Services
Founded in the 1920s, St. Cloud Eye Clinic was one of the first ophthalmology practices in the Midwest and we continue to attract patients from across the United States and internationally. Our doctors were the first to perform both modern cataract surgery and LASIK in central Minnesota.
As a comprehensive eye care practice, we offer vision services ranging from complete eye exams to the most advanced surgical procedures.
Astigmatism Correction
Astigmatism, unlike normal vision, occurs when the cornea is shaped like a football (more curved in one direction than the other) and often occurs in combination with myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). This causes light to focus in more than one point on the retina, resulting in blurry and distorted vision.
There are a number of options for patients when it comes to correcting astigmatism. An astigmatic keratotomy (AK) creates precise incisions on the cornea which allow the eye to relax into a more spherical shape. Limbal relaxing incisions, or LRIs, are similar to AK incisions, but are created in a different area of your eye. Another way to correct astigmatism is with a toric intraocular lens. This option is for patients with cataracts and astigmatism, and involves removing the eyes natural lens and replacing it with a toric lens.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes is a disease that affects blood vessels throughout the body, particularly vessels in the kidneys and eyes. When the blood vessels in the eyes are affected, this is called diabetic retinopathy.There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. Vision may not change until the disease becomes severe. An exam is often the only way to diagnose changes in the vessels of your eyes. This is why regular examinations for people with diabetes are extremely important.
Your eye doctor may perform a test called fluorescein angiography. During the test, a harmless red-orange dye called fluorescein will be injected into a vein in your arm. The dye will travel through your body to the blood vessels in your retina. Your doctor will use a special camera with a green filter to flash a blue light into your eye and take multiple photographs. The pictures will be analyzed to identify any damage to the lining of the retina or atypical new blood vessels.
Dry Eye
The most common treatment is use of artificial teardrops that help make up for the lack of natural lubricating tears. Artificial tear products come in liquid form, longer-lasting gel form, and long-lasting ointment form, which is most often recommended for nighttime use. Many different brands of artificial tears are available over-the-counter. Some contain preservatives and some do not. Unpreserved tears may be recommended for people whose eyes are sensitive to preservatives. Artificial tears can generally be used as often as needed, from a few times per day to every few minutes. You should follow the regimen your doctor recommends.
When infected, inflammation of the eyelids or clogged oil glands contribute to dry eye. Special lid cleaning techniques or antibiotics may be recommended. It may also help to avoid hot, dry, or windy environments or to humidify the air in your home or office.
Eyelid Surgery
Your eyelids serve a vital vision function: protecting and moisturizing your eyes. For some people, however, drooping or sagging eyelids can actually impair their vision rather than protect it. For others, drooping eyelids may make them look and feel years older than they are.
St. Cloud Eye Clinic is proud to offer modern blepharoplasty eyelid surgery for both kinds of patients: those who have impaired vision due to sagging eyelids, and those who desire to look and feel younger.
Keratoconus + iLink
St. Cloud Eye Clinic now proudly offers iLink™, the first FDA-approved corneal cross-linking treatment to slow or halt the progression of keratoconus and corneal ectasia.
Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure for progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery. The procedure combines the use of specially formulated prescription eye drops (Photrexa® and Photrexa® Viscous) with ultraviolet light to help stiffen and strengthen the cornea that has been weakened by disease.
Laser Procedures
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina is lifted or pulled from the wall of the eye. If not treated immediately, a retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of a retinal detachment should call the office immediately.
Retinal vein occlusion occurs when the veins in the retina become blocked, causing fluid leakage, which can lead to vision loss. If you experience sudden loss of your central vision or a blurry or missing area of vision, call our office at once.
The type of treatment depends on the cause of the blockage and the extent of damage. A laser can be used to reduce leakage and the growth of abnormal new blood vessels.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a disease of the macula, an area of the retina at the back of the eye that is responsible for fine detail vision. Vision loss usually occurs gradually and typically affects both eyes at different rates. Even with a loss of central vision, however, color vision and peripheral vision may remain clear.
The root causes of macular degeneration are still unknown. Women are at a slightly higher risk than men. Caucasians are more likely to develop macular degeneration than African Americans.
In the early stages of macular degeneration, regular eye check-ups, attention to diet, in-home monitoring of vision, and possibly nutritional supplements may be all that is recommended.
Optics
St. Cloud Opticians, conveniently located in the St. Cloud Eye Clinic, prides itself in offering the highest quality fashionable eyewear. We have one of the largest selections of magnetic clip-on frames in St. Cloud. We also offer many different styles of titanium frames which are both the lightest weight and the most durable material available.
When you get your glasses with us, be assured that you will get exactly what you need and nothing you don’t. Our goal is make sure you walk out satisfied and happy. We strive to make your visit to our office a pleasant one and look forward to you visiting us here at St. Cloud Opticians.
Refractive Lensectomy
Refractive lensectomy is a surgical procedure that uses the same successful techniques of modern cataract surgery. Refractive Lensectomy is for those who want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts, but may not be a good candidate for LASIK.
The decision to have refractive lensectomy is an important one that only you can make. The goal of refractive lensectomy is to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire.
After a thorough eye exam, you and your doctor will determine if refractive lensectomy is an option for you. If you are a good candidate, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.