Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery can help you see better longer. Cataract is a normal aging change, just like gray hair. Everyone gets cataracts, if they live long enough. Just like gray hair, some folks get cataracts sooner than others. Cataract is the natural clouding of the lens inside the eye. Cataract surgery involves making a small incision in the eye, removing the cloudy lens, and replacing it with a clear lens made of plastic. This is done as an outpatient; we generally don’t put patients to sleep. We use eye drops, rather than an injection, to numb the eye. The surgery is short, usually taking under half an hour. During the surgery, you will be lying on your back, looking up into a bright light. You will be awake; you and your surgeon will be talking back and forth. We listen to you. If anything bothers you, you are free to speak up and tell us. Our goal is to work with you, as a member of the team, to create a pleasant surgical experience and a great surgical result.

New Cataract Treatment

Relf EyeCare is the first eye clinic in the area to offer Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) And The Light Delivery Device (LDD) Treatment! This exciting new treatment for cataracts allows eye doctors to adjust the prescription of the lens in a patient’s eye after surgery. Adjustments take as little as 90 seconds and patients that receive the Light Adjustable Lens are twice as likely to achieve 20/20 vision at 6 months without glasses. Want to learn more? Schedule your appointment by calling 218-720-3553.

Cataract Surgery FAQ’s

Where do I go for my eye surgery?

The surgeons at Relf EyeCare Specialists operate at both St. Luke’s and Miller Dwan (Essentia) Hospitals, as well as Lakewalk Surgery Center. Please let us know if you have a preference.

How long will I be there?

If your surgery is at a hospital, you should set aside 3 to 4 hours for your surgery. If your surgery is at Lakewalk Surgery Center, you should plan on 2 to 3 hours.

How do I schedule a cataract evaluation?

Call our office, and our staff will see that you are scheduled with the surgeon of your choice. If you have recently been examined by an eye doctor outside of Relf EyeCare, you will be asked to forward a copy of you recent exam to our office prior to your visit. You may also hand carry a copy of your exam. If you have not had a recent eye exam, you may be scheduled for a preliminary exam prior to meeting your eye surgeon.

Where can I get more information about cataracts?

Follow this link to the American Academy of Ophthalmology information on cataracts. (ASCRS, Mayo)

What if I have glaucoma and cataracts?

Patients who have glaucoma and cataracts might benefit from a new medical device that can lower intraocular pressure. This device, the iStent, is implanted during cataract surgery. It may reduce the need for glaucoma eye drops.
Click here to learn more about iStent.