Glaucoma Treatment in White Bear Lake

Glaucoma Treatment in White Bear Lake

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(651) 426-2747

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. Birch Lake Eye Clinic 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 Birch Lake Eye Clinic, 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 White Bear Lake


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 Birch Lake Eye Clinic in White Bear Lake 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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446 Reviews
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- 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. 21, 2024
My entire family came here for our eye care. The Dr and staff were very friendly, patient and consid... erate when it came to our different vision needs and the special care we all needed. We are very satisfied with the service and our glasses we received. Thank you for your professionalism, patience, kindness, curtesy, expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Your service was exceptional and I highly recommend your office to all my friends and family and to anyone looking for good service.
- Jan. 23, 2024
The clinic and staff are a blessing in my life and have turned a "have to do" chore into a "looking ... forward to going in" positive experience. It is wonderful to see them . . . in more ways than one!
- Jan. 13, 2024
Everyone was friendly, caring, and competent.
- Jan. 05, 2024
Professional, knowledgeable and excellent choice of frames.
- Dec. 30, 2023
Dr. Lucas and his staff are excellent. I would recommend them to everyone. A gem in White Bear Lake... !
- Dec. 29, 2023
As a new patient in serious need of an appointment the front desk staff of the Birch Lake Eye Clinic... worked quickly to find me an appointment as soon as possible. Dr Lucas and his assistant were great and very informative. I felt very at ease in this clinic and will return.
- Dec. 22, 2023
So much positive about your staff! I wish I knew all their names. My first contact was Mark on the... phone. So patient, kind and understanding. The receptionist was amazing. I think she could read my anxiety. The eye technician to the doctor simple the best. But they captured my heart when my temporary (trial lens) ripped the night before my flight to visit my daughter. I went into the clinic and most fabulous (so sorry I cannot remember her name) went the extra mile and got the lens I needed. From another location driven to me by an employee. She also researched my insurance policy and found coverage for a pair of glasses. Helped me pick out a frame. My anxiety was at a 10 plus. She was so calming and made me feel I was important. ❤️

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Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment 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

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(651) 426-2747