Make certain you know about your choices. We have a list of questions that you can consider as prompts to help you understand – see our list – if you do not know the answers to these questions make sure to discuss with your healthcare provider at your next visit.
Communication between you and your healthcare provider is essential. You should feel comfortable talking about all of your concerns. Feel free to ask any questions about your care. Providers should also welcome questions about their experience and qualifications.
Example Questions to ask:
- What kind of cataracts do I have?
- How large are they?
- Are they in one or both eyes?
- How certain is my diagnosis?
- Is it possible that I have something other than cataracts?
- Do I have any other eye problems?
- How do my cataracts affect their treatment?
- Do I need additional tests?
- How well do I see? (What is my visual acuity?)
- Do I need a new prescription for my eyeglasses?
- How likely are my cataracts to worsen?
- What devices do you recommend to minimize my symptoms?
- What else can I do to manage my symptoms?
- Should I quit taking steroid medications?
- What type of sunglasses should I use?
- Am I a candidate for surgery?
- Do I have medical conditions that make this riskier?
- What type of eye surgery do you recommend?
- What are the risks of cataract surgery for me?
- What are the chances that surgery will be successful for me?
- How much will it improve my vision?
- How much experience do you have with surgery?
- What are your success rates for this surgery?
- When will I be able to resume normal activities after surgery?
- For what symptoms should I call the doctor after surgery?
- What kind of anesthesia should I have?
- Should I change my diet?
- Do I need to avoid any activities, such as driving? Should I change how I do them?
- Am I at risk for any other conditions because of my cataracts? What other monitoring do I need?
- How often should I come in for check-ups?
- How often do you treat patients for cataracts?
Before surgery, your provider will talk to you about the right type of lens implant, sometimes known as intraocular lens, or IOLs. There are a variety of IOLs and you should discuss the types that will work best for you. Cost may be a factor as well as what is allowed under your insurance coverage. Discuss the benefits and risks of the different types of IOLs with your eye surgeon to determine what’s best for you. Some lenses may mean that you will no longer need reading glasses.
Once the type of lens is agreed upon, make sure to understand the risks and complications that might occur post-surgery.
