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3 Convenient Locations โ€” Williamsville ยท Lockport ยท Cheektowaga  |  Call (716) 633-2203
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Expert Glaucoma Care in Western New York

Don't let glaucoma steal your vision. Dr. John Legarreta provides advanced diagnosis and treatment options โ€” from eye drops to minimally invasive surgery โ€” right here in Buffalo.

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Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
UB Clinical Faculty
40+ Years Serving WNY
3 Convenient Locations
Eye Pressure
3 Million+ Americans have glaucoma โ€” half don't know it.

What Is Glaucoma and Why Does Early Detection Matter?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Left untreated, it leads to irreversible vision loss โ€” and eventually blindness.

The challenge? Most types of glaucoma have no early warning signs. That's why regular comprehensive eye exams with a qualified ophthalmologist are your best defense.

  • Open-angle glaucoma โ€” the most common form, develops gradually with no pain
  • Angle-closure glaucoma โ€” sudden symptoms including severe eye pain, headache, nausea
  • Normal-tension glaucoma โ€” optic nerve damage even with normal eye pressure
  • Risk factors: age 60+, family history, African or Hispanic descent, diabetes, high myopia

Advanced Glaucoma Treatment,
Personalized for You

Dr. Legarreta offers a full spectrum of proven glaucoma treatments โ€” from conservative management to the latest surgical advances.

Medicated Eye Drops

First-line treatment to lower intraocular pressure. We prescribe and monitor the latest prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, and combination therapies tailored to your specific needs.

SLT Laser Therapy

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is a safe, painless in-office procedure that improves fluid drainage from the eye. Often reduces or eliminates the need for daily eye drops.

MIGS โ€” Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery

Micro-incision procedures like iStent and other implants that lower eye pressure with faster recovery and fewer complications than traditional surgery. Often combined with cataract surgery.

Advanced Diagnostics

State-of-the-art OCT imaging, visual field testing, pachymetry, and gonioscopy provide detailed mapping of your optic nerve and eye pressure โ€” catching changes before vision loss occurs.

Ongoing Monitoring

Glaucoma is a lifelong condition. We provide regular IOP checks, visual field assessments, and OCT scans to track your disease progression and adjust treatment as needed.

Traditional Glaucoma Surgery

For advanced cases, trabeculectomy and tube shunt procedures create new drainage pathways to lower eye pressure when other treatments haven't achieved target pressure.

Your Vision Deserves an Expert

When it comes to something as critical as your eyesight, experience and expertise matter.

1

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist & Surgeon

Dr. Legarreta is a medical doctor and fellowship-trained eye surgeon โ€” not just an optometrist. He diagnoses, treats, and operates on complex glaucoma cases.

2

University of Buffalo Clinical Faculty

As a Clinical Assistant Professor at UB School of Medicine, Dr. Legarreta stays at the forefront of ophthalmic research and surgical technique.

3

Decades of Surgical Experience

Thousands of successful surgeries. A practice history dating back over 40 years, with the latest technology and training combined with proven judgment.

4

Three Convenient WNY Locations

Offices in Williamsville, Lockport, and Cheektowaga mean you're never far from expert glaucoma care. Most insurances accepted.

Find Us Near You

Williamsville

Our primary location serving Amherst, Clarence, and the Northtowns.

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Lockport

Serving Niagara County, the Niagara Region, and cross-border patients from Ontario.

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Cheektowaga

Conveniently located for Southtowns, Depew, Lancaster, and East Side residents.

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Glaucoma FAQ

Most types of glaucoma โ€” particularly open-angle glaucoma โ€” have no early symptoms. You won't feel pain or notice vision changes until significant nerve damage has occurred. That's why it's called "the silent thief of sight." The only reliable way to catch glaucoma early is through regular comprehensive eye exams that measure your eye pressure, evaluate the optic nerve, and test your peripheral vision.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline comprehensive eye exam at age 40. After 65, you should be screened every 1โ€“2 years. If you have risk factors โ€” family history, diabetes, African or Hispanic heritage, high myopia, or prior eye injury โ€” more frequent exams may be recommended. Ask Dr. Legarreta about your personal screening schedule.
There is currently no cure for glaucoma, and any vision already lost cannot be restored. However, with early detection and proper treatment, further vision loss can usually be slowed or halted entirely. Treatments like eye drops, SLT laser, and MIGS surgery are highly effective at controlling eye pressure and protecting your remaining vision.
Yes โ€” glaucoma is a medical condition, so diagnosis and treatment are typically covered by your medical insurance (not just vision insurance). Legarreta Eye Care accepts most major insurance plans including Medicare. Contact our office to verify your specific coverage before your visit.
MIGS stands for Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery. These are newer, micro-incision procedures โ€” like the iStent โ€” that lower eye pressure with less risk and faster recovery than traditional glaucoma surgery. MIGS is often performed at the same time as cataract surgery. Dr. Legarreta can evaluate your specific case to determine if MIGS is right for you.

Don't Wait Until You Notice Vision Loss

Early detection is the key to preserving your sight. Schedule your comprehensive glaucoma evaluation with Dr. Legarreta today.