What Kind of Doctor Does Cataract Surgery?

The risk of developing eye diseases, such as cataracts, increases as we age. This common condition can impair vision and negatively affect our quality of life. However, an experienced ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon can restore your eye health and vision.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a progressive medical condition affecting approximately half of all Americans by the age of 75. Cataracts form when the proteins in the natural lens of the eye break down and cause the lens to cloud. This is commonly referred to as a cloudy lens. Symptoms of cataracts may include blurry or cloudy vision, difficulty driving at night, dulling or yellowing of colors, halos or starbursts around bright lights, and double vision in the affected eye. Cataracts are diagnosed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist using a visual acuity test, slit lamp examination, or retinal exam. 

What Is Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts are a leading cause of visual impairment and can lead to blindness if not treated. However, cataract surgery from a skilled ophthalmologist — especially one who is a cataract specialist — can correct the condition once it has become too advanced to otherwise manage it. More than 3 million cataract surgeries are performed each year with excellent results. During these outpatient procedures, the cloudy lens is simply replaced with a clear, artificial intraocular lens made of acrylic, silicone, or plastic. The procedure generally takes approximately 20 minutes with a short recovery period for most patients.

Our cataract self-test can help you decide if it may be time for a cataract surgery evaluation.

What Is an Ophthalmologist?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, an ophthalmologist is a medical or osteopathic doctor specializing in eye and vision care and licensed to practice medicine and surgery. Ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat a wider range of eye conditions compared to optometrists and opticians due to additional education, including medical school and surgical training. In general, ophthalmologists study for 12 to 14 years prior to practicing. Some ophthalmologists choose to further their training and complete a fellowship to practice a subspecialty, focusing on specific diseases or parts of the eyes. While glaucoma and cataracts are two of the most common conditions they treat, ophthalmologists may complete additional training in both of these areas. Other subspecialty areas are cornea, retina, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, and pediatrics.

Trust the Cataract Specialists at Swagel Wootton Eye Institute

With 60 years of experience, Swagel Wootton Eye Institute’s team of board-certified cataract surgeons is committed to delivering outstanding results. As an ophthalmology practice rooted in surgical and medical services, we place the needs of our patients first and have invested in industry-leading technology, including advanced cataract lens implants and laser-assisted cataract surgery, to ensure patient safety, comfort, and high-quality results. Request an appointment today with Arizona’s cataract specialists and surgery experts.