Will you need glasses after surgery?
Cataract surgery can change your vision and reduce your need for glasses. Some people even stop wearing prescription glasses forever. So why do some people still choose to wear glasses after surgery, and what are the trade-offs for being totally glasses-free?
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Important disclaimer: This is not a replacement for personal medical advice. Results of surgery cannot be guaranteed. Speak to your health professional to discuss what options and outcomes are possible for you.
Cataract surgery is a short day surgery procedure, but one that can make a huge impact on vision and quality of life. The procedure involves removing the cloudy natural lens (the cataract) and replacing this with a clear intraocular lens implant (IOL).
This customised IOL is selected to provide a focal range that suits you and your visual needs. With this kind of personalisation available, it is natural to ask – will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
Monofocal vs. trifocal lenses
The majority of cataract surgery patients in Australia have had a monofocal IOL. This means that their new implanted lens has one fixed focal point where vision is clearest. Most patients choose a monofocal lens that will give them clear distance vision, allowing them to do things such as drive, watch TV, and play golf without relying on prescription glasses. These patients use reading glasses for near vision tasks like reading small print. Of course some patients prefer the opposite – a small number of patients choose to continue wearing long-distance glasses but like to read without glasses.
“Trifocal lenses are terrific at reducing the need for glasses, but I always remind patients that these lenses have some particular side effects that monofocal lenses do not.”
A newer development in cataract surgery is improvements in trifocal IOLs. These lenses use advanced optics to allow both distance and near vision, glasses-free. This is achieved by splitting light into distance, middle, and near focus simultaneously. Trifocal lenses are terrific at reducing the need for glasses, but I always remind patients that these lenses have some particular side effects that monofocal lenses do not. Haloes, starbursts, and glare are infrequent side effects after any cataract procedure, but the rate is higher for trifocal lenses. These visual imperfections are most obvious when looking at bright lights – car headlights are the classic example. The other consideration for trifocal IOLs is that visual quality is more sensitive to low light, making them less suitable for people who spend a lot of time under low light conditions. Certain eye conditions can also prevent patients from getting the full benefit of a trifocal IOL.
Are there any other options?
Blended vision – sometimes called Monovision – is another options I discuss with patients who are interested in reducing their need for glasses after cataract surgery. This involves using a monofocal IOL in each eye, but selecting a distance lens for one eye and a near-vision lens for the other eye. After a period of adjusting to the new lenses, patients are able to instinctively use the vision they need for a given task, allowing them to enjoy the sharp vision of a monofocal IOL with an increased range of focus.
Blended vision is a popular option, but it can take some getting used to. I recommend that patients first experience monovision using a contact lens to make sure it’s right for them, and I am happy to work with your optometrist to arrange a contact lens trial.
Which lens is best?
Every patient is different, and choosing the best lens for your lifestyle shouldn’t be a rushed decision. I make sure all of my patients have longer initial appointments (at no extra cost), so my team and I can have the time to understand what’s important to you, explain your options, and answer any questions you might have.
What if I need more information?
If you need more information, give me a call on 8326 6900 to book a specialist appointment.