Join Thousands Who Trust Chu Vision for Cataract Care

Classified as an opacity of the natural lens of the eye, the treatment involves replacing your natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). Advanced Multi-focal IOLs correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness for cataract patients in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or anywhere in the surrounding Twin Cities area and Minnesota. Join the thousands of patients who have experienced visual clarity with cataract surgery in Minneapolis from refractive surgeon Dr. Ralph Chu.

"Everyone seemed like they enjoyed their job. I had friends who had great things to say about Dr. Chu.

He seemed so knowledgeable, and he was as excited as I was about my new vision. He takes great satisfaction in helping people change their lives. It was honestly easier than getting my teeth cleaned at the dentist, and I can see great."

Brad • Cataract Patient

gradient background
older patient putting her head on the eye viewing machine

Why Choose Chu Vision Institute for Cataract Surgery in Minneapolis?

  • Thousands of successful cataract surgeries completed
  • Both modern laser and basic cataract procedures are available
  • One of the few sites in Minnesota to offer Light Adjustable Lenses
  • Convenient on-site surgical center
  • Trusted by Minneapolis for 25 years
  • Accepts medical insurance and offers convenient financing
  • Dr. Chu has participated in 100+ FDA clinical trials
  • First surgeon to do LASIK cataract surgery in Minnesota

Personal Guidance Schedule a Free Consultation Now!

Take the Next Step Here
Contact us media

The Benefits of Cataract Surgery

  • Get rid of cloudy vision.
  • Better nighttime vision improves driving and other activities.
  • Improved independence for a better quality of life.
  • Reduced risk of falls and accidents.
  • Eliminate or greatly reduce your need for glasses and contacts because our wide selection of cataract Multi-focal Lenses (IOLs) correct both nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
  • Precisely fine-tune your vision with Advanced Light Adjustable Lenses – Dr. Chus is one of only a handful of surgeons offering LAL in  Minnesota.
  • Get the best lens for your unique eyes and vision needs with one of the widest ranges of lens options in Minneapolis.
  • Easy day surgery with no need to go to the hospital because our accredited ambulatory surgical center is next door to the clinic.

See if you are a refractive cataract surgery candidate

Take the self test

Background media

Basic vs. Modern Cataract Surgery

Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Ralph Chu is proficient in both basic manual and modern laser cataract surgeries and can decide which treatment is most effective for patients by providing comprehensive exams and full analyses of their medical histories. The major difference between the two surgeries is that the basic surgery is done with handheld surgical tools, whereas the laser method is principally done via state-of-the-art laser technology.

How Is Modern Laser Cataract Surgery Performed?

What to Expect Before Surgery

About an hour before modern refractive cataract surgery, a member of our team will fully numb the patient’s eyes with specialized eye drops. Laser cataract surgery is very similar to manual cataract surgery, except we employ innovative femtosecond lasers.

Enhanced Precision With Laser Technology

This remarkable technology graphs an extremely detailed map of the eye; therefore, the lasers can find the precise site of the cataract and soften it before breaking it up into several tiny pieces. At this point, these pieces are suctioned out of the eye, and a small incision is made to replace the preexisting lens with a multifocal intraocular lens (IOL).

Improving Corneal Shape

Unlike many other cataract surgeries, refractive cataract surgery is unique in that it permanently enhances the shape of the cornea. This allows light to bend and reach the retina seamlessly and in the correct manner. A properly shaped cornea can solve numerous ocular issues, such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.

Faster Healing and Life-Changing Results

Due to its unique precision, modern laser cataract surgery technology offers exceptional results with a quicker healing process than basic manual surgery. Laser cataract surgery is a quick outpatient procedure lasting about 10-20 minutes. This makes it perfect for anyone hoping to correct their vision without prolonged pain or taking significant time off work.

Background media

Advanced Cataract Solutions at Chu Vision

Cataracts shouldn’t stand in the way of living life to the fullest. At Chu Vision, we offer the most advanced cataract treatments available, combining cutting-edge technology with personalized care to restore clarity, confidence, and freedom.

Our team is dedicated to delivering outcomes that not only improve your vision but enhance your entire quality of life.

What would better vision mean for you?

This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Submit

What Our Patients Are Saying

I was diagnosed with a cataract in my left eye in February 2005 eye doctor set me up with Dr Chu who did the surgery. I had worn glasses since the 50’s after surgery I no ...

