Cataracts - what to ask your doctor

Definition of Cataracts - what to ask your doctor :

You are having a procedure to remove a cataract, a cloudy area in the lens of your eye. This should help improve your vision.

Below are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse to help you take care of your eye (or eyes, if you need to have two cataracts removed).

Questions:

How will cataract surgery help my vision? If I have two cataracts, can I have surgery on both of them at the same time? How long after surgery before I notice my vision is better?

When do I need to stop eating and drinking before surgery? Do I need to stop taking or change any of my medicines? What else do I need to bring with me on the day of surgery?

What type of anesthesia will I have? Will I feel any pain during the surgery? Will I remember anything about the surgery?

What happens during cataract surgery? How long does the surgery last? What are the risks of cataract surgery?

When will I be able to go home? Will I have to wear an eye patch?

Can I shower or bathe at home? What activities can I do while I recover? When will I be able to drive? When can I be sexually active?

Reviewed last on: 3/7/2009
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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