I would rather be told - - but also to have the implications explained. I voted "
told me about them, and educated me on the likely course and future options " but feel like expounding upon that answer...
(1) I would want to have it explained that I may not even notice any vision problems for many years, but that if I do that something can be done to improve my eyesight dramatically.
(2) I would like to have it explained to me that the surgery is done all the time (if it is), and how successful it usually is these days. He should tell me if it is often an outpatient procedure and how many days it takes to recover from. Preferably he should also give me a brochure in case I am listening with "deer in the headlight" non-comprehension.
(3) I would like for my doctor to tell me when I can know that I am ready for it, and who to contact in that event.
(4) And then, I would like for my doctor to tell me that right now, my vision is quite good (if it is), to cheer me up!
Thanks to you and all doctors who are thinking about these issues!
Frank's father had cataract surgery, and as I recall it was done on an outpatient basis and he just wore a patch over one eye for a few days. It was surprisingly convenient for him. Until I saw this, I thought cataract surgery probably involved a week in the hospital, eyes covered with bandages for weeks, and a good chance of failure (probably I have been watching too many old movie dramas involving eye surgery). I don't know if cataract surgery is usually as easy as it was for Frank's father, but if so, then reassuring the patient might be in order.
Edited once again to add: Nine years ago, a very very young opthalmologist probably right out of school told me "I can see evidence that you have some macular degeneration". I freaked! Then, he said, "I meant to say, that you have the usual amount of macular degeneration for someone
of your age." OK, then I felt older than Methuselah, but wasn't nearly as worried. However, it was (in one sense) good to have a handle on any visual problems that I might experience on down the road.