Lens replacement surgery can be suitable if you do a lot of reading, but careful lens selection and realistic expectations are vital.
Potential benefits for keen readers
Presbyopia and cataract can make reading slow and tiring, even with glasses. Replacing the lens can improve clarity and reduce dependence on strong reading or bifocal spectacles.
- Multifocal or extended-range lenses aim to give comfortable near and intermediate focus
- Can reduce the need to constantly swap between different pairs of glasses
- May help computer, tablet, and book reading feel more natural
- Improved contrast and brightness if early cataract is present
- Useful for people whose work or hobbies involve frequent close tasks
Things readers should consider
Intensive reading asks a lot of any optical system. Many people still find a weak pair of reading glasses helpful for long sessions, even after successful surgery.
- Fine print or very long reading may still be clearer with low-strength readers
- Multifocal lenses can cause halos or slight ghosting around text initially
- Single-focus distance lenses usually require continuing use of reading spectacles
- Discuss your typical reading distance and lighting with your surgeon
- Trialling similar lens designs in contact lenses may sometimes help decision-making
