What Does an Ophthalmologist Do?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who provides comprehensive eye care, from exams and prescriptions to treating disease and performing surgery. You should see your ophthalmologist regularly. The current guidelines are as follows:

• Age 20-39: Once every five years.
• Age 40-54: Once every 2-4 years.
• Age 55 and over: Once every 1-3 years, depending on your eye health.

If you have concerns, make an appointment with your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Surgical Procedures Performed by ICASC Ophthalmologists

The ophthalmology team at Iowa City Ambulatory Surgery Center performs a variety of outpatient eye surgery procedures. These procedures are completed in a comfortable, clinic-like setting, allowing patients to return home the same day without the need for an overnight hospital stay.

• Retina Surgery: is performed to repair retinal detachment and prevent long-term vision loss. Warning signs can include sudden flashes of light, multiple floaters, or a dark shadow in your field of vision. The procedure is minimally invasive and highly effective at restoring sight. Recovery usually takes 2–4 weeks, after which most patients return to normal vision.
• Cataract Surgery: removes the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replaces it with a clear, artificial lens. This simple outpatient procedure helps restore sharpness and brightness to your vision. Most patients notice significant improvements in daily tasks like reading and night driving within 1–2 weeks. Full recovery is quick, and results are long-lasting.

Common Cataract Surgery Questions:

Many patients have questions about cataract surgery. Among the most common are the following:

• How do I know if I have cataracts?
• How long will it take me to recover?
• Will cataract surgery improve my overall vision?
• What are the risks associated with cataract surgery?

Click here to download our resource to find answers to your cataract surgery questions.

Cornea Transplants: A cornea transplant replaces damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue to restore clarity and focus. In many cases, only the affected layer of the cornea is replaced, which can shorten healing time. Patients typically see gradual improvements over several weeks, with special care required during recovery. Regular follow-up visits help ensure the eye heals properly and vision remains clear.

Common Cataract Surgery Questions:

Many patients have questions about cataract surgery. Among the most common are the following:

• How do I know if I have cataracts?
• How long will it take me to recover?
• Will cataract surgery improve my overall vision?
• What are the risks associated with cataract surgery?

• Cornea Transplants: A cornea transplant replaces damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue to restore clarity and focus. In many cases, only the affected layer of the cornea is replaced, which can shorten healing time. Patients typically see gradual improvements over several weeks, with special care required during recovery. Regular follow-up visits help ensure the eye heals properly and vision remains clear.

What Should My Next Steps Be?

If you’re ready to see your ophthalmologist, you should prepare for your appointment by following these steps:

• Write down your symptoms and what’s bothering you before your appointment. This will help you know why you want to see your ophthalmologist in the first place.
• Bring some papers to your appointment so you can make sure to write down any new diagnosis or treatment options.
• If possible, bring a friend or partner with you to your appointment. They’ll be able to help you remember questions to ask–and remember what your ophthalmologist has to say, too.
• Ask lots of questions during your appointment. This will help make sure you understand the information you’re given.
• Don’t be afraid to ask about alternative treatment methods. In some cases, there are alternatives to surgery. In some cases, there aren’t, but your ophthalmologist may be able to work with you to find the treatment that’s right for you.
• If Surgery is recommended, ask to have your surgery at Iowa City ASC.