaucoma Evaluation at Our Woodlands Eye Care Location
A glaucoma diagnosis is never based on a single reading. Our doctors combine several complementary tests during your eye exam to build an accurate picture of your ocular health — measuring pressure, mapping your visual field, imaging the optic nerve, and examining the disc directly.
Eye Pressure Measurement (Tonometry)
We measure your intraocular pressure at each visit. Tracking IOP over time reveals patterns that a single reading can't — and it's the foundation of ongoing glaucoma monitoring.
Standalone IOP tests available separately
Visual Field Testing
Automated perimetry maps your full field of vision, including the peripheral areas where glaucoma damage appears first. For patients already managing glaucoma, we repeat visual field tests regularly to track progression.
Available as a standalone appointment
OCT Imaging — Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Analysis
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) gives our doctors a detailed view of the retinal nerve fiber layer and optic nerve structure. This imaging can detect subtle changes before they show up on a visual field test — making it one of the most valuable tools for early detection and long-term management of eye conditions.
State-of-the-art technology on-site
Dilated Eye Exam & Optic Nerve Assessment
A dilated eye exam allows direct examination of the optic nerve. Our doctors assess the shape, cup-to-disc ratio, and colour of the optic disc, comparing against your previous visits to identify any changes over time.
Included in your glaucoma evaluation
Patients who need standalone pressure checks can book an intra-ocular pressure test separately at our Woodlands location. We also offer visual field testing as a standalone appointment for patients already in a monitoring programme. Call (281) 298-5905 to schedule.
Glaucoma Management and Treatment Options
Superior Eye Care provides non-surgical glaucoma management. Our doctors handle diagnosis, monitoring, medication management, and specialist referrals — covering every part of your care short of surgery.
First-Line Treatment: Prescription Eye Drops
First-line treatment typically involves prescription eye drops that lower IOP. These medications don't reverse existing damage, but they slow or stop progression when used consistently. Depending on the type of glaucoma and your response, we may prescribe:
Ongoing Monitoring & Follow-Up
Most patients are seen every three to six months, depending on how stable their IOP is and how the optic nerve is responding to treatment. We repeat visual field tests and OCT imaging at regular intervals to track any progression and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Surgical Referrals & Co-Management
When drops alone aren't enough, we refer patients to trusted ophthalmology partners for laser therapy or surgical options such as trabeculectomy. If you've been referred to a facility like Mann Eye Institute, we can review your case and co-manage your care from our Woodlands location — keeping your continuity of care intact.
Our Scope of Care
What We Manage at the Woodlands Location
- Glaucoma diagnosis & suspect monitoring
- IOP measurement & pressure tracking over time
- OCT retinal nerve fiber layer imaging
- Visual field testing & progression tracking
- Prescription medication management
- Surgical referrals & post-op co-management
When Surgery Is Needed
We refer to trusted ophthalmology partners for laser therapy and surgical procedures. Co-management from our Woodlands location continues throughout.
Why Woodlands Patients Trust Superior Eye Care
Our Lake Woodlands Drive location is minutes from The Woodlands Mall and just off Research Forest Drive — and it's staffed by two of the only board-certified optometric glaucoma specialists in the area. Here's what sets our care apart.
Certified Glaucoma Specialist Designation
Both doctors hold the optometric glaucoma specialist certification from the Texas Board of Optometry — a specific credential that goes beyond general optometry licensure. This is the level of training glaucoma management requires.
State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Technology
OCT imaging, automated visual field testing, and precise tonometry — all on-site. We catch optic nerve changes before they show up on standard tests, giving patients the best chance of protecting their long-term vision.
Personalized, Unhurried Care
We're not a conveyor-belt clinic. Every glaucoma patient gets a doctor who takes time to explain what's happening, walk through your test results, and build a monitoring plan around your specific situation and risk profile.
Same-Day & New Patient Appointments
Most patients can be seen the day they call. New patients are welcome — no lengthy wait list or referral needed to start a glaucoma evaluation at our Spring, TX location on Lake Woodlands Drive.
