While both ophthalmology and optometry deal with the eye, ophthalmologists are medical doctors who can perform surgery (including LASIK), treat glaucoma and cataracts and prescribe medication.
An optometrist treats eye health, but refers more serious problems to an ophthalmologist.
MeritCare Opens New Eye Center
MeritCare Eye Center announces our new name and location. We will be located at 1717 University Dr. S., Fargo. Our new location will offer ophthalmology services including surgical treatments.
We will continue to have a location at MeritCare Southpointe, 2400 32nd Ave. SW, Fargo. Both locations will offer optometry services along with an optical shop where you can find a great selection of frames and contact lenses. We will no longer have a location at the Professional Building.
For more information, please call (701) 234-2305 or (800) 437-4010.
Common Procedures
You might visit Ophthalmology with dry, watery eyes, blurred vision, poor night vision, or because you just "can't see worth a darn". If the doctor suspects cataracts, your vision would be checked, pupils dilated, and you would have a glare test (in which a bright light is shone into your eyes). Cataracts and glaucoma (a film over the eye) are both treated at Same Day Surgery. Ophthalmologists also correct "lazy eye" in children and adults —sometimes with surgery, but more often by patching the good eye, and using of medication to strengthen the affected muscle and cure the condition.
A visit to the optometrist might consist of a routine eye exam, a prescription for glasses or a contact lens fitting. MeritCare has several optometrists, as well as several optical shops located in Fargo and the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I get LASIK surgery through MeritCare?
A. Yes, if you qualify. Those interested are referred to Ophthalmology.
For more information on LASIK surgery
Click here.
Refractive Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery involves two major steps - the removal of the natural lens (clouded by cataracts) followed by the implantation of an artificial multifocal lens implant. In standard cataract surgery, the replacement lens is monofocal, meaning it can correct for distance or for close-up, but not for both. Glasses are still needed, usually for reading.
With the new ReZoom™ lens, a person undergoing cataract surgery can get a replacement lens that will correct for all types of vision – distance, intermediate and close-up. And because the mulitfocal lens automatically adjusts to all distances, glasses after cataract surgery are typically not needed. Clinical studies show 92 percent of people receiving the ReZoom lens never or only occasionally need to wear glasses.
To learn more about refractive cataract surgery, including the ReZoom lens and other multifocal lens options, or to make an appointment, please call (701) 234-2305 or (800) 437-4010.