Glasses after cataract surgery

Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is performed to remove a cataract, which is the clouding of the eye’s crystalline lens. Cataracts can cause blurry vision and glare, making it hard to see clearly. While vision often improves with the removal of a cataract, glasses may still be needed in some cases.

During cataract extraction, the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). IOLs can be customized to correct certain vision problems. They often eliminate or reduce the need to wear prescription or reading glasses.

Cataract removal is performed by an ophthalmologist. It is a common procedure and is generally considered safe. Around 90% of patients have improved vision after the operation. However, 30% to 50% of people still need glasses after cataract surgery. 

Whether or not you will need glasses after a cataract operation depends on the type of IOL you receive and your vision needs. It’s important to discuss this with your eye surgeon during your cataract treatment consultation. 

Types of IOLs

Understanding the different types of IOLs can help you anticipate whether you’ll need glasses after cataract surgery. Here’s a breakdown of common IOL types and whether glasses might be necessary after their placement:

Modern cataract surgery often can eliminate or reduce the need for prescription eyeglasses and reading glasses.

• Monofocal IOLs – Correct vision at one distance (near or far). Reading glasses are typically needed for close-up tasks. Prescription glasses may also be required for intermediate or distance vision.

• Monovision and mini-monovision IOLs – Monofocal lenses that correct one eye for distance and the other for near vision. These are the most common types of IOL correction. 

• Multifocal IOLs – Correct vision at multiple distances. Reading glasses may be needed in dim lighting or when reading smaller print.

• Extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOLs – Improve near and distance vision. Reading glasses may be needed for close-up tasks.

• Toric IOLs – Correct astigmatism (a condition causing blurry vision at all distances). Glasses may be needed for near and intermediate tasks.

• Accommodating IOLs – Correct vision at multiple distances. Reading glasses may be needed for some tasks.

• Light-adjustable IOLs (LALs) – Allow for post-surgery vision adjustments using ultraviolet (UV) light. Glasses may still be needed for some close-up and distance activities. 

SEE RELATED: Vision after cataract surgery

Reasons for needing glasses after cataract operations

Some vision issues may remain after cataract removal. For instance, it’s not unusual for residual refractive errors to be present after cataract surgery.  A refractive error occurs when your eye’s shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, impacting the clarity of your vision. 

Following the removal of a cataract, glasses may be needed for the following reasons: 

• Residual refractive errors – Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism may persist after surgery.

• Presbyopia – This age-related vision condition affects your near vision, often making reading glasses necessary for close-up tasks.

• Sharper vision – Glasses may be needed to sharpen your vision for certain activities, such as driving, reading and using a computer.

What type of glasses can people need after cataract surgery?

Various types of glasses may be needed after a cataract is removed, either temporarily or long-term. The best glasses for cataracts after surgery are those that meet your specific vision needs.

For instance, you may need to wear temporary glasses after cataract surgery as your eye heals and your vision stabilizes. The IOL you choose can also play a role in the type of post-cataract surgery glasses you might need and whether you need them long-term. 

Glasses commonly used after cataract removal include:

Driving glasses after cataract surgery

If you choose monovision or mini-monovision IOLs, you may need to wear glasses when driving. Since these IOLs correct one eye for distance and the other for near vision, your vision in the near eye is blurred for distance tasks. 

A small distance prescription for the near eye can help both eyes to focus perfectly far away. These glasses can be useful for driving at night or doing other tasks that require optimal distance vision. 

Reading glasses after a cataract operation

You may need to wear reading glasses after cataract surgery. This can be temporary or ongoing, depending on the IOL you choose and your vision needs.

The best reading glasses after cataract surgery are those that improve your near vision for close-up tasks like reading small print and looking at your phone. These can sometimes be purchased over the counter. In other cases, they may require a prescription from your eye doctor.

Computer glasses after cataract surgery

Computer glasses improve your vision at intermediate distances. They’re often ideal for people who spend a lot of time working on a computer. These glasses are also called office glasses and near-variable focus lenses. 

