How long do you wait to get glasses after cataract surgery?
Asked by: Magnus Emard | Last update: October 13, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (19 votes)
How soon after cataract surgery can you get prescription glasses?
People can usually apply for a new prescription around 6 weeks after their cataract surgery. However, studies show that in some cases, a doctor may be able to prescribe glasses as early as 2 weeks after successful cataract surgery.
Does Medicare pay for the first pair of glasses after cataract surgery?
Medicare does not ordinarily cover prescription eyeglasses, with one exception. Because cataract surgery always changes the eyeglasses prescription, Medicare will cover one basic pair of glasses following cataract surgery.
How long does it take for eyes to completely heal after cataract surgery?
After cataract surgery, you may notice your vision is blurry. This is normal as your eye heals and adjusts. You will see a noticeable improvement in just a few days. Complete healing usually takes around 8 weeks.
Can you go without glasses after cataract surgery?
In general, after cataract surgery people do not need glasses for distance viewing– this means for activities such as driving, golf or watching TV, you should not need to continue wearing glasses. However, in many circumstances people still may need glasses for reading or near work.
How long will it take to get clear vision after cataract surgery? | OCL Vision
Do you always get 20/20 vision after cataract surgery?
While many people will obtain 20/20 vision from their IOL, 30 to 50 percent of people who choose a monofocal IOL will still require corrective lenses after surgery. Schedule a consultation with an eye doctor near you to see if you qualify for surgery.
What percentage of people need glasses after cataract surgery?
That's important because determining exactly where in the eye the IOL will end up — the effective lens position — determines how close the surgeon can get the patient to 20/20 vision. Studies show that 30 to 50 percent of people who have cataract surgery still need glasses after surgery.
What is the biggest complaint after cataract surgery?
1. Mild discomfort and itching after cataract surgery. Mild discomfort and itching are among the most common and immediately noticeable problems after cataract surgery, because it is natural for the eye to feel slightly irritated while it heals.
How long do you have to sleep upright after cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery should not affect how you sleep, aside from wearing the protective eye shield to avoid rubbing the eye. Rubbing your eye or even water splashing in your eye can aggravate the chances of infection. You may also want to avoid sleeping on the side of the operated eye for the first 24 hours.
How long after cataract surgery can I watch TV?
Many patients experience better vision within the first 24 hours after surgery. Depending on your condition, you can take one to three days of rest and recovery or longer. You can perform simple activities such as reading, watching the television, and writing within three days of your cataract surgery.
Is it better to be nearsighted or farsighted after cataract surgery?
If your daily lifestyle includes activities such as driving or watching TV, then farsightedness after surgery might be a great fit. You'll have clear distance vision for the things you do most, and close-up tasks can be easily tackled with a well-chosen pair of reading glasses.
How to get free glasses after cataract surgery?
How To Get Free Glasses After Cataract Surgery. If the patient has Medicare, Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C), or Medicaid services coverage, they might be able to receive new glasses for free after surgery. Medicare Part B coverage handles the cost of glasses in many Medicare insurance plans.
Does Walmart accept Medicare for glasses after cataract surgery?
Walmart Vision Center locations accept Medicare. Thus, you can use your benefits for a pair of glasses after cataract surgery. This benefit is provided once for those who qualify, but it's important to double-check your local Vision Center.
What type of glasses are best after cataract surgery?
Most people choose a monofocal lens (for distance) and will need reading glasses for close work. Some newer lens options may reduce the need for glasses. They may be a good option, depending on your lifestyle.
When can I bend over to wash my hair after cataract surgery?
Do not get your hair coloured or permed for 10 days after surgery. Do not bend over or do any strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for 2 weeks or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, gardening, and dusting for 1 to 2 weeks.
How long after cataract surgery should you see an optometrist?
Additional follow-up appointments typically take place 1-2 weeks after surgery. At this point, most patients see their optometrist to be measured for glasses and obtain an updated eyeglass prescription. We schedule most patients to return to see us 2-3 months after surgery to follow up on how well the eye is doing.
How long does it take to see 20/20 after cataract surgery?
Many people have clearer vision within 24 hours after surgery. Most people can see well enough to return to their usual activities after one to two days. Your vision will fluctuate over the next week or two as it stabilizes. Avoid swimming, lifting, strenuous activities, and rubbing your eyes for two weeks.
What is the most feared complication of cataract surgery?
Although the incidence of endophthalmitis is only 0.13%, this remains the most feared complication of cataract surgery with a potential devastating effect.
Can I bend over to tie my shoes after cataract surgery?
You should not bend over after cataract surgery for at least 2 weeks. Bending over will place pressure on the eye and this may cause unnecessary complications to your eye. The main complication will be a delay in the healing process. Avoid bending over by following these rules.
How long does it take for eyes to fully adjust after cataract surgery?
These side effects usually improve within a few days, but it can take 4 to 6 weeks to recover fully. If you need new glasses, you will not be able to order them until your eye has completely healed, usually after 6 weeks.
Why is 2nd cataract surgery harder?
Patients experienced more pain in the surgery of the second eye than that of the first eye, which probably related to lower anxiety before the second surgery. It suggests that we should consider preoperative intervention to reduce the perceived pain during second eye cataract surgery.
Why is my night vision worse after cataract surgery?
Cataract Surgery: A Solution with Considerations
Factors contributing to poor night vision may include the healing process, the type of IOL implanted, and other pre-existing eye conditions. Following the procedure, patients commonly report increased glare and sensitivity to light, impacting their vision at night.
What percentage of cataract surgeries fail?
The risk from cataract surgery is very low (< 1%) and complications are very rare. As with any eye surgery, there is a small risk of infection, blurred vision and detached retina. There is a very small risk, around one in 1,000, of permanent sight loss in the treated eye.
Can your vision change years after cataract surgery?
Sometimes blurry vision is caused by PCO, a fairly common complication that can occur weeks, months or (more frequently) years after cataract surgery. It happens when the lens capsule, the membrane that holds your new, intraocular lens in place, becomes hazy or wrinkled and starts to cloud vision.
Does cataract surgery guarantee 20/20 vision?
Surgery for my cataract: is 20/20 vision possible afterward? In a word, yes— it is possible (and common) to achieve 20/20 vision after cataract surgery. However, exactly how good your eyesight is at all distances (near, mid, and far) will depend on many factors.