Will I Need Glasses After Cataract Surgery?
- Posted on: Nov 30 2018
According to studies, more than 20 million middle-aged Americans have cataracts. Research suggests that more than half of the population will have cataracts by the time they reach age 75. The prevalence of this vision-depleting condition is only expected to increase in the coming decades. The more we know about cataracts, the better-equipped we can be to offset these numbers.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is an accumulation of protein on the lens of one or both eyes. The buildup of protein progresses over time, eventually covering the lens so much that light cannot pass through to the retina. At first, a cataract can cause vision to become slightly blurry. As the condition worsens, it can become increasingly difficult to see at night, to read in low light, and even to tolerate higher light environments.
What Cataract Surgery Means for You
The good news about cataract removal surgery is that this procedure can restore clear vision. All the ophthalmologist needs to do is remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial structure called an intraocular lens (IOL). As medical advances have occurred, choices in intraocular lenses have expanded. Does this mean that all people who have cataract surgery can toss their eyeglasses aside? It does not.
Might You Need Glasses after Cataract Surgery?
There are several factors that contribute to the potential need for glasses after cataract surgery, including:
- Current prescription for vision correction
- Overall eye health
- Choice in IOL
It used to be that patients with astigmatism were likely to need eyeglasses after cataract surgery. This may not be the case anymore. The invention of the Toric lens has made it easier to at least reduce one’s need for corrective lenses after cataract removal. Furthermore, premium IOLs like the multifocal lens improves visual clarity at multiple distances. This extends the range of vision in low light and high light conditions and improves one’s ability to perform near tasks without eyeglasses.
There is no guarantee that eyeglasses can be eliminated after cataract removal surgery. What is guaranteed is clearer vision overall. Learn more about cataract surgery and what it can do for you. Call our Canfield, Alliance, or North Canton office for a consultation.
Posted in: Cataract Surgery