Eye Conditions – Cataracts, Glaucoma, and More – Minneapolis and Surrounding Areas
Northwest Eye is dedicated to helping patients enjoy optimal vision and overall eye health. We provide expert treatment for a wide range of eye conditions, including cataracts and glaucoma, for patients in Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minnetonka, Golden Valley, and surrounding Twin Cities communities. Our ophthalmologists' top-notch treatment using state-of-the-art technology attracts patients from throughout the state and the globe seeking some of the most advanced eye care available. If you are suffering from an eye condition, contact Northwest Eye today to obtain the expert and dedicated treatment you need and deserve.
Cataracts
Cataracts affect the eye's lens - a structure behind the iris that bends and flexes to focus light entering the eye through the cornea onto the retina. As one ages, the lens thickens and gradually becomes opaque. This opacity, called "cataracts", prevents light from passing through the lens and focusing onto the retina, which causes diminished vision, sensitivity to light and glare, nearsightedness, and visual distortions.
Cataract Treatment Options
Cataracts are not preventable, but they are treatable. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may not need treatment at all. However, if you decide to undergo treatment, your treatment options include:
- Cataract surgery - Cataract surgery involves removing the eye's natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens (an IOL).
- Eyeglasses - If you are experiencing minor visual distortions because of cataracts, eyeglasses may be all that is needed.
If you are considering your treatment options for cataracts, contact Northwest Eye, serving Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale and surrounding areas. We will help you choose the best treatment to meet your needs.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a chronic condition involving the failure of eye fluids to drain properly, causing a buildup of pressure in the eye, or intraocular pressure (IOP). A buildup of intraocular pressure may not cause symptoms, but it can damage the optic nerve, which carries images from the retina to the brain. Without treatment, glaucoma can eventually damage the nerve fibers, which can cause the development of blind spots.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
Glaucoma is not curable, but it is treatable with medications, usually drops or oral pills. The goal of treatment is to lower a patient's intraocular pressure, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma medications include those that:
- Increase the eye's drainage
- Reduce the amount of fluid the eye produces
If you have a family history of glaucoma, or are experiencing vision loss or other symptoms of glaucoma, contact Northwest Eye immediately to schedule a glaucoma exam. We serve patients throughout the Minneapolis area, including Minnetonka, Elk River, Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, and surrounding areas.
Other Eye Problems
Northwest Eye treats a wide range of eye problems, including:
Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the eye's cornea or lens is more curved than normal, causing blurred vision at all distances - near, far, and intermediate. Treatment options include glasses, contact lenses, LASIK, PRK, and toric IOLs (for patients who have had cataracts removed).
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the gradual deterioration of the macula - the inner part of the retina that plays a role in transmitting light images to the brain. Although it is not reversible, the disease is treatable with surgery.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retina caused by diabetes. It can eventually lead to blindness. Treatment options include managing the disease with laser photocoagulation, vitrectomy, and other treatments.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is an eye disorder in which the retina peels away from the underlying tissue. Without treatment, the entire retina can detach, eventually causing blindness. Retinal detachment requires emergency treatment, which usually entails surgery.
Corneal Diseases
There are numerous corneal diseases, including corneal degeneration, keratoconus, and keratoglobus and dystrophy, that can cause dramatic vision loss. Treatment options include corneal transplants.
Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune condition in which abnormalities in the thyroid gland cause the body to stimulate muscles that move the eye, causing bulging of the eyes. Treatment options include drops and surgery.
Strabismus and Amblyopic Strabismus ("Lazy Eye")
Strabismus and amblyopic strabismus occur when one eye is misaligned from the other when focusing, causing a crossed appearance. Treatment options include the use of patches, glasses, and eye exercises designed to strengthen the weaker eye and bring the eyes into alignment. Northwest Eye treats both adult and pediatric eye misalignment.
Floaters and Flashers
"Floaters and flashers" are occur because tiny clumps of cells collect in the jelly-like fluid that fills the eye, causing visual disturbances that look like small specks or clouds in the field of vision. Floaters and flashers may improve over time, but they should be checked to make sure no retinal damage has occurred.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye condition in which the cornea thins, causing a cone-like bulge to develop and significantly impairing the vision. Treatment options include contacts, corneal implants, and corneal transplants.
Ptosis
Ptosis, the drooping of the upper eyelid, is a cosmetic concern, and it may restrict or block normal vision. It is a hereditary problem that is usually first noticed in childhood. Treatment for ptosis usually involves surgically lifting the lid with blepharoplasty.
Contact Northwest Eye
If you are suffering from an eye problem, seek the exceptional treatment you deserve by contacting Northwest Eye. We treat numerous eye problems, including glaucoma and cataracts, for patients in Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minnetonka, Elk River, and surrounding communities.