Final answer:
A patient needing cataract surgery should be referred to an ophthalmologist, who is qualified to perform eye surgeries. An intraocular lens (IOL) is used to replace a cataract-clouded lens, and the power of this lens is adjusted based on the patient's vision requirements. LASIK surgery can also correct vision by reshaping the cornea.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient needing cataract surgery would be best referred to an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specialized in eye and vision care, including performing surgeries such as cataract removal and intraocular lens implantation. An optometrist may diagnose eye conditions and prescribe corrective lenses but does not perform surgery. An otorhinolaryngologist, also known as an ENT doctor, specializes in conditions of the ear, nose, and throat, and is not the right specialist for cataract surgery. An oncologist specializes in cancer treatment, while an optician is a technician trained to design and fit glasses, frames, and lenses.
When a patient undergoes cataract surgery, they often receive an intraocular lens (IOL) to replace the clouded lens that is removed. The IOL is selected based on the patient's vision needs; if it is configured for perfect distant vision, the patient may or may not need glasses for reading or close work, depending on whether they go for monofocal or multifocal IOLs. In cases of myopia (nearsightedness), the power of the intraocular lens would generally be less than that of the natural lens to correct the focus onto the retina.
For correcting vision issues like myopia or hyperopia, surgeries like LASIK can be performed to reshape the cornea. For myopia, the curvature is reduced to decrease the eye's power, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina. In hyperopia, the curvature would need to be increased.