Cataract surgery is a major life-changing event for most patients, and choosing a surgeon should not be taken lightly. Choose a practice that is dedicated to patient safety, the best technology, and careful long-term patient follow-up. Here is a list of questions to ask when choosing a cataract surgeon:
- Is your surgeon also a LASIK (laser vision correction) surgeon?
Modern cataract surgery is also a refractive surgery, meaning that it can reduce patients’ need for glasses. LASIK surgeons are experts in surgery that reduces the need for glasses therefore are specially qualified to help cataract patients achieve the very best quality of vision. Furthermore, some patients require LASIK or other types of laser vision correction after cataract surgery, thus it is advantageous to select a surgeon dual-qualified and skilled in both types of surgery. - Does your surgeon specialize in advanced technology IOLs (sometimes called “Premium” IOLs)?
Surgeons who specialize in advanced technology lenses are best able to evaluate each patient to determine whether an advanced technology IOL is appropriate. They are also best able to provide appropriate care before, during, and after surgery. - Does your surgeon use every IOL available?
Surgeons who are certified to use and have experience with all available IOLs are best able to customize the IOL selection to each individual patient. Such skilled customization increases the likelihood of a successful result. - Does your practice use the latest technology when evaluating a patient for cataract surgery?
In order to achieve excellent cataract surgery results, the eye must be evaluated with the latest technology and instruments. Sophisticated corneal topography and tomography systems are required to evaluate the structures of the eye to determine the best surgical approach. Optical coherence biometry, immersion ultrasound, and ultra high frequency biometry (UBM) systems are required for appropriate measurement of the eye. - Are your surgeons experts at performing cataract surgery in patients who have had eye surgery before, such as LASIK or RK?
Choosing the best IOL is challenging in eyes that have had prior surgery, and special expertise is required. The formulas used for IOL power calculations are extensive for eye that have had prior surgery, and special instrumentation and computer software is often required.
