The process of choosing the right cataract surgeon for you can be daunting. It can be tough to know whether a doctor’s claims on paper or on a website are actually true. However, there are some sure-fire ways to research the track record of success of any cataract surgeon. Most surgeons will be able to refer you to clients who have undergone surgical procedures at their facilities. You can also read Internet reviews of doctors to get an idea of what previous patients have experienced.

Often, though, you will have to make an office visit in order to get a feel for the professional nature of the cataract surgeon in whom you’re interested. When you visit, there are several things to keep in mind. It is important that the facility is clean and modern. It is also vital that the staff is courteous and knowledgeable right from the start. If you get a bad feeling sitting in the waiting room, you might want to visit additional offices in order to compare your experiences. A referral from a close friend or associate can also help you narrow your search and provide you with a detailed, personal account of a potential cataract surgeon.

Most cataract surgeons will offer a free consultation in order for you to get an idea of what they would do to correct your vision. The surgeon may also choose to perform several tests to determine the best course of action, including a visual acuity test (to test the sharpness of your vision), a slit-lamp examination (to allow the doctor to see structures of your eye highly magnified to look for abnormalities) and a retinal examination (using dilating drops to open the pupils to see all of your eye and to check for other conditions, such as glaucoma). During this visit, you should ask several questions, including what type of procedure would be best for your condition, when the doctor is available for surgery, where the surgery would be performed (on-site or at a hospital) and how much you can expect to pay out of pocket.

Alternate Diagnoses

If you believe you have a cataract, it is important that you contact a qualified cataract surgeon to diagnose your particular condition. Sometimes, conditions that present themselves as cataracts may actually be other problems altogether. Cataracts, for example, don’t usually change the look of your actual eye. If you notice redness or other physical changes in your eye, contact your eye doctor for an examination. Similarly, if you experience pain or excessive itching (which are not usually symptoms of cataracts), you will need a professional medical opinion in order to correctly diagnose the issue.

Dr. Ilan Cohen is our expert surgeon in our New York office at The Fifth Avenue Eye Center. He has more than 40 years of experience in the ophthalmologic field and is well respected throughout New York as a premier cataract surgeon. He is highly skilled and trained in the most advanced medical techniques to correct vision problems such as cataracts. Contact our New York office for a free consultation today.