Cataracts - what to ask your doctor : MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P You are having a procedure to remove a cataract. A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and starts to block vision. Removing the cataract can help improve your vision.
P Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you take care of your eye after surgery.

T Questions
P What is a cataract?
P How will cataract surgery help my vision?
- If I have cataracts in both eyes, can I have surgery on both eyes at the same time?
- How long after surgery before I notice my vision is better?
- Will I still need glasses after surgery? For distance? For reading?
P How do I get ready for surgery?
- When do I need to stop eating and drinking before surgery?
- Should I have a checkup with my regular provider 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?
P What happens during cataract surgery?
- How long will the surgery take?
- What type of anesthesia will I have? Will I feel any pain during the surgery?
- How do the doctors make sure I won't move during cataract surgery?
- Is the cataract removed with a laser?
- Will I need a lens implant?
- Are there different types of lens implants?
- What are the risks of cataract surgery?
P What happens after cataract surgery?
- Will I have to spend the night in the hospital? How long will I need to spend at the surgical center?
- Will I have to wear an eye patch?
- Will I need to take eye drops?
- 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?
- Do I need to see the doctor for a follow-up visit? If so, when?

T Alternative Names
P What to ask your doctor about cataracts; Lens implants - what to ask your doctor

T Images
- Cataract

T References
P Crouch ER, Crouch ER, Grant TR. Ophthmalogy. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 17.
P Wevill M. Epidemioloy, pathophysiology, causes, morphology, and visual effects of cataract. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 5.17.

T Read More
- Cataract - adult
- Cataract removal
- Vision problems

T Review Date 12/19/2016
P Updated by: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

T Related MedlinePlus Health Topics
- Cataract