Single-vision glasses after cataract surgery

Single-vision glasses correct vision at one distance. They address refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. These glasses may be worn to correct residual refractive errors post-cataract surgery. 

Multifocal glasses after cataract surgery

Multifocal glasses correct vision at multiple distances, including near, intermediate and far. They’re commonly worn by people who have difficulty seeing both at a distance and up close (due to presbyopia). 

Common types include:

• Bifocals – Have distinct optical zones for near and distance vision

• Trifocals – Have distinct optical zones for near, intermediate and distance vision

• Progressives – Have distinct zones for near, intermediate and distance vision, but offer a seamless transition between them. They lack the visible lines often seen in bifocal and trifocal lenses.

Protective eyewear post-cataract surgery

Your doctor may recommend certain types of protective eyewear following your cataract extraction. These can include:

Protective eye shield

A special shield is used to protect your eye after cataract surgery. This is typically a circular plastic disc with holes. The shield may be taped to the skin around your eyes or held in place with an elastic band. 

Post-surgery cataract glasses or sunglasses

Your eye surgeon may give you a pair of temporary cataract glasses or sunglasses to wear home after your surgery. These often feature an oversized wraparound shape with dark-tinted lenses and side shields.  

You may be advised to wear large wraparound sunglasses when outdoors. This can alleviate light sensitivity and help protect your eye from airborne debris like dust and pollen. Your doctor can also discuss whether you should use any other post-surgery cataract glasses during the healing process. LEARN MORE: Cataract glasses and sunglasses

UV-protection sunglasses

Proper UV protection in sunglasses is essential to reduce the risk of eye damage from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for sunglasses that provide 100% UVA-UVB or UV 400 lens protection. 

Dark-tinted sunglasses can offer added comfort, especially if you’re sensitive to light. But keep in mind that dark lenses don’t automatically protect your eyes from UV rays. If you opt for a dark tint, make sure the lenses also offer proper protection from UV light.

Some newer IOLs have UV-absorbing properties, which help protect your eyes. However, it’s still important to wear 100% UV-protecting sunglasses for optimal protection and maximum coverage.

READ MORE: Wearing sunglasses after cataract surgery

How long do people need to wear glasses after cataract surgery?

The time frame for wearing glasses after cataract surgery varies based on the type of eyewear:

Protective eye shield

This protective device keeps you from accidentally touching or rubbing your eye while you sleep. It’s generally worn for a week at night only. 

Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses outdoors is essential for your general eye health. But it’s especially important following cataract surgery since your eyes will likely be more sensitive to light. Always wear sunglasses with 100% UVA-UVB (or UV 400) lens protection.

Prescription or reading glasses

Reading glasses may be needed until your vision stabilizes post-cataract surgery. You may also need to wear prescription glasses to sharpen your vision. However, your eye doctor will tell you when you can or should wear prescription lenses.

There is no set time frame for wearing prescription or reading glasses to improve your vision. 

Can people wear their regular glasses after cataract surgery?

Your eye doctor will tell you whether or not you should wear your old glasses after cataract surgery. Since your pre-cataract surgery glasses were prescribed for your vision at that time, they might not be suitable post-surgery. You can still wear them without harming your vision, but they may not be very helpful.

You may still need vision correction in one of your eyes, especially if you’re in the phase between having your first eye and second eye treated. Your eye doctor can help you determine the best vision correction option for your temporary and long-term needs.

How soon after cataract surgery can people get new glasses?

It can take several weeks for your eye to fully heal and for your vision to stabilize post-cataract surgery. 

In most cases, you’ll need to wait for your vision to stabilize before getting new prescription glasses. This waiting period allows for the swelling and inflammation to subside. (Swelling from the surgery can cause your vision to appear blurry.) Once it subsides, your eye doctor will perform tests to determine your new vision prescription. 

In the meantime, your doctor may suggest using a pair of reading glasses. These can be purchased over the counter at a low cost.

