Cataract Surgery and Other Diseases
Because the presence of other ophthalmic diseases may affect the way in which your cataract is treated, it is important to discuss these with your ophthalmologist prior to surgery. Your surgeon will explain and help you understand what the treatment plan is so you can be prepared after surgery. It is extremely important to follow the treatment plan outlined by your surgeon, as this will maximize your visual outcome. Written instructions are enormously helpful to patients and their families, and most surgeons will provide these postoperatively. If you do not receive any, ask for them—you will want to refer to them after leaving the surgery center or your doctor’s office. If you have additional questions that are not covered by your written instructions, ask your surgeon and write down the answers so you can refer to them at a later time. It is difficult to remember everything that is discussed before, during, and after surgery. Undergoing a surgical procedure can be stressful, which may make it difficult to remember everything you are told. In addition, you may receive medications during surgery that cause you to forget what is discussed afterward. It is preferable to ask questions and understand the treatment plan; so, don’t be afraid to ask.