Ophthalmologists specialize in nuanced medical and surgical care of the eye, and establishing care with one is especially important if you have systemic conditions that can affect eye health—diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or sleep apnea—or if you take medications with potential eye toxicity. Marietta ophthalmologist Dr. Jordan Stanley is here to evaluate, monitor, and support your eye health with state-of-the-art diagnostic tests and treatments performed in a friendly environment where we take our time to get to know you.
Dr. Stanley is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist. As the founder of PureSight Surgical in Marietta, GA, Dr. Stanley is committed to offering excellence in care for cataract surgery, ICL refractive surgery, glaucoma management, and medical eye exams with transparent fee-for-service pricing available for those without insurance. He is also in network with Medicare and many private insurance plans including Blue Cross and United.
What is a medical eye exam, and why is it important?
In a medical eye exam, an ophthalmologist like Dr. Stanley screens for silent conditions that could affect eye health down the line and offer treatment options if needed. This type of exam is important for patients who are at risk of eye disease because of a condition or medication—conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or sleep apnea, as well as medications with potential eye toxicity such as hydroxychloroquine for lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Eye diseases and conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy often progress silently, without noticeable symptoms in their initial stages. Early identification through comprehensive eye exams allows for timely and effective treatment with the hope of preventing or decelerating vision loss.
Choosing a Doctor: Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist
An ophthalmologist, like Dr. Stanley, is an MD (medical doctor) specializing in eye and vision care. This includes completing medical school, a residency in ophthalmology, and sometimes additional fellowship training—Dr. Stanley, for example, completed fellowship training in glaucoma. Given their medical training and knowledge, ophthalmologists are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat eye conditions related to your other medical conditions, as well as manage diseases requiring medications, lasers, or surgeries.
Optometrists are highly skilled professionals who focus on vision care, such as prescribing glasses and contact lenses, as well as diagnosing and managing eye diseases. They can also prescribe eye drops for the medical treatment of many conditions. If complex medical management, advanced diagnostics, or procedures like laser treatments or surgery are needed, they may refer you to an ophthalmologist.
Both fields work collaboratively to provide comprehensive eye care. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will guide you on who is best equipped to address your unique needs, ensuring you receive the highest quality care tailored to your specific condition.
At PureSight Surgical, we provide transparent pricing and personalized care to save you both time and money. For patients who are un- or under-insured, this empowers you to understand what your care costs and avoid unexpected fees and charges.
Do I need a medical eye exam?
While everyone can benefit from annual eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist, you may require more frequent monitoring if you have certain health issues or take certain medications:
If you have diabetes
Individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk for diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, necessitating regular eye exams for early detection and management to prevent vision loss.
If you have cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease can lead to eye health complications, including changes in the retina’s blood vessels that can impact your vision, sometimes gradually and other times suddenly. Conditions such as hypertension and atherosclerosis can affect ocular health, making regular eye exams crucial for those with cardiovascular issues. If you ever experience sudden vision loss, seeking emergent medical care at your local emergency department is critical for protecting your vision and overall health.
If you have sleep apnea
Sleep apnea, also known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is associated with a range of eye conditions, such as glaucoma, floppy eyelid syndrome, and optic neuropathy. The fluctuating oxygen levels and blood flow disruptions caused by sleep apnea can adversely affect the eyes.
If you take medications with potential eye toxicity
Certain medications, including hydroxychloroquine (commonly prescribed for lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), carry risks of eye toxicity, especially retinopathy. Regular monitoring through eye exams is vital for individuals on these medications to detect any signs of ocular side effects early and adjust treatment as necessary to prevent permanent damage.
Are medical eye exams covered by insurance?
Ask your insurance provider if medical eye exams are covered. We are in-network with Medicare and many private insurance plans including Blue Cross and United.
If your insurance does not cover the exams, we offer the best self-pay prices in our area, and we are happy to see you! To make care more accessible and straightforward, we offer upfront, transparent pricing so you will be able to plan ahead for your visit and avoid surprise bills and fees.
