Cataract Treatment

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s lens. Caused by the clumping of protein in the lens, cataracts cause blurry vision and may continue to grow until treated or removed. Common treatment methods include stronger eyeglass prescriptions or the surgical removal of the cataract with intraocular lens implantation.

Usually performed on an outpatient basis, the cataract surgery we provide is virtually painless. This state-of-the-art procedure requires only a very small incision and generally does not require stitches. Most patients are able to resume their normal daily activities the day after surgery.

Technologically advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs), including the ReSTOR® Lens and Crystalens®, are now available that provide patients with a full range of quality vision (near, intermediate, and distance). These new IOLs are particularly well-suited for patients who wish to reduce their dependency on reading glasses and bifocals in addition to maintaining good distance vision once their cataract is removed.

For more information about cataract treatment or to schedule an examination, please contact the specialists at North Georgia Eye Clinic today.

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Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma is a degenerative eye disease caused by damage to or excessive pressure on the optic nerve. Although nearly three million Americans suffer from this disease, only half of them are aware of their condition. This year alone, 5,000 people will go blind from glaucoma. Treatable when caught early, glaucoma has no warning signs and affects peripheral vision first—meaning you could have perfect 20/20 vision but still have glaucoma. Risk factors include age over 60, having a relative with glaucoma, being of African descent AND over the age of 40, and having diabetes. Early and regular testing is crucial to protect your vision.

Depending on the stage of the glaucoma, the specialists at North Georgia Eye Clinic can provide non-surgical as well as surgical treatment options:

Medical

Medical treatment of glaucoma is an excellent option for patients who are in the early stages of the disease. Eye drops are often given to lower the intraocular pressure. Lowering the pressure in the eye may help slow damage to the optic nerve.

Laser

Laser surgery may be an option to open the eye’s drainage system, especially if the intraocular pressure is not adequately reduced by medical treatment or if medical compliance is a problem.

Surgical

For patients with inadequately controlled intraocular pressures with eye drops or laser treatment, traditional surgery may be recommended. The most common type is filtering surgery, also known as a trabeculectomy. During this procedure, a small flap is created in the sclera (white of the eye), allowing for fluid drainage. To keep the flap from healing and closing, anti-scarring medicine may be administered.

For more information about glaucoma treatment or to schedule an examination, please contact the specialists at North Georgia Eye Clinic today.

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Blepharoplasty

Cosmetic or reconstructive eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, can improve vision impaired by sagging lids. The blepharoplasty procedure begins with an incision made along the eyelid. Excess fat, muscle, and skin are then trimmed away from the eyelid. This outpatient procedure, which typically takes less than an hour, is performed under local anesthesia.

For more information about blepharoplasty or to schedule an examination, please contact the specialists at North Georgia Eye Clinic today.

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Diabetic Eye Care

Patients with diabetes are at great risk for developing serious eye afflictions. By adversely affecting the blood vessels, diabetes can cause fluid or blood to leak into the eye, a problem known as diabetic retinopathy. When left untreated, these problems can lead to irreversible damage within the eye. In fact, the longer a person has diabetes, the greater the likelihood of developing diabetic retinopathy. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, diabetics are 25 times more likely to lose vision than those who are not diabetic.

An early form of diabetic retinopathy is called nonproliferative or background retinopathy. In a later stage called proliferative retinopathy, new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. These abnormal vessels can cause serious visual problems, including bleeding and retinal detachment.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 95 percent of those with significant diabetic retinopathy can avoid substantial vision loss if they are treated in time. An annual dilated eye exam is crucial for early detection, as patients may have significant retinal damage from diabetic retinopathy without noticing any symptoms.

When necessary, diabetic retinopathy can often be treated with laser photocoagulation to seal leakage from blood vessels or stop the growth of new vessels.

For more information about diabetic retinopathy, please contact the specialists at North Georgia Eye Clinic today.

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Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration – also called age-related macular degeneration – is an eye disease that gradually destroys central vision. It is caused by breakdown of the macula (the small but crucial central part of the retina). Symptoms include blurred vision, seeing straight lines as wavy, and difficulty seeing details (whether close-up or far away). Macular degeneration may lead to blindness if left untreated. The best way to prevent further deterioration is early diagnosis and treatment.

If you believe you may be suffering from macular degeneration, please contact the specialists at North Georgia Eye Clinic today.

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Low Vision Care

Joe Reed Opticians and North Georgia Eye Clinic are proud to offer low vision care for those patients who are visually impaired due to macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye diseases. Our fully trained staff can meet with you and find magnification solutions that are right for your eye condition in order to maximize your remaining vision.

We carry one of the most comprehensive inventories of high quality low vision aids from Eschenbach Optik, the leader in low vision. From hand-held and stand magnifiers to video magnifiers, we are sure to have just the low vision aid that will help you to maintain your independence and improve your quality of life.

For more information about low vision care, please contact the specialists at North Georgia Eye Clinic today.

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Comprehensive Eye Care

Your family’s ongoing visual health is important to our team at North Georgia Eye Clinic, which is why we offer comprehensive care – including regular exams, prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and ophthalmologic treatments. Our practice boasts one of the largest ophthalmic dispensaries in Northern Georgia. Whether you are seeking stylish frames, bifocals, or prescription sunglasses, you will find what you need at our center.

Our team consists of physicians who sub-specialize in eye care for the whole family. Our ophthalmologists specialize in pediatrics, adult eye care, and surgical vision correction procedures.

For more information about the comprehensive care we provide, or to schedule an examination, please contact the specialists at North Georgia Eye Clinic today.

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