Dr. Gregory T. Clariday, MD

Dr. Gregory T. Clariday Ophthalmologist

Dr. Gregory T. Clariday is a board-certified ophthalmologist providing medical and surgical care for diseases affecting the eyes, eyelids, and vision.

His clinical work includes comprehensive eye examinations, cataract care, vision-correction assessment, and treatment for selected eyelid conditions. He also has experience in ophthalmic plastic surgery, which addresses medical and functional concerns involving the eyelids and tissues surrounding the eyes.

Dr. Clariday practises with Coastal Eye Associates in Webster and Houston, Texas. He has worked in private ophthalmology practice in the Clear Lake area for more than two decades.

Patients may visit him because of blurred vision, cataracts, changes in an eyeglass prescription, eye discomfort, glare, reduced night vision, eyelid drooping, or another concern requiring assessment by a medical eye specialist.

Patients comparing ophthalmology specialists may also read about Dr. Anil Birdi’s comprehensive eye care.

Doctor Information

Name: Dr. Gregory Turner Clariday, MD
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch
Medical Degree Completed: 1981
Internship: Baylor College of Medicine
Internship Completed: 1982
Residency: Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals
Residency Completed: 1985
Practice: Coastal Eye Associates
Primary Location: Webster, Texas
Additional Location: Houston, Texas
Hospital Networks Listing His Profile: HCA Houston Healthcare, Memorial Hermann, and Houston Methodist
Languages Listed: English
NPI Number: 1689678641
Professional Memberships: American Academy of Ophthalmology, Texas Ophthalmological Association, Harris County Medical Society, and Harris County Ophthalmological Society
Appointment Availability: Current new-patient availability should be confirmed directly with Coastal Eye Associates

About Dr. Gregory T. Clariday

Dr. Clariday earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 1981.

He then completed a one-year postgraduate internship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. After his internship, he returned to the University of Texas Medical Branch for a three-year ophthalmology residency, which he completed in 1985.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors trained to diagnose eye disease, prescribe treatment, perform eye surgery, and manage conditions that may threaten vision.

Dr. Clariday’s practice includes comprehensive ophthalmology and cataract surgery. He also has experience in ophthalmic plastic procedures involving the eyelids and surrounding tissues.

A patient may be referred to him by an optometrist, primary care physician, emergency department, or another specialist after a vision change or eye abnormality is identified.

His assessment may include a review of symptoms, measurement of vision, examination of the eye’s internal and external structures, eye-pressure testing, retinal imaging, or measurements used to plan cataract surgery.

Comprehensive Eye Care

Dr. Clariday may evaluate concerns such as:

• Blurred or changing vision
• Cataracts
• Glare and difficulty driving at night
• Eye irritation
• Dry-eye symptoms
• Redness
• Eyelid drooping
• Excess eyelid skin affecting vision
• Refractive errors
• Eye-pressure concerns
• Retinal or macular abnormalities
• Diabetic eye changes
• Floaters
• Reduced contrast or colour clarity
• Vision changes linked with ageing
• Follow-up after eye surgery

The appropriate examination depends on the patient’s symptoms, age, medical history, previous eye procedures, and current vision needs.

Some concerns can be managed with observation, medicine, glasses, or contact lenses. Others may require laser treatment or surgery.

Comprehensive Eye Examination

A comprehensive eye examination assesses more than the strength of an eyeglass prescription.

The visit may include:

• Review of symptoms
• Medical and eye-history review
• Measurement of distance and near vision
• Refraction
• Evaluation of eye alignment
• Pupil assessment
• Eye-pressure measurement
• Examination of the cornea and lens
• Dilated retinal examination
• Optic-nerve assessment
• Imaging when appropriate

Patients should mention changes involving one eye even when the other eye appears normal.

They should also provide information about diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune disease, previous eye injuries, and medicines that may affect the eyes.

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision can develop gradually or suddenly and may have several possible causes.

These include:

• A change in eyeglass prescription
• Cataracts
• Dry eye
• Corneal disease
• Glaucoma
• Retinal disease
• Macular degeneration
• Diabetes-related changes
• Medication effects
• A neurological condition

Dr. Clariday may ask:

• When the change began
• Whether one or both eyes are affected
• Whether vision fluctuates
• Whether pain is present
• Whether glare has increased
• Whether straight lines appear distorted
• Whether flashes or floaters have appeared
• Whether previous eye surgery was performed

Testing is selected according to the symptom pattern and examination findings.

Cataracts

A cataract develops when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy.

The lens normally helps focus light onto the retina. As it loses clarity, vision may become dim, blurred, or less detailed.

