Do I still need glasses after cataract surgery?

Nearly 90 percent of people experience significant vision improvement following cataract surgery, but most people will still need some form of eyeglasses. Depending on your vision, you may need to wear glasses for up-close activities, such as reading, after cataract surgery.

Will I eventually need glasses after cataract surgery?

In studies, between 60% and 88% of patients who have cataract surgery with a MultiFocal lens report that they never wear glasses. For cataract patients who value their ability to see clearly at a range of distances without glasses, a MultiFocal IOL can be a great option.

What will your vision be after cataract surgery?

After cataract surgery, expect your vision to begin improving within a few days. Your vision may be blurry at first as your eye heals and adjusts. Colors may seem brighter after your surgery because you are looking through a new, clear lens.

Why is my eyesight getting worse after cataract surgery?

It is very common to have blurry or unclear vision in the days and sometimes even weeks after cataract removal. Most of the time, this is caused by normal swelling in the eye which occurs as a part of surgery. Patients with larger, denser and/or firmer cataracts are more likely to experience more inflammation.

Does cataract surgery give you 20 20 vision?

While there is no guarantee that cataract surgery will give you 20/20 vision, with new advances in technology your chances are quite high. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss the benefits of cataract surgery, and determine which type of IOL is right for you.

Ask An Eye Doc: Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?

Is it better to be nearsighted or farsighted after cataract surgery?

The new lenses inserted during cataract surgery can correct refractive vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia. Nearsightedness is when you have trouble clearly seeing things that are far away. Farsightedness is when you have trouble clearly seeing things that are up close.

What strength reading glasses will I need after cataract surgery?

You will of course need reading glasses, which will be an extra +2.5 or so to your distance prescription. These glasses may be reading glasses only, varifocals, or bifocals.

How long do cataract lenses last?

A cataract lens will last a lifetime, and the vast majority of patients do not experience any complications with their lenses after cataract surgery. In fact, the most common post-cataract surgery issue has nothing to do with your lens in particular.

Can you have cataract surgery twice?

Cataract surgery is irreversible. This is because the cloudy natural lens that results in a cataract is removed during surgery and cannot be placed back in.

Can you get cataracts twice?

So, it is actually impossible to get another cataract. All of that said, there is a secondary condition that can occur after cataract surgery that has extremely similar symptoms. This is often called after-cataract but is medically referred to as a posterior capsular opacity.

How long before you can drive after cataract surgery?

Most patients are able to resume driving 24 hours after cataract surgery.

How do you fix cloudy vision after cataract surgery?

If you have cloudy vision after your cataract surgery, we can use laser treatment to safely, effectively, and painlessly correct it. This procedure, known as a YAG laser capsulotomy, allows light to clearly pass through the pupil into the eye. With this procedure, your vision is restored in a matter of hours.

What can't you do after cataract surgery?

Does cataract surgery get rid of floaters?

Does cataract surgery get rid of floaters in the eye? No, cataract surgery will not get rid of floaters in the eye.

Why is vision cloudy after cataract surgery?

This issue occurs when an opaque film grows over the sac or membrane that holds your new lens in place. This can make your vision become cloudy or blurry again, mimicking the original symptoms of cataracts. Up to half of all people or more will develop cloudy vision after cataract surgery.

Can I watch TV after cataract surgery?

You can read or watch TV right away, but things may look blurry. Most people are able to return to work or their normal routine in 1 to 3 days. After your eye heals, you may still need to wear glasses, especially for reading.

Can I drink coffee after cataract surgery?

Do not even drink coffee, tea, or water. If you regularly take prescription medicines, your provider may ask you to take them on the day of surgery with a sip of water. Do not wear eye makeup on the day of the surgery. Follow any other instructions provided by your provider.

How do you shower after cataract surgery?

You can take a shower or bath 24 hours after your surgery. Do not get water or soap in your eye. Keep your eye closed while you shower. Use a clean washcloth every time and normal tap water to clean secretions from your lashes or the corner of your eye.

What holds the new lens in place after cataract surgery?

Your lens is held in place by delicate fibers called zonules. If you've had an eye lens replacement for cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, your intraocular lens implant (IOL) is held in place by a small sac and these thin fibers.

How long does it take for your vision to stabilize after cataract surgery with lens implant?

Depending on the IOL you choose for your cataract surgery, it may take three to six weeks before your vision fully stabilizes. You may find it especially difficult to adjust to monovision. Typically, cataract surgery is performed separately on each eye, about a week apart.

What is the most common complication of cataract surgery?

PCO is the most common complication of cataract surgery. PCO can begin to form at any point following cataract surgery. Modern cataract surgery creates a capsular bag that contains part of the anterior, the entire posterior capsule, and the implanted, intraocular lens.

Do lens implants last forever?

Unlike natural lenses, IOLs do not break down over a person's lifetime and do not need to be replaced. It is possible to exchange implants if necessary.

What happens if you are unhappy with cataract surgery?

Residual refractive error is a common reason for patient dissatisfaction after cataract surgery. Fortunately, this can be corrected with a pair of glasses or contact lenses or with a corneal refractive procedure.

Are most people happy after cataract surgery?

Of those participants who expressed an opinion, a majority agreed that after surgery they were happier (74%), more satisfied (76%), had a greater appreciation for their lives (68%) and felt more independent because their eyesight is clear (87%). Nearly all the people surveyed would recommend cataract surgery.

What do you wish you knew before cataract surgery?

You'll need a complete eye exam in preparation for cataract surgery. You may also need special eye tests, blood tests, and other tests. Your doctor will give you specific instructions about taking medications and when to stop all food and drink before surgery. You will also need to arrange a ride home after surgery.