What Makes a Good Eye Surgeon and How Do You Find a Good One?

Choosing a good eye surgeon can be tough, especially when you need laser eye surgery. Protecting your vision is important and choosing a bad eye doctor can result in permanent scarring of the eye or worse. There are two important factors that you should consider when it comes to choosing a good eye surgeon.

Factor 1. It is important to consider the type of eye care that you will need. Different eye doctors handle different types of vision problems. A specialist is needed when you suffer from significant eye disease. For basic eye care, an optician is often acceptable. If you are interested in laser eye surgery, you will want to consult with a laser eye surgeon.

In choosing a good eye doctor it is important to find out exactly what types of services the doctor offers. Depending on your needs, a good eye doctor should have experience in the treatment one or more of the following fields:

Myopia (nearsightedness)
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
Adult Eye Disorders
Cataracts
Pediatric Eye Disorders
Vision Impairment Caused by Medical Conditions (such as thyroid disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes)
Corneal Disease
Plastic Surgery Related to Eye Disfiguration
Glaucoma Treatments
Eye Injuries Related To Sports
LASIK, Intralase LASIK, or PRK

Factor 2. A doctor's training is another important factor when it comes to choosing a good eye doctor or surgeon. An ophthalmologist should have a M.D. or D.O. degree from an accredited university. He should have specialized training in the surgical and medical procedures involved with eye injuries and vision problems.

An optician should have certified training in the general eye care field. Specialized training is also a plus. An optician should be able to treat all types of routine eye care including the prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or cataracts.