Frequently Asked Questions

Cataracts occur as a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, the part of the eye responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images. Early symptoms of a cataract are trouble with night driving or reading small print, difficulty watching TV and decreased color in your vision. When these symptoms begin impacting your daily routine, a cataract consultation with Dr. Carlson will confirm whether or not your cataract is mature enough for surgical removal and if you are a candidate for options such as femtosecond laser and a premium lens in conjunction with cataract surgery. This surgery is done as an outpatient procedure with very little downtime and almost immediate improvement in your vision.

The options associated with cataract surgery, which you may or may not be a candidate for, are femtosecond laser or Toric™ lens implant for treatment of astigmatism, PanOptix™ or IQ Vivity™ premium lenses to correct near and far vision, or RxSight® Light Adjustable Lens™ to customize vision after surgery. An iStent® or Xen® shunt for treatment of mild to moderate glaucoma may also be an option.

No. Neither Medicare nor private insurance companies cover the options of femtosecond laser for the treatment of pre-existing astigmatism nor premium lens implants that treat presbyopia. These are conditions that insurance companies do not cover.
The only way to know for sure if you are a candidate for laser vision correction is to have a laser vision correction consultation. Dr. Carlson will present you with all of your options including LASIK, LASEK or PRK, and give you the information you need to select the procedure that is best for you and your vision. You will also have an opportunity to meet with our patient care coordinator to schedule a procedure if you are ready to proceed with laser vision correction.
The three main areas to treat using Botox® Cosmetic are the forehead, the area between your eyebrows, and the crow’s feet. Depending on the individual, each area could require between 10 and 20 units of Botox. It takes about 7-10 days to see full results, lasting about three to four months

We are in the M Health Fairview Clinics & Specialty Center in Burnsville, MN. For detailed directions to our clinic and a map please go to the contact page.