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Cataracts

Twenty million Americans over the age of 40 are affected by cataracts – a condition which causes the lens of your eye to become cloudy and vision to become blurred. For more than 55 years, the surgeons at Northwest Eye have been helping patients improve vision through cataract surgery. 

More cataract surgery is done at our dedicated eye surgery centers than any others in Minnesota. You can rest assured our doctors take time to educate you about the full range of cataract lens options which will help you see your best. We ensure you receive the care you deserve in a comfortable and convenient setting. Call today to schedule a consultation.

Cataracts in Minnesota

Types of Cataracts

  • Nuclear cataracts occur in the center of the lens

  • Cortical cataracts occur as wedge-shaped spokes extending from the outside of the lens to the center

  • Subcapsular cataracts occur at the back of the lens

Symptoms of Cataracts

  • Blurred or dimmed vision (particularly at night)

  • Cloudy vision

  • Sensitivity to light and glare

  • Visual distortions or “ghost images”

  • Increased nearsightedness

  • Difficulty reading or driving

Causes of Cataracts

  • Age-related cataracts are the most common, resulting from a natural build-up of proteins in the lens.

  • Congenital cataracts may be present at birth or developed during childhood.

  • Secondary cataracts develop when other health or ophthalmologic conditions (such as diabetes) are present.

  • Traumatic cataracts can develop after an eye injury.

Am I a candidate for Cataract Surgery?

Take the Cataract Self-Test

Cataract Self-Test

What are my Treatment Options?

Cataract treatment depends on the type and severity of the cataract. If your vision is slightly blurry, cataract treatment might not be necessary. When cataracts impair your vision, however, surgery is the only treatment option. Should you need surgery, rest assured they will help you fully understand the process and procedure for correcting your cataracts. Be Eye Wise and see what you can expect with cataract surgery before, during and after the procedure.

Cataract surgery is an exciting, life-changing choice. But like contacts or glasses, no single solution addresses every eyesight issue. As an elective procedure in conjunction with your cataract surgery, Northwest Eye offers Advanced Refractive Cataract Packages, all designed to address specific vision outcomes. *See packages below

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Choosing an Enhanced Outcome

You will be using your new eyesight every waking moment for the rest of your life. Our cataract surgeons will personally meet with you to discuss what lens would work best for your lifestyle.

Please take as much time as needed to consult with us, as well as your family. Our surgeons, technicians, and surgical liaisons are available to help you make the best decision.

Selecting the right type of lens implant for your eye is very important for your visual outcome. We’ve pioneered a system of extra measurements to improve accuracy and provide the best chance of good vision without glasses. These special eye measurements will provide the data necessary for your surgeon to determine the implant power. Depending on eye history and current medical condition, we will have a unique lens recommendation.

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Single Distance Astigmatism Package (Near or Far)

Patients with an astigmatism may need to opt for an enhanced lens and/or astigmatism correcting technology, to appropriately treat their vision. Our single distance astigmatism package corrects nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). This package includes: 

  • Advanced diagnostic technology & testing

  • Extended pre-operative measurements, calculations, planning, and care

  • LENSAR™ Laser Surgical System

  • Post-operative laser enhancements (if necessary)

  • Extended aftercare for up to 180 days after surgery

 

Blended Vision Astigmatism Package (Reading + Distance)

With a blended vision package, patients with astigmatism are able to obtain near and far vision by having one eye corrected for near vision and one corrected for distance vision.  This allows for less dependence on glasses for both ranges. 

  • Advanced diagnostic technology & testing

  • Extended pre-operative measurements, calculations, additional monovision (blended vision) testing, planning and care

  • LENSAR™ Laser Surgical System

  • Toric lens technology (if necessary for astigmatism)

  • Post-operative laser enhancements (if necessary)

  • Extended aftercare for up to 180 days after surgery

 

Presbyopia Package (Near, Intermediate and Far)

In our presbyopia package, we use a specialty lens (accommodating, multifocal, or extended depth of focus) to offer patients less dependence on glasses at a variety of focal ranges (near, far, and intermediate).

  • Advanced diagnostic technology & testing

  • Extended pre-operative measurements, calculations, additional monovision (blended vision) testing, planning and care

  • LENSAR™ Laser Surgical System

  • Multifocal, Accommodating, or Extended Depth of Focus lens technology

  • PanOptix or Vivity IOL technology – the newest lens technology that offers a full range of quality vision and corrects astigmatism

  • Post-operative laser enhancements (if necessary)

  • Extended aftercare for up to 180 days after surgery

 

 

Light Adjustable Lens Package

With a light adjustable lens, patients have the option of choosing to correct their vision at a variety of distances.  These lenses can correct for nearsightedness (myopia),  farsightedness (hyperopia), or both, by optimizing one eye for each. This highly customizable lens allows for patients to trial their preferred focal point correction before locking it in.

The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is the first lens that offers fine tuning, or adjustments, to the prescription after surgery. Following cataract surgery with this lens, our team can optimize the best prescription for you, for both distance and near vision. Generally, patients need between 2 and 5 adjustments before locking in their best vision. UV protective goggles are necessary to wear during all waking hours for up to 6 weeks until we can get the prescription locked in.

This package includes:

  • Advanced diagnostic testing
  • Astigmatism correction
  • LENSAR™ Laser Surgical System
  • Specialty Light Adjustable Lens
  • Light adjustment sessions
  • Post-operative laser enhancements (if necessary)
  • Extended aftercare for up to 180 days after surgery

 

What Should I Expect From Cataract Surgery?

Cataract Surgery is an out-patient procedure, where the surgeon replaces the cloudy natural lens with a clear intraocular lens (IOL).  After your surgery, you’ll be able to return to most everyday activities. Your eye needs time to heal and adjust to focus properly, so it’s possible that your vision may be blurry for a short time after your procedure. Your eye surgeon will provide you with specific care instructions.

After your IOL is implanted, colors may seem brighter. The new IOL will be clear, unlike your natural lens that may have had a yellowish tint. Many patients find the improved colors to be the best outcome of the surgery.

Contact us if you are experiencing the symptoms of cataracts. Be Eye Wise and see the difference between traditional cataract surgery and our advanced refractive laser vision procedures. A Northwest Eye board-certified ophthalmologist will meet patients from the surrounding Minnesota areas, properly diagnose the type of cataract they have and discuss their options. Like any surgery, cataract surgery has risks and varying results. Your eye surgeon will explain and discuss these with you and answer any questions you have before your procedure.

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Financing

Learn more about financing options to pay for eye exams, vision tests, products and treatments for a variety of eye diseases, including cataracts.

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Cataracts Doctors

locations

Serving Our Community

With six locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area, Northwest Eye is among the largest eye care providers in the Midwest. Be Eye Wise and schedule a general eye exam or a specific service consultation today. We have optical  at the following offices:  Golden Valley, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, St. Anthony, and Wayzata, MN.

8501 Golden Valley Rd.,
Suite 100 & 200
Golden Valley, MN 55427
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12501 Whitewater Drive, Suite 110
Minnetonka, MN 55343
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12000 Elm Creek Blvd N., Suite 100
Maple Grove, MN 55369
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2601 39th Ave NE., Suite 1
St. Anthony, MN 55421
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250 Central Ave N., Suites 105 & 107, Optical Suite 106
Wayzata, MN 55391
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7125 Tamarack Rd, Suite 150,
Woodbury, MN 55125
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11091 Ulysses St NE., Suite 400
Blaine, MN 55434
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9801 Dupont Ave S., Suite 100
Bloomington, MN 55431
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10709 Wayzata Blvd., Suites 100 & 120
Minnetonka, MN 55305
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