We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Choose the Best Cataract Specialist?

By Ron Marr
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 3,043
Share

An optometrist makes the initial diagnoses on most cataracts, but an ophthalmologist typically performs the treatment. These doctors have earned a specialized degree in eye diseases and frequently possess a sub-specialty in performing ophthalmic surgery. Choosing a cataract specialist involves researching the background and qualifications of the surgeon and having a willingness to ask questions about his or her knowledge of procedures and technology.

Different countries require a cataract specialist to undergo a variety of licensing standards. Ophthalmic surgeons typically are required to have four years of medical school and several years of residency training, with an emphasis on ophthalmology. Upon successful completion of an internship, a cataract specialist can become certified.

One of the first steps in choosing a cataract specialist involves questioning those who have undergone eye surgery. Friends and family members are an invaluable resource, as is your primary care physician. Certain websites and organizations provide searchable databases of qualified ophthalmologists and ophthalmic surgeons. These lists often identify qualified doctors by region, and provide additional information detailing educational background, work history and surgical specialties.

You should not be hesitant to ask your ophthalmologist whether he or she is experienced in performing phacoemulsification and extracapsular surgery. These are the two most common forms of cataract surgery. In the former, the surgeon makes a small incision in the side of the cornea, inserts an ultrasonic probe, breaks up the corneal lens and removes the pieces by suction. The latter procedure requires a larger corneal incision that permits removal of the diseased lens in one piece. In both cases, an artificial or intraocular lens replaces the original lens.

Your cataract specialist should be up to date on innovations in lens technology. Ask him or her about the differences between monofocal, toric and multifocal intraocular lenses. Monofocal lenses are the most common and generally provide good distance vision but often require that you wear glasses for reading or close-up tasks. Toric lenses usually result in improved distance vision and can help correct astigmatism.

A surgeon should be especially knowledgeable about multifocal lenses. This type of lens, which came into use in the mid-2000s, provides vision enhancements to different parts of the eye. Your goal is to locate a cataract specialist who will explain the potential benefits and drawbacks of multifocal lenses and other emerging cataract technologies.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-best-cataract-specialist.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.