Eye Care (Ophthalmology)

What is Ophthalmology?

Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine dedicated to eye health. Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions, from common refractive errors to complex diseases. Their goal is to preserve and improve vision, allowing patients to see the world clearly and participate fully in their daily lives.

Eye Care at Astera Health

Through a partnership between Eye Consultants of Fargo, PLLC, Michelle Atchison, MD, and Astera Health, Ophthalmology services are provided in Wadena. Dr. Atchison offers diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of conditions. Local optometrists often provide referrals to Astera Health for advanced conditions.

If surgery is recommended, it can be performed at the Astera Health main campus. Common surgeries include:

• Cataract
• YAG laser capsulotomy

Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the clouded lens of your eye, called a cataract, and replace it with a clear artificial lens. This lens implant is called an intraocular lens.

YAG surgery, also known as YAG laser capsulotomy, is a specific type of laser eye surgery performed after cataract surgery. It’s not a separate procedure for cataracts themselves.

If you’ve had cataract surgery and experience blurry vision again months or years later, your ophthalmologist might recommend YAG surgery.