At Your Appointment

Cataracts Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
  • Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
  • Do you have any other medical conditions, such as diabetes?
  • Is your vision interfering with daily activities, such as reading, working or driving?
  • Are you able to see well enough using your prescription glasses or lifestyle changes, such as magnifiers or bright lighting?
  • How would you rate your overall quality of life considering your vision at the present time?
  • Are you ready to consider cataract surgery?
  • Describe your vision changes or symptoms. Do you have dim vision, need brighter light to see, or have difficulty seeing at night?
  • When did you first notice problems or changes with your vision?
  • Are your vision problems constant or do they come and go?
  • Have your vision problems gotten worse recently?
  • What activities do you find difficult due to your vision problems?
  • Have you ever had an eye condition, injury or surgery?
  • What strategies have you tried so far to improve your vision? How much has this helped?
  • What new symptoms or vision problems are you experiencing?
  • Do my vision problems mean I have cataracts?
  • Could another condition be causing or contributing to my vision problems?
  • What tests do I need to diagnose cataracts?
  • What treatments are available for cataracts?
  • Are there lifestyle changes I can make to improve my vision?
  • What can I expect if my cataracts progress?
  • Is there any harm in waiting to do surgery later, or do I need it now?
  • How well will cataract surgery restore my vision? Are there any long-term concerns with cataract surgery?
  • Which type of cataract surgery is best for me? What are my lens options?
  • What does cataract surgery involve, including risks, recovery time, and activity restrictions?
  • Do I have any other eye conditions that could affect my cataract treatment?
  • Will I need to stop any of my medications before surgery?
  • Are my new or different symptoms an indication that my cataracts are getting worse?
  • Does my specific case of cataracts require surgery? When would you recommend surgery in my case?
  • How long after surgery does it take to recover good eyesight?
  • If I delay surgery, what other strategies can help my vision?
  • What exactly are cataracts and how do they affect vision over time?
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Cataract Surgery
Last Review Date: 2018 Sep 20
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
  1. Cataracts. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts
  2. Cataracts. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353795
  3. Facts About Cataracts. National Eye Institute. https://nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts