Other Important Points about IOLs and Glasses

Will I Need Glasses After My Surgery?

It is important to understand that none of the lenses described on this website can restore the vision you had when you were young. While these lenses all are excellent, and make most patients happy, there is no substitute for the clear, well-functioning, accommodating lens with which you were born. You should expect to have some dependence on glasses after surgery. If you choose a premium IOL (multifocal, accommodating or toric), that level of dependence is usually reduced compared to patients who have conventional monofocal IOLs. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict before surgery what your exact level of dependence on glasses will be after surgery.

Are Treatment Options the Same for All Patients?

Unfortunately, the treatment options are not the same for all patients undergoing cataract surgery. For example, there are certain types of eye conditions that preclude the use of premium IOLs. Patients with diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and glaucoma are usually not candidates for multifocal IOLs. Likewise, not all patients will be candidates for laser vision correction after cataract surgery. There are many different exceptions when considering the options for modern-day cataract surgery. The options available to you will depend on your eye and your history. The only way to know what options are available to you is to give a complete eye and medical history to your surgeon, and to have a complete eye examination. Therefore, it is important to discuss your particular eye health and the treatment options that would be appropriate for your eye with your operating surgeon so you can make an informed decision about your treatment. Keep in mind that most patients achieve excellent vision with monofocal, multifocal, accommodating and toric IOLs, and remember that the main difference between these IOLs is how often you need to wear your glasses after your cataract surgery.

© Vision Information Services, LLC, Mooresville, NC 2012