A cataract clouds the human eye’s natural lens, gradually making seeing difficult. Cataracts are a common eye problem, especially in older people, and can cause blurred vision, glare, and trouble seeing at night. A minor surgical procedure, such as removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one, can fix cataracts. A cataract is by far the most commonly performed eye surgery worldwide.
Who needs Cataract Surgery?
You would require Cataract surgery if you develop one or more of the below symptoms. If any of the next is true:
- You lose or change your vision significantly, like having trouble seeing things, seeing more glare or halos around lights, or seeing less color intensity.
- Your cataracts make it difficult to do everyday things like reading, driving, or watching TV.
- Your cataracts make it difficult to see things in the background or the distance, making you more likely to trip or have an accident.
- You may need treatment for other eye problems, like macular degeneration or glaucoma, which may worsen because of cataracts.
- You have a cataract that has caused you to lose a lot of vision in one eye. This may well lead you to get amblyopia (lazy eye).
- If you are experiencing these symptoms, consult your eye doctor to discuss your treatment options, including cataract surgery.
What happens during cataract surgery?
A series of steps typically taken during cataract surgery:
The surgeon will use a local anesthetic to numb the eye and the surrounding area.
- Incision: A small cut is made in the cornea to get to the Cataract.
- Capsulotomy: In this procedure, a small hole is cut in the front of the capsule that covers the lens.
- Phacoemulsification: The surgeon uses a small probe that sends out ultrasound waves to break up the Cataract into small pieces, which are then sucked out of the eye.
- IOL Insertion: An intraocular lens (IOL) is put into the empty lens capsule. Depending on the patient’s needs, this lens could be monofocal, multifocal, or Toric.
- Closing the incision: Most of the time, the incision will close itself, but the surgeon may need to use a few stitches.
- Postoperative Care: The patient is usually watched for a short time after the procedure, and eye drops or other medicines may be given to speed up healing and keep infections from happening.
Overall, the process usually takes between 15 and 20 minutes per eye and is generally done in a daycare OT on an Outpatient basis.
What are the IOL lens options available in cataract surgery?
Different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) can be put into the eye after cataract surgery to replace the cloudy natural lens taken out. The type of IOL chosen will depend on the person’s needs, preferences, and other factors, such as the eye’s health.
Monofocal IOLs: These lenses let you see clearly at just one distance, usually far or close. For other distances, patients may need to wear glasses.
Multifocal IOLs: These lenses let you see clearly at different distances, such as far away and up close, and may mean you don’t need glasses after surgery.
Accommodating IOLs: These lenses move inside the eye like the natural lens, allowing the patient to focus on things at different distances.
Toric IOLs: These lenses fix astigmatism, a common condition in which the cornea is uneven and makes it hard to see.
Phakic IOLs: These lenses are put in front of the natural lens instead of replacing it. They can help people who are very nearsighted or farsighted.
Extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs: These lenses are made to give a continuous range of vision from close up to far away without creating different visual zones.
It’s important to talk to your eye surgeon about the pros and cons of each IOL option to figure out which one is best for your needs. Watch our exclusive popular video here on choosing IOL Lenses after Cataract Surgery.
Do cataracts develop only in older people?
No, cataracts can happen to people of any age, though older people are more likely to have them. Cataracts can be caused by many things, like getting older, having a family history of them, getting hurt, or having certain medical conditions. However, finding and treating cataracts as soon as possible is essential to prevent vision loss and improve quality of life.
Is cataract surgery serious?
Cataract or Motiabind Surgery is generally a safe and standard treatment that replaces the clouded lens with an artificial lens to restore vision. Cataract surgery is outpatient and less invasive, with minimal risks. Most people return to normal activities after a week of Surgery. However, with Modern Laser cataracts like Femto and SMILE techniques, a patient can return to work in a few days only and resume regular life activity with certain precautions.
How much time does a cataract surgery usually take?
Standard Cataract surgery usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes, but the exact time can change depending on the case and the surgeon’s technique. A cataract is an outpatient procedure and a patient comes and returns home the same day. However, patients must spend a few hours at the Hospital for pre-operative preparation and postoperative monitoring. Modern Robotic Cataracts like Femto usually take less than 10 minutes an eye and are pain-free and blade-free with quick post-operation recovery.