What to Expect from a Medical Eye Exam
A medical eye exam is an in-depth evaluation designed to assess overall eye health, which may include:
- Discussion of medical and vision history: This initial conversation helps Dr. Stanley understand any specific concerns, symptoms, or relevant medical history that could affect your vision and eye health.
- Vision acuity test: This fundamental test assesses the sharpness of vision, determining how you can see at different distances.
- Eye function tests: These assessments check the movement and coordination of your eyes. Proper alignment and binocular vision are essential for depth perception and comfortable vision.
- Eye pressure test: An eye pressure test measures the intraocular pressure within the eye—a key test for glaucoma detection. High pressure can indicate a risk for glaucoma, a serious condition that can lead to vision loss if untreated.
- Diagnostic testing: This may include specialized photos of the retina or optic nerve. This may also include peripheral vision testing.
- Slit lamp examination: This examination focuses on the anterior structures of the eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens. It’s vital for identifying conditions such as cataracts, corneal ulcers, and other abnormalities that may impair vision.
- Retinal examination: By examining the back of the eye, this test reveals conditions like retinal detachment and signs of systemic diseases such as diabetes, or macular degeneration. It typically involves dilating the pupils to provide a comprehensive view of the retina and surrounding structures.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Screen for silent conditions
- Begin treatments proactively
- Prevent or slow vision loss
Acuity: The sharpness or clarity of vision, often measured during an eye exam using an eye chart.
American Academy of Ophthalmology: A professional organization that provides guidelines and resources for eye care, including the importance of routine eye exams and medical eye exams.
Amblyopia: Also known as “lazy eye,” a condition where the vision in one eye does not develop properly, often detected during comprehensive eye exams.
Blood Vessels: Small structures in the eye that can be affected by systemic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, evaluated during retinal examinations.
Cardiovascular Disease Eye Exams: Specialized eye exams for systemic conditions that check for eye-related complications caused by cardiovascular disease, including effects on the optic nerve.
Comprehensive Eye Exam: A detailed assessment of eye health and vision, including tests like slit-lamp exams, ophthalmoscopy, and visual acuity tests.
Corrective Lenses: Prescription glasses or contact lenses used to correct refraction errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and farsightedness.
Diabetes Eye Exams: Exams tailored for individuals with diabetes to screen for diabetic retinopathy, a condition where high blood sugar damages the retina.
Diabetic Retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to vision loss if untreated.
Diagnostics: Tests and procedures used during eye exams to identify eye diseases, detect complications from systemic conditions, and evaluate overall eye health. Examples include visual acuity tests, slit-lamp exams, retinal examinations, and corneal topography.
Dry Eye: A condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, causing discomfort and sometimes vision problems.
Eye Chart: A tool used during eye exams to measure visual acuity, helping diagnose refraction errors like myopia or hyperopia.
Eye Drops: Medications prescribed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist to treat conditions such as glaucoma, dry eye, or infections.
Eye Exam: An evaluation of vision and eye health that may include tests for glaucoma, refraction errors, and eye diseases.
Eye Health Screening: A preventative measure to check for silent conditions that may not show symptoms initially.
Eye Problems: Issues affecting vision or the health of the eyes, including conditions like strabismus, amblyopia, and glaucoma.
Eye-Related Side Effects: Adverse effects on the eyes caused by certain medications, such as hydroxychloroquine, monitored through medication eye toxicity screenings.
Glaucoma: A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure; a leading cause of vision loss.
Macular Degeneration: A progressive eye disease affecting the central part of the retina, leading to vision changes and often diagnosed during a medical eye exam.
Medical Eye Exam: A comprehensive evaluation to screen for and manage conditions linked to overall health, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea.
Medication Eye Toxicity Screening: Tests performed to detect adverse effects on the eyes caused by medications like hydroxychloroquine or other drugs with potential eye-related side effects.
