The cataract journey
Whether you suspect that you have cataracts or you have just been told that you do, the journey ahead can feel overwhelming and full of uncertainty; on this page, you will find information on what to expect and the questions you can ask to make sure that you understand each step of your journey going forward.
Asking questions and getting clarification, as well as being able to voice any concerns you have, is an important part of the journey so that you can feel confident that you understand your diagnosis, treatment options and post-operative care.
It’s important to note that clinical journeys and appointments can differ depending on the person and location. Your appointments may take place at a community optician practice, hospital or specialist eye clinic. You may also have multiple appointments combined into one – some people may have more appointments than others, particularly if they have other eye or health conditions.
On this page
Your initial opticians appointment
This is often the starting point where cataracts are picked up as part of a routine eye test, or when patients notice changes in their vision and seek professional advice.
The optician will assess cataracts and check how they are impacting your vision. If cataracts are having a significant impact on your day-to-day activities and your vision can't be improved with a new glasses prescription, they will discuss whether you would like a referral to an ophthalmologist for possible cataract surgery.
If cataracts are not yet affecting your sight or you do not want to be considered for surgery, your cataracts will be monitored through regular eye tests.
Questions to ask
- Is the cataract the cause of my symptoms?
- What are my options? Monitor or treat?
- If being referred, where am I being referred to? How long will it take for an appointment?
- Can I continue to drive?
Referral to Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specialising in eye care, will see you.
The ophthalmologist will conduct a more detailed examination to confirm the presence of cataracts and assess their severity.
Questions to ask
- What are my management options?
- Am I a good candidate for cataract surgery? Why or why not?
- Will surgery make my sight better?
- What will happen during the procedure?
- Who will carry out the surgery?
- How long will it take?
- Is it going to hurt?
- Will I be awake for it? And do I have a choice?
- Will I be able to see anything during the procedure?
- What’s the recovery process like, and how long will it take?
- What will my sight be like afterwards?
- Can I continue to drive?
- Will other eye problems or health conditions affect my cataract surgery?
- What are the benefits, risks and possible complications of cataract surgery?
- How should I prepare for the procedure?
- Will I need additional tests before surgery for cataracts?
- Will any of my medications interfere with the surgery in any way?
Pre-operative Appointment
If cataract surgery is recommended, you will have a pre-operative appointment with the ophthalmologist or a member of their team.
This appointment will involve further assessments to ensure surgery is suitable. It may include measurements of the eye, discussion of lens options, and explanation of the surgical procedure.
Questions to ask
- What type of lens will be used in the surgery?
- What should I expect during the surgery and recovery process?
- Will I need to take any time off work?
- Are there any specific instructions I need to follow before the surgery?
- How will my sight change after surgery?
- Will I need glasses? Will my prescription change?
- What will happen on the day of surgery?
The day of surgery
To help you prepare for the day of surgery, watch the video below which will help you to understand what to expect.
Questions to ask
- How do I care for my eye when I get home?
- How and when do I need to use my post-op eye drops?
- What symptoms do I need to watch out for that may indicate complications?
- When will my post-op appointment be?
- Are there any activities I need to avoid?
Post-surgery checkup (4-6 weeks)
Following cataract surgery, you will have one or more post-operative appointments to monitor the recovery and assess the outcome of the surgery.
These appointments may include examinations to check for any potential complications, such as infection or inflammation, and to measure visual acuity, the clarity of your vision.
Questions to ask
- Are there any changes to my sight or prescription that I need to be aware of?
- When can I get a prescription for new glasses?