If you have cataracts – the clouding of the lens of your eye – chances are time is on your side. Cataract surgery is almost never an emergency requiring a procedure right this moment. Instead, once you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, talk to your eye doctor about what type of timeline you’re looking at. You can then research available cataract surgeons in your area.
Here are a few tips on how to choose the best cataract surgeon.
Contact the Right Type of Eye Doctor
If your cataracts were diagnosed by an optometrist or first pointed out by your primary care doctor, you’ll want to consult an expert in cataract surgery about your next steps. This means looking for a qualified ophthalmologist near you.
While optometrists – the eye care provider you typically see for a routine eye exam – are “doctors of optometry,” they do not perform cataract and most other eye surgeries. Instead, they may conduct eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses (eyeglasses and contacts), and prescribe medications or other medical treatments for eye disorders. For example, an optometrist might order medicated eyedrops to treat or manage conditions such as dry eye or glaucoma.
Only ophthalmologists are qualified to perform cataract surgery. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors with the specialized training and experience needed to conduct simple to complex surgeries, along with providing medical treatment for a wide range of eye diseases and disorders.
Cataract surgery involves breaking up the existing cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens that may also correct common refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, improving your vision and allowing you to ditch your glasses or contacts in many cases. Since your vision depends on it, you’ll want to choose the best ophthalmologist available.
Choose the Best Cataract Surgeon Near You
How do you go about finding the best ophthalmologist near you? There are certain things you should look for – top among them being board certification, surgical experience, premium lens availability, and reviews by other cataract patients.
- Board Certification. The American Board of Ophthalmology offers board certification for those physicians who undergo advanced training and rigorous assessments in the field of ophthalmology. As a patient, you can be assured that a board-certified ophthalmologist is skilled, knowledgeable, and maintains their specialty expertise.
- Surgical Experience. It makes sense that to choose the best cataract surgeon, you want to pick someone with a wealth of experience performing simple to complex cataract surgeries. When you consult with an ophthalmologist, ask how many of these surgeries they’ve performed. It makes a difference.
- Premium IOLs Availability In many cases, you can replace the cataract with a lens that also corrects common vision problem. There are a number of these intraocular lenses (IOLs) in the marketplace today – including premium IOLs that include advanced features and can correct for multiple vision issues. Ask if your ophthalmologist offers premium IOL lenses with cataract surgery.
- Patient Reviews. If you want to know what to expect before or after cataract surgery, ask the ophthalmologists you consult – but also check to find out what patients like you have to say. Ask for references and check online patient reviews. It’s important to pay attention to patient satisfaction with the procedure itself, its results, and the type of care they received from the eye surgeon and office staff.
Experienced Cataract Surgeon in Miramar, FL
Have you been told you might have cataracts? Make an appointment now to see board-certified cataract surgeon Dr. Kenneth O. Karp at Miramar Eye Institute in Miramar, Florida. He’s been performing simple to complex cataract surgeries in South Florida since 1999.
You can schedule your consultation with Miramar Eye Institute by calling (954) 437-4316, or simply submit our convenient request an appointment form online now.