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Eye Disease Management in White Bear Lake

Advanced Vision Solutions for an Enhanced Quality of Life

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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.

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Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

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 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
Patient Reviews
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404 Reviews
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- 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 are excellent . They are skilled, work well with their clients and are highly recommended... . I would recommend them to everyone.
- 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. ❤️
- Dec. 17, 2023
Dr. Brad Schwantke is an amazing eye doctor. He’s kind and friendly and knowledgeable. He instantl... y put me at ease and answered all of my questions. He made going to the eye doctor very pleasant. I will definitely be back. As a nurse, I’ve met a lot of doctors, and he is in my top 10.
- Dec. 14, 2023
This place is the best! They genuinely care. They got me in immediately with my concerns of a floate... r and flashes of light in my right eye. The doctor was so kind and also extremely knowledgeable and very easy to talk to. Everyone there is so nice and also professional. I also got glasses there a few months ago and they're perfect! I highly recommend them!
- Dec. 14, 2023
Professional, knowledgeable courteous
- Dec. 08, 2023
Fast and informative customer service. Would highly recommend to anyone. Super friendly staff.
- Dec. 07, 2023
Always great personalized service and care from Dr. Schwanke.
- Nov. 26, 2023
Best eye place I have ever went to
- Oct. 30, 2023
Phenomenal team at every step! Well done!
- Oct. 26, 2023
Alice and Brad and the other staff were great. Seemed to care and were very professional but, also w... ere very down to earth friendly.
- Oct. 10, 2023
I had my first eye appointment in five years yesterday at Birch Lake Eye Clinic. I was looking for a... n eye clinic near White Bear Lake and picked this one because of the reviews plus I wanted to see a woman doctor. I really liked the clinic! All of the staff were friendly and helpful. Shae was the assistant through the initial tests - I really liked her and appreciated that she walked me through next steps as we went along. Dr. Deanna was really nice to me, talked through all of my symptoms/concerns, and never made me feel like she was rushing along to see the next patient. She was articulate and explained everything along the way. She seemed experienced and well educated. Everything I'm looking for when it comes to something as serious as my eyes! I walked out feeling relieved. Highly recommend.
- Oct. 08, 2023
The staff at BirchLake Eye Clinic are very friendly.
- Sep. 05, 2023
Great care was given to issues with my eyes along with a kind and attentive staff, I would highly re... commend Birch Lake Eye Clinic!

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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.


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Compassionate Care and Expertise You Can Trust

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