Do You Need Glasses After Cataract Surgery?

Whether or not you’ll need glasses after cataract surgery will depend on your natural visual acuity and the type of intraocular lens (IOL) that you have fitted. 

Let’s face it… For many, the simple joy of having your cataract/s removed and once again seeing the world in all its glorious technicolor is often more than enough. But add in the possibility of not needing eyeglasses? Well, it’s like all your birthdays coming at once…

A cataract operation replaces the natural, diseased-clouded lens with an IOL, of which there are many different types. The one that suits best will be determined jointly by you and your cataract surgeon. It will depend on many things, including:

• The health of your eye.
• Any co-existing medical conditions that you have.
• The type of cataract surgery you undergo.
• Your lifestyle and personal preferences.

To fully answer the question, “Do I need glasses after IOLs are fitted?”, we need to understand a little more about the different types of lenses and how they work.

An Overview of IOLs and How They Influence Whether You Need Glasses After Cataract Surgery.

Even as recently as 10 years ago, there was a very limited choice of IOLs. It was generally a case of having what’s known as a “monofocal” lens implanted. These give good vision at a single distance—usually far—and you’d then wear glasses for close-up work, like reading. For many people, and especially those who’ve had to wear glasses all their life for both near and far focus, the benefits of not wearing glasses for much of the time can be incredible.

While monofocal lenses are still very common, if you opt for a more advanced type of cataract surgery—known as laser-assisted—then you open up a whole other world of post-op vision choices that can, in many cases, bring a life that’s virtually free from needing eyeglasses or contact lenses altogether!

These include:

• Bifocal lenses: As the name suggests, these provide focused vision at two distances—near and far. They have two prescriptions built in, just like bifocal eyeglasses. If this type works for you, there’s the potential that you might not need glasses most of the time after cataract surgery.
• Trifocal lenses: In addition to near and far distance, these also provide focus at intermediate vision. If these are suitable for you, then you have a very good chance of a life without glasses.
• Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses: These use very clever technology to stretch the focus, allowing good near and far vision. Again, this can dramatically reduce eyeglasses dependence, both for your reading vision after cataract surgery and seeing at a distance.
• Toric lenses: These lenses correct astigmatism. The Toric feature can be built into many of the above lenses. If applicable, your surgeon will discuss it prior to the operation. Again, it can be extremely beneficial if you’re hoping not to rely on eyeglasses post-op.
• Light-adjustable lenses (LALs): These are one of the latest IOLs to hit the market and are the only ones that can have the prescription altered whilst in the eye. You’ll return to the doctor’s office a few times after the operation to have it adjusted—the surgeon uses a laser and it’s a pain-free, quick procedure—and, once it’s correct, the prescription will be locked in permanently. Again, there’s a strong chance that you won’t need glasses afterward, at least for either far or close-up vision.

The key to having reduced or zero dependence on eyeglasses after cataract surgery is to discuss your expectations with your ophthalmologist. They will let you know the likelihood of needing additional visual support after the procedure, the optimal type of cataract surgery, and the IOL that gives the highest chance of having complete independence from eyeglasses.

Ready to find out more? Begin your journey at https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/services/cataract-surgeryand call today to book a consultation.