Cataracts occur when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy, which can cause blurred vision and difficulty seeing in bright light or at night. Cataract surgery removes the clouded lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens, also known as IOL.

Conditions that damage or affect the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, can interfere with vision and sometimes cause pain. Depending on the condition, treatment may include specialized procedures or corneal transplant surgery.

Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the retina and lead to swelling in the macula, affecting vision. Depending on the condition, treatment may include intravitreal injections, laser treatment or retinal surgery.

Conditions affecting the eyelids and tear drainage system can interfere with vision or eye function. Oculoplastic procedures may be used to treat eyelid conditions and problems involving tear drainage.

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. Treatment focuses on lowering pressure inside the eye and may include medications, laser treatment or surgery, depending on the type and severity of glaucoma.

Tear duct disorders can cause excessive tearing, recurrent infections and eye irritation. Specialized procedures and tear duct surgery may help restore normal tear drainage.

Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula, the central portion of the retina responsible for central vision. Depending on the condition, treatment may include specialized retinal therapies such as intravitreal injections.

A pterygium or pinguecula is a growth on the surface of the eye. When treatment is needed, ophthalmologists can evaluate the condition and recommend appropriate procedural or surgical care.

Drooping upper eyelids or excess upper-eyelid skin can interfere with vision. Surgical treatment can help improve visual function by lifting the eyelid or removing excess skin.

Retinal tears can allow fluid to collect beneath the retina and lead to retinal detachment. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency that can cause permanent vision loss without prompt treatment. Treatment may include laser procedures or retina surgery

Cataract surgery removes the eye's cloudy natural lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens, also known as IOL, to improve vision. Lens options may include monofocal, toric, multifocal and extended depth of focus lenses, depending on your eye health and vision needs. Cataract surgery may be recommended when changes in vision begin to interfere with everyday activities or make it more difficult to evaluate or treat other conditions affecting the eye.

Some cataracts require a more specialized surgical approach because of the cataract itself or other conditions affecting the eye. Our ophthalmologists evaluate the cataract and overall health of the eye to develop an individualized surgical plan, including selection of an intraocular lens based on your eye health and vision needs.

A corneal transplant, also called keratoplasty, replaces damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy tissue from a donor. Corneal transplantation may help restore vision and relieve symptoms caused by certain corneal diseases or injuries. Depending on the condition, treatment may involve replacing all or only certain layers of the cornea.

EDTA chelation is a procedure used to remove certain calcium deposits from the surface of the cornea. Removing these deposits can help address symptoms and corneal surface problems associated with calcium buildup. Your ophthalmologist can determine whether EDTA chelation is appropriate based on the condition of your cornea.

Intravitreal injections deliver medication directly into the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside the eye, to treat certain retinal conditions. These medications may be used to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth, fluid leakage or inflammation associated with conditions such as wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) includes procedures designed to help lower pressure inside the eye using less invasive surgical approaches. iStent is one type of MIGS procedure used to improve the eye's natural drainage of fluid and reduce intraocular pressure in certain people with glaucoma. The appropriate treatment depends on the type and severity of glaucoma and your individual eye health.

A pterygium is a growth of tissue on the surface of the eye that may extend onto the cornea. When a pterygium causes persistent symptoms, affects vision or continues to grow, surgical treatment may be considered. An ophthalmologist can evaluate the growth and determine whether treatment is needed.

Ptosis occurs when the upper eyelid droops because the structures that raise the eyelid aren't functioning normally. Ptosis repair adjusts the eyelid to improve its position and may improve vision when the eyelid obstructs the visual field. Ptosis repair and upper-eyelid blepharoplasty are different procedures but may be performed together when both eyelid position and excess skin need to be addressed.

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from its normal position at the back of the eye and can lead to permanent vision loss without prompt treatment. Depending on the type and extent of the detachment, surgery is used to repair the retina and help preserve vision.

Retinal laser treatment may be used to treat certain conditions affecting the retina, including some retinal tears and changes caused by retinal disease. Laser energy is applied to specific areas of the retina based on the condition being treated. Your ophthalmologist will determine whether laser treatment, surgery or another retinal therapy is appropriate.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser treatment used to lower pressure inside the eye in certain types of glaucoma. The laser targets the eye's drainage tissue to help fluid drain more effectively. SLT may be used as part of an individualized glaucoma treatment plan.

Tear duct disorders can interfere with normal tear drainage and may cause excessive tearing, irritation or recurrent infections. Depending on the location and cause of the blockage or drainage problem, procedural or surgical treatment may be used to improve tear drainage and relieve symptom

Trabeculectomy is a glaucoma surgery that creates a new pathway for fluid to drain from the eye, helping lower intraocular pressure. Glaucoma surgery may be recommended when additional pressure reduction is needed to help slow or prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

Upper-eyelid blepharoplasty removes excess skin and, when needed, other tissue from the upper eyelid. Excess upper-eyelid skin, known as dermatochalasis, can obstruct peripheral vision and make everyday visual activities more difficult. Blepharoplasty can reduce these vision problems by removing excess tissue.

Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat conditions involving the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the eye, and the retina at the back of the eye. During surgery, some or all of the vitreous is removed so the ophthalmologist can access and treat the retina. Vitrectomy may be used as part of treatment for several retinal and vitreous conditions.

After cataract surgery, the capsule behind the artificial lens can sometimes become cloudy, causing blurred or hazy vision. YAG laser capsulotomy uses a laser to create an opening in the cloudy capsule so light can pass through more clearly and improve vision.

YAG laser peripheral iridotomy is used to treat or help prevent certain types of angle-closure glaucoma. The laser creates a small opening in the iris that allows fluid to flow more freely within the eye, helping relieve or prevent increased eye pressure.

A referral is not required to request an appointment for eye care at Mayo Clinic Health System. Check with your insurance provider before scheduling, as your health plan may have its own referral or authorization requirements.

Eye surgery consultations are available at select Mayo Clinic Health System locations. In Minnesota, patients can be seen for surgical consultations in Austin, Albert Lea and Red Wing. Your care team can help determine the appropriate location based on your condition and treatment needs.

Eye surgery includes procedures performed by ophthalmologists to diagnose, treat and manage conditions affecting vision and eye health. Common procedures include cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, retina surgery, corneal transplantation and laser eye procedures.

Your consultation and surgery may take place at different Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Your care team will discuss where your procedure is performed and coordinate next steps based on the type of eye surgery you need.

Your ophthalmologist will evaluate your eye health, vision and specific condition to determine whether a surgical or procedural treatment is appropriate. Your evaluation may include specialized eye measurements, imaging or other testing depending on your condition.

Yes. Our ophthalmologists provide consultations and second opinions for many eye conditions and surgical recommendations. Your ophthalmologist can review your condition and discuss appropriate treatment options based on your individual needs.

Follow-up care depends on the type of eye surgery or procedure you have. Your care team will explain what to expect after treatment, including follow-up visits and any activity restrictions or precautions specific to your procedure.