Possible symptoms include:

• Blurred vision
• Increased glare
• Halos around lights
• Difficulty driving at night
• Colours appearing faded
• Frequent prescription changes
• Reduced contrast
• Difficulty reading in low light
• Double vision in one eye

Cataracts often develop gradually.

A patient may initially manage with brighter lighting or an updated prescription. Surgery may be considered when the cataract interferes with driving, reading, work, or another important activity.

Cataract Evaluation

A cataract evaluation helps determine whether the lens is responsible for the patient’s visual difficulty and whether surgery is likely to provide meaningful improvement.

Dr. Clariday may review:

• Current vision
• Effect on daily activities
• Glare symptoms
• Night-driving concerns
• Eye-pressure readings
• Corneal health
• Retinal condition
• Previous eye surgery
• Other diseases that may limit vision

Measurements are taken to calculate the power of the artificial lens placed during surgery.

Patients should understand that another eye condition may limit the final result even when the cataract operation itself is successful.

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens known as an intraocular lens.

The procedure is generally performed through a small opening in the eye.

The cloudy lens is broken into small pieces and removed. The replacement lens is then positioned inside the eye.

Patients normally receive instructions covering:

• Prescription eye drops
• Food and drink before surgery
• Transportation
• Medication adjustments
• Arrival time
• Eye protection
• Activity after surgery
• Follow-up appointments

Only one eye is usually treated at a time.

The second eye may be scheduled after the first has begun healing and its initial result can be assessed.

Intraocular Lens Options

An intraocular lens remains inside the eye after cataract surgery.

Lens options may include:

• Monofocal lenses
• Toric lenses for selected astigmatism
• Multifocal lenses
• Extended-range lenses

A monofocal lens generally provides its clearest focus at one selected distance. Glasses may still be needed for other distances.

Some premium lens designs aim to reduce dependence on glasses across more than one viewing range. They may also involve trade-offs such as glare, halos, reduced contrast, or adaptation time.

Dr. Clariday may discuss:

• Reading needs
• Driving habits
• Computer use
• Astigmatism
• Retinal health
• Corneal condition
• Previous refractive surgery
• Willingness to continue using glasses

No artificial lens can reproduce every feature of a young natural lens.

The most appropriate choice depends on eye health and realistic visual priorities.

Astigmatism and Cataract Surgery

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an uneven curve that affects how light focuses.

It may cause:

• Blurred distance vision
• Blurred near vision
• Shadowing around letters
• Eyestrain
• Difficulty seeing fine detail

Selected patients may be candidates for a toric intraocular lens or another method of reducing astigmatism during cataract surgery.

The amount and stability of the astigmatism need to be measured carefully before treatment.

Glasses may still be required after surgery, even when an astigmatism-correcting approach is used.

Recovery After Cataract Surgery

Vision may improve quickly, but healing continues after the patient leaves the surgical facility.

Instructions may include:

• Using prescribed eye drops
• Avoiding rubbing the eye
• Wearing an eye shield as directed
• Limiting heavy lifting
• Avoiding contaminated water
• Attending follow-up visits
• Reporting unexpected symptoms

Temporary blur, mild irritation, light sensitivity, or a gritty feeling may occur during early recovery.

The final prescription is usually assessed after the eye has had time to stabilise.

Posterior Capsule Clouding

Months or years after cataract surgery, some patients develop clouding of the thin capsule supporting the artificial lens.

This is sometimes called a secondary cataract, although the original cataract does not return.

Symptoms may include:

• Gradual blurred vision
• Glare
• Reduced contrast
• Difficulty seeing in bright or dim light

A laser procedure called posterior capsulotomy may be used to create an opening in the cloudy capsule.

The procedure is usually brief, but an examination is needed first to confirm that capsule clouding is responsible for the change.

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors occur when light does not focus correctly on the retina.

Common types include:

• Myopia
• Hyperopia
• Astigmatism
• Presbyopia

Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurred.

Hyperopia may make close work difficult and can also affect distance vision.

Astigmatism causes blur or distortion because the eye’s focusing surface is uneven.

Presbyopia is an age-related reduction in near-focusing ability.

Treatment may include glasses, contact lenses, laser vision correction, or lens-based treatment in selected patients.

LASIK Evaluation

Dr. Clariday’s practice lists LASIK eye surgery among his clinical areas.

LASIK changes the shape of the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina.

A consultation may include:

• Measurement of the prescription
• Corneal mapping
• Corneal-thickness measurement
• Pupil assessment
• Tear-film evaluation
• Review of prescription stability
• Examination for eye disease
• Discussion of visual goals

Not every patient is suitable for LASIK.