Ophthalmologist: A medical doctor specializing in ophthalmology, who performs ophthalmology services like eye exams, diagnoses eye diseases, and provides treatments, including surgery.
Optic Nerve: A crucial structure connecting the eyes to the brain, often evaluated during exams.
Pressure: Refers to intraocular pressure, a key measurement during glaucoma screening and part of regular eye exams.
Refraction Errors: Vision issues caused by the shape of the eye, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, correctable with lenses.
Retinal Examination: An assessment of the retina, essential for diagnosing conditions like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Side Effects: Unintended effects on the eyes or vision from medications or conditions, monitored through regular eye exams.
Silent Conditions: Diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration that progress without noticeable symptoms, detectable through medical eye exams.
Sleep Apnea Eye Exams: Specialized eye exams for individuals with sleep apnea, a condition linked to eye diseases like glaucoma.
Slit-Lamp Exam: A diagnostic test used to examine the eye’s anterior structures, often part of a comprehensive eye exam.
Systemic Conditions: Health conditions that affect the entire body, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea, which can have significant impacts on eye health. Eye exams for systemic conditions help detect early eye-related complications.
Vision Loss: A decline in the ability to see, often due to conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or untreated diabetic retinopathy.
Frequency of Medical Eye Exams
The frequency of medical eye exams should be tailored to your individual needs, taking into account your age, health status, and risk factors. For high-risk individuals, such as those with diabetes, a family history of eye disease, or other health conditions that could impact the eyes, it is recommended to have an eye exam every 3-12 months. Dr. Stanley may adjust the frequency he recommends on a case-by-case basis.
How should I prepare for my exam?
Please bring a list of your current medications, including eye drops, vitamins, supplements, and medical conditions. If you wear glasses, bring them to assess for prescription updates. For contact lens users, bring the box (or a photo) and wear glasses to the appointment if possible, as contacts will need to be removed for the exam. It’s also helpful to know your family’s eye health history, especially any instances of glaucoma, vision loss, or blindness.
References
Lin KY, Hsih WH, Lin YB, Wen CY, Chang TJ. Update in the epidemiology, risk factors, screening, and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. J Diabetes Investig. 2021 Aug;12(8):1322-1325. doi: 10.1111/jdi.13480.
Chong DD, Das N, Singh RP. Diabetic retinopathy: Screening, prevention, and treatment. Cleve Clin J Med. 2024 Aug 1;91(8):503-510. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.91a.24028.
García-Sánchez A, Villalaín I, Asencio M, García J, García-Rio F. Sleep apnea and eye diseases: evidence of association and potential pathogenic mechanisms. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022 Jan 1;18(1):265-278. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.9552.
Taylor S, Lightman S. The eye in cardiac and cardiovascular disease. Hosp Med. 2003 May;64(5):299-301. doi: 10.12968/hosp.2003.64.5.1764.
Why Choose Dr. Stanley at PureSight Surgical: Transparent Pricing, Local Business, Expert in Ophthalmology Care, & Transparent Self-Pay Pricing
Choosing Dr. Stanley at PureSight Surgical allows you to work with a local business where who you are matters. Dr. Stanley schedules ample time with each patient to ensure you have time to get your questions answered—there is no rushing from appointment to appointment. As a local business, PureSight Surgical is deeply embedded in the community, and we are committed to offering the level of personalized care that we would provide for our own family members.
If you are uninsured or under-insured, we offer fully transparent pricing listed on our website. This means no hidden fees or surprises, allowing you to understand the full cost of your care upfront. We also are in-network with Medicare and private insurance carriers, including BlueCross and United.
To get started, call (770) 230-2020 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Stanley!
Areas Served:
- Marietta
- Kennesaw
- Acworth
- Dallas
- Woodstock
- Smyrna
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jordan Stanley — Updated on Jan 7, 2025