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Questions To Ask Before Cataract Surgery

You have to get the right eye care if you wish to keep some serious eye conditions at bay. There are very many potential eye diseases that result from poor vision care. It is, therefore, important to have an eye doctor that you can regularly visit. Eye doctors handle various diseases and conditions, and cataracts are one of them.

It is a common condition that features the clouding of eye lenses. An average person has clear lenses to facilitate vision. A cataracts surgery is one of the procedures that an ophthalmologist will carry out to correct the vision problem. It is a safe procedure, but it helps to know what you are getting into beforehand. You can ask your ophthalmologist as many questions as possible before the procedure to get an understanding of what the surgery entails.

Do You Need Surgery?

Firstly, find out if you have to get the procedure. You may have just made an assumption that cataract surgery is necessary without proper consultation. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can diagnose cataracts, and if you have the right diagnosis from an expert, find out about the available treatment options. Sometimes, surgery may not be an immediate concern, so know if the procedure is an emergency or if you can afford to wait.

What if You Have Cataracts in Both Eyes?

In a severe case of the condition, it may affect both your eyes. An eye surgeon may recommend surgery for both, but you have to know if there exist risks that come with operating on both eyes at the same time. A doctor may advise that you wait for one eye to heal first.

How Long Will the Surgery Take?

It helps to prepare yourself mentally for your surgery and knowing the duration of the surgery will help a lot. Usually, cataract surgery takes about 20 minutes, but it is imperative to talk with your doctor to learn if any factors may change.

What if You Have a Health Problem?

You should talk to your ophthalmologist from a London eye clinic, like Eye Clinic London, about any health conditions you currently have. Typically, your doctor will have your health records, but you should find out what implications that your ailments may have on the surgery.

What Should You Do after Surgery?

The healing process takes about four weeks after surgery. Until you recuperate, it helps to know what to do and what to avoid. Find out about the level of discomfort to expect after surgery. You should also ask about the post-op care that the doctor provides. If you are going to need medication, find out about it too.

Sources:

  • Cataracts, University of Maryland Medical Center
  • Cataract surgery, NHS

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About the expert

Mr Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon

MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.