The standard recommendation has been to wait between four and eight weeks before getting new prescription glasses after cataract surgery. However, research suggests that some people may be able to get them as early as two weeks after surgery. 

What if you need glasses between surgeries?

While many people with cataracts have them in both eyes, around one-third of patients only need surgery in one eye. If surgery is needed in both eyes, it’s typically done one eye at a time in separate procedures. These surgeries usually take place about four weeks apart. However, the time frame may differ depending on your specific needs and circumstances.

You may need to wear glasses after having cataract surgery in one eye, especially for activities such as driving. But while you wait for your second eye to be treated, you may have a difference in prescription between your eyes that can affect your vision. To help you maintain clear sight through this phase, your eye doctor might recommend strategies such as:

• Removing the old lens (for your treated eye) from your current glasses

• Wearing a contact lens in the untreated eye

It’s often best to wait until both eyes have been treated to get a new pair of prescription glasses. If only one eye has been treated, you may need glasses with your prescription for the untreated eye and a new lens for the eye that had surgery. 

Is it safe to wear contact lenses after cataract surgery?

You can usually wear contact lenses after a cataract operation. But you’ll need to wait until your eye has healed and your vision has stabilized. Your eye doctor will let you know how soon you can wear contact lenses after a cataract operation.

If you wore contacts before your cataract surgery, you can usually continue wearing them in the untreated eye.

Other potentially invasive options that reduce the need for glasses

Certain IOLs can reduce the need for prescription glasses after cataract surgery, as can some other potential options, including:

• Laser cataract surgery – A laser approach can be more effective at providing vision correction than traditional methods.

• Limbal relaxing incisions – This involves making small incisions in the cornea to reduce astigmatism and improve vision. It can be performed during cataract treatment.

• Laser vision correction – Another option is to have a secondary refractive procedure after cataract surgery. Laser vision correction, such as LASIK, may help further improve your vision.

Post-surgery care and precautions

To ensure the best possible recovery after cataract surgery, it’s important to follow your eye doctor’s instructions. Post-surgical care and precautions often include the following:

• Wear a protective eye shield and any post-surgery cataract glasses per your doctor’s recommendations.

• Avoid touching or rubbing the treated eye.

• For about one week, avoid bending over or putting your head below your waist, as this may increase your eye pressure. 

• Cough or sneeze as gently as you can to avoid increasing your eye pressure.

• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities until your doctor gives you the all-clear.

• Do not swim or use a hot tub until your doctor says it’s okay to do so.

• Use caution when showering and avoid letting water run into your eye.

• Do not drive until your doctor says it’s safe to do so.

• Attend all follow-up visits with your doctor as recommended.

It’s common to experience the following symptoms, especially during the healing phase:

• Blurry vision

• Eye redness

• Watery eyes

• A foreign body sensation

• Double vision

However, you should contact your eye doctor promptly if you notice any of the following after surgery:

• Eye pain

• Vision worsening instead of gradually improving

• Vision loss

• New eye floaters

• Flashes of light

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Extreme bouts of coughing

READ MORE: Cataract surgery recovery

Recap: Glasses after cataract surgery

Cataract surgery typically improves vision and can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses. Some people may still need glasses after a cataract operation, while others may depend on them less frequently for specific tasks. Whether or not you’ll need them depends on the type of IOL you choose and your vision needs.

To achieve the greatest freedom from eyeglasses, it’s important to choose the right IOL. Discuss your options with your eye surgeon during your pre-op eye exam and cataract surgery consultation. They can recommend the type most likely to help you achieve optimal vision. 

If you need cataract surgery or have questions about cataract glasses, schedule a visit with your eye doctor for personalized advice. They can help determine if you will need glasses after cataract removal and assist you in selecting the ideal pair for your needs.

READ NEXT: Types of cataracts

Page published on Monday, January 14, 2019

Page updated on Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Medically reviewed on Monday, November 11, 2024