What is the cost of cataract surgery in Jalandhar?
In India, the cost of Cataract or Motiabind Surgery can vary a lot, depending on things like the surgery method, the technology used, the standard of the Hospital, the surgeon’s experience, and the Hospital’s location.
On average, cataract surgery in India can cost anywhere from 10,000 Indian Rupees to 1,25,000 Indian Rupees per eye. But it’s important to remember that the price can vary greatly depending on the above-mentioned things. Therefore, it’s best to research and compare prices from different eye hospitals before deciding. Also, some insurance plans may cover all or part of the cost of cataract surgery, so it is advised to check with your insurance company.
How to find the best cataract surgeon in Jalandhar?
Finding the best cataract surgeon requires little research on the web and taking word-of-mouth feedback. For your convenience, we are sharing some smart tips that will help you find a good cataract surgeon and to make an informed decision:
- Online directories Like Practo. Lybrate or Justdial lists local cataract surgeons with ratings.
- Verify Credentials: Verify their credentials. Ensure they are certified by central or state medical councils. Please note that Registered qualified doctors are issued an MCI or state medical council registration number.
- Web Reviews: Check Google reviews coming directly from patients. This shows the surgeon’s success rate and insights about their clinical practice and surgical skills.
- Personal Assessment: After following the tips mentioned above, arrange a Consultation and get a sense of their professional demeanor.
- Technology: Ask the surgeon about their technology. Best cataract surgeons use cutting-edge technology and are skilled in using technology-driven latest cataract methods for seamless patient experience.
- Insurance: One of the most important factors while choosing a hospital or surgeon for cataracts is the Insurance coverage availability. Check for empanelment and cashless treatment cover.
Is cataract surgery painful?
No, the cataract surgery is not painful as the area around the affected eye is numbed with locally injected anesthesia. After Surgery, some people may feel specific mild symptoms or discomfort, like tired or scratchy eyes. This is normal, and you can treat it with over-the-counter painkillers or eye drops as your doctor prescribes. Please note that it is essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions to fasten recovery & feel less pain after cataract surgery. In case your pain increases or persists, Contact your surgeon right away.
What are the possible risks or side effects of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery today is generally considered safe and effective, with minimal risks or potential side effects. Modern Cataract surgery like Femto Lasers is hi-precision, all-laser, minimally invasive, painless, and completely blade- or injection-free. For Reference, we have enlisted some possible risks that could come with cataract surgery:
- Eye Infections: There is a chance of infection with any surgery and the same holds for Cataract surgeries. Your surgeon will guide you through to lower the chance of getting a disease, and by prescribing certain post-operative medications.
- Eye Bleeding: During Surgery, there is a chance that the eye may bleed. This happens rarely but warrants the swift intervention of the surgeon as it can cause vision loss.
- Eye swelling: After Surgery, the eye may become swollen and painful. Most of the time, this is temporary and can be treated with medicine.
- Retinal detachment: There is a minimal chance of retinal detachment after cataract surgery. This happens when the layer of tissue towards the back of our eye, called the Retina, separates from the tissue underneath it.
- Glaucoma: After cataract surgery, some people may get glaucoma. This is a disease that hurts the optic nerve, which can make it hard to see.
- Dislocation of the artificial lens: The artificial lens that replaces the natural lens can sometimes move out of place.
- Loss of vision: Cataract surgery can sometimes cause a person to lose sight. This can happen because of an infection, bleeding, or other problems.
It’s important to remember that the risks of cataract surgery are usually relatively low and that most people who have the Surgery don’t have any problems. But in case of any associated medical complications like diabetes, Hypertension, or Glaucoma, your eye doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of the procedure.
Can cataract surgery be done in both eyes? (What is Bilateral Cataract Surgery)
Yes, both eyes can have cataract surgery at the same time. This is called Bilateral cataract surgery. The cataracts are taken out of both eyes simultaneously in this procedure, though there is usually a short break between such twin eye procedures.
