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Eye Disease Management in White Bear Lake

Advanced Vision Solutions for an Enhanced Quality of Life

(651) 426-2747

Early diagnosis means earlier treatment and better outcomes.

Whether you have glaucoma, macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, or other eye diseases — we can help.

At Birch Lake Eye Clinic, we provide comprehensive eye exams, diagnostic screening and cutting-edge treatments that can slow eye disease progression and help maintain your vision.

senior man during eye exam


Eye Disease Management Includes:

  • Comprehensive eye exam

    Comprehensive eye exams are critical in catching sight-robbing eye diseases that typically don’t show early symptoms.

  • Diagnostic screening

    Certain changes in your eyes can indicate eye conditions. Our optometrists can diagnose the disease and determine the cause of these changes.

  • Treatments and surgeries

    We provide a wide range of treatments, including prescription eye drops and other medication. If needed, we'll refer you to the right specialist for eye surgery.

  • After care and follow-up

    We provide follow-up exams and after-care treatments to help you manage your symptoms and safeguard your vision.


What Are the 4 Most Common Eye Diseases?

  • Diabetic Retinopathy

    If you have diabetes, you should be aware of the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Elevated blood sugar can cause blood vessels in the eye to become inflamed or swell. In the early stages, you may not notice symptoms, but advanced diabetic retinopathy can cause blurred vision or eye inflammation.

    Diabetic retinopathy treatment includes:

    • Prescription medication
    • Laser surgeries
    • Anti-VEGF and steroid injections
    • Vitrectomy
  • Glaucoma

    Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and often doesn’t show early symptoms. High pressure inside the eye causes glaucoma, and the purpose of glaucoma management is to reduce intraocular pressure.

    Glaucoma treatments include:

    • Prescription eye drops or medications
    • Laser procedures
    • Filtration surgery
    • Drainage tubes
    • Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
  • Cataracts

    Cataracts are cloudy formations on the eye lens. They can make your vision blurry and distorted. To restore normal vision, an optometrist will recommend cataract surgery, which involves replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial intraocular lens.

  • Macular Degeneration

    Macular degeneration, or AMD, occurs when the macula or the central part of the retina deteriorates. This results in blurred and distorted vision.

    There are two types of AMD: Dry AMD and Wet AMD.

    Although there isn’t a treatment for dry AMD, lifestyle changes and specific supplements can help prevent further vision deterioration.

    Wet AMD treatments include:

    • Photodynamic therapy
    • Anti-VEGF injections
    • Laser photocoagulation

Distorted or Blurred Vision? Have a family history of serious eye diseases?

Schedule an eye exam at Birch Lake Eye Clinic in White Bear Lake. Early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve eye health and prevent vision loss.


Eye Disease Management FAQs

Do eye problems run in the family?

Yes. Genetics increase our chances of developing diseases that impact vision and eye health.

In fact, over 350 eye diseases are attributed to hereditary factors, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, and retinitis pigmentosa. Learning about your family’s medical history can provide important clues regarding your predisposition to certain eye diseases and vision problems.

How to prevent eye diseases?

Adopting a healthy lifestyle and getting regular eye exams can improve your chances of maintaining clear vision and eye health.

Make sure to:

  • Avoid smoking
  • Maintain healthy blood sugar levels if you have diabetes
  • Wear sunglasses that offer 100 UV protection
  • Have regular eye exams
What are the symptoms of serious eye problems?

Although certain eye diseases show specific symptoms, the signs vary according to the condition. Keep in mind that some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, often don’t show early symptoms—which is why it's important to get regular eye exams.

If you experience any of the following, contact Birch Lake Eye Clinic immediately.

  • Blurry or double vision
  • Eye inflammation or eye pain
  • Eye Floaters
  • Eye swelling
  • Blind spots

If you experience any symptoms or have a family history of eye diseases, make sure to schedule a consultation and eye exam at Birch Lake Eye Clinic in White Bear Lake today.

Patient Reviews
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460 Reviews
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- Nov. 30, 2024
I had a wonderful experience at Birch Lake Eye Clinic! Everyone was very kind and friendly, especial... ly Vanessa!!! She was so sweet and helpful, and she really made it a point to get me the best deal possible. I would highly recommend!
- Nov. 19, 2024
This was my first visit to Birch Lake Eye Clinic for my annual exam. The staff was very welcoming a... nd efficient. Dr Lucas was thorough and took time to explain the health of my eyes and what to expect going forward. I highly recommend Dr Lucas and his team for your eye health.
- Nov. 11, 2024
Great!
- Nov. 09, 2024
Everyone is very nice and helpful.
- Oct. 26, 2024
This was my first time at the Birch lake Clinic. Everyone I came in contact with were very caring an... d kind. Dr. Lucas was very informational and professional. I’m happy I picked him as my eye dr.!
- Oct. 23, 2024
Dr. Lucas and staff are great.
- Sep. 23, 2024
I feel comfortable in place and bright good positive
- Sep. 18, 2024
Everyone was soo wonderful. From the moment I stepped in to check in and to when I chose my glasses,... all staffs were so nice and welcoming. The doctors educated me well and I felt very comfortable. This will be my forever eye place unless of course I move away
- Sep. 07, 2024
Very positive
- Jul. 24, 2024
Dr. Lucas is exceptional and possesses a deep understanding of eye care. He identified a serious con... dition early on, preventing significant permanent damage. I have complete trust in his expertise and the way he cares for my eyes. Without hesitation, I would highly recommend him and the team at Birch Lake Eye Clinic.
- Jul. 22, 2024
Everyone was so friendly! They helped me pick out the perfect frames and the exam process was so eas... y.
- Jun. 12, 2024
Everyone is amazing, They were quick with getting me in for a emergency with my vision. The staff wa... s very kind and empathic to my concerns. The providers are also Great. Making sure they are quick but there to answer all the question you have. They also do a great job of recommending other providers for services that they don't do in their clinic. I go to both Blaine and White Bear Lake Locations. Both Clinics have wonderful staff and providers.
- Jun. 09, 2024
Wonderful experience for my son, very welcoming
- Jun. 05, 2024
A very friendly and knowledgeable staff that will greet you with a smile!! I have been getting my g... lasses from for years and will continue to use them for all my future eyewear needs!! Highly recommend!!!
- May. 15, 2024
Have been going to Birch Lake Eye Clinic And Optical for years and will continue to do so. The eye ... exam is thorough and great eyewear selection! Thank you so much!!
- May. 15, 2024
First time at this clinic, wonderful staff and great clinic. Everything was clean and professional! ... Would recommend this to anyone in the area!
- Apr. 29, 2024
Everyone at this office is so friendly and fun! I had to bring my 3.5 month old and they made me fee... l so comfy doing that. Great experience. Got glasses back quick!
- Apr. 07, 2024
Very friendly and efficient staff and Doctor. Did not have to wait to get checked in and waited les... s than 5 mn to get into appointment. Doctor and staff took time to listen to my concerns. Everyone here is very professional and the offices are very nice and clean. Positive experience.
- Mar. 12, 2024
If you are looking for an eye clinic do check out Birch Lake Eye Clinic and Optical. Dr. Lucas is v... ery kind and knowledgeable and takes the time to explain things and all the staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful.
- Feb. 22, 2024
Dr. Schwantke is very thorough and sincere which I appreciate. Lauren helped me pick out glasses whi... ch I don’t like doing. I liked her input and love my new glasses.

View All 460 Reviews

Eye Disease Management in White Bear Lake

Our optometry practice in White Bear Lake

Photograph of Brian  Grudem
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior lady with macular degeneration

Compassionate Care and Expertise You Can Trust

(651) 426-2747