Can I Get Rid of my Glasses After Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts are an age-related visual impairment that often begins to develop in one's 40s. As proteins in the eye's lens become degraded and form clumps, they progressively turn the lens opaque. And with light no longer able to properly reach the retina, patients' visual capacities begin to deteriorate. Hazy vision, vision loss, and blindness eventually set in if professional treatment is not sought.

But at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa, we're dedicated to helping you achieve an optimal outcome through timely, personalized treatment strategies. So, if you're concerned about cataracts or have noticed visual changes, please contact us and schedule a consultation in Tuscaloosa, AL.

How do cataracts develop, and what symptoms do they cause?

Cataracts develop as the proteins in the eye's lens break down and obscure one's eyesight, potentially causing numerous symptoms, including hazy vision that isn't alleviated by visual aids like eyeglasses. Additionally, some patients may experience impaired night vision or the appearance of glare or halos around lights. The optical impairments caused by cataracts can hinder daily tasks, and patients often need brighter lights to read.

As cataracts advance, completing other required everyday activities, such as driving or working, may become difficult or impossible. However, these symptoms may not fully set in for a while – even though cataracts may begin developing in one's 40s, it often takes many years for the symptoms to become evident.

Will I still need glasses after my cataract surgery?

You will no longer need glasses to treat cataracts, though you may still need glasses to correct other visual conditions, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Why? Because those conditions are dependent on the overall shape of the eyeball. And even though cataract surgery can get rid of your vision-clouding cataracts, it does not change the shape of the eyeball.

Instead, cataract surgery removes the clouded lens, which sits deeper within the eye and plays an indispensable role in focusing light. If the lens is clouded, light cannot pass through and reach the retina. So, cataract surgery necessitates removing your eye's natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens, an IOL (intraocular lens). This IOL is durable and can last a lifetime because its synthetic materials do not degrade.

Your future reliance on eyeglasses will depend on your particular procedure. While cataract surgery does not differ between patients, the type of IOL you receive may rid you of your need for visual aids like eyeglasses or contact lenses. For example, some premium IOLs are designed to resolve refractive disorders like astigmatism. It's also worth noting that patients' visual capabilities and eye health can continue to change as part of the aging process, and those who have reduced or gotten rid of their need for glasses may require visual aids in the future.

Find out more about cataract surgery and premium IOLs

Cataracts deprive countless individuals of their visual freedom. And if left untreated, they cause progressive vision loss until blindness occurs. Yet, you can seek treatment for this age-related visual disorder by contacting our ocular experts at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa. We'll be happy to devise a personalized treatment plan for you and your unique needs, including any other considerations beyond cataracts. Better vision may be a call or message away, so don't hesitate to explore your options in Tuscaloosa, AL.