5 Ways To Find the Best Cataract Surgeon For You

The eyes are the windows to the soul. As age progresses, those windows can become a little cloudy, much like those in homes everywhere. This doesn’t mean you have to deal with a foggy view. Just as you would clean or replace household windows, you can help your eyes see clearly once again. If your doctor has suggested cataract surgery, it can be a confusing and sometimes scary time. However, it doesn’t have to be. As long as you do proper research and choose the right cataract surgeon, the process will go smoothly and seamlessly. Find out how to select the best cataract surgeon and be on your way to better eye health. 

1. Opt For a Specialist 

With an area as sensitive as the eye, you want to find a surgeon that specializes in your exact procedure. For the best service possible, try to find a practice where more than half of the procedures performed are cataract surgeries. You can likely find this locally with a quick search. To find the best cataract surgeon near you, visit bestcataractsurgeons.com. This way, you can be sure that the surgeon you select is well-versed in the field, and there is a higher chance that they are aware of innovations and advancements that could save your eyes.

2. Consider History of Surgeries Performed

Similarly, do some research into the background of the surgeon that you are considering. There are many avenues to go down for this step. Some ideas to consider include: 

• Reading reviews online
• Finding their school accreditation and the year of completion
• Locating the year the practice opened
• Asking when the surgeon started specializing in cataract surgery

Look at any available resources to find the history of your potential cataract surgeon. You can even check social media pages. If they are posting pictures of informational conferences surrounding cataract surgery education, that’s a great sign. On the other hand, if a potential surgeon has been in the game too long, they may be stuck in their ways. Find out if they are staying up to date with tech advancements. If you’re able to have a consultation, take note of their hand steadiness and coordination. While there are many machines to help with cataract removal precision, the art of the surgery is still a fine-tuned one. Hand and finger dexterity is of the utmost importance, and a good surgeon won’t skimp on this area. 

You can also ask how many surgeries are performed each month by calling the office. A good ballpark is about 50 to 100 surgeries monthly. This affords your surgeon plenty of practice so you can rest assured that your eyes are in great hands. 

3. Weigh Your Procedure Options

As technology advances, so do the options for cataract removal procedures. Do your research to find out the different types of cataract surgery available. This way, you can find out your preferred procedure and check to see if a potential surgeon offers that service. Even better, they would have experience performing that specific procedure. Some of the procedures to consider include: 

• LASIK or laser-assisted cataract surgery (LACS)
• Lens implants
• Traditional, “phaco” surgery

The most common cataract surgery performed is the traditional kind, sometimes referred to as phacoemulsification. This doesn’t involve lasers like its well-known counterpart, LASIK. In the traditional procedure, handheld tools are used to make a small incision in the cornea. Then, an ultrasonic probe breaks up the cataract into pieces that are then extracted by the surgeon using a gentle suction device.

Laser cataract surgery removes the need for handheld devices and replaces them with computer-controlled lasers. Both procedures will then involve placing an artificial lens into your eye. An experienced surgeon will be able to do both masterfully. This way, they can examine your eye health and unique situation, deciding which procedure is right for your specific case. They should also be able to suggest the type of lens you need for your specific vision needs.

4. Ask About Antibiotics

Antibiotics are less talked about, but they are an important part of the surgical process. To avoid infection, cataract surgeons can administer antibiotics into the eye at the time of the procedure. This drastically reduces the chance of infection and possible blindness after the surgery. If this is a concern, make sure to ask the practice you are considering if they provide antibiotics and at what cost to you.

5. Feel Comfortable

Whatever the case, your surgeon should take the time to listen to your questions and concerns. Aside from sheer ability, the doctor should be personable and willing to help. It’s crucial to your health and well-being that you are comfortable in the office and in the presence of your doctor. 

Once you’ve done your research and had an initial consultation, you’re ready to have a smooth cataract removal procedure. Remember that this is a common procedure, and the right doctor will help you recover swiftly. Follow the steps above to pick the right cataract surgeon for you. Your eyes will thank you.