What Kind of Doctor Performs Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts are a cloudiness that forms in the normally clear lens of the eye, leading to decreased vision. Although cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 40, cataract surgery options offer an easy solution to clear vision for the millions that suffer from the condition. Cataract surgery can only be performed by a specific type of eye doctor, an ophthalmologist. 

When it comes to eye care, ophthalmologists are the most trained and skilled professionals in the field. An ophthalmologist is a physician, either a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO), who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and visual system and in the prevention of eye disease and injury. 

Ophthalmologists complete 4 or more years of college premedical education, 4 or more years of medical school, 1 year of internship, and 3 or more years of specialized medical, surgical and refractive training in eye care. This education and training allows them to handle everything from simple medical exams to advanced surgical needs. Ophthalmologists can handle basic eye care situations including eye exams, providing prescriptions for eye wear and diagnosis and testing for visual disorders. They can perform cataract surgeries, LASIK vision correction, transplants and retinal detachment repair, among others. Their medical knowledge of the entire body gives them additional skills in diagnosis and treatment of conditions that originate in another place, but affect vision.

Millions of Americans have cataract surgery each year. The procedure has an overall success rate of 98% or higher, and the positive impact on patient vision is obvious. Many patients who choose laser-assisted cataract surgery report improved vision before even leaving the recovery room.

To learn more about cataract surgery in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, or Portsmouth, or to schedule an examination with Our Doctors, contact us at 757-483-0400 or website today.