If you have a cataract in one or both eyes and before cataract surgery, you will want to give some thought to the following:

  1. Do you want  a good chance to stop glasses wear after the cataract surgery in both eyes?
  2. If you do not mind wearing glasses after surgery, do you prefer to wear it for distance viewing or for near viewing?

These decisions will have bearing on the lens implant that your eye surgeon implants into your eye at the end of cataract surgery.

The current state of your cataracts in both eyes and your current glasses prescription may influence the choices available to you.  You should tell your eye surgeon your wishes so he/she can advise you.

Choices before cataract surgery

In general, the choices of outcomes when cataract surgery has been done in both eyes are:

  • Glasses needed for near viewing but not for distance.
  • Glasses needed for distance viewing but not for near.
  • No glasses needed – Multifocal lenses implanted into both eyes at the time of surgery.
  • No glasses needed for casual viewing but glasses may be needed for prolonged viewing – Monofocal lenses have been implanted to achieve monovision.

 

The final choice of outcome is sometimes down to your personal preference. Moreover, you should  take care when choosing monovision and multifocal lenses. Your eye surgeon can discuss the pros and cons of each choice.

Monovision is not for everyone. You should ask for a monovision trial before surgery to see if you are happy with monovison.

Multifocal lenses may cause you to see glare and haloes around lights.  Some people may find this disturbing. The lenses may also worsen your night vision in extremely dark environments.

In general “Glasses needed for near viewing but not for distance”,  is the most common choice, particularly among people who are already wearing glasses and do not mind continuing to wear them.

 

Wishing you a safe and successful surgery.