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- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: October 18, 2024
Cataract surgery is a common procedure designed to restore clear vision by replacing the eye’s natural, clouded lens with an artificial one. But many people undergoing this surgery at Blue Fin Vision in London often wonder: Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery? This blog post provides an overview of this topic to help you understand what to expect.
Understanding Cataract Surgery
A cataract forms when the eye’s natural lens becomes clouded, obstructing light and blurring vision. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one, known as an intraocular lens (IOL).
Types of Intraocular Lenses
Before the surgery, precise measurements of your eye are taken to select the appropriate IOL. Various types of IOLs can impact your need for glasses post-surgery:
- Monofocal Lenses
- Multifocal Lenses
- Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) Lenses
Will You Need Glasses After Cataract Surgery?
The need for glasses after cataract surgery largely depends on the type of IOL used and your individual vision needs. Here are the key factors:
Monofocal Lenses
Monofocal lenses are the most used lenses in cataract surgery:
- Distance Vision: Usually excellent without glasses.
- Near Vision: You might still need reading glasses.
Multifocal Intraocular Lenses
Multifocal lenses aim to provide both near and distance vision:
- Distance Vision: Generally good.
- Near Vision: Often good, reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses.
- Potential Issues: Can cause haloes, glare, and reduced contrast sensitivity.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) Lenses
EDOF lenses offer a balance between distance and near vision:
- Distance Vision: Very good.
- Near Vision: Better than monofocal lenses but might still require reading glasses for fine print.
- Advantages: Less haloes and glare compared to multifocal lenses.
Achieving Spectacle Independence
There are several strategies to minimise your dependence on glasses after cataract surgery:
Monovision
In monovision, different IOL powers are selected for each eye:
- One Eye for Distance: Provides clear distance vision.
- One Eye for Near: Provides good near vision.
- Trial Needed: Not suitable for everyone; a contact lens trial can help determine suitability.
Custom Blended Vision
Combines different types of lenses to balance both near and distance vision. This approach is highly individualised.
Premium IOLs
Choose premium IOLs such as multifocal or EDOF lenses to minimise the need for glasses:
- Suitability: Discuss with your ophthalmologist to understand if you’re a good candidate.
- Trade-offs: Weigh the benefits against potential issues like haloes or reduced contrast.
Factors to Consider
When deciding on your IOLs and the likelihood of needing glasses, consider the following:
- Lifestyle: Do you drive frequently or engage in fine detail work?
- Activities: Do you spend a lot of time reading or using a computer?
- Personal Preference: How important is it for you to be spectacle-independent?
Additional Reasons You Might Need Glasses After Cataract Surgery:
Residual Refractive Error:
Even with successful cataract surgery, it’s important to understand that the final post-operative prescription may not always be zero. If your prescription is 1D (dioptre) or higher, you may benefit from additional enhancements. For private patients, these enhancements can be achieved through laser treatment or piggyback lenses. NHS patients, however, would need to visit their optician to obtain the appropriate glasses.
Residual Astigmatism:
Astigmatism of 1D or more following surgery will need additional enhancements or the continued use of glasses to achieve the best possible vision.
Our Commitment to Your Vision:
We are dedicated to ensuring that all our self-pay patients receive these essential enhancements as part of their care package. For insured patients, although there is a cost involved, we offer a subsidy to minimise your out-of-pocket expenses because our primary focus is on delivering outstanding visual outcomes.
Consultation is Key
It’s crucial to talk to your ophthalmologist about your vision goals and preferences. At Blue Fin Vision Eye Clinic in London, we provide comprehensive assessments to tailor cataract surgery to your needs.
Conclusion
Cataract surgery can significantly improve your vision, and new advancements in IOL technology have made it possible for many people to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses. However, each patient’s experience is unique, and the need for glasses post-surgery varies.
For personalised advice and to determine the best approach for your vision needs, schedule a consultation with our expert team at Blue Fin Vision Eye Clinic in London.
