Cataracts are a common side effect of the aging process; the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and light is unable to pass through to the retina. As a result, your vision can become blurry and you can have a sensitivity to light.
Cataracts can be managed by lifestyle changes for a period of time but ultimately, cataract surgery is the best choice for improving your vision. And fortunately, cataract surgery is a fairly low-risk and safe procedure.
But surgery can still be nerve-wracking for many people. Here are four ways you can prepare yourself for cataract surgery:
- Learn as much as you can about the surgery
Information is the best way to combat fear and uncertainty! Learn all you can about what is involved during the surgery, how long it will take, and how long your expected recovery will be.
Your doctor is obviously a great source of information and you can talk to friends and family members who have had cataract surgery about their experience as well.
- Check with your insurance company
Before going into surgery, you will want to check with your insurance company to find out what they are willing to cover. Find out if you are responsible for a co-pay or outpatient fees and what types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) they will pay for.
- Schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist
Prior to surgery, you will have an appointment with your eye doctor where they will run a few tests in preparation for the upcoming surgery. You can also ask your doctor about any concerns you have going into the surgery.
- Give yourself time to rest
You won’t be able to drive immediately following the surgery so you’ll need to make arrangements for a family member or friend to drive you home. And you should plan to give yourself time to rest and recover. Many cataract patients notice their vision starts to improve within a couple days but everyone is different. Give yourself at least that first week to rest.
Have you been wondering whether cataract surgery could be the right choice for you? Cataract surgery has improved the lives of millions of people around the world. To learn more, contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors.
