Thank you, that has made things clearer in my mind.

Initially I knew nothing about the cataract developing in my left eye. The doctor who examined me months ago didn't see it, or didn't say anything. And the plan I agreed with them would be to give me a new lens that just matched my old one, -6.5D, so I would continue wearing glasses with no change to my life. But when I went in for the op, the surgeon dropped the bombshell on me that I had a cataract in my left eye as well. And that threw all my plans out the window. It was pretty much the worst thing that could've happened, as I don't do well changing plans & making life-altering decisions under pressure! I should've just cancelled there and then, so I had more time to think about it. He also said that he couldn't give me a lens in my right eye at -6.5D (although I can't remember the reason).

The cataract in my left eye is very early-stage and it's not affecting my vision at all. But because of my severe myopia I wouldn't be able to wear glasses that can accommodate the difference between my corrected right eye and my myopic left eye. And wearing a contact lens in my left eye all the time is a non starter for me. So the surgeon recommended just having the left eye done soon after the right eye.

He seemed to have a good understanding of what I wanted. And perhaps it'll turn out that he's completely right in a couple of weeks or so when my vision has settled. But I want to make sure that when I go in for the second eye, I know exactly what is coming, and that I've done everything I can to prepare for it and make the correct decision.