Cataract Surgery Logo
Call Us (08) 8359 2422

Glasses after cataract surgery

Will I need glasses after Cataract Surgery

Whether or not you will require reading or computer glasses after cataract surgery is a discussion we recommend you may start with your optometrist before you attend your eye surgeon.

You’re not alone. Studies show half those who have cataract expect to be significantly less dependent on spectacles for day to day tasks after their cataract procedure.

The need for reading glasses after cataract surgery depends on the type and focus of the implant (IOL) placed behind your eye’s pupil after your cataract is removed. There are three main types of IOL:

  1. Monofocal
  2. Trifocal
  3. Extended depth of focus. (EDOF)

  1. Monofocal lenses are in one focus in one (hence “mono”) place only. This may be distance or near focus but not both in the one eye. Some patients have one eye focussed far and one near, which can give a good functional compromise between distance and near vision youtubue.com/laservisionsa/ ????
  2. Trifocal lens implants give distance intermediate and near focus in the eye receiving them. They also produce halos around lights at night and occasional glare which most patients tolerate, but some dislike. See youtube.com/LaserVisionSA? ??????
  3. EDOF lenses give good distance and intermediate vision with less halos than trifocal IOLS. However they provide less near ability as well.

AT Laser Vision SA we have been discussing which IOL type our patients should receive for over a decade. We have great experience in assisting patients in making their choice and provide information on your options prior to your appointment so you have time to think about your preferred option prior to your appointment, and write down any questions you would have.

An important part of minimising the need for reading glasses after cataract surgery is getting your eyes final focus as good as it can be. Whilst this is the case in 93% of cases at Laser Vision SA, some patients need a little more fine focussing. Not all practices have the technology and experience to do this. At Laser Vision SA we also perform laser vision correction with the latest technology in SA. This way if your outcome is not exactly as you want, where possible and appropriate we can enhance your focus to reduce your need for glasses, without having to send you to another eye practice.