Northland's NewsCenter's Your Health Matters: Your Experts
Ophthalmologists
Northern Eye Institute
4815 W. Arrowhead Rd, Suite 120
Hermantown,
MN
55811
(218) 625-1917
(888) 680-EYES (3937)
Board Certified Opthalmologists
We offer the most current ophthalmic diagnostic and treatment technology – in the hands of experienced board certified ophthalmologists, at convenient Northland locations: Duluth, Virginia, and Ely.Our Expertise Includes:
- No-stitch, No-needle, Cataract Surgery
- Laser Vision Correction
- LASIK and PRK Surgery
- Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment
- Macular Degeneration Treatment
- Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
LOCATIONS:
Northshore Bank Place
4815 W Arrowhead Rd Suite 120
Hermantown MN 55811
218-625-1917 or toll free 1-888-680-3937
VRMC Medical Arts Building
901 9th St N Suite 219
Virginia MN 55792
218-741-4411
Ely Bloomenson Hospital Outpatient Clinic
Ely MN 55731
For appointments call: 218-741-4411
Laser Vision Correction (LASIK and PRK Surgery)
Northern Eye Institute has been correcting vision with the excimer laser in the Twin Ports area since it was first approved in the United States. We now regularly screen and appropriately treat patients for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Through our commitment to use only the most current technology, we offer Zyoptix™ wavefront-guided LASIK. The Zywave™ maps and analyzes up to 9,600 data points for each eye. The Zyoptix System™ offers the most precise laser correction available and gives the highest rates of patient satisfaction.
No-stitch, No-needle, Cataract Surgery
A laser beam takes the dimensions of the eye, so a more accurate measurement can be made to determine the power of the lens implant. It's a no-contact procedure that optimizes the results of no-needle, no-stich, cataract surgery. With ever-improving technology, treatment of this very common condition has become quick, painless and highly effective.
Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment
Glaucoma can cause significant vision loss and damage to the optic nerve before the patient is aware that anything is even wrong. We use screening technology that produces real-time, cross-sectional images of the eye with high resolution. The test takes less than ten minutes, causes no discomfort and can also be used for detection of retinal diseases.
Macular Degeneration Treatment
Macular Degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss in America, this disease can be accurately diagnosed and managed by our physicians. Current treatments include laser surgery, medical therapy, and antioxidant vitamin therapy. Exciting new methods of treatment are under investigation.
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
Diabetics frequently experience vision problems because of changes in blood vessels of the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive nerve tissue at the back of the eye that sends visual images to the brain. Annual screenings can detect these changes that, left untreated, can result in vision loss. In most cases, vision loss can be prevented through timely laser treatment. Our physicians screen for retinopathy and perform Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment.
About Our Practice
Dr. Roger D. Berglund, MD,Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Dr. Berglund established Northern Refractive Surgery and Eye Care Centers in 1992. A practicing ophthalmologist in northern Minnesota since 1975, Dr. Berglund is a recognized leader in embracing new technology for the diagnosis and treatment of medical and surgical diseases of the eye.
Dr. Jeffrey R. Weis, MD, joined the practice in 2000, Dr. Bridget A. Sundell, MD, in 2002 and Chris Buntrock, MD in 2009. All are board certified ophthalmologists.
In 2008, the name Northern Refractive Surgery Center was changed to Northern Eye Institute to more accurately reflect the extent of our ophthalmic services, our emphasis on leading-edge technology and utilization of the most current medical and surgical treatment techniques.
Northern Eye Institute is 100% medically directed by its surgeons. They oversee and control all aspects of the medical operation of the centers, including technology, staffing, patient care and instrumentation. This attention to every detail of the practice means patients receive outstanding care every step of the way from evaluation or diagnosis through treatment.
Jeffrey R. Weis, MD
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Dr. Weis earned his medical degree at the University of Minnesota and completed his residency at the University of Utah where he was chief resident. Dr Weis has performed LASIK since 1999.
Bridget A. Sundell, MD
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Dr. Sundell is a graduate of the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Sundell interned at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis and took her residency at the Kellogg Eye Center at the University of Michigan.
Chris Buntrock, MD
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Dr. Buntrock received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1986. He completed his internship at St. Luke’s hospital and residency at the Eye Institute of the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Buntrock has been published in medical journals and invited to speak at conferences and on televised talk shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is a good candidate for laser vision correction?
- Healthy eyes are essential and a complete eye exam is necessary to determine candidacy. However, generally speaking, anyone over 21 years of age who sees well with glasses or contacts and has not had a significant change in their prescription in the last 12 months is probably a good candidate. People with certain medical conditions or women who are pregnant may not be good candidates.
