Will I Still Need Glasses After Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts cause more cases of blindness than any other condition. This ocular disorder occurs as the eye's lens degrades and becomes clouded, blocking incoming light. As a result, it slowly robs patients of more and more of their vision. And if left untreated, total blindness can set in.

The prevalence of this age-related issue also means that the treatment modality is incredibly well-practiced, making it one of the most performed procedures in the world. As such, cataract surgery has become a safe and efficient method for restoring patients' vision. Depending on the specifics of your treatment, it may also reduce or remove your need for glasses. To learn more, reach out to us at inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham to schedule a consultation in Birmingham, AL.

Why do cataracts occur?

As an age-related ocular disorder, cataracts may become an unpleasant inevitability for innumerable individuals worldwide. In America, more than 22 million people over 40 are affected by this sight-stealing condition. It begins developing around that aforementioned age when the proteins that make up your eye's lens begin to break down and clump together. These clumps form clouded patches on the lens, blocking incoming light.

The symptoms begin with hazy vision, and the overall progress of cataracts may be slow, presenting no real difficulties until a patient is in their 60s. It's different for everyone, however, and it's recommended you seek professional help if you have any concerns, have noticed changes in your vision, or are having trouble completing daily tasks.

Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?

Patients will no longer need glasses due to their cataracts, but may still need to wear them to counter the effects of other visual impairments. It all depends on your specifics, including overall eye health and any additional visual issues you may have, such as refractive disorders. Cataract surgery removes cataracts, an age-related clouding that impairs vision. However, it cannot fundamentally correct the refractive disorders because these are caused by an abnormally shaped eyeball, and cataract surgery affects the deeper-lying lens of the eye.

During the procedure, our expert team breaks down cataracts, but this also requires fragmenting and removing your eye's natural lens, which has become clouded and can no longer allow clear vision. But don't worry; we'll replace it with a synthetic version, an intraocular lens, or IOL. These sight-improving IOLs come in many types, and some premium variants provide added benefits, including the ability to resolve certain refractive disorders, such as astigmatism. Therefore, some patients can reduce or remove their need for visual aids like glasses or contact lenses through IOL selection.

Additionally, your IOL offers future immunity from developing cataracts again since this artificial lens is made from a durable synthetic material that does not degrade as the eye's natural tissues would. Therefore, cataracts cannot form again.

Regain clarity with cataract surgery

Clear vision is often taken for granted. But you can once again enjoy this invaluable gift by reaching out to our experts at inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham. Cataracts can be a stifling ocular condition that impedes your ability to read, drive, work, or excel at your favorite hobbies. But you don't have to let cataracts, the world's leading cause of blindness, steal your sight and daily freedom. Contact us at inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham to learn more about your treatment options in Birmingham, AL.