Five disciplines. One surgeon.

Annual and medical eye examinations — the foundation of lifelong vision health. For patients of all ages, at Waco's award-winning ophthalmology practice.

A comprehensive eye examination with Dr. Rolfsen goes beyond a standard vision check. Using advanced diagnostic equipment, he evaluates the full health of your eyes — screening for early signs of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataracts, and other conditions that can threaten vision long before symptoms appear.

Your exam includes visual acuity testing, refraction, dilated fundus evaluation, intraocular pressure measurement, and assessment of the optic nerve and retina. Dr. Rolfsen reviews all findings personally and discusses any concerns or recommendations directly with you — no intermediaries, no rushed handoffs.

Annual eye exams are recommended for all adults, and more frequently for patients with diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or other risk factors. Early detection is the single most effective tool for preserving vision.

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Advanced phacoemulsification with premium intraocular lens options — restoring clarity that cataracts have slowly taken away.

Cataracts — the clouding of the eye's natural lens — are the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 55. When cataracts begin to interfere with daily activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces, surgery is the only effective treatment. It is also one of the safest and most successful surgical procedures in medicine.

Dr. Rolfsen performs cataract removal using modern phacoemulsification: a small-incision technique that uses ultrasound energy to gently break up and remove the clouded lens before replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Patients frequently describe their results as life-changing — seeing clearly without glasses for the first time in decades.

Premium IOL options are available to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses for distance, intermediate, and near vision after surgery. Dr. Rolfsen will discuss which lens type is appropriate for your eyes, your lifestyle, and your vision goals during your pre-surgical consultation.

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Comprehensive screening, monitoring, and treatment for diabetic retinopathy — protecting your vision before damage becomes permanent.

Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults aged 20 to 74 in the United States. Yet diabetic eye disease — particularly diabetic retinopathy — often causes no symptoms in its early stages. By the time vision changes are noticeable, significant damage may have already occurred. Annual diabetic eye examinations are not optional; they are essential.

Dr. Rolfsen provides comprehensive diabetic eye evaluations using advanced retinal imaging and OCT (optical coherence tomography) to detect even subtle early changes in the retina. When treatment is indicated, laser photocoagulation and other interventions can halt or slow the progression of retinopathy — preventing vision loss that is otherwise irreversible.

If you have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or are pre-diabetic, Dr. Rolfsen recommends at least an annual dilated eye exam. Close coordination with your primary care physician or endocrinologist is part of a complete diabetes care plan.

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Intraocular pressure monitoring, medical therapy, and laser treatment — comprehensive management to protect your optic nerve and preserve your vision for life.

Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because peripheral vision loss typically progresses unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred. It is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. The good news: when detected early and managed consistently, most patients with glaucoma can maintain their vision throughout their lifetime.

Dr. Rolfsen diagnoses and manages all forms of glaucoma, including primary open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, and normal-tension glaucoma. Management typically begins with prescription eye drops to lower intraocular pressure. When medication alone is insufficient, laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an effective, minimally invasive option that can reduce pressure and reduce reliance on drops.

Regular monitoring is the cornerstone of glaucoma care. Dr. Rolfsen uses visual field testing, OCT of the optic nerve, and IOP measurements to track the stability of each patient's condition over time — adjusting the treatment plan whenever the clinical picture demands it.

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Evaluation and personalized management of chronic dry eye disease — from lifestyle guidance and prescription therapy to in-office treatments for lasting relief.

Dry eye disease affects millions of Americans and is more than just a minor irritation. Chronic dry eye can cause blurred vision, light sensitivity, eye fatigue, and significant discomfort that interferes with reading, screen use, and daily life. It is a medical condition — and it deserves a thorough clinical evaluation, not a generic recommendation for artificial tears.

At Waco Ophthalmology, Dr. Rolfsen performs a detailed assessment to identify the specific cause and severity of each patient's dry eye — whether aqueous deficiency, meibomian gland dysfunction, environmental factors, or a combination. Treatment is then tailored to address those root causes: preservative-free lubricants, prescription anti-inflammatory drops, punctal plugs, warm compresses, omega-3 supplementation, or in-office lid hygiene procedures as appropriate.

If you experience persistent eye dryness, burning, grittiness, or watering eyes, a formal dry eye evaluation can identify the cause and get you on a treatment plan that actually provides relief — not just temporary masking of symptoms.

Schedule a dry eye evaluation