The Top 4 Questions to Ask Before Cataract Surgery

Preparing for cataract surgery starts with getting the answers to key questions in advance. Knowing what to expect is crucial when planning for care and recovery.

While cataract removal is typically a fast outpatient procedure, being an informed patient allows you to plan accordingly. Keep reading to learn the top four questions to ask before cataract surgery!

1. How Long Will Cataract Surgery Take?

While the cataract removal procedure itself may only last fifteen to thirty minutes, you need to plan to spend a couple of hours at the surgical center when accounting for intake, prep, the surgery itself, and recovery time before discharge. Every person’s procedure is different, so it’s important to get an idea of how long the procedure will take in your specific circumstance.

This can help you arrange for someone to take you to and from your procedure as well. Asking your cataract surgeon how long cataract surgery will take also opens up a discussion about what support you might need in the hours following the procedure.

Knowing what to anticipate timing-wise will allow you to plan accordingly.

2. Which IOL is Best For Me?

Prior to cataract surgery, you will need to choose an IOL to replace your natural cataract-affected lens during the procedure. This new IOL will determine how you see after the procedure, so it is a very important decision.

Your eye doctor will help you determine which IOL might be best for you based on your vision goals, the hobbies you enjoy, your lifestyle, and your IOL budget. Although the final decision of which IOL you will have is ultimately up to you, your eye doctor can give you guidance based on your eyes and vision goals.

3. When Can I Resume Normal Activities After Cataract Surgery?

After cataract surgery, you will need to spend some time resting in order to have the best results and avoid any complications. Ask your cataract surgeon any questions you may have about the recovery process, including when you can resume your typical routine.

Your cataract surgeon will provide instructions on limiting activities immediately after cataract surgery and guidelines on when you can resume normal activities like reading, watching TV, working on computers, driving, exercising, and more based on your healing progress. With your cataract surgeon’s input, you’ll understand the optimal balance between much-needed rest to allow surgical incisions to close while also steadily easing back into your regular routine.

Asking this question opens up an informed discussion about listening to your body while understanding your timeline for safely returning to activities that enrich your day.

4. What Do I Need To Do To Prepare For Cataract Surgery?

Knowing what you need to do ahead of time to prepare for cataract surgery may make you feel more at ease as you get closer to your procedure date. First, make sure you have all the medications you need for after your procedure.

Your eye doctor may require you to pick up some prescription eye drops at your pharmacy to have to use after your procedure. You will also need to plan to have a friend or a family member drive you to and from your procedure.

It’s best to do this in advance to ensure you have someone reliable who can get you to your procedure on time and help you settle in back home after cataract surgery. Your eye doctor may have some other specific recommendations that can help you prepare for the procedure.

Do you want to learn more about cataract surgery? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Berg Feinfield in Beverly Hills, CA, today!