However, not every person is a good candidate for Cataract surgery on both eyes. The patient’s overall health, the severity of cataracts, the presence of other eye conditions, and the surgeon’s skill all play a role in the decision. Ultimately, the decision to do Surgery on both eyes is made on a case-by-case basis after carefully looking at the needs and circumstances of each patient.
Is Surgery the only treatment option for Cataracts or Motiabind?
No, Surgery is not the only way to treat cataracts; however, it is undoubtedly the best and most common way to treat cataracts as of date. In the early stages of Cataract, you might feel better if you change your eyeglass prescription or use brighter lighting conditions. But as your Cataract gets worse, they cause a gradual vision loss that can’t be fixed with glasses, contacts, or other devices.
That leaves Surgery as the only solution for cataracts. It has a high success rate with fewer complications. Even though no medicines or alternative treatments can get rid of cataracts, changing your lifestyle, like protecting your eyes from UV light, eating well, and not smoking, may help slow their growth.
What is a “secondary cataract”?
A common problem after cataract surgery is a Secondary cataract, also known as posterior capsular opacification (PCO). This happens when the cloudy lens inside the eye is substituted with a clear artificial lens but over time, the thin membrane that holds the artificial lens in place can get foggy, making it hard to see.
This cloudiness happens when cells that were left over after cataract surgery grow on the back of the lens capsule, making it thicken and get cloudy. Most secondary cataracts occur months or years after cataract surgery, and up to 20% of people who have had the Surgery can get them.
YAG laser capsulotomy, A non-invasive laser technique a quick and painless procedure is often used to treat secondary cataracts. During this procedure, a laser removes the cloudy membrane carefully. This lets light pass through the lens again without being blocked, restoring clear vision.
Is cataract surgery covered under insurance & cashless schemes?
In most states of India including Punjab, several private health insurance cover cataract surgeries. Some government schemes also cover partial or complete cataract surgery costs depending on the Hospital’s location and the selection of an IOL lens. Most health insurance plans cover cataract surgery as part of their general medical coverage. But it’s important to read the policy’s terms and conditions carefully to know how much coverage you’ll get. Some guidelines may have a waiting period or a cap on the total amount paid. Patients should talk to their insurance company or a Hospital TPA department to determine the policy claim amount before opting for Surgery.
Being a NABH-accredited Super Speciality eye care center Duggal Eye Hospital Jalandhar has tie-ups with over 50 private and government insurance service providers, and for any insurance claim related to Cataracts or other eye surgeries, get in touch with our insurance department here.
Is there any season for cataract surgery?
No, there is no season as such for cataract surgery. You can plan and proceed with the cataract surgery at your convenience, whenever time and your schedule permits.
Can I watch Television and use Laptop/Computer and mobile after cataract surgery?
After cataract surgery, watching TV, using a laptop or computer, and using a cell phone is usually safe. But it’s important to do what your doctor tells you about what you can do after surgery.
Immediately after surgery, your doctor may tell you to rest your eyes for a few days and avoid activities like reading, watching TV, or using a computer or mobile device for long periods. However, with the latest robotic Laser Platforms, you can resume your routine life activity, including using digital devices, just after a few hours of surgery. However, taking breaks and often blinking is essential to keep your eyes from getting tired and dry. Also, make sure to adjust the brightness and contrast of your screen to a comfortable level and place your device far enough away from your eyes that it doesn’t hurt.
If you feel pain, redness, or changes in your vision while using a screen, stop using it immediately, give your eyes a break, and seek your doctor’s advice.
Can I do yoga and walking after the cataract surgery?
Most people are told to avoid yoga, brisk walking, and other physically demanding activities for a few days after cataract surgery to give their eyes time to heal. Also, for a few weeks after surgery, it might be best to avoid yoga postures that involve bending forward, twisting, or turning upside down, as these movements could hurt your eyes. After that, however, Most people can go back to light activities like walking a few days to a week after surgery, as long as they don’t do anything that could hurt or strain the eye. You should also avoid doing anything that could make you more likely to trip or hurt yourself.
