Will I Need Glasses After Cataract Surgery?
October 4, 2024
Are you considering cataract surgery and wondering about your vision after the procedure? One of the most common questions patients have before cataract surgery is whether or not they will need to wear visual aids once they've healed.
The answer isn't always straightforward, as it depends on various factors, including the type of intraocular lens, or IOL, you choose. Keep reading to learn more about whether you might need visual aids after cataract surgery!
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are a common age-related condition that affects the natural lens of the eye. They typically develop gradually over time, often becoming noticeable after age sixty.
However, the risk begins to increase around age forty. The eye's natural lens is normally clear, helping to focus light onto the retina.
As you age, proteins in the lens can clump together, forming cloudy areas known as cataracts. These cloudy patches can grow larger over time, leading to vision changes.
Common symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Increased difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
While cataracts can't be prevented or reversed with medication, their progression might be slowed with lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, wearing UV-protective sunglasses, and maintaining a healthy diet. When cataracts significantly impact daily life, surgery is the only effective treatment.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a safe and effective outpatient procedure. Your eye doctor can perform the procedure in their office, and there is no need for general anesthesia.
The procedure takes less than an hour, and you can go home after it's done. The first goal of cataract surgery is to address the vision changes from cataracts themselves.
Your eye doctor can accomplish that goal by removing the cataract-affected lens. Cataracts only develop on the lens and don't affect any other parts of the eye, so removing the lens immediately reverses the effects of cataracts.
Your eye doctor will replace the natural lens of the eye with an IOL. The IOL is obvious and cannot develop cataracts in the future.
In addition, IOLs are corrective, so they can improve vision, much like visual aids. IOLs can address any vision problems you have in addition to cataracts, such as nearsightedness, presbyopia, or astigmatism.
How Do You Choose an IOL?
Whether or not you need visual aids after cataract surgery will depend on which type of IOL you choose and what your vision correction needs are.
Monofocal IOLs
Monofocal IOLs correct your vision at one distance, similar to the way monofocal glasses or contacts work. You can choose monofocal lenses that target distance vision, middle vision, or close-up vision.
Most people opt for correcting distance vision so they don't need visual aids for activities like driving or watching TV. If you have monofocal IOLs, you may still need reading glasses for close-up vision.
Multifocal IOLs
Multifocal IOLs correct vision at multiple distances, much like bifocals or progressive lenses. Your vision will be clear for close-up and far-away, without the need for visual aids.
However, you will need to wear glasses for some activities with a monofocal IOL.
Extended Depth of Focus IOLs
Another option for correcting vision at multiple distances is an extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOL. These lenses use an elongated focal point that provides vision correction at all distances.
Toric IOLs
Toric IOLs are designed to correct vision problems caused by astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs when the front surface of your eyes, known as the cornea, is shaped more oval than spherical.
Many contact lens users rely on toric contacts. Toric IOLs, like toric contacts, are shaped to correct vision errors caused by astigmatism.
Many toric IOLs offer monofocal correction for distance vision, so you may need to wear visual aids for reading or computer work.
Schedule a Cataract Evaluation
Will I Need Glasses If I Choose a Multifocal Lens?
Multifocal intraocular lenses can significantly reduce your dependence on glasses after cataract surgery. Many patients find they can perform most daily activities without visual aids, including driving, reading, and using computers.
However, you may still need glasses for certain tasks, especially in low light or for very fine detail work. The effectiveness can vary based on individual factors and healing processes.
Some patients experience visual side effects like glare or halos, which usually diminish over time. It's crucial to discuss your lifestyle and expectations with your eye doctor to determine if multifocal IOLs are right for you.
Is Cataract Surgery Covered By Insurance?
Cataract surgery is considered medically necessary, so insurance plans, including Medicare, cover the cost of traditional surgery and a monofocal IOL. You may have additional out-of-pocket costs if you choose advanced surgery techniques or a premium IOL.
Many people find the cost of advanced vision correction options to be a worthwhile investment. If you want to gain greater visual freedom after cataract surgery, choosing a premium IOL is essential.
However, the team at SIEHT will help you determine which IOL is best for you, depending on your budget, vision goals, and hobbies. Our team can also help you with payment plans or financing options if necessary.
Do you want to learn more about IOL choices? Schedule an appointment at SIEHT in Fredericksburg or Stafford, VA, today!