A natural part of life is developing cataracts. But that doesn’t mean that dealing with its effects is easy. This eye condition causes a gradual vision loss, among other negative symptoms. The problem is that getting rid of it isn’t a one-step process. Cataracts are also unsafe and are difficult to handle.
Cataract surgery is common not only in Naples, Florida but also around the world. A lot of people, especially those over forty-five years old, undergo cataract surgery to correct cloudy vision and improve quality of life.
A good cataract surgeon in Naples, FL, is confident and experienced. They can also answer your concerns and questions regarding the procedure. Read on below for some helpful tips on finding the best Naples cataract surgeons.
1. Understand The Difference Between An Ophthalmologist And An Optometrist
The first tip is to understand that not all eye specialists or doctors can perform eye surgeries like the one for correcting cataracts. The common eye doctors that you’ll encounter in Naples, FL, are ophthalmologists and optometrists. It’s essential to note that unlike optometrists, ophthalmologists are medical doctors or MDs, which means that they’re certified and qualified to perform cataract surgery. Optometrists, on the other hand, are doctors of optometry or ODs who can conduct vision tests and eye exams but aren’t qualified to perform surgery. However, they often work with MDs to perform post-operative care and screenings. You can see more information about an eye doctor in Naples when you visit their websites.
2. Look For Board Certification
When evaluating the credentials of a cataract surgeon, an essential thing to look for is whether the doctor has a certification from the ABO or the American Board of Ophthalmology. Before getting certified, members of the ABO have to meet rigorous standards first. A board certification, therefore, reflects a specific level of experience and distinction that should tell you that an ophthalmologist is qualified enough to perform cataract surgery and provide your desired results.
3. Look At Online Reviews
An excellent way to start your research is to try to see what people have said about a specific Naples cataract surgeon online. While it shouldn’t be the only thing where you base your decision on, it should be a great start.
Some people argue that online reviews aren’t always reliable. While it’s true, the advantage of checking them out is that you’ll get an idea of what you can expect from a particular eye doctor, even if the reviews are positive or negative.
Is the staff of the clinic friendly and knowledgeable? Does the cataract surgeon have a positive, solid track record with his previous and current patients? These are the type of questions that can be easily answered by looking at online reviews.
Focus on what the practice of the eye doctor is like. It isn’t as much about the star reviews. In the end, what’s most important is that you’ll be comfortable with wherever you get the procedure done, and you get the assurance of achieving your desired results.
4. Ask Previous Patients
If your family and friends had cataract surgery in the past, talk to them. Asking those individuals who have already experienced the procedure can be especially helpful if they’ve gone to the same surgeon you’re considering.
When it comes to finding a Naples cataract surgeon, one of the most effective ways to look for a good fit is firsthand referrals. When you compare it to the all-but-anonymous internet, word of mouth is still much more trustworthy.
An excellent technique is to watch the person who’s giving you a referral and observe to see if the body language they’re showing matches what they’re saying. After all, action speaks louder than words.
5. Check The Technology Used By The Eye Doctor
The technology that cataract surgeons utilize should be a key piece of your decision-making process in today’s environment. Of course, there are several vital points to consider. First, determine your preference. Are you more comfortable with a more conventional approach like the IOL or intraocular lens that only caters to distance vision exclusively? The disadvantage of IOL is that you’ll be required to wear reading glasses after the surgery. Or if you’re interested in the more modern alternatives like the presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens that corrects vision across all distances?
Of course, those people who want to rid themselves of eyeglasses and the hassles that come with wearing them will be keen to investigate the latter option. However, please take note that not all surgeons are offering the more modern, presbyopia-correcting IOL. This is why it’s best to inquire about the type of technologies and equipment available through the practice contact form or during the initial consultation.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best Naples, FL, cataract surgeons, what’s most important is not to rush your decision. Perform your due diligence and investigate your options to ensure that you’re entirely comfortable with the eye doctor that you’ve chosen. After all, it’s your vision that’s at stake here. So, choose to err on the side of caution and make sure to spend as much time as necessary to come up with the best possible choice.