Glaucoma Treatment in Wallhaven

Glaucoma Treatment in Wallhaven

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(330) 867-1104

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness.

It's caused by fluid build-up and increased pressure within the eye that damages the optic nerve that progressively worsens your vision. This disease can cause severe, irreversible vision loss if left untreated.

In many cases, appropriate control and treatment can help prevent further damage to the eyes and protect your vision. Family EyeCare - Snow & Durkin offers several treatments to help address glaucoma. Learn more about the treatments we provide and contact us to schedule an appointment.

Glaucoma diagnosis


The 2 Main Types of Glaucoma

grandfather wearing glasses holding his granddaughter

  • Open-angle glaucoma: the most common type. It is a lifelong condition that accounts for at least 90% of all glaucoma cases.
  • Angle-closure glaucoma: a rare form of the disease which requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the angle is closed in many or most areas between the iris and cornea, which reduces fluid drainage and increases eye pressure.

Glaucoma: The Sneaky Thief of Sight

There is a reason glaucoma is called “the sneaky thief of sight”--half the people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it! Meaning, they may not have symptoms in the early stages.

At Family EyeCare - Snow & Durkin, we diagnose and help preserve your vision with cutting-edge glaucoma treatments that can slow the progression of the disease.

If you have a family history of glaucoma or have been diagnosed with glaucoma, contact us today.

optometrist in Wallhaven


What are the Signs of Glaucoma?

glaucoma signs

As mentioned earlier, glaucoma usually shows no symptoms in its early stages. When signs do manifest, it's usually loss of tunnel vision or peripheral vision. Unfortunately, by the time vision loss has occurred, it cannot be reversed.

That said, the less common angle-closure glaucoma does show a sudden onset of symptoms, including:

  • Extreme eye pain
  • Eye redness
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek prompt diagnosis and treatment by contacting Family EyeCare - Snow & Durkin in Wallhaven or visiting your nearest emergency room.


Who's at Risk for Glaucoma?

  • Age 40 +

    The prevalence of glaucoma increases with age, with most glaucoma patients aged 40 and up. That said, there is a much rarer form of this disease (congenital glaucoma) that affects infants.

  • Family History & Ethnicity

    Your risk for developing glaucoma is higher if you have a family history of the disease. Those of African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American, and Indigenous Canadian descent have a higher risk of developing this disease.

  • Other Conditions

    High myopia, hypertension and diabetes can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.

  • Eye Injury or Trauma

    An eye injury, trauma or eye surgery can increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma.


Common Glaucoma Treatments

There is currently no cure for glaucoma. However, several treatments are available to prevent the progression of this sight-robbing condition. With the right care, you have a higher chance of managing your glaucoma and preserving your vision.

Common treatments include:

Eye Drops

Your optometrist will prescribe eye drops to help regulate pressure inside the eye by decreasing fluid production and/or improving drainage.

Laser Surgery

If eye drops aren’t doing enough to reduce intraocular pressure or intraocular temperature in open-angle glaucoma, laser surgery may be an option. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) opens up the drainage system in the eye to reduce pressure.

SLT is successful in 80% of cases and can reduce eye pressure by 20%.

Other Surgeries

If a laser procedure or eye drops do not lower eye pressure to the desired level, your eye doctor may recommend one of the following surgeries:

  • Incision Surgery
  • Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
  • Glaucoma Drainage Implants

Glaucoma Testing Treatment FAQs

How does an eye doctor diagnose glaucoma?

Since glaucoma has no side effects early on, it is essential for people with a family history of risk factors for glaucoma to get tested. The following tests diagnose glaucoma:

  • Tonometry: measures the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP)
  • Ophthalmoscopy (dilated eye exam): examines the shape and color of the optic nerve
  • Perimetry: measures your field of vision
  • Gonioscopy: checks the angle where the iris meets the cornea
  • Pachymetry: determines the thickness of the cornea to better evaluate eye pressure.
What foods should you avoid if you have glaucoma?

The following are the foods every glaucoma patient should consider avoiding immediately. It should help keep your optic nerve healthy and minimize eye pressure.

  • Caffeine - certain studies show that caffeine contributes to increased intraocular pressure.
  • Saturated fats - a diet high in saturated fats can lead to weight gain, which not only increases intraocular pressure but also cholesterol levels.
  • Trans fats - try to limit your consumption of trans fats because they can also raise cholesterol levels
  • Salt - make sure to consume salt sparingly, as increased blood pressure can indirectly lead to intraocular pressure.
What percentage of glaucoma patients go blind?

About 60% of patients diagnosed with glaucoma will eventually lose some vision.

However, the rate of legal blindness among glaucoma patients is 5%. Getting effective treatment early on will greatly increase your ability to preserve and maximize your vision.

