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The idea of eye surgery can be scary for many, but the results can help everything seem clear and bright! Whether it’s cataract surgery or something elective like Lasik, be sure to ask plenty of questions before you schedule your surgery.
While every eye surgery comes with risks, in many cases, the benefits of surgery and clearer vision or the removal of a cataract are worth the risk. Choose a reputable eye surgeon and make sure you’re prepared for the procedure, recovery, and improved vision!
Here are seven essential questions to ask your doctor before getting eye surgery
1. What Is the Procedure?
Before surgery, you’ll know what types of procedures are about to happen. During cataract surgery, your eye surgeon removes a cataract. With a Lasik procedure, a surgeon uses a laser to correct vision problems.
However, knowing “what” the procedure is doesn’t give you all of the information about what takes place during your surgery. Before surgery:
- Ask your eye doctor to walk you through your surgery step-by-step
- Ask questions about the tools or medicines they use during the procedure
- Find out how long the procedure lasts and how you can expect to feel after surgery
Make sure you feel comfortable with your understanding of the surgical procedure and your doctor’s abilities to complete it successfully.
2. How Much Does It Cost?
Knowing the costs of your surgery before the procedure takes place is essential. Confirm that your insurance covers the procedure and make sure your surgeon can work with your insurance.
For some elective procedures, insurance might not be an option. However, you might be able to apply funds from a Health Savings Account toward the cost of your surgery.
Eye procedures can be costly. Be sure to budget for recovery expenses, as well. Many patients require post-op medications and additional appointments with the surgeon.
3. What Is the Success Rate?
Any surgery can result in complications, either during the procedure or throughout recovery. Your surgeon should inform you about the risks of your type of surgery. They should also have a clear track record of successfully performing the surgery on other patients.
Excellent surgeons have a high success rate, but they also know how to manage expectations. While vision improvement is a common goal with many eye surgeries, your specific rate of improvement depends on your unique situation and overall eye health.
An eye surgeon like Evan Loft can talk with you about his areas of specialization and history of successful surgeries.
4. How Do I Prepare For Surgery?
Your surgeon should have a checklist of pre-surgery to-dos to get ready for your surgery appointment day. Following the recommended pre-op tasks can help make your surgery successful.
Be sure you understand what patients need to do before arriving for surgery. Ask questions if anything is unclear. Many surgeons require a few necessary steps in preparation for surgery, including:
- Rules about eating or drinking after midnight the day before your surgery
- When to arrive
- Picking up prescriptions for antibiotics or pain medication before surgery
- Bringing someone with you to the surgery appointment to make sure you get home safely after surgery
Your surgeon wants your surgery to be a success! Ask them to help you prepare for the appointment day.
5. What Can I Expect Through Recovery?
How you recover is a critical aspect of a successful surgery. When you leave your surgery appointment, your surgeon should provide instructions to care for your eyes and your health post-surgery.
Ask questions about the length of recovery and what to expect, like:
- Will your vision be clear right away?
- Will you be in pain?
- What medications do you need and how often should you take them?
- When should you return for a post-op appointment to check your progress?
- How soon can you drive?
- Will you need an eye patch or other protective eyewear?
- How should you protect your eyes during sleep or bathing?
No question is too much to ask! Knowing what to expect after surgery can help improve your recovery.
6. Do Any Health Conditions Conflict With Surgery?
The health of your eyes is part of your overall health. When talking with your surgeon about a possible procedure, be honest about your full health history.
Your doctor can walk you through the health risks of the type of recommended eye surgery and warn you of any health risks due to your health conditions. If you have health conditions that could conflict with a successful procedure or put your health at risk during surgery, your surgeon should warn you about those risks.
Your eyesight is critical, but it’s also crucial to not put yourself at risk of worsening health conditions to correct a vision issue.
7. Will I Still Need Glasses?
Depending on the type of eye surgery you require, you might still need corrective lenses after your eyes recover. Your surgeon can talk with you about the anticipated results and how to move forward with the clearest possible vision.
In some cases, you might need a different prescription for your glasses after surgery. If you were never able to wear contacts before, ask your eye doctor if you can transition from glasses to contacts after your eye recovers from the procedure.
Lasik surgery patients often experience the ability to go without corrective lenses after they heal from the procedure. However, not all results are the same.
If you still needed glasses or contacts, make sure you budget for the costs of a new prescription if the surgery changes your vision.
Be Informed Before Getting Eye Surgery
Before getting eye surgery, get the information you need to feel comfortable with the procedure. The best eye surgeons expect plenty of questions from patients who are about to undergo a procedure. They’re prepared to answer questions and walk you through what to expect and how to recover well.
We hope this information was helpful! Be sure to check out more of our Health or Medical articles.
