Cataract Checklist

Choose your team

1. A skilled, experienced team
   Ask about training, cataract experience and how the team approaches eyes like yours. MEC brings 100,000+ ophthalmic procedures in combined physician career experience across the practice’s history.
2. Clear education and informed choices
   Understand your diagnosis, the benefits, risks and alternatives to surgery, and the available lens options. You should have time to ask questions before deciding.
3. Technology selected for your eyes
   Look for access to modern diagnostic and surgical tools, with a clear explanation of how the recommended technology supports your plan. Appropriate testing matters more than a test count.

Understand your eyes

4. Tear film assessment
   Dry eye and an unstable tear film can affect vision and measurements. Your doctor evaluates the eye’s surface and recommends treatment when needed before final planning.
5. Retinal assessment with OCT capability
   Optical coherence tomography can reveal changes in the macula and other retinal structures. When indicated, it helps your doctor assess eye health and discuss realistic visual expectations.
6. Corneal mapping
   Topography and tomography assess the cornea’s shape, curvature and, with appropriate testing, thickness. These findings help evaluate astigmatism and suitability for different lens options.
7. Corneal endothelial assessment
   The cornea’s inner cells help keep it clear. Access to endothelial testing is important when the examination raises concerns about corneal health or the effect of surgery.
8. Pupil and lighting assessment
   Pupil behavior and vision in different lighting conditions contribute to the discussion of night driving, lens suitability and the symptoms you want to address.
9. Angle assessment and imaging capability
   Your doctor can examine the eye’s drainage angle and use imaging when indicated to assess narrow angles or other glaucoma-related concerns.
10. Lens analysis
    Assessment of the cataract and, when appropriate, additional light-scatter or lens-analysis testing can help relate examination findings to your visual difficulties.
11. Wavefront analysis capability
    Wavefront testing can assess optical irregularities when useful. Your doctor interprets it alongside the examination and other findings to investigate the causes of reduced visual quality.

Build your surgical plan

12. An anesthesia plan for your needs
    Numbing eye drops, sedation or other anesthesia may be used as appropriate. Discuss comfort, medical conditions and any anesthesia-related charges with your surgical team.
13. Lens power confirmation during surgery
    Intraoperative measurements can provide additional information in selected cases. Ask whether they are appropriate for you and how they complement preoperative calculations.
14. Modern cataract removal techniques
    Your surgeon should explain the recommended small-incision approach and whether laser assistance has a role in your care. The technique is selected for your eyes and clinical needs.
15. Advanced biometry and lens calculations
    MEC’s platforms include ZEISS IOLMaster 700, Alcon ARGOS and Haag-Streit Lenstar. Measurements may be compared across platforms when clinically appropriate; ultrasound biometry is available when indicated.
16. Small-incision techniques
    Cataract surgery commonly uses small incisions that can seal without a stitch. Your surgeon determines the incision and whether a suture is needed for your case.
17. A broad range of lens options
    Discuss standard monofocal, astigmatism-correcting, extended-range, multifocal and adjustable options as appropriate. Consider your eye health, visual priorities, costs, possible glare or halos and continued glasses use.
18. A refractive approach to planning
    A cataract plan should consider astigmatism and your vision goals as well as lens removal. Ask about any potential enhancement, its suitability, timing and separate costs.

Plan care beyond surgery

19. A practical, individualized timeline
    Understand the steps before surgery, scheduling and follow-up. Timing may depend on your eye health, surface treatment, medical needs and the surgical plan.
20. Attention to outcomes
    Ask how the practice reviews surgical results and uses that information to refine clinical decisions. Past experience informs care but does not guarantee an individual result.
21. Appropriate surgical setting options
    Ask whether office-based cataract surgery in Frankfort is appropriate for you or whether another setting is recommended. Confirm the location, anesthesia arrangements and expected charges before scheduling.
22. Digital imaging and coordinated planning
    Digital imaging can help connect measurements with the surgical plan. The team should explain how the selected tools and findings apply to your care.