Suitability may be affected by corneal thickness, dry eye, unstable prescription, pregnancy-related changes, autoimmune disease, retinal conditions, or another eye disorder.

LASIK Expectations

LASIK may reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, but it does not guarantee that glasses will never be needed.

Patients may still require:

• Reading glasses with age
• Glasses for night driving
• Correction for a remaining prescription
• Treatment for future eye changes
• Cataract surgery later in life

Possible side effects may include temporary dryness, glare, halos, fluctuating vision, or difficulty seeing in low light.

A careful consultation should explain expected benefits, limitations, alternatives, and recovery.

Dry-Eye Symptoms

Dry eye develops when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly.

Possible symptoms include:

• Burning
• Grittiness
• Redness
• Watering
• Fluctuating vision
• Light sensitivity
• Discomfort during screen use
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Watery eyes can occur because irritation triggers reflex tearing.

Dr. Clariday may evaluate the eyelids, tear film, cornea, medicine use, screen habits, and environmental factors.

Treatment may include lubricating drops, eyelid care, prescription medicine, or another therapy based on the underlying cause.

Glaucoma Assessment

Glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve.

It may progress without noticeable symptoms during its early stages.

Assessment may include:

• Eye-pressure measurement
• Optic-nerve examination
• Visual-field testing
• Corneal-thickness measurement
• Optical coherence tomography
• Examination of the eye’s drainage angle

High eye pressure is an important risk factor, but glaucoma can also occur with pressure readings within the usual range.

Treatment may involve eye drops, laser procedures, surgery, or continued observation when the patient is considered at risk but does not yet show clear damage.

Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetes can damage blood vessels within the retina.

Early diabetic retinopathy may cause no clear visual symptoms.

As disease progresses, patients may develop:

• Blurred vision
• Dark spots
• Floaters
• Areas of missing vision
• Difficulty reading
• Distortion
• Sudden loss of sight

A dilated examination allows the retina to be inspected for leakage, swelling, bleeding, or abnormal blood vessels.

Management may involve improved control of diabetes and blood pressure, retinal imaging, injections, laser treatment, or referral to a retina specialist.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision.

Possible symptoms include:

• Distorted straight lines
• Blurred central vision
• Difficulty recognising faces
• Reduced reading ability
• A dark or empty central area

Peripheral vision may remain useful even when central vision is reduced.

Dr. Clariday may use retinal examination and optical coherence tomography to assess the macula.

Some forms require monitoring, while others may need prompt treatment from a retina specialist.

Flashes and Floaters

Floaters may appear as spots, strands, or cobweb-like shapes moving through the visual field.

Flashes may look like brief sparks or streaks of light.

These symptoms can occur when the gel inside the eye changes with age. In some cases, they may be associated with a retinal tear or detachment.

A dilated retinal examination may be needed to identify the cause.

A new shower of floaters, repeated flashes, or a curtain-like visual shadow should be assessed promptly.

Eyelid Conditions

Eyelid position and movement help protect the eye and distribute tears across its surface.

Possible eyelid concerns include:

• Drooping upper eyelids
• Excess skin blocking peripheral vision
• Eyelids turning inward
• Eyelids turning outward
• Irritation from lashes
• Eyelid growths
• Incomplete eyelid closure
• Swelling or inflammation

Dr. Clariday’s clinical experience includes ophthalmic plastic surgery.

Treatment depends on whether the condition affects vision, eye protection, tear drainage, comfort, or appearance.

Functional Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty removes selected excess eyelid skin and tissue.

When upper-eyelid skin blocks vision, the procedure may be performed to improve function rather than for appearance alone.

Symptoms may include:

• Reduced upper or side vision
• A heavy eyelid feeling
• Difficulty keeping the eyes open
• Strain while reading
• The need to lift the brow to see clearly
• Skin resting on the lashes

Evaluation may include photographs and visual-field testing.

Insurance requirements vary, and documented functional impairment may be needed before medically necessary surgery is authorised.

Ptosis

Ptosis means the upper eyelid droops lower than expected.

It may occur because of:

• Age-related muscle changes
• Previous eye surgery
• Nerve conditions
• Muscle disorders
• Injury
• A condition present from birth

Ptosis can affect one or both eyes.

Dr. Clariday may measure eyelid position, strength, pupil response, and visual-field effect.

The appropriate repair depends on which eyelid structure is causing the drooping.

