Should I wear my old glasses after cataract surgery?
Asked by: Arielle McKenzie | Last update: January 14, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (10 votes)
Does it hurt to wear old glasses after cataract surgery?
In this case, your old prescription glasses won't match the newly operated eye; however, there is no harm wearing them if they help the opposite eye. If the old prescription lens is way off or bothersome, it can be removed from that side of your eyeglass frame. Our opticians can assist with this.
What to do with glasses between cataract surgeries?
Wear Your Old Glasses
If you must wear glasses, it is more ideal to use your old reading glasses or another pair that you are most comfortable using. You may even ask an optician to temporarily remove the lens on the side that has had the surgery if you feel that it would help.
What are the best glasses to wear after cataract surgery?
Polarized lenses are invaluable for your vision after undertaking a cataract surgery. They diminish glare from reflective surfaces, such as water or pavement, optimizing visual comfort and clarity.
Are new glasses needed 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.
The Use of Glasses After Cataract Surgery with Dr Graham Fraenkel
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 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.
What percentage of people still 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.
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.
Do you get a free pair of 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.
How long does it take for the incision to heal after cataract surgery?
The incisions from surgery should heal within one week after surgery, but it's still important that you avoid getting water in your eyes and close your eyes while washing your face for the duration of the healing period.
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 reading vision worse after cataract surgery?
After surgery, your brain may need time to adjust to the new lens and how light is entering your eye. Swelling and inflammation: It is normal for the eye to be slightly swollen and inflamed after cataract surgery, which can affect your ability to focus and read. This usually subsides within a few days or weeks.
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.
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.
Is it bad to go back to your old glasses?
It's important to get the right prescription and make sure you keep your current one updated. Wearing old prescription glasses can damage your eyesight and make your vision more challenging to manage and correct over time.
How many years is cataract surgery good for?
The Stability of Vision After Cataract Surgery
Patients typically experience a significant improvement in their vision following cataract surgery. This improvement is often permanent, and many individuals enjoy clear vision for the rest of their lives without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
What is the newest lens for cataract surgery in 2024?
Light-Adjustable Lenses (LAL)
Light-adjustable lenses (LALs) are a newer type of monofocal lens that allows patients to customize and refine their vision outcomes after their cataract surgery. LALs are made from a unique photosensitive material containing molecules called macromers.
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.
Do you get 20/20 vision after cataract surgery?
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.
What percentage of cataract surgeries go bad?
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.
How long does an IOL last after cataract surgery?
Unlike the natural lenses they replace, IOLs do not degrade or become cloudy over time. Once implanted, they typically remain in the patient's eye for the rest of their life. Some patients will experience a clouding of the membrane which holds the intraocular lens, called the capsule, after cataract surgery.
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.
Do people ever regret having cataract surgery?
Dr. Basti said it's not uncommon for patients to be unhappy after what is otherwise a successful cataract surgery. He said that about a quarter of patients who experience this dissatisfaction will not actually spell it out for the surgeon, but if you probe, you'll get to why they are unhappy.
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.