6 important eye surgery questions to ask your surgeon

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Eye surgery is a big step, and like any medical procedure, it’s important to be fully informed before you go ahead.

Whatever your questions or doubts, talking to your surgeon will help you to know for sure if eye surgery is right for you, fully understand what is going to happen and make plans for the day of surgery and your recovery. In a consultation it’s easy to forget everything you want to ask, so why not start with this checklist of essential eye surgery questions that you can ask your surgeon.

What will the procedure involve?

Whatever form of eye surgery you undergo, whether you are considering cataract surgery, laser eye surgery or another eye procedure, knowing exactly what the surgeon is going to do will help you to feel prepared. Your surgeon should be happy to outline each step of the procedure and to put you at ease about everything that will happen. They may give you some literature to take away, so that you can read up on what’s involved in your own time. This guide to how laser eye surgery is performed may also be helpful.

How should I prepare?

You’ll need to know if there’s anything you need to do in advance of surgery. For example, some operations require the patient to fast beforehand, stop wearing contact lenses in advance, or come off certain medications. You’ll need to take time off work, so it’s good to know how long your operation will take and when you’ll be able to get back to everyday life. You’ll probably need someone to take you home afterwards too (you won’t be driving anywhere straight after eye surgery).

Is the surgeon well qualified?

This is one of the most important eye surgery questions to ask, because the surgeon’s qualifications are one factor in determining how safe your procedure will be. Reputable surgeons won’t have a problem discussing their credentials or telling prospective patients about their success rate.

Is it safe?

It’s natural to be anxious about the safety of a planned procedure. To put you at ease, your surgeon will be able to explain why, in their professional opinion, they feel that eye surgery is a safe option for you. They should outline any risks or potential side-effects related to the procedure and enable you to make an informed decision based on all the facts.

What is the recovery time?

Will you be back at work the next day, or will you need to rest at home for a few days? Are there any activities you will have to give up temporarily while your eyes recover? When can you expect to see an improvement? These eye surgery questions can all give you an idea of the outcome you can expect following surgery.

How much will it cost?

You won’t want to be faced with any nasty surprises. Ensure that your surgeon has explained the costs of your eye surgery in full, including any aftercare or follow-up appointments. You may want to obtain quotes from several clinics to compare prices before committing to undergo surgery.