10 Questions to Ask Your Retina Specialist at Your Next Visit

Dr. Garg believes patients make better decisions when they understand what is happening inside their eyes. These questions help you get there.

Before You Go

Write your questions down — dilating drops make reading hard afterward. Bring a family member if you can; two sets of ears are better than one. Bring a current medication list, your insurance card, any required referral, and recent imaging or records from other eye doctors.

The Questions

1. What exactly is my diagnosis, and which part of my eye is affected?

Ask to see your OCT scan. A picture of your own retina explains more in thirty seconds than a paragraph can.

2. Is this condition stable, improving, or progressing?

Comparison with prior imaging is the honest answer here.

3. What will happen if we do nothing?

Understanding the natural history helps you weigh treatment realistically.

4. What are all my treatment options, including doing nothing for now?

Injections, laser, surgery, supplements, and observation each have a place.

5. How often will I need treatment, and for how long?

Many retinal conditions require ongoing therapy. Knowing the likely rhythm helps you plan transportation and work.

6. What results should I realistically expect?

Ask whether the goal is to improve vision or to prevent further loss. Both are legitimate wins.

7. What are the risks, and what symptoms should send me back urgently?

Write the red flags down and keep them on the refrigerator.

8. What should I monitor at home, and how?

Usually an Amsler grid and covering one eye at a time.

9. Is my other eye at risk, and what can I do about it?

Prevention in the fellow eye is often where the biggest gains are.

10. What will this cost, and what does my insurance cover?

Our staff can verify benefits and explain what to expect. If cost is a barrier, say so — assistance programs exist for many retinal medications.

Worth Asking Too

• Should I take AREDS2 supplements, and which formulation?
• Can I still drive?
• Will this affect my upcoming cataract surgery?
• Should my children be screened?
• Who do I call after hours?

After the Visit

Repeat the plan back in your own words before you leave. Confirm your next appointment before walking out, and call us later with anything you forgot — that is what the phone is for.

To schedule at our Coconut Creek or Delray Beach office, call (954) 633-8202.