- What are realistic expectations for laser vision correction?
- The goal of laser vision correction is to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Laser vision correction does not always create 20/20 or even 20/40 vision. It cannot correct presbyopia, the aging of the eyes that normally results in the need for reading glasses starting around age 45. In fact, people over age 45 who have their distance vision improved may find they now need reading glasses after the procedure.
- How soon after LASIK will vision improve?
- Most patients will see 20/20 within 1–2 days and are able to drive and work the day following LASIK.
- What if LASIK is not right for me?
- LASIK is not right for everyone, but that does not mean people who shouldn't have LASIK are out of options. Another procedure, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), may be a good choice for people whose corneas are too thin to have LASIK. Both LASIK and PRK can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. There is slightly more discomfort and downtime with PRK.
- How long will the results of laser vision correction last?
- Because laser vision correction has only been available since about 1996, there are no results available beyond that date. So far, most patients' corrected vision has remained relatively stable. It should be noted however, that vision could change with age. After the age of 45 most people develop a condition called presbyopia that affects near vision. Laser vision correction does not prevent this age-related condition from developing.
- What keeps the flap in place after LASIK surgery?
- The flap created in LASIK eye surgery stays in position after surgery without stitches. It protects the treated areas of the cornea and enhances healing. The flap does not need stitches because of action of specific cells within the eye. First, endothelial cells, which line the deepest surface of the cornea, create suction as they funnel fluid from the exterior to the interior of the eye. This suction helps to hold the flap onto the eye. In addition, the cells of the epithelium, the outer layer of the cornea, are able to rapidly heal and bond to the cornea.
- Can the corneal flap be lost?
- By definition, the flap created during LASIK remains attached to the cornea by a hinge. As long as the flap has a hinge, it cannot be lost. If you rub your eyes too soon after having LASIK, you might dislodge the flap, but it will remain attached. Displaced flaps can usually be put back into place with a second procedure. Patients are also advised not to rub their eyes for one month after surgery.
- Should I have both eyes done at the same time?
- Whether or not to have both eyes done at the same time is a personal choice. Some people opt to have each eye done separately because they hope to avoid any possible complications, such as infection affecting both eyes. Fortunately, the risk of infection affecting both eyes is so rare, that the reduction in risk is extremely small.
- What causes glare and haloes and how can they be treated?
- Although LASIK has a low occurrence of side effects overall, problems with night vision glare and halos are among the most common. There are a few possible causes of glare and haloes. For example, the shape of your eye may not have been changed enough during your first LASIK procedure, meaning that you are still slightly nearsighted, farsighted or have a slight astigmatism. If this is the case, you may be able to correct the problem by having a second LASIK "touch-up" procedure, or by wearing glasses at night.
Glare and haloes can also be caused by an off center ablation – meaning that the area of the cornea treated by the laser is off to one side. Choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon can help minimize your risk of this complication to which there is no entirely satisfactory solution yet available. Wavefront-guided LASIK may significantly reduce the risk of glare, haloes and night vision difficulties. However, corneal surgery will always pose some risk of night vision symptoms, even for good candidates. - Payment options
- Payment In Full
Payment can be made with cash, personal check or money order. We do not accept credit cards. - 0% Down Payment Plan through CareCredit®
We have a payment plan that requires no down payment. You can select a monthly payment that fits your budget. Terms can extend to 48 months. Payments are fixed and will not change. There are no upfront costs, no fees and no pre-payment penalties. To learn if you quality for a "0% down" payment plan click here. - $68 a month LASIK Plan through CareCredit®
We have a plan that makes LASIK as affordable as $68.00 a month. There are no upfront costs, no fees and no pre-payment penalties. For information on this plan and others at fixed monthly rates, click here. - Flexible Spending Account
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an employer-sponsored benefit that allows you to pay for eligible medical expenses on a pre-tax basis. If you expect to incur medical expenses that won't be reimbursed by your regular health insurance plan, you can take advantage of your employer's FSA, if one is offered. FSAs are also called Flex Plans, reimbursement accounts, Flex 125, Tax Savings Plans, Medical Spending Accounts, a Section 125 or a Cafeteria Plan.
The benefit of FSAs is that you decrease your taxable income and increase your spendable income, which can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. - Insurance
Most insurance companies consider refractive surgery to be an elective procedure, so it is not covered under basic health or vision plans. It is our sincere hope that laser vision correction can be an affordable option for all candidates. Please feel free to call our office with any questions or concerns regarding payment options at Northern Eye Institute.
- Payment In Full