Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about cataracts:

1. How often should I have an eye exam for cataracts and other diseases? What should my exam include?
   
   
2. What risk factors for cataracts do I have? Can I control any of these factors?
   
   
3. What symptoms of cataracts might I notice? Could my symptoms be due to another condition?
   
   
4. What are the results of my eye exam? What type of cataract do I have?
   
   
5. What may have caused my cataract?
   
   
6. Will my vision continue to get worse?
   
   
7. If I have a cataract in one eye, am I likely to develop one in my other eye?
   
   
8. Can my cataract cause other eye conditions, such as glaucoma?
   
   
9. Does my cataract need to be treated now, or should I wait? What happens if I wait too long?
   
   
10. What benefits and risks does cataract surgery have for me?
    
    
11. If I have taken alpha blockers, what effect will that have on my surgery?
    
    
12. What will happen during my surgery? What sort of anesthetic will be used? Will I be in pain? Will I need to be hospitalized, or should I arrange for a ride home that day?
    
    
13. What should I expect after my surgery? What precautions should I take?
    
    
14. If I need cataract surgery for both eyes, how far apart will my operations be scheduled?
    
    
15. What should I do to help prevent cataracts and other eye problems?