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Cataract Questions
People often have many cataract questions, especially when they are first diagnosed. If you have a cataract, questions you may want to ask your doctor may concern tests, treatment options, and lifestyle changes. The following article contains questions you may wish to ask your doctor about your diagnosis and treatment.
Many people with cataracts want to take an active part in making decisions about their medical care. They want to learn all they can about cataracts and their cataract treatment choices.
Often, it helps to make a list of questions before an appointment. To help remember what the doctor says, patients may take notes. Some also want to have a family member or friend with them when they talk to the doctor -- to take part in the discussion, to take notes, or just to listen.
You may want to ask your doctor these questions about your diagnosis:
- What is my diagnosis?
- What caused my condition?
- Can my condition be treated?
- How will this condition affect my vision now and in the future?
- Should I watch for any particular cataract symptoms and notify you if they occur?
- Should I make any lifestyle changes?
You may want to ask your doctor these questions about your cataract treatment:
- What are the treatment options for my cataract?
- When will the cataract treatment start, and how long will it last?
- What are the benefits of this treatment for cataracts, and how successful is it?
- What are the risks and side effects associated with this treatment?
- Are there foods, drugs, or activities I should avoid while I'm on this treatment?
- Are other treatments available?
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD