Our Summary
This study looked at how many cataract surgeries (a common eye operation) were done by male and female eye doctors in Florida from 2005-2012. They found that female doctors did about half as many of these surgeries as the male doctors. This difference wasn’t because the men had been doctors for longer. The researchers think more study is needed to figure out why there is this difference between the number of surgeries done by men and women. It could be because of personal choices, or there could be obstacles that make it harder for women to do as many surgeries.
FAQs
- What was the time period of the study on cataract surgeries done by male and female eye doctors in Florida?
- Did the study find any reason for the difference in the number of surgeries done by male and female doctors?
- Does the study suggest that the difference in surgery numbers could be due to personal choices or potential obstacles faced by women doctors?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about ocular surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding certain medications or foods before the surgery. Adhering to these instructions can help ensure a successful outcome and reduce the risk of complications during and after the procedure.
Suitable For
Patients who are experiencing vision problems due to conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other eye diseases are typically recommended ocular surgery. Ocular surgery may also be recommended for patients who have suffered eye injuries or trauma. Additionally, patients with refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism may undergo surgeries such as LASIK or PRK to correct their vision.
Timeline
Before ocular surgery:
- Patient is diagnosed with an eye condition that requires surgery.
- Patient consults with an ophthalmologist to discuss the surgery and any potential risks or complications.
- Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery.
- Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting before the procedure and any medications to avoid.
After ocular surgery:
- Patient undergoes the surgery, which typically lasts for a short amount of time.
- Patient is monitored in a recovery area immediately following the surgery to ensure there are no complications.
- Patient may experience some discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eye in the days following the surgery.
- Patient is prescribed eye drops or medications to aid in the healing process and prevent infection.
- Patient attends follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist to monitor the healing progress and address any concerns or complications.
- Patient’s vision gradually improves over time as the eye heals, with full results typically seen within a few weeks to months after the surgery.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What are the risks and benefits of the ocular surgery being recommended?
- How experienced is the surgeon in performing this particular type of ocular surgery?
- What is the success rate of this surgery, and what is the likelihood of needing additional procedures in the future?
- What is the recovery process like, and what kind of post-operative care will be needed?
- Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
- What is the expected outcome of the surgery, in terms of improved vision or symptom relief?
- What are the potential complications or side effects of the surgery, and how likely are they to occur?
- Will I need to follow any specific pre-operative instructions or make any lifestyle changes before the surgery?
- How much will the surgery cost, and will my insurance cover it?
- Are there any specific questions or concerns about the surgery that I should discuss with the surgeon before proceeding?
Reference
Authors: French DD, Margo CE, Campbell RR, Greenberg PB. Journal: J Med Pract Manage. 2016 Mar-Apr;31(5):297-302. PMID: 27249881