With more than 24 million Americans over the age of the 40 suffering from cataracts, it is common eye condition. Suffering from poor vision can take a toll on your day-t0-day life, and left untreated, cataracts will only worsen. The treatment procedure is quick and easy, and with many different lens options, patients can choose the best lens for their lifestyle. Following cataract surgery, there is a chance you may need an eye exam and glasses, but this is not always the case. Cataract surgery is lifechanging and should not be delayed.
What is Cataract Surgery?
A cataract forms when your eye’s natural lens becomes distorted, causing your vision to become cloudy over time.
The clouding can result in double vision and trouble seeing at night. This clouding prevents light from passing through to the retina. Luckily, cataract surgery is a quick fix.
While aging is one of the most common causes for cataracts, with approximately 50% of Americans over the age of 75 developing cataracts, other causes may include diabetes, smoking, genetics, a health history that includes eye injury, and lots of time in the sun.
Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed in the United States, with over three million procedures performed each year.
During surgery, your eye’s clouded lens is removed and then replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The type of IOL used during your surgery will determine if you will need glasses afterward or not.
Glasses Post-Surgery
There are several factors impacting the need for eyeglasses post-surgery. These factors may include:
- Your eye health
- Astigmatisms
- Current eyeglass prescription
- Type of IOL used to replace your natural eye lens
Intraocular Lens Options (IOL)
There are several different forms of IOLs, and each person must select a lens that fits both their lifestyle and their health needs.
Traditional IOLs are a monofocal lens, which means that they allow you to focus and see clearly at one visual point. You may be able to see clearly at distances but might require the use of glasses to see close up. With a traditional IOL, the goal is to remove the cataract and improve your vision with a clear lens. Most insurance plans cover traditional IOLs.
Advanced Technology IOLs differ from the traditional IOLs because they correct both distance and close-up vision, as well as correct astigmatism. Advanced Technology IOLs can limit the need for glasses following cataract surgery. Insurance companies do not always cover the full Advance Technology IOLs, and additional costs might be involved.
Within the Advanced Technology IOLs, there are a range of options you can choose. A distance vision optimized lens will remove the cataract, correct distance vision, and correct astigmatism. You may need glasses for arm’s length vision, and you will need glasses for near vision.
The near vision optimized lenses remove the cataract, corrects near vision, and corrects astigmatisms. This lens may require glasses for arm’s length vision and will require glasses for distance vision.
The near and distance vision optimized lens removes cataracts and corrects both distance and near vision and corrects any astigmatisms. This lens option provides good distance and near vision and does not require glasses or contacts for most daily activities. Glasses may be needed for fine print or for reading in low-light conditions.
Consult a Professional
Eye surgeryJust like any health issue and surgery, there is no black and white answer to if you will need glasses following cataract surgery. Every person is different, and while one person may see perfectly following surgery, another person might need some type of eye glasses prescription.
As in any medical situation, it is best to consult a professional and learn about all of your options before selecting an IOL to make sure that you receive the best possible care and remedy for your cataracts.