Serving The Woodlands & Surrounding Area
We see patients from The Woodlands, Spring, Tomball, Magnolia, and Oak Ridge North. Our location at 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr is convenient to I-45 and Woodlands Parkway, with ample parking.
Medical Insurance Accepted
Glaucoma diagnosis and management is typically billed under medical insurance rather than vision insurance. We accept most major medical plans. Call our front desk to confirm coverage before your visit.
Certified Optometric Glaucoma Specialists
Dr. Sharon Mathukutty, O.D.
Optometric Glaucoma Specialist
University of Houston College of Optometry graduate and licensed therapeutic optometrist. Dr. Mathukutty has over a decade of clinical experience in the Houston metro area and holds both the therapeutic optometrist and glaucoma specialist certifications from the Texas Board of Optometry.
She is a member of the Texas Optometric Association and Harris County Optometric Society, and sees patients at our Woodlands and Willowbrook offices.
Dr. Kimberly Kennedy, O.D.
Optometric Glaucoma Specialist
Texas A&M University graduate (Biomedical Sciences, Magna Cum Laude) and Doctor of Optometry from the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry. A Houston native, Dr. Kennedy specialises in primary care optometry, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease.
She holds the glaucoma specialist designation from the Texas Board of Optometry and is based at our Woodlands location.
How to Get Started
Getting a glaucoma evaluation is straightforward. New patients are welcome — no referral needed. Here's what to expect from your first appointment with us.
Call or Book Online
Call (281) 298-5905 or book online. New patients are welcome, and same-day appointments are available for urgent eye concerns. We'll get you in as quickly as possible.
Book online nowYour Glaucoma Evaluation
Come in for a thorough evaluation. We'll measure your IOP, test your visual field, and use OCT imaging to assess your optic nerve. Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, and any records from previous eye doctors.
Leave With a Clear Plan
Our doctors will explain your findings and outline a monitoring or treatment approach suited to your situation. If you're already managing glaucoma elsewhere, we can take over or co-manage your care from our Woodlands location.
Related Eye Care Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about your glaucoma evaluation, coverage, or what to bring? We've answered the ones we hear most often below. Call us anytime for anything else.
Ready to protect your vision? Our Woodlands team is accepting new patients now.
Book a Glaucoma Evaluation or call (281) 298-5905Yes. In Texas, optometrists who hold the optometric glaucoma specialist designation are licensed to diagnose and provide non-surgical management of glaucoma, including prescribing medications and ordering diagnostic tests. Dr. Mathukutty and Dr. Kennedy both hold this certification from the Texas Board of Optometry.
Ophthalmologists perform surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy and drainage implant placement. Optometrists and ophthalmologists both play important roles in glaucoma care.
Our doctors at The Woodlands manage the medical side — monitoring, prescriptions, and imaging — and coordinate with surgical partners when needed. Most glaucoma patients are managed non-surgically, and our scope of care covers the full non-surgical pathway.
Most patients are seen every three to six months, depending on how stable their IOP is and how the optic nerve is responding to treatment. Your doctor will recommend a monitoring schedule based on your clinical findings.
Patients who are newly diagnosed or whose pressure is not yet well controlled may need to be seen more frequently initially. We'll build a follow-up plan around your specific situation at your first visit.
Glaucoma diagnosis and management is typically billed under medical insurance rather than vision insurance, as it's a medical eye condition. Most major medical plans cover diagnostic testing, follow-up visits, and medications.
Call your provider before your visit to confirm coverage, or ask our front desk team at (281) 298-5905 — we're happy to help clarify what to expect before you come in.
Please bring your insurance card, a photo ID, and a list of current medications. If you have records from a previous eye doctor or specialist — including prior IOP readings, visual field results, or OCT scans — bringing those allows our doctors to compare against your current results and get a clearer picture of any changes over time.
Yes. Our Woodlands location at 1201 Lake Woodlands Drive, Spring, TX 77380 is minutes from I-45 and Woodlands Parkway, making it easy to reach from The Woodlands, Spring, Tomball, Magnolia, and Oak Ridge North.
We're accepting new patients from across the area. Call (281) 298-5905 or book online to schedule your glaucoma evaluation.