OUR SERVICES

Medical Eye Exams

Providing medical eye exams to the Buford, Cumming, Sugar Hill, and Suwanee communities.

At Lake Lanier Eye Care, we utilize cutting-edge technology to diagnose and manage eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. Early and precise diagnosis typically results in earlier treatment and better outcomes. Our team is taking an aggressive approach to diseases that, in the past, had few treatment options.

CONDITIONS WE TREAT

INSIDE A Medical Eye Exam

Every exam at our Sugar Hill office is built around a thorough look at both your vision and the health of your eyes.

DIAGNOSIS & MANAGEMENT

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

Diabetic retinopathy involves leaking, swelling, or abnormal growth of blood vessels in or near the retina. While there are multiple stages to this disease, it is important to know that the earliest stages may not present any visible symptoms.

Visible symptoms include dark or black spots in your vision that increase over time, or severely blurred vision due to bleeding within the eye.

Comprehensive eye exams are extremely important when thinking about diabetes and eyesight. Treatments for diabetic retinopathy include a vitrectomy (replacement of the inner gel inside the eye) and different kinds of laser surgery. A recent clinical trial also suggested that better control of blood sugar levels slows the onset and progression of the disease in many patients.

TESTING & TREATMENT

Glaucoma Testing & Treatment

Glaucoma is the generalized name for a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve of the eye, preventing the eye from sending accurate visual information to the brain. Glaucoma tests are designed to check your eyes for one of the key symptoms of the disease — increased eye pressure — however, only a comprehensive eye exam can reveal whether or not you have glaucoma. Increased pressure inside the eye is often a key indicator, though not exclusively so.

Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment can involve the use of medications, conventional (bladed) surgery, laser surgery, or a combination of these. Medicated eye drops aimed at lowering IOP (intraocular pressure) are usually tried first to control glaucoma.

SLOWING PROGRESSION

Macular Degeneration Treatment

There is currently no cure for macular degeneration. Treatment options exist that can slow the progress of the disease or improve vision based on the type you are experiencing. To understand the risks and limitations of all treatments, speak frankly with your doctor.

Dry macular degeneration treatment actually begins with routine eye exams, especially after age 60. The goal is to catch the development of ARMD early. If detected, you may be prescribed a specific mix of high-dose zinc and antioxidants shown to slow the progression of the disease.

Wet macular degeneration treatment can include a number of options, including laser surgery, light-activated dyes injected into the circulatory system, or drugs injected directly into the eye that inhibit the growth of the abnormal blood vessels causing the wet form of the disease.

PRE & POST-SURGICAL CARE

Cataract Surgery Co-management

Cataracts are an eye disease that results in the clouding of the lens of the eyeball. Cataracts prevent clear images from appearing on the eye’s retina, causing mild, moderate, and even severe blurred vision.

Typically an eye disorder associated with aging — over half of people in America over age 80 have either had a cataract or cataract surgery — cataracts generally occur later in life as the lens structure within the eye changes and gets older.

During the evaluation of your eye health, we will carefully examine your lens for signs of cataract formation. If a cataract is noticed and the clouding is causing visual disruption, the optometrist will refer you to a trusted and respected surgeon for surgery, which is the only known cure for cataracts. Our practice will be there for you, providing pre- and post-cataract surgery care.

EXPERIENCE A NEW KIND OF MEDICAL EYE EXAM

We value our patients’ experience at Lake Lanier Eye Care. We’re proud to have received over one hundred five-star reviews — read success stories from all over Sugar Hill, Cumming, Buford, and Suwanee.

“I have been a patient of Lake Lanier eye care for many years and they provide top-notch eye care and premium service. The office is pleasant and the staff is very helpful. I would recommend them to all who need an eye exam and other eye care services.“

Chuck A.

“Great experience. Would recommend it to anyone. Very professional staff and very professional doctor. Great service and reasonable prices.“

Pam B.

“Great service, so friendly and on top of things! I had an eye exam and bought glasses. They explained things really clearly and were very helpful in choosing frames that fit me and looked good on me. Would definitely return.“

Julia B.

“This has been the best eye care I have ever received. They will always make space to see me when I have an emergency. Everyone at the clinic is so nice, friendly, and make you feel part of the family. I would recommend them to anyone.”

Amy S.

Medical EYE EXAM FAQS

Curious about what a medical eye exam entails at Lake Lanier Eye Care? You’re not alone — here are the questions we’re asked most often.

What is the difference between a routine eye exam and a medical eye exam?

A routine, or comprehensive, eye exam focuses on your overall vision and eye health — checking for changes in your prescription and screening for early signs of disease. A medical eye exam is scheduled when a specific eye health concern needs to be diagnosed, monitored, or treated, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or cataracts. Many patients begin with a comprehensive exam, and a medical exam follows if something needs closer attention.

How often should I be examined if I have diabetes?

Because all diabetics are at risk for diabetic retinopathy — and that risk increases the longer you have diabetes — regular medical eye exams are especially important. Most patients with diabetes are advised to have a dilated eye exam at least once a year, or more often if your doctor detects changes. Since the earliest stages of diabetic retinopathy often have no visible symptoms, routine monitoring is the best way to catch it early.

Can glaucoma be cured?

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, and any vision already lost to it cannot be restored, so there is no true cure. However, glaucoma can be effectively managed. Medicated eye drops that lower eye pressure, laser procedures, or surgery are used to slow or prevent further damage. Because glaucoma is often painless, consistent use of prescribed drops is essential to protecting your vision.

Is there a treatment for macular degeneration?

There is currently no cure for macular degeneration, but treatment can slow its progression or, in some cases, improve vision depending on whether you have the dry or wet form. Dry macular degeneration is often managed with routine monitoring and a specific mix of high-dose zinc and antioxidants, while the wet form may be treated with laser therapy, light-activated dyes, or injections. Early detection through regular exams gives you the best chance of preserving your sight.

Do you perform cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery itself is performed by a surgeon, and it is the only known cure for cataracts. During your exam, we carefully check your lens for signs of cataract formation, and if surgery is appropriate we will refer you to a trusted, respected surgeon. We then provide your pre- and post-operative care — a process known as co-management — so you are supported before and after the procedure.

PROTECT YOUR LONG-TERM VISION

Early diagnosis makes all the difference. Schedule a medical eye exam at our Sugar Hill office today.