Eyelid Surgery Evaluation

Before eyelid surgery, Dr. Clariday may review:

• Visual symptoms
• Eye-surface dryness
• Eyelid position
• Previous eye operations
• Blood-thinning medicine
• Thyroid eye disease
• Facial nerve function
• Medical conditions affecting healing
• Patient expectations

The purpose of functional eyelid treatment is to improve vision, eye protection, or comfort.

Patients should understand the planned procedure, possible asymmetry, healing period, temporary swelling, and other potential complications.

Eyelid Growths

Growths may develop on or near an eyelid.

Many are harmless, but some require further assessment.

Dr. Clariday may consider:

• How long the growth has been present
• Whether it is changing
• Whether it bleeds
• Whether eyelashes are missing
• Whether the border is irregular
• Whether the eye is irritated
• Previous skin-cancer history

A suspicious lesion may require biopsy or referral for specialised treatment.

Patients should avoid repeatedly picking at or attempting to remove an eyelid growth at home.

Corneal Conditions

The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye.

Corneal disease may cause:

• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Pain
• Redness
• Tearing
• Halos
• Foreign-body sensation

Possible causes include infection, injury, dryness, inherited disease, contact-lens complications, and inflammation.

Treatment depends on the cause and may involve drops, protective measures, contact-lens changes, or referral to a corneal specialist.

Eye Infections and Redness

A red eye may result from:

• Dryness
• Allergy
• Viral conjunctivitis
• Bacterial infection
• Eyelid inflammation
• Corneal injury
• Internal eye inflammation
• Increased eye pressure

Appearance alone may not identify the cause.

Dr. Clariday may assess pain, discharge, light sensitivity, contact-lens use, injury, and vision changes.

Treatment should match the diagnosis. Antibiotic drops do not treat every red eye.

Eye Health and General Medical Conditions

Eye findings may be influenced by medical conditions such as:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Autoimmune disease
• Thyroid disease
• Neurological conditions
• Medication effects
• Previous stroke
• Nutritional deficiencies

Patients should bring an accurate medical and medication history.

Coordination with a primary care physician or another specialist may be needed when an eye finding appears connected with a broader health condition.

Preparing for an Eye Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• Current glasses
• Contact-lens information
• Previous eye records
• A medicine list
• Eye-drop bottles
• A list of allergies
• Previous surgical records
• Family history of eye disease
• Questions about symptoms
• Details of recent vision changes

Patients should explain:

• When symptoms began
• Whether one or both eyes are affected
• Whether vision fluctuates
• Whether pain or light sensitivity is present
• Whether flashes or floaters have appeared
• Whether driving or reading has become difficult

The eyes may be dilated during the appointment.

Dilation can temporarily blur near vision and increase light sensitivity, so patients may need sunglasses and transportation planning.

Preparing for Eye Surgery

Preparation may include:

• Eye measurements
• Medical-history review
• Medicine instructions
• Eye-drop prescriptions
• Transportation arrangements
• Planning time away from work
• Follow-up scheduling
• Discussion of visual expectations

Patients should tell the surgical team about blood thinners, diabetes medicine, allergies, implanted devices, and previous reactions to anaesthesia.

Medicine should not be stopped unless the prescribing or surgical team gives clear instructions.

Coordinated Eye Care

Eye conditions may require cooperation between:

• Optometrists
• General ophthalmologists
• Retina specialists
• Glaucoma specialists
• Corneal specialists
• Neurologists
• Primary care physicians
• Endocrinologists
• Ophthalmic plastic surgeons

Coordination can help when a patient has cataracts together with retinal disease, glaucoma, diabetes, or an eyelid condition.

Patients seeking pediatric eye and alignment care may review Dr. Maria Patterson’s pediatric ophthalmology profile, while those comparing other comprehensive ophthalmologists may read about Dr. David P. Campbell.

Community and Professional Work

Dr. Clariday is listed as a member of several professional medical organisations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Texas Ophthalmological Association.

His practice biography also describes participation in medical mission work serving communities in Mexico.

Professional and volunteer activities do not replace the need for patients to assess whether a physician’s current services, experience, and hospital arrangements fit their individual needs.

Patient-Centered Ophthalmology

Dr. Clariday provides eye care based on each patient’s symptoms, examination findings, eye health, medical history, previous procedures, and visual priorities.

His clinical work may include comprehensive eye examinations, cataract evaluation, cataract surgery, intraocular lens planning, LASIK assessment, retinal screening, and treatment of selected functional eyelid conditions.

Patients should confirm current appointment availability, accepted insurance plans, surgical locations, specific procedures offered, and referral requirements directly with Coastal Eye Associates.