The first step to cataract surgery is the evaluation. At this appointment, your eyes will be dilated, and a complete and thorough exam will be performed along with several tests that help take measurements specific to your eyes that are necessary in planning surgery. 

Usually, your optometrist will have mentioned to you that it may be time to look into cataract surgery, they usually monitor the formation of your cataract until it becomes symptomatic, or bothersome for you. At that point, they will make a referral to our office for the full pre-surgical evaluation.

Prior to this appointment, we recommend you take ample time to look through our available resources (some will be mailed, some will arrive via email or text, and several are located on our website) to understand what’s involved and learn more about your lens options. You will also receive a questionnaire that asks about your symptoms and lifestyle. This questionnaire is important in helping your surgeon understand what recommendations to make that best suits your individual needs and preferences. 

Be prepared for your evaluation to take approximately two hours (more or less), your eyes will be dilated so you’ll need a driver to take you home. Once all your tests and measurements are complete, your surgeon will do your exam and “grade” your cataracts. It’s important that during your evaluation you discuss all your symptoms and concerns with your doctor, this is the time to ask questions as well. At the end of your discussion, your surgeon will make recommendations for an IOL (intraocular lens), this is the artificial lens that will replace your natural, cloudy lens that has the cataract. It’s important to fully understand your options at this time, since cataract surgery is a once in a lifetime procedure (unless there is trauma or injury). 

Intraocular lens technology has and continues to advance and there are several options available on the market today. Not everyone will be a candidate for these specialty lenses, since there are some contraindications that would not allow the lens to work to its full potential, if at all. Your surgeon will discuss any concerns that may prevent you from selecting a specialty lens.