Brenda H.

PRK was the best decision I have ever done. I wouldn’t have explored surgery options with any other clinic or surgeon. Eye surgery is nerve racking, but Dr Chu and his tea...

Ciarra

I had the most amazing experience at Chu Vision! Every aspect of my journey getting the Light Adjustable Lens' to correct my vision was wonderful. Can't say enough of Dr Chu and...

Maria B.

Dr. Chu is an excellent doctor. I felt confident in his knowledge and ability as a surgeon. He is a very kind and caring person and felt very comfortable with him. His staff is ...

Carol K.

I knew from the moment I walked into Chu Vision, this would be where I wanted to have my cataracts taken care of. The staffers are very professional, knowledgeable and helpful. ...

Judy T.

Staff are friendly, waiting time is not long. The clinic is run like a well oiled machine!

Barb H.

My vision is fantastic! Amazing stuff!

Darcie N.

I had been in need of cataract surgery for a while. I was having trouble finding a surgeon that I wanted to touch my eyes! Then my son had Laser Surgery at Chu Institute and was...

Pattie H.

Even with my medical background, this was out of my area of expertise, so I was pretty nervous. Quickly I was reassured by their very comprehensive examination, excellent profes...

Orlando

Very thorough, professional, and uplifting

Carolyn S.

The teamwork at the Chu Vision Institute is fantastic. They are careful to answer one's questions, diligent about prepping for surgery, and of course the surgeons are top notch....

Jeffrey S.

I had never had cataract surgery before, so thus was unexplored territory for me. The preparatory videos, however, were invaluable. I had numerous follow-up phone calls from Chu...

Brian M.

I had LASIK done at Chu Vision today. I was so impressed with every step of the process. They have clearly thought of each step of the client experience. I am confident in the f...

Kielyn S.

I have been going to Chu Vision for annual eye appointments for eight years.  All annual appointments were done by caring professionals.   This year, the need for cata...

Linda U.

Chu Vision was recommended to me by a friend and I could not be happier with the facility and staff. Everyone was always so friendly, you can tell they all really enjoy what the...

Mara M.

Light tunable cataract surgery lens replacement. Satisfied with the results. Can see great at long distance and up close with glasses. Professionally run organization. Everyone ...

Rick M.

I had the EVO ICL procedure done and am so happy with the results!! It’s crazy to think I won’t need contacts or glasses anymore, and waking up each morning being ab...

Andrea E.

This was by far the best eye vision clinic I have ever been to.  They are so polite and caring.  Dr. Chu absolutely knows what he is doing and so personable.   Gr...

JoEllen S.

Absolute the Cadillac of any business I have been a part of. Excellent communication, empathic nurses and techs, excellent doctors, and best of all- my vision! I am blown away b...

Becky H.

If every health care facility operated as seamlessly and as patient oriented as this one, we would have truly compassionate, passionate and professional services that rival none...

Anonymous

I had a refractive lens exchange (RLE) procedure with Chu nearly 2 years ago, and I still think about how much it has improved my day-to-day life nearly every day! I had extreme...

Karla R.

Chu Vision is a highly professional and extremely caring Institute. My  cataract surgery went well and Dr. Chu and his entire staff were amazing!  They truly cared for...

Sherri R.

I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision!

I had the Implantable Contact Lens(ICL) procedure done at Chu Vision Institute, and I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision! I ha...

Jackie O.

I'm taking lessons for my own business in how thorough they are.

I am so impressed with this clinic from start to finish. They are a well-oiled machine, and have clearly considered the patient experience all the way through. I felt comfortabl...

Kielyn S.

I can now drive without glasses.

Chu Vision did a great job. From the initial evaluations through the cataract surgery I had on both of my eyes. Everything went smoothly and as planned. It has now been three mo...

Mike K.

The team there made you feel comfortable and at ease

I had cataract surgery. The care was unbelievable the team there made you feel comfortable and at ease. All my follow up visits was all about my healing process and even the pho...

Willie F.

My life has been forever changed

I walked into Chu Vision and my life has been forever changed. I had been wearing glasses for almost 25years and after doing my research chose Dr. Chu for my surgery. I cannot c...

Bridget V.
View More Patient Reviews
Doctor media

Recovery After Modern Laser Cataract Surgery

The recovery time for modern cataract surgery normally ranges from 4-8 weeks; however, it varies from patient to patient. During the recovery process, you’ll need to stick to strict aftercare directions to foster the best possible results.

