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12 questions to ask before cataract surgery

If age-related cataracts have left you with a cloudy vision and you’re considering cataract surgery, you might have some apprehensions. Undergoing any medical procedure can be a big decision but if you know the right questions to ask before cataract surgery you’d feel more at ease.

If you’re looking for affordable treatment for cataracts and are planning your cataract surgery in Thailand, India, Mexico, or any other such destination, the below information will allow you to proceed with confidence.

Here are the 15 questions to ask your ophthalmologist during your initial consultation before cataract surgery:

Questions about cataract surgery procedure

1. Can I have cataract surgery on both eyes at the same time?

Most eye surgeons would recommend same-day bilateral cataract surgery, especially if performed under general anesthesia. This saves time and cost for the patient.

Doctors performing cataract surgery

However, if you want to allow the first eye to heal before you have the second one operated upon, your doctor may suggest you have the surgery 2 to 6 weeks apart.

2. What will the surgery involve?

Cataract surgery can be done in several ways. Ask your doctor what approach will be the best in your situation. Will the surgery be done via a traditional cut or laser cut? Will you feel pain? 

Knowing the answers to these questions will make you feel comfortable about the procedure.

3. What kind of anesthesia will be used?

Cataract surgery can be done either under topical anesthesia with IVF sedation, so you’re awake during the procedure, or they can put you to sleep with general anesthesia.

4. How long will the surgery take?

Typically done as an outpatient procedure, cataract surgery can be done between 10-40 minutes per eye. Phacoemulsification, which is most commonly performed, takes only around 10 minutes but extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) can take 30-40 minutes.

Your doctor will suggest the method of surgery and the time you should expect to spend in surgery.

5. What do I need to do to prepare for cataract surgery?

Inform your doctor about your current medications and allergies. They may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops a few days before the treatment, ask you to stop wearing lenses, and give you dietary advice to be followed 24 hours ahead of the surgery.

6. What are the possible complications?

Major complications in cataract surgery are rare but every surgical procedure carries some risk. Ask your doctor about the possible complications in your situation, and what you can do to minimize the risk.

Questions to ask about the lenses

7. Which intraocular lenses (IOLs) will be used?

You can choose between monofocal, toric, or multifocal IOLs. Discuss your problem and requirements with the doctor in detail, so they can advise on the right choice for you.

8. How much will it cost?

Different kinds of lenses are also highly variable in their prices, so make sure to discuss that factor as well.

Questions about recovery after cataract surgery

9. How long will it take after the surgery for my vision to improve?

While some patients are able to see clearly within a month of their cataract surgery, it may take 2-3 months for others.

The doctor will assess your condition and provide a progress timeline for the surgery. This will give you realistic expectations for what to expect and how to plan your activities post-op.

Cataract surgery post-op care

10. Will I still need glasses after surgery?

Your current prescription and the kind of IOL you choose. For example, if you have selected monofocal IOLs for distance vision, you may still need corrective glasses for close vision activities such as reading.

11. What activities are allowed during recovery? When will I be able to drive, workouts or be sexually active?

You might have to wait for weeks before you can wear make-up or go swimming, as your newly operated eyes must not be exposed to possible infections.

Driving is usually allowed after 24 hours of cataract surgery, and most strenuous activities can be resumed in 2-4 weeks.

The doctor will provide you with a proper chart and instructions on how long to avoid what activity for.

12. Is a follow-up visit required? If so, when?

Typically follow up visit is set up 1-2 weeks after the surgery to ensure everything is ok, and if required, to update your prescription for eye glasses.

Some doctors may ask for another follow-up in 2-3 months to check your complete progress. If traveling overseas, you may also set up this visit with a local doctor.

You must know that over 10 million people undergo cataract surgery every year; it is an extremely safe, widely-practiced, potentially life-changing procedure.

However, any medical procedure, big or small, can be unnerving for a patient but once equipped with all the information, you will feel a lot more confident.

Ask all or any of the above questions before cataract surgery, so you can make an informed decision.

For low-cost cataract surgery in choice of medical destinations, get in touch via the form on this page.

Resources:

(2000). Vision 2020: the cataract challenge. Community eye health13(34), 17–19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1705965/

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