How to Choose an Eye Surgeon
Your sight is precious. Much of the joy that you experience in life comes from the beauty you see. To that end, there are a number of important considerations that should go into choosing whom you will trust with your eyes. First, it is often a good idea to ask a number of your friends who they would recommend for cataract surgery. Often, one or two names come up over and over again in a given area.
Second, ask your surgeon the following:
- How many cataract removal surgeries have you performed? Many studies show that surgeons, like piano players, get better with practice…a lot better.
- Will you use the femtosecond laser?
- Am I a good candidate for trying to correct both my near and far vision?
- What machine and IOL formulas will you use to choose my Intraocular lens? None of the machines/formulas are perfect but some are much better than others (laser better than ultrasound, etc). All eye surgeons have a machine in the clinic to measure IOL power, but some have an additional machine called the “ORA” attached to their surgical microscope so they can double check just before they insert the IOL. Studies show this improves accuracy.
- If I where your parent, what would you recommend for me?
I hope this overview helps you answer the question, what is a cataract, and aids you in your quest for better vision. Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions.
Gary J.L. Foster, MD