Will I need stronger reading glasses after cataract surgery?

Asked by: Javon Runte Jr.  |  Last update: August 22, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (68 votes)

It depends. If you choose standard cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, it's likely you will need reading glasses and possibly computer glasses or other special-purpose eyewear afterward, depending on your visual needs.

What strength reading glasses are needed after cataract surgery?

In most cases, patients will require +1.25 D for computer use and +2.25 to 2.50 D for reading near. The rule of thumb is that if you want to see things closer, select a higher number like +3.00 D, and if you want to see farther away like at a music stand, choose +1.00 D.

Why do I need stronger reading glasses after cataract surgery?

Because most IOLs used in cataract surgery can only provide clear distance or clear near vision, you will need glasses to correct for whatever the lens doesn't provide. Usually, just one lens in your glasses needs to be updated for the eye that was operated on.

Will my reading prescription change after cataract surgery?

So, back to the question, “Will I need a new eyeglass prescription after cataract surgery?” The answer is maybe. But, you are likely to experience an improvement in both your vision and ability to perform tasks prior to cataract surgery.

What kind of glasses do I need after cataract surgery?

  • MonoFocal Lenses – Clear Vision at Distance. ...
  • Toric Lenses – Clear Vision For Patients With Astigmatism. ...
  • MultiFocal Lenses – Clear Close and Distance Vision. ...
  • MultiFocal Toric Lenses – A Close & Distance Vision for Patients With Astigmatism. ...
  • The PanOptix Multifocal – An Exciting New Option. ...
  • Find Your Best Option.

Cataract Surgery: How soon can I get Reading Glasses after Surgery

18 related questions found

Does cataract surgery reduce the need for glasses?

For many patients, cataract surgery can eliminate or reduce the need to wear eyeglasses. Several factors come into play, including your current eyeglasses prescription, the presence or degree of astigmatism and the intraocular lens implant you choose.

What is the best vision you can have after cataract surgery?

In a case where the IOL has moved, your eye doctor can easily reposition the lens. 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.

Does Medicare pay for reading glasses after cataract surgery?

Original Medicare (parts A and B) does not generally pay for eye exams or eyeglasses. However, Medicare Part B provides coverage for eyeglasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery when surgeons place an artificial lens in the eye.

How much will my prescription change after cataract surgery?

Will my prescription ever change again after cataract surgery? The majority of patients have successful long-term vision after cataract surgery. The implantable lenses do not “age” like the human lens – meaning the material does not fog up, breakdown, or change prescription on their own.

Does your eyesight stay the same after cataract surgery?

No, your vision generally doesn't deteriorate after cataract surgery unless other problems arise, such as macular degeneration or glaucoma. In cataract surgery, the eye doctor (ophthalmologist) removes the clouded lens from your eye and replaces it with a clear, artificial lens.

How do I know if I need stronger reading glasses?

If you find that you're holding reading material with your current readers farther away from your face than normal to see it clearly, then you might need stronger reading glasses. If you're holding your reading material closer to your face than normal, though, then you need weaker reading glasses.

What happens if you wear reading glasses that are too strong?

When your prescription feels too strong, you might experience headaches, nausea, and eye strain, among other things. It might not be clear why your prescription feels wrong, but it doesn't take long to notice something's off. There are a few things you can do to see if your prescription is too strong.

How do you know if you need stronger glasses?

Notice any vision changes?
  1. Your Vision Is Blurry. ...
  2. You Keep Squinting. ...
  3. You're Sensitive to Light. ...
  4. You Have Tired or Achy Eyes. ...
  5. You're Getting Headaches. ...
  6. You're Seeing Double. ...
  7. You Have Poor Night Vision. ...
  8. You Haven't Had Your Eyes Checked in Over a Year.

What does 20 40 vision mean after cataract surgery?

It might be easiest to explain if you imagine the Snellen chart: When you have a Snellen test score of 20/40, that means you'd see the chart as clearly at 20 feet away as someone with “normal” vision would see it from 40 feet away.

How long does it take for the brain to adjust to cataract surgery?

It's a big period of adjustment that takes longer for some patients than others. Some people may experience perfect vision in a matter of days or weeks following surgery, while others may take 6 months or longer for the full benefits to take effect.

Why hasn't my vision improved after cataract surgery?

If you've had cataract surgery and your vision is still blurry or hazy, you may have a common condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO). PCO, also sometimes called a “secondary cataract”, occurs when the capsule that holds the IOL in place gets obstructed by epithelial cells from the lens.

Why is my vision so bad after cataract surgery?

Inflammation in the eye can happen after cataract surgery, but it is typically harmless. Any inflammation within the eye following cataract surgery is the body's natural response to having the eye's lens removed. This reaction causes blurry vision, but your eye doctor can prescribe medication to help.

What are the 3 types of cataract surgery?

There are three major cataract surgery procedures:
  • Phacoemulsification.
  • Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS).
  • Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE).

Does Medicare cover refraction after cataract surgery?

Medicare Coverage of Post-Cataract Eyeglasses, Explained

You may already know this, but it's worth emphasizing: Medicare does not cover refractions, eyeglasses, or contact lenses for beneficiaries. The exception is for post-cataract surgery or in cases when surgery results in the removal of the eye's natural lens.

Is it possible to have 20 20 vision after cataract surgery?

Many people assume that cataract surgery will give them "perfect" 20/20 vision, but this isn't always the case. In fact, some people may still need glasses or contacts to see clearly after surgery. But this doesn't mean the procedure isn't worth it!.

How do I know if my lens has moved after cataract surgery?

Patients with a dislocated IOL may experience a decrease or change in vision, diplopia, and/or glare. Additionally, they may report ocular pain or headaches from intermittent angle-closure and/or inflammation. Some patients also report seeing the edge of the IOL.

Is it OK to wear weaker glasses?

Yes, you can wear lower prescription glasses, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, your vision will be slightly blurred, and you may have to make some adjustments to how you do things.

What is considered a strong glasses prescription?

-3.00 diopters or less is mild. -3.00 to -6.00 diopters is moderate. -6.00 to -9.00 diopters is severe. -9.00 diopters or more is extreme.

At what strength do I need glasses?

Someone who needs strong vision correction will likely need reading glasses with a strength around +3.00, while someone who needs only minor vision correction would likely wear reading glasses with a label of +1.25. For most people new to needing readers, it's highly unlikely that they'll need a high powered lens.

Why is my vision blurry after using reading glasses?

Both your eyes and brain need time adjusting to prescription glasses. Some people adjust to this change in a matter of days while others may take weeks to adapt. When it's new glasses causing blurry vision or a new prescription number in old lenses, you have to give yourself time to adjust.