Eye Specialists

Medical and Surgical Treatment for All Ages

doctor checking patients eyes

Great River Health System-Eye Specialists treats medical conditions of the eye and eye injuries. Our ophthalmologists use high-tech equipment found in larger eye clinics nationwide. Although we don’t make glasses or fit for contact lenses, we can give patients a prescription for glasses that they can take to a retail location of their choice.

Conditions treated

  • Amblyopia (lazy eye)
  • Cataracts
  • Chronic dry eye
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Corneal abrasions
  • Eyelid surgery
  • Foreign-body removal
  • Floaters
  • Glaucoma
    • Conventional surgery
    • Laser surgery
    • Medical management
  • Retina conditions – diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion
    • Injections
    • Laser surgery
    • Medical management

In-Office Laser Treatment

A single type of laser can't be used to treat multiple eye problems, so our clinic has three: Argon, YAG and SLT. They are used for treating:

  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Post-cataract vision problems
  • Specific types of glaucoma

We also perform some procedures at Great River Medical Center.

Make an appointment

You don’t need a referral to schedule an appointment with us. Our clinic accepts medical insurance only – no vision insurance. We will submit your claim for you.

Your first office visit will last between one and two hours. We will obtain your medical history, dilate your eyes and perform a complete eye examination, which may include additional testing.

Please bring these to every appointment:

  • Insurance cards
  • Photo ID
  • List of medicines you are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal remedies and any other supplements

Learn About Eye Conditions

Blepharoplasty

Our ophthalmologists can remove excess skin from droopy eyelids. Only medically necessary procedures are covered by most insurance companies.

Cataracts

A cataract clouds the eye’s lens. Among other symptoms, a cataract can:

  • Blur vision
  • Intensify glare
  • Make colors seem faded
  • Make it hard to see at night

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure performed at Great River Medical Center. If you already have had cataract surgery and the lens capsule has become cloudy, our physicians can treat the cloudy capsule with a laser to make it clear again.

Diabetic retinopathy

This occurs from a complication of diabetes that causes damage to the retina’s blood vessels. Treatment includes laser treatment or surgery. If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar and scheduling yearly eye examinations is the key to prevention.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma causes increased pressure in the eye leads to optic nerve damage. There are two types:

  • Open-angle (chronic) glaucoma is the most common type. Gradual loss of peripheral vision is a symptom. Treatment includes eye drops, laser therapy (iridotomy) or surgery.
  • Angle-closure (acute) glaucoma requires immediate treatment. Symptoms include a sudden, painful rise in pressure in the eye. Laser treatment is performed in the clinic.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a disease that destroys sharp, central vision. There are two types of macular degeneration:

  • Dry - The most common symptom is slightly blurred vision. Treatment can delay progression of the disease. It includes taking a specific high-dose formulation of antioxidants and zinc. Close monitoring of the disease is crucial.
  • Wet - Straight lines that appear wavy is an early symptom. Early treatment is important. Treatment includes eye injections which can be given in our office. Our physicians will discuss with you different types of medicines that are available for injection.

Retinal Vein Occlusion

This is a blockage of the small veins that carry blood away from the retina. The symptom is a sudden blurring or vision loss in part or all of one eye. Laser therapy or eye injections are given for treatment.