No glasses after cataract surgery?
Posted by: Clear Vision Cataract & LASIK Center
In this article, we will discuss whether seeing without glasses after cataract surgery is a realistic option. We will review modern vision-correcting lens options available to help you see without glasses after cataract surgery. We begin with some common background questions related to cataracts, including how they form, how they may be fixed, and some common symptoms.
What are cataracts?
Before we discuss how to see without glasses after cataract surgery, we will first review the nature of cataracts themselves. A cataract is cloudiness that forms in the eye’s natural lens, typically from aging. The cloudiness results from damaged crystalline proteins which lose their clarity over time. Other causes of cataracts besides age may include: trauma, diabetes, steroid use, and family history. Once you form cataracts, they gradually become visually significant. Symptoms of visually-significant cataracts may include blurred vision, glare, halos, starburst, and difficulty reading. Cataract surgery is the only cure for cataracts, as no medications are knows to reverse cataracts.
What are the common symptoms of cataracts?
While not necessarily present in every case, some common symptoms of cataracts may include:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Difficulty driving at night
- Trouble reading fine print
- Glare, halos, or starbursts
- Changes to your glasses prescription
- Loss of contrast or accurate color perception (yellowing of vision)
How are cataracts fixed?
Determining if you are a candidate for cataract surgery can only be done by your ophthalmologist or optometrist. If you are a candidate, the doctor will discuss the procedure and whether or not you are a candidate to see without glasses after cataract surgery. The procedure itself involves removing the cloudy lens through a tiny opening using a gentle ultrasound or laser procedure. This is typically painless, takes about 10 minutes, and is most often done in an outpatient surgery center or a properly-outfitted office-based procedure suite. Following completion of the procedure, you’ll be free of cataracts with better vision, and will walk away with your very own artificial lens designed to last the rest of your life!
What is the best lens option to see without glasses after cataract surgery?
The great news is that in 2023, patients now have more choices than ever to get rid of glasses and contacts after cataract surgery. Our cataract experts in Rochester Hills at the Clear Vision Center have been mastering the art of cataract vision correction for over 20 years. From this expericence, we are able to offer a wealth of knowledge and experience with all corrective lens options. As every individual is unique, at your consultation our specialists will perform a thorough analysis of your eye health to see if you are a candidate for vision correction, and recommend a lens based on your eye health and vision goals. More and more patients are choosing vision correction with their cataract surgery, as the quality of vision, range of vision options have never been better.
For full range of focus vision correction, we often recommend the Alcon PanOptix lens. This advanced lens offers the possibility of 20/20 vision at distance, midrange, and near…all without glasses! Another lens option commonly utilized for cataract vision correction is the Light-adjustable lens. This lens allows for fine-tuning of your vision after surgery using a special UV light treatment. Other options for correcting astigmatism and extending your depth of focus include the Vivity lens and certain toric lens implants. Each lens has its pros and cons, and a careful discussion of your options with your surgeon is a must!
What determines if I’m a candidate to see without glasses after cataract surgery?
Potential cataract surgery patients each undergo a thorough cataract evaluation at the time of their visit. At this appointment, we will take several pictures of the eyes, test your vision, and the surgeon will also evaluate your eye health. Some of the tests are specifically designed to determine if you are a candidate for an advanced technology lens. Factors that determine whether you are a candidate might include pupil size, presence of irregular astigmatism, coexisting eye disease, and risk of abberrations (glare) after surgery. It is very important to understand that not everyone is a candidate for vision correction with cataract surgery. Accordingly, we make certain you and your eyes are a good fit before making our final recommendation.
Have questions about cataracts or seeing without glasses after cataract surgery?
Being concerned about having cataract surgery is completely normal. We value our vision tremendously, and at Clear Vision Center we strive for great outcomes and a premium patient experience. You may find more useful information on cataract surgery here, and contact us below with any other questions.