How to Choose a Cataract Surgeon

If you suspect you have cataracts or have been referred to a few cataract surgeons by your doctor, you may wonder what the next step is. How do you choose the best cataract surgeon in Austin? There are many factors to consider, from reputation and years of experience to success rate and comfort level.

It all comes down to who you feel comfortable with and who you trust with such a delicate procedure. Meet with a few beforehand to put your mind at ease.

But first, what’s a cataract? A cataract is when the natural lens in your eye becomes cloudy as a result of the break-down of proteins. Cataracts can develop in one eye or both eyes. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, vision changes with cataracts include:

Blurry vision
Double vision
Ghosted images
Extra sensitivity to light
Difficulty seeing at night
Bright colors seem faded or yellow

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult with a cataract surgeon to determine if you indeed have cataracts. Cataracts affect more than 24 million Americans over the age of 40; by age 75, half of all Americans have cataracts.

Selecting an Ophthalmologist for Cataract Surgery

Research is key. Here are some tips on settling on the best cataract surgeon for you.

1.    Speak with your regular eye doctor

If your current eye doctor is also an ophthalmologist, he or she may be able to perform the cataract surgery for you. If they can’t, or if they are not an ophthalmologist, they will refer you to someone else. Remember: not all eye doctors can perform surgery. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MDs) who are certified to perform surgery. Optometrists are Doctors of Optometry (ODs) who can perform eye exams and vision tests, but can’t perform cataract surgery.

2.    Ask family and friends

Talk with friends or family members who have had cataract surgery in the recent past. Find out who they chose and if they had a good experience with them. By the same token, go online and read reviews of local cataract surgeons. Look for things like bedside manner, success rates, and experience.

3.    Ask Questions

Once you have narrowed down your choices, it’s time to make appointments to meet in person. Ask these questions during those meetings to settle on the right cataract surgeon for you.

How many cataract surgeries have you done? What is your success rate?
What can I expect with the surgery in terms of the day of the procedure and follow-up care?
Who will be the point of contact in case I have questions or concerns after the surgery?
What certifications do you possess?
How many years have you been doing this?

After leaving the consultation, ask yourself these questions:

Did I feel at ease meeting with the surgeon?
Did I feel comfortable with his or her bedside manner?
Do I trust this person with my eyes?
What is my gut feeling?

In the end, experience is very important, but so is your peace of mind. If a cataract surgeon has all the credentials and experience in the world yet you don’t feel comfortable with how they answer your questions, move on to the next doctor on the list.

Book a Cataract Surgery Consultation With Broberg Eye Care

We would be happy to sit down with you and discuss our procedure for cataract surgery. Please schedule an appointment to get started at 512-447-6096. Our hours are Monday through Friday, with a convenient location at 4207 James Casey St #305 in Austin, TX.