If you have been struggling with eye-related issues, then you might be referred to an eye surgeon for a consultation. During this consultation, the eye surgeon will examine your eyes and give you an idea of what they can do for you. But this consultation is meant to be a two-sided interaction. It's also a chance for you to ask the surgeon questions. Here are a few questions that you might want to ask.

How soon should you have the surgery?

Sometimes, patients enter the eye surgery consultation with the assumption that they need surgery ASAP. But depending on the condition the surgery would correct for, this might not be the case. You might be able to put off surgery for a few months or a few years with few to no consequences. A good example of this is cataract surgery. It can usually be delayed until the cataracts actually start interfering with your daily life. You may ultimately decide you want to have the surgery right away anyways, but by asking this question, you at least get to know your options.

Are there other options?

Your surgeon will probably recommend a surgical approach that they feel is well suited to your needs. But this is not necessarily the only option. There may be another surgical approach worth considering, even if it would mean seeing a different surgeon. It's worth asking the surgeon if there are any alternatives to their first recommendation just so you can explore those alternatives and ensure you choose the right approach for you.

How long should you take off from work?

The surgeon will often tell you how long you can expect recovery to take. But this may not be the amount of time you need to take off from work. For instance, recovery might usually take a month, but you might feel better and be able to work within a week. Tell the surgeon a little about your job, and ask this question. Their response will make it easier for you to plan as far as taking time off from work, asking for help, and scheduling your surgery. 

Your consultation is just the first step in the process of having eye surgery. If you ask the questions above, the consultation should be a really informative experience that sets you up for success, whether you opt to have eye surgery now or in a few more months. 

Contact an eye surgeon near you to learn more.