Bring this list. Seriously — print it out or save it on your phone. Surgeons respect prepared patients; it tells us you will be a partner in your own care, not a passenger. You won't get through all twenty in one visit, and that's fine. The point isn't to interrogate your surgeon — it's to make sure the important things get said out loud before surgery day, not discovered afterward.
How to use this list: circle the five questions that matter most to you before the appointment — those get asked first, in case time runs short. Bring a notebook or a companion; you'll remember the answers better if someone writes them down. And if a question makes your surgeon uncomfortable, notice that — comfort with hard questions is one of the best signs you've chosen the right surgeon.
About your eyes and the plan
- How advanced are my cataracts, and is there any reason not to wait?
- Do I have any other eye conditions (macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic changes, corneal problems) that will limit my result?
- What is my realistic expected vision after surgery — with glasses, without glasses?
- Which eye will you do first, and how far apart will the two surgeries be?
- What type of anesthesia will I have, and who administers it?
About the lens (the big one)
- What lens do you recommend for me specifically, and why?
- What are my options at each price level — including the standard lens at no extra cost?
- If I choose a premium lens, what percentage of your patients with that lens still need glasses, and for what?
- Am I a good candidate for a multifocal or EDOF lens, or is there something about my eyes that makes you hesitate?
- What happens if I don't like the lens afterward — what are my options?
The question that reveals what your surgeon really thinks: "If I were your parent, with my eyes and my lifestyle, which lens would you choose — and what would worry you about the other options?" Then listen. The hesitation, the caveats, the "well, in your case..." — that's where the real counseling lives. A surgeon who answers instantly with a premium lens and no caveats hasn't thought about you yet.
About the procedure
- Will you use the femtosecond laser, or traditional manual technique — and what difference does it make for my eyes?
- How long does the surgery itself take, and how long will I be at the center?
- What are your complication rates — infection, and the need for additional procedures?
About recovery
- What drops will I use, for how long, and what do I do if I miss a dose?
- When can I drive, work, exercise, swim, wear makeup, and rub my eye?
- What symptoms are normal, and what symptoms mean I should call you immediately?
- When are my follow-up visits, and who do I contact after hours?
About cost
- What does my insurance cover, and what would I pay out of pocket — for each lens option?
- Is the laser an extra charge? What exactly does it include?
- Are there any other fees I should expect (anesthesia, facility, follow-up)?
Red flags to watch for
A good surgical practice welcomes questions. Be cautious if:
- You feel rushed into a premium lens decision without a discussion of trade-offs.
- The practice can't clearly explain what insurance covers versus what you'd pay.
- Your questions are treated as an annoyance.
- You're told a premium lens will "guarantee" you'll never need glasses. No honest surgeon guarantees that.
- The surgeon won't discuss what happens if the outcome isn't what you hoped.
If any of these happen, you are always allowed to get a second opinion. It's your eyes, your money, and your decision.
Want this list as a tear-out checklist? The Cataract Surgery Handbook by Dr. Eye MD includes printable checklists for your appointments and recovery — plus the full story behind every question on this list. Sixteen chapters, available on Kindle and in Kindle Unlimited.
Medical disclaimer: This site provides educational information only and is not medical advice. Always consult your own eye surgeon about your care.