You will also be advised to use a few types of prescription eye drops throughout the healing period, and it is crucial not to press on or touch the eyes for any reason while they get better. We may also require some patients to wear an eye patch for a while.

Clearer Vision Is Just Around the Corner

We will have you come back for a few follow-up evaluations, so Dr. Chu can monitor your recovery and make sure your vision is improving on schedule. For the majority of our patients, vision is noticeably improved right after the procedure, but it stays cloudy for a few days until the post-surgery inflammation starts to decrease. Some patients report seeing halos or glares around lights, but this tends to decrease over time. In general, patients are able to enjoy significantly clearer vision with less dependence on eyeglasses.

super blurred woman's face

How Is Basic Manual Cataract Surgery Performed? 

Considered to be both incredibly safe and exceptionally dependable, basic cataract surgery, called phacoemulsification (fak-oh-i-muhl-suh-fi-kay-shuhn), is among the most routinely conducted procedures around the globe.

Your New Lens for a Clearer Future

We can perform basic cataract surgery with a variety of IOLs, including the PanOptix multifocal lens or Light Adjustable Lens. The incision is so tiny that it doesn’t need stitches and will heal smoothly on its own.

How the Clouded Lens Is Removed

Once the patient is ready, Dr. Chu will secure a ring or suction device over each eye that hinders any movement during the surgery. Then, he will manually create a three-millimeter incision at the edge of the cornea. After this, he will utilize a separate device to reach the lens through the incision. This device breaks apart the clouded lens using ultrasonic waves so it can be easily removed and replaced with an IOL through the same incision. 

What to Expect During the Procedure

Dr. Chu performs basic cataract surgery as an outpatient treatment that generally lasts around ten minutes per eye. As in modern laser cataract surgery, the patient is under “conscious sedation” during treatment; however, the eyes are totally numbed prior to starting the surgery to offer complete comfort, and most people do not remember the procedure taking place. Many patients are very surprised at how easy and painless the surgery is.

Recovery After Basic Manual Cataract Surgery

After the procedure, our staff will provide thorough aftercare directions to ensure optimal recuperation. We will let you know when to use any necessary anti-inflammatory eye drops, whether an eye bandage will be needed, advice on sleeping without bumping or touching the eyes, and not doing certain strenuous tasks. It is typical for basic cataract surgery patients to deal with a degree of distorted vision for an hour or two after the procedure, but this is just an acclimation process as your eyes adjust to the implanted lens. It is also possible to develop red scleral tissue and some slight bruising that looks like a black eye for 5-7 days after the procedure. Dr. Chu will have you return to Chu Vision Institute the next day for your initial follow-up assessment. Additional visits may be needed, depending on the speed of your recovery.

Banner media

Say Goodbye to Cataracts

At Chu Vision Institute, our approach to vision care and eye health is simple. We first take the time to understand life from your unique perspective. By utilizing top technologies and techniques to treat cataracts, we can provide you with improved eyesight.

If you have cataracts or have experienced changes in your vision, contact our Twin Cities practice to arrange an evaluation with Dr. Chu and learn more about basic, modern, and lifestyle cataract surgery and other treatment options.

gradient background

Cataract Surgery All Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to recover from cataract eye surgery?

It’s crucial that you adhere to the detailed post-care recommendations provided to you if you want effective outcomes. In order to lower the risk of infection and inflammation, you will be prescribed eye drops.

Will my vision be blurry after cataract surgery?

Yes—after cataract surgery, you may experience blurry vision. This is typical while your eye adjusts and heals. Within a few days, you will notice a drastic improvement. It normally takes around 8 weeks for a full recovery.

When can I have surgery on my second eye?

If both of your eyes require cataract surgery, your doctor will wait for the first eye to heal before doing the procedure on the other eye.

How often will I need to return for follow-up visits?

Your eye doctor will schedule follow-up visits to ensure your recovery is proceeding as planned. These consultations often take place the day following surgery, a week later, and around a month later.

Do you need glasses after cataract surgery?

It depends on whether you select mono-focal or multi-focal lenses for your cataract procedure. Following cataract surgery, nearly 90% of mono-focal patients see a considerable improvement in their near and distance vision, although the majority still require some sort of corrective lens due to presbyopia. However, after cataract surgery with multi-focal lenses, your dependence on glasses is typically eliminated or greatly reduced. You might need to wear glasses occasionally for near vision tasks like reading, depending on your vision. Click here to learn about our lifestyle lens options.

Can a cataract be removed without replacing the lens?

Hypothetically speaking, sure. But you’d need to wear extremely thick glasses to see clearly without a new lens. Without a lens implanted, the eye cannot focus correctly. To restore the eye’s focusing ability, thick eyeglasses, contact lenses, or an intraocular lens IOL must be used. The majority of cataract surgery patients use an IOL because it can permanently replace the patient’s natural lens. The IOL offers vision that is superior to that of thick eyeglasses and is considerably more practical than a contacts because it does not need to be put on and taken off the eye.

How painful is a cataract operation?

The procedure to remove cataracts is not painful. Although the patient is awake during the procedure, there is little to no discomfort when the cloudy lens is removed. Before the procedure, a light sedative may be given to soothe the patient’s nerves. Eye drops are also used to numb the eye. After surgery, there can be some minor discomfort, but this goes away quickly, and you can usually get by with over-the-counter pain relievers.

When should you have cataracts removed?

Your best option if cataracts are preventing you from doing normal daily tasks or interrupting your lifestyle is cataract surgery. This involves removing the cataract and replacing it with an intraocular lens implant to permanently correct your eyesight. You can take your own cataract self-test by asking yourself if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Driving at night is much more difficult when you have cataracts. It becomes more hazardous because cataracts make it difficult to see in the dark.
  • Reading may become more challenging, as well as other commonplace tasks. To view the words on the page well when cataracts are fully developed, you’ll need a bright light. This may be a true indicator that you should think about having cataract surgery.
  • In addition to limiting your ability to see in the dark, cataracts also make you sensitive to light. You might experience pain from things like bright lights or sunlight.
  • You’ll also notice that your vision is yellow or brown-tinted if you have cataracts. This indicates that you will see less and that your vision has deteriorated. When you find it difficult to ignore these signs, it could be time to consider cataract surgery!
  • You might notice haloes around light sources because cataracts can block some light. This most frequently occurs near headlights or streetlamps. Driving is riskier when there are haloes because you might feel blinded by oncoming traffic. To determine whether cataract surgery is necessary, speak with your eye physician.
  • Cataracts may result in double vision similar to the haloes you sometimes notice around lights. The diffracted state of your lens causes double vision. Halos and double vision while driving at night can be frightening! This may be confusing and distracting, and it’s a sign that you might require surgery soon. Ultimately, it is the patient’s decision as to when they will have cataract surgery, but when your quality of life is being affected, it is a good time to consider it.

What is the success rate of cataract surgery?

You’ll be pleased to learn that cataract surgery not only has a fast recovery time and is a relatively painless procedure, but it also has a very high success rate of 97-98%, according to current studies in the United States. This is due to the fact that it is a routine procedure with a low risk of complications. But the longer you put off getting cataract surgery, the more likely it is that you will encounter some difficulties. In other words, cataract surgery is highly successful for the vast majority of patients. If you’d like more information about Cataract Surgery in Minneapolis, MN, call Chu Vision Institute today to request an appointment.

Can you be alone after cataract surgery?

Our patients at Chu Vision Institute are given a light sedation during surgery, and it is strongly advised that you are not alone until the anesthesia has fully worn off. Most people feel very sleepy after surgery and take a nap when they get home. Your vision will be limited after the cataract treatment, and while you won’t experience pain, you won’t be able to operate a vehicle. A friend or family member should drive you to your surgery and back home and anywhere else you might need to go for the first 24 hours or until your cataract surgeon says it is ok to drive.

Do eyes look different after cataract surgery?

The size and shape of the pupil appear to change for some patients after cataract surgery. The older the patient, the more substantial these changes seem to be. Intraocular lenses (IOLs) however cannot be seen once they are implanted. Significant cataracts can cause the eyes to look white or cloudy, so removing the cataract will make the eyes look clear and dark again.

Can you watch TV after cataract surgery?

Most patients can watch a little television or briefly glance at a computer screen several hours after their procedure. However, these activities reduce your blink rate and can dry out your eyes, so it’s crucial that you take it easy on your eyes for the first 24 hours after surgery. It is best to resume normal activities like watching TV, according to your eye doctor’s advice.

This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Submit
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (952) 592-4424.
Contact Us