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Eye Surgery

Appointments
Referral not required

Eye surgery can help preserve vision, improve eye health and treat conditions affecting the eyes and surrounding structures. At Mayo Clinic Health System, ophthalmologists provide surgical and procedural eye care for cataracts, glaucoma, retinal and corneal conditions, as well as conditions affecting the eyelids and tear drainage system.

Treatment options include cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, corneal transplantation, retina surgery, oculoplastic surgery and laser eye procedures.

On this page Conditions treated Diagnosis & treatments Care team Locations FAQ
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Services and care options may vary by location
Not all conditions, consultation types, diagnostic tools or treatments described on this page are available at every location. Please contact your local clinic to confirm which services are offered near you.

Conditions treated

  • Cataracts and complex cataracts

    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.

  • Corneal diseases and infections

    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.

  • Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema

    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.

  • Eyelid and tear duct disorders

    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

    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.

  • Lacrimal (tear duct) disorders

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

  • Macular degeneration

    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.

  • Pterygium and pinguecula

    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.

  • Ptosis (drooping eyelids) and dermatochalasis (excess eyelid skin)

    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 and detachments

    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