People always like to say, “the fog has lifted” in a metaphorical sense, but for individuals with cataracts, removing the fog from their vision can be life-changing. Cataracts are a clouding, or opacity, of the lens resting behind the pupil. Often, people first notice fuzzy vision, or double vision, then possibly notice everything taking on a yellow hue. Soon light sensitivity becomes prevalent and reading can become difficult. Upon diagnosis, significant cataracts will require surgery to replace the cloudy lens with a new one.
But before typing “cataract surgeons near me” into your browser, heed some of Marano Eye Care’s suggestions about what you should be looking for in a surgeon.
Prior to committing to any surgery or doctor, make sure that an ophthalmologist near you provides you with the correct cataract diagnosis. Depending on where the cataract has occurred in the lens, you may have one of the three following types:
“But I don’t know anyone with cataracts,” you might be thinking. This is nearly impossible! According to the National Eye Institute, by the age of 80, half of the population will either have a cataract or had surgery to remove one. While that’s bad news for half of the population, it also means that you’re going to have a lot of personal recommendations to draw upon. This is a great place to start the search for a cataract surgeon in your area.
In every industry, there are associations that set the standards. For eye physicians and surgeons, it’s the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). But AAO is not just a great resource for physicians – it’s a resource for people to learn about eye conditions as well as find the best ophthalmologists in the country. Use their find an ophthalmologist tool to search your area.
While getting a referral from a friend or another doctor is always a good foundation for seeing any specialist, it doesn’t guarantee that they are going to sync with you the way that they synced with others. Do you have any specific requests or concerns? Do you have other medical conditions, or phobias? Put it all out on the table when meeting your potential cataract surgeon. They should be able to assuage any concerns you may have and inform you medically about your condition.
Even if you really like the first ophthalmologist, it doesn’t hurt to get a second or third opinion to ensure that your condition is being properly diagnosed. Cataracts are fairly straightforward to diagnose, but the lens replacement may differ.
In cataract surgery, the now-opaque natural lens that you were born with is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens, also known as an IOL. There’s a variety of IOLs to choose from: Monofocal IOLs; Multifocal IOLs; Accommodating IOLS; Toric IOLS; and Aspheric IOLS. Prior to surgery, discuss these options with your doctor at length. Not only should they be able to give you a recommendation based on your needs, you’ll be able to gauge their experience with the lens. If you have a specific lens that appeals to you but they do not feel comfortable implementing it, it may be time to move on to a different surgeon.
At Marano Eye Care, we have been performing cataract surgery for decades and have countless happy customers who can tell you about their experiences. If you’re ready to clear the fog from your vision and improve your quality of life, contact Marano Eye Care today or find your nearest location. We eye doctor locations in Livingston, Newark, and Denville, NJ.
