Wondering when you should get a second medical opinion? The best way to get optimal healthcare is by exploring your options.This is especially true when it comes to a cataract surgery or any other kind of surgery for that matter.
Why Second Opinions Are Important
Only consulting one eye doctor for eye care will limit your knowledge and impact your decision-making process. When it comes to a health condition like cataracts, you’ll want to know the best treatment options.
But first, what is a cataract?
A cataract is a type of eye condition that causes cloudiness within the lens of the eye. This cloudiness will interfere with a person’s ability to see. A cataract can result in blurry vision, faded colors, halos, and in some cases, blindness. Cataracts can be the result of aging, blunt force trauma, radiation exposure, or genetic diseases. Consult an eye doctor if you suspect that you’ve developed a cataract.
What is cataract surgery like?
In a laser cataract surgery, the natural lens is removed from the eye. An artificial implant is inserted in its place. Before the surgery takes place, the eye care specialist will measure the size and shape of your eye to find an appropriate artificial lens for you. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before the surgery.
Most cataract surgeries take place under one hour. You will be awake during the operation, but you won’t feel pain. Your eyes will be under numbing medication. Side effects after cataract surgery are rare. However, you could experience eye infection, bleeding, retinal detachment, pressure, or fluid buildup.
You will be asked to apply eye drops in the days following the surgery; this medication will help your eyes heal.
Why Seek a Second Opinion?
Not everyone needs surgery to treat cataracts. Some people prefer to only wear prescription eyewear to deal with the cataract. A doctor will recommend whether you should receive surgery.
Getting a second opinion from another doctor will confirm whether surgery is truly needed, and keep your mind at ease with these important questions answered.
Is your eye surgeon qualified, trained and certified?
For 40 years, we have been recognized as one of the industry’s innovators. Through our experience, commitment to technology, and role in researching new treatments and techniques we can provide patients the best possible eye care, both today and in the future.
Does your doctor use certified medical facilities and safe equipment?
Doctors at Specialty Eye Institute use certified equipment when diagnosing and treating your vision problems. Our comprehensive eye exams are designed to detect these eye problems and other diseases in their early stages. Our doctors also participate in leading clinical technologies.
Will your doctor inform and educate you on all your options?
The team at Specialty Eye Institute is committed to educating all of our patients before surgery on all available options for the desired results. We provide many educational opportunities with free patient seminars, informative newsletters, and our team of trained patient consultants and surgical counselors are available to answer any questions. Questions? Let’s talk!
Would others recommend?
Read the reviews when researching your options for eye care and bigger procedures, like cataract surgery. You can view these on Google My Business, Facebook, or sometimes their website.
Questions To Ask Your Eye Doctor
When you visit the doctors for their expert opinions, be sure to ask these questions to compare:
1. How serious is my eye condition?
2. What are the different treatment options?
3. What is the best treatment option for my particular case?
4. What are the risks that come with this treatment option?
5. What happens if I don’t receive treatment?
Also, consider seeking the second opinion from a completely different institute. Different eye health clinics will have different approaches to eye care. When getting a second opinion, feel free to bring along any rest results and information gathered from the first consultation. Be open about what the second consultation is about: getting another appraisal.
How to Choose Between Your Options
If the second doctor disagrees with the first about laser cataract surgery, then it’s time to evaluate the pros and cons of each treatment option. A third opinion may be needed if you don’t know what to do.
In the end, you should go with the treatment plan that offers the best potential outcome.
