How to Prepare for Your Cataract Surgery Consultation

OK, so you’ve been told that your cataract is ripe for removal. You’ve chosen your surgeon, and the initial consultation is looming. No doubt the nerves are starting to kick in, which is completely natural. Good preparation for this initial appointment is key—it’s your chance to connect with the expert who’s going to perform the operation and, vitally, understand what lies ahead.

As cataract specialists, if we can give you one standout piece of prepping advice, it’s to make a list of all the questions to ask your eye surgeon. While they will probably answer many of them during the consultation, you will, of course, have others that might not fall under the FAQ category.

Cataract Surgery Consultation Tips

While you’ll probably want to write down all the usual queries, including those about recovery time, length of the operation, analgesia, when you can drive again, etc., the most important ones to include on your list are some of the most often overlooked.

Plus, never forget that your first cataract surgery appointment is as much about you feeling happy with your choice of surgeon as it is about them assessing you for the operation. 

One thing that many people still don’t fully appreciate is the level of choice that you have about the surgery.

That’s why, standing firmly at the head of your questions list should be to ask:

What lens options are available? So many people don’t know that there are different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs). This is often down to Medicare and insurance companies only covering the cost of a traditional cataract procedure and a monofocal lens. But today’s advanced technology means there are a plethora of other options. Yes, you might need to cover the difference in cost, but if a life without eyeglasses or contacts is something you’d love, then an advanced IOL might let you achieve this.

After this, be sure to ask—and, crucially, understand the answers—to the following four questions:

1. What will I need to do pre- and post-op? This might involve reducing or stopping certain medications in the days before surgery, when to stop eating and/or be “nil by mouth”, and the importance of having someone to drive you home. Post-op, you’ll need to be meticulous with cleanliness and adhering to the eye drop schedule you’ll be given. This is vital to ensure you don’t risk introducing bacteria or dirt that could trigger an infection.
2. How will I be prepped on the day? Generally, you’ll have some pain-relieving eye drops and some small injections around the eye to numb the area. However, for anyone who is excessively anxious (and we’re not talking about just a normal level of pre-op nervousness), then light sedation might be offered. Be sure to speak to your surgeon if you feel your anxiety is severe enough to prevent you from lying still for the duration of the process (about 20-30 minutes, including all the prep).
3. What should I expect my vision to be like once the cataract is removed? In a nutshell, it will be far clearer. You’ll experience colors in all their technicolor glory once again, be able to see small details that you’d become blind to, and contrasts will appear deeper. However, you may well go through an adjustment period as the brain re-learns how to cope with unencumbered messages. This could mean you feel a little dizzy or even nauseous for a few days, perhaps you’ll see haloes or be sensitive to bright lights. Clarify with your surgeon what the normal post-op effects might be, so they don’t come as a shock.
4. How many check-ups will I need after the operation? This will depend on various factors, such as how complex the operation is, the type of lens you have fitted (light-adjustable lenses require multiple visits), and if you suffer from any co-existing medical conditions.

At the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic, we do our best to pre-empt all the questions you might have for your eye surgeon. But we welcome and encourage you to ask as many as you would like. As far as we’re concerned, no question is a silly one. Every member of our specialist team is keen to allay any concerns you might have, and if that means you turn up at your first cataract surgery appointment with a list as long as your arm, then we’re happy to answer every one of them.

Find out more about our world-leading cataract services at https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com/ and call today to book your cataract surgery consultation.