Patient Reviews
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42 Reviews
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- Nov. 01, 2023
Great office! Everyone has been nothing but kind and helpful! I’m always greeted when I arrive and... the office staff has been nothing but professional and kind. Dr. Durkin is truly one of the best in my opinion. He always takes time to listen to me and he doesn’t rush me. I would highly recommend Dr. Durkin and the office staff!
- Mar. 28, 2023
Great selection of eyeglasses with the family atmosphere. I love my new glasses. Shelly was helpful ... at selecting what would look good on me and I have received so many compliments. Shelly offered high definition licenses which were more than what I usually have purchased but I am amazed at how well I can see now. Thanks again we will be back!
- Sep. 24, 2019
Has helped my family for years...:)
- Jul. 31, 2019
I see Dr. Durkin, and he is very kind, knowledgeable and does a great job with prescribing glasses a... nd contacts and checking in on my vision and eye health. He takes time to talk to you about your eyes, which I think is really important. On a more superficial note, they have a huge selection of glasses too! It's a great office with great people.
- Jul. 23, 2019
I received my annual vision exam and filled a glasses prescription in frames that I purchased elsewh... ere at Snow and Durkin Optical. The eye exam was conducted by Dr. Snow, and he was thorough, friendly, and I felt confident in his prescription. The opticians were easy to work with, had great style suggestions, and adjusted the frames well for me. I recommend Snow and Durkin for your vision care business.
- Mar. 07, 2019
I've been coming to Dr Durkin for nearly 30 years and he has taken great care of me and my visual ne... eds. I am so glad I stumbled upon him all those years ago!
- Dec. 19, 2018
Dr. Snow always rocks! He's thorough and explains everything along the path of my eye examination, m... aking sure I understand all the options, and status/health of my eyesight! Hess is a rock star in her own realm in the optical dept. She walked me through all of the options of purchasing my frames and lenses, and also helped me understand the many ways that I could get additional protection for my eyes. She was thoughtful, courteous and understanding of my wants and needs. at the end of the day, I got Crizal protection on top of transitions while driving in my car...(Something I have wanted for years). I'm glad she was up to snuff on her products and helped me get the perfect pair of glasses! My only request would be if it was possible to carry Oliver peoples frames.....(hint hint)
- May. 21, 2018
I am a new patient with Dr.Durkin and the whole experience was appreciated. There was no wait time w... hich is always a +. The front desk ladies were nice and attentive. Dr.Durkin was a pleasure and made me feel comfortable. A+
- Aug. 29, 2017
I would like you guys to know, I have been struggling to find someone who takes my insurance, and th... e lovely front desk lady just called and made sure that she took my insurance and went above and beyond, more than anyone else! Thank you!
- Jul. 13, 2017
I recently moved back to the area and needed a new optometrist. I called and spoke with a very frien... dly person over the phone to set up my appointment. She mailed me new patient paperwork so I didn't have to sit in the office and fill it out on appointment day. When it came time for my visit, I was greeted in a professional manner. From the receptionist, to the assistant/tech, to the doctor, I had a very enjoyable experience. Dr. Durkin made me feel at home and I was extremely pleased with the entire visit. I strongly recommend Dr. Durkin, Dr. Snow, and the entire office. A+
- Mar. 10, 2017
I have been a patient of Dr. Snow's for over twenty years and he is a wonderful eye Dr. He is thorou... gh, patient and provides an in depth explanation of what is going on with my vision. Both my adult children who live out of town will make their appointment in conjunction with a visit back home. My husband is also a patient of Dr. Snow's. The staff is also very courteous and professional and they do learn to know the patients. Having an appointment is like making a visit home.
- Jan. 24, 2017
I have been with this practice for 58 years first with Dr. Keith then Dr. Starn and now Dr. Snow. Th... ey have always been the best.
- Oct. 23, 2016
We have been seeing Dr. Durkin for over 20 years, and our children are also his patients. We apprec... iate the office staff and doctors for their prompt and professional help with appointments, choosing glasses, clarity in letting us know the issues with vision, as well as being great with our kids. We would highly recommend this office.
- Aug. 11, 2016
Dr. Snow always goes above and beyond the services of a DO. Recommends the best specialists when th... e eye problems require treatment outside his area of expertise. Even alerted my husband to a physical problem that might have gone unnoticed, had he not expressed his concern.
- Jul. 05, 2016
During the over 10 years that I have been a patient, I have received excellent treatment. Both the d... octors and staff are very pleasant and professional. I wouldn't hesitate to refer them to my friends.
- Jun. 17, 2016
I have been a patient of Dr. Rod Snow since 1994. He and his staff have earned my loyalty with excel... lent and friendly service, beyond what I have come to expect from most practices. I trust my eyes with Rod, and I believe that says it all.
- Feb. 12, 2016
Love Dr Durkin. He has taken care of me and my family for years. Smart, professional, compassionate,... and the staff is great! They work hard to give you the best eye care for the best price as possible.
- Feb. 08, 2016
Dr. Snow is a great optometrist. He is honest about what you need and don't need to get done and pri... cing is fair.
- Jan. 13, 2016
Dr. Durkin & the office staff are very caring, professionals. I would highly recommend Dr. Durkin fo... r all of your optical needs.
- Jan. 12, 2016
I have been going to Dr. Durkin for several years. He has taken great care of me and my eyesight. He... is personable and I love seeing him and catching up. Not only is he a great optometrist but also a good friend. Dr. Durkin has seen me through some bad times and was there to help. Thank you Dr. Durkin so much! I hope anyone reading this realizes what a great guy you are!

View All 42 Reviews

Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Wallhaven

Our optometry practice in Wallhaven

Photograph of Jeffrey  Durkin
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Sat by appointment
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(330) 867-1104