WHAT IS A CATARACT?
A cataract is a cloudiness of the natural lens of the eye that dims or blurs vision. Sometimes it causes glare or halos around lights at night, and may reduce perception of colors and change the focus of the eye. If your sight becomes too poor to carry out your normal activities, the cloudy lens must be removed by surgery if there is to be any improvement in vision. With the latest advances in Intraocular lens (IOL) implants, vision can be restored. The important thing is to find the IOL that is best for your specific needs. Crystalens, Toric, ReStor premium refractive lenses, or the Staar and Tecnis standard monofocal lenses are a few implant choices.
Dr. Garrett pioneered the use of small incision phakoemulsification cataract surgery, being the very first surgeon to perform this modern technique in all of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. Dr. Garrett has over 30 years of experience has done over 30,000 cataract surgeries. Recognizing that the quality of your vision affects the quality of your life is why Dr. Garrett opened the first and only Freestanding Ambulatory Surgery Center in the Upper Peninsula dedicated to ophthalmology. He has consistently adopted the newest proven methods and cataract surgery techniques that provide added safety for his patients. One of the more recent technologies that Dr. Garrett makes use of is the Crystalens. He was the first local ophthalmologist to utilize the Crystalens beginning in the summer of 2007. In recognition of Dr. Garrett’s leading use of crystalline lenses, Bausch and Lomb recently presented him with the National Center of Excellence Award.
CATARACT SURGERY
In cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL), or implant. The primary goal of all cataract surgery is to allow the eye to regain its maximum potential for vision and reduce dependency on glasses. We offer many choices in lens implants. Dr. Garrett will work with you to determine which IOL is best for you.
Basic Cataract Surgery uses the monofocal IOL which has been used for 50 years and is the basic lens covered by Medicare and private insurances. With a monofocal lens, a patient can have both eyes set for distance vision, or one eye set for distance and the other set for near vision. Either way, most patients with standard cataract surgery will need reading glasses or bifocal/trifocal glasses after surgery.
Refractive Cataract Surgery uses advanced IOL’s and techniques to provide the best uncorrected vision available after cataract surgery. There are three main types of IOL procedures we offer for our Refractive Cataract Surgery patients: Crystalens, ReStor and Toric IOL’s.
We offer financing! To find out if you qualify for Chase credit, visit this link to fill out an online application:
Welcome to Garrett Eye Center
John Michael Garrett M.D. graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1973. After completing a 2-year Internship and Internal Medicine Residency at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Dr. Garrett completed a 3 year residency in Ophthalmology at the Medical College of Georgia, in Augusta. He followed this with a fellowship in microsurgery, including Phaco-emulsification cataract removal and corneal transplant techniques under Richard Schulze M.D., in Savannah, Georgia. Upon completion, he began an Ophthalmology practice here in Iron Mountain, opening in January 1979.
Welcome to Garrett Eye CenterCenter of Excellence For Crystalens
The Crystalens® advantage unlike standard cataract replacement lenses, Crystalens® lenses correct your cataracts and give you back your full range of vision. Crystalens® is the first and only FDA-approved accommodating intraocular lens that uses the natural focusing ability of the eye. The lens flexes like your eye's natural lens, allowing you to see better at all distances.
Crystalens3D-Eye Online
If you are interested in learning more about the procedures offered by Dr. Garrett and the staff at Garrett Eye Center, please visit our 3D-EYE ONLINE Video library. You will be able to watch animations of the procedures offered in our Iron Mountain, MI office and Ambulatory Surgical Center.
Click the link below to view our videos.
3D-Eye OnlineAmbulatory Surgical Center
Garrett Eye Center’s Ambulatory Surgical Center opened in 1987, and is the first and only ambulatory surgical center in the area. Over 1,000 surgeries are performed per year in the surgical center. We have a certified anesthesiologist on site. The surgical center offers convenient, cost effective treatment with a well-trained staff, specializing in ophthalmology.
Click the link below to learn more about our Ambulatory Surgical Center
Ambulatory Surgical CenterGlaucoma Treatments (SLT)
It is estimated that almost three million Americans have glaucoma. Half of these people are not aware that they have the disease. It is important to make an appointment with Dr. Garrett for a comprehensive eye examination to determine if you could be at risk for Glaucoma. Dr Garrett specializes in SLT laser treatment. SLT is a therapy that uses a special laser to reduce the pressure in the eye. It is usually painless, and the treatment takes a few minutes.
Glaucoma Treatments (SLT)Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes is a condition in which the body’s ability to process and store sugar has been impaired. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. People with untreated diabetes are said to be 25 times more at a risk for blindness than the general population. This is why it is important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Garrett for a diabetic eye examination if you believe you may be at risk for Diabetic Retinopathy. To learn more about the symptoms and treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy click the Learn More button below.
Diabetic RetinopathyDesignated ILASIK Surgery Center
Until recently, glasses and contacts were the only options available to correct vision. With the latest advances in technology and surgical procedures there are several new options available to correct vision problems including iLASIK! The Garrett Eye Center also offers free LASIK screenings for patients! Take advantage of this opportunity to speak with Dr.Garrett or Dr. Hartwig about the entire LASIK experience.
ILASIK