ADULT EYE CARE
Athens Eye Associates provides routine eye exams for adults. Whether you are middle-aged and beginning to struggle with near vision, have dry eyes or blepharitis, or need an evaluation to rule out glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration, we have the expertise and compassionate care to help. All routine exams consist of a refraction for glasses and a dilated eye exam to evaluate comprehensively the front and back of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve. Additional testing may be performed based on the exam findings and other risk factors for future eye disease. We perform high-definition retina and optic nerve OCT’s, ocular electrophysiologic studies, automated visual fields, corneal topography, and more in our office.
Cataracts
Cataracts, the leading cause of blindness, are the clouding of the eye lens. It often occurs in older patients. The first symptoms are nighttime glare, halos, dulled colors, and cloudy vision. While the most important factor in cataract formation is age—smoking, diabetes and excessive sunlight are also causes. From age 60 onward, a comprehensive dilated eye exam is recommended every two years.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eyes affect millions—no need to suffer. The first goal is to identify the type. It is falls into two categories: aqueous deficient (not enough tears) or evaporative (tears dry up quickly). Blepharitis involves the inflammation of the eyelids.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma painlessly robs people of peripheral vision. Often associated with increased eye pressure, about one-third of glaucoma patients have normal pressure. Routine screenings here can minimize this progressive condition. Early detection and careful management often prevents vision loss.
Diabetic Eye Care
In the US, diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness in patients aged 25-74. It increases your risk of glaucoma and cataracts. Our doctors work together with your primary care physician to manage the effect diabetes has on you.
Macular Degeneration
Age-Related Macular Degeneration, or ARMD, is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in adults over the age of 60. A progressive disease that attacks the central portion of the retina, macular degeneration rarely causes complete blindness, but can severely impair or inhibit many day to day functions such as driving, reading, or watching television.
Eyelid Surgery
Aging eyelids may turn in, turn out, or droop and if they are affecting your vision, we can make a difference. Blepharoplasty is the procedure most commonly used to treat drooping eyelids and may be covered by insurance if your vision is impaired.
Low Vision Rehabilitation
Low vision is a decreased level of visual functioning that cannot be cured by corrective lenses, medicine, or surgery. It impacts daily activities, independence, and quality of life. Low vision rehabilitation is a multi-disciplinary approach to use remaining vision to the fullest.
MEET OUR STAFF
Established in 1970, our years of practice have helped us fine tune our services to offer you the very best in expertise and efficiency. Our goal is to provide a comfortable environment in a boutique style setting to help you feel at ease during your visit with us. Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us. We treat each patient as we would treat our own family. Please visit our optical shop during your visit to browse the extensive selection of eyeglasses and contact lenses we carry. We want to help you see and look your best by choosing the best eyewear for you from the many brands and styles that we have to offer.
New Patients
Working with you to achieve your best possible vision would be our pleasure. For your first visit, please arrive 15 minutes early to complete registration. Bring your current glasses or contacts, a list of medications, all insurance info, sunglasses, and someone to drive you home if you have trouble driving with dilated eyes.
Annual exams will take approximately 2 hours. Follow-up visits usually only require 30-60 minutes.