The ophthalmologist carries out a complete ophthalmological assessment which includes:
- Measures distance and near visual acuity for each eye,
- Slit lamp examination to examine the lens and quantify lens opacities and cataracts,
- Eye pressure measurement,
- Examination of the fundus after dilating the pupil with eye drops.
In a second preoperative step, it will be necessary to plan an ultrasound biometry of the eye which will allow to calculate the power of the intraocular implant to replace the opacified lens, as well as some laboratory analyses.
A consultation with the anesthesiologist will be mandatory, a few days before the operation.
Finally you will have to read and sign an informed consent document proving that you have received sufficient information, in particular on the surgical risks. Generally, both eyes are operated on a few weeks apart. In some cases the gap is greater because the cataract was much more important on one side.