Can I rub my eyes after the cataract surgery?
People with cataract surgery are told not to rub their eyes, especially right after the surgery. This is because rubbing or pressing on the eyes can make the pressure in the eye go up, which can hurt the eye’s ability to heal and cause other problems.
Will my cataract surgery lens get dislocated if I cry?
Crying will not dislocate your cataract surgery lens. Crying is a natural response and does not affect the intraocular lens (IOL) inserted during cataract surgery. A capsular bag secures the IOL and protects it from regular & natural facial expressions and movements, including sobbing. Avoid any strenuous activity after your cataract surgery so that no lens dislocations occur.
Can I have a bath after my Cataract or Motiabind Surgery?
Most people are told to avoid getting water in their eyes for a few days after Cataract or Motiabind Surgery to reduce the risk of infection and other problems. So, it’s best to wait at least a few days after Surgery to take a bath or shower or until your doctor tells you it’s okay to return to your routine. Your eye doctor will guide you with specific instructions on postoperative eye care, such as when it is safe to bathe or shower.
Can I use eye cosmetics after my Cataract or Motiabind Surgery?
Most people are told not to use eye makeup for a few weeks after Cataract or Motiabind surgery to avoid getting an infection or making their eyes feel bad.
Remember, cataract surgery requires a surgeon to make a small cut in the eye and insert an artificial lens to replace the cloudy natural lens. This cut needs time to heal perfectly. Applying any eye makeup too soon after Surgery can increase the risk of infection or cause irritation, slowing healing.
Most eye doctors recommend waiting for at least one to two weeks after Surgery before using eye makeup. However, if you use eye makeup after Cataract or Motiabind Surgery and feel pain, redness, or swelling in your eye, you should consult your eye surgeon right away.
What are the symptoms of eye infection after cataract surgery?
After cataract surgery, several symptoms may point to an eye infection. These include
- Pain: The damaged eye and its surrounding area may hurt.
- Redness: Your eye may seem irritated or red.
- Light sensitivity: You could experience that bright lights irritate your eyes.
- Blurred Vision: You may experience foggy or fuzzy vision.
- Eye Discharge: You might see fluid or discharge coming from your eye.
- Increased tearing: Your eyes may moisten or tear more frequently than post-operative eye
infections can be severe. They must be treated right once to avoid complications and maintain your eyesight.
Is it normal to have pain the first few nights after the cataract surgery?
In the first few nights after cataract surgery, it is common to feel some discomfort or mild pain. But the pain level can differ for each person, and some may not feel any pain.
Your eye doctor will tell you how to deal with any pain or discomfort after Surgery. This may include using prescription eye drops and over-the-counter pain relievers and avoiding certain activities that could increase your risk of complications or slow your healing.
Consult your Eye surgeon immediately if you have severe pain, changes in your vision, or any other symptoms that worry you.
Which month of the year is the right time to get the cataract surgery done?
When cataract surgery is done can depend on the needs of the patient and how bad the Cataract is! Generally speaking, cataract surgery can be done any time of year. However, some people may prefer Surgery at different times of the year. For instance, if you are prone to seasonal allergies or live in a place with a lot of pollen, you should avoid Surgery in the spring, given the allergy symptoms can worsen.
Ultimately, It is you and your eye doctor who should talk about when you should have cataract surgery, taking into account your own needs, preferences & lifestyle.
Are there different types of cataract surgery?
Yes, Cataract or Motiabind Surgery can be done in different ways. The common types are phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract extraction.
The most popular type is “phaco,” which is “phacoemulsification.” During this procedure, a small cut is made in the cornea, and a probe is put into the eye. Ultrasound waves are then used to break up the cloudy lens. The probe device is then used to suck the lens pieces and substitute them with an artificial lens.
In the other method, extracapsular cataract removal, a more significant cut is made in the cornea to remove the cloudy lens in one piece. The clear artificial lens is then put into the eye in the same way that phacoemulsification is done.
Both types of Surgery are usually done on an outpatient basis and are considered safe and effective.
Which type of Surgery suits you best depends on things like how bad the Cataract is, the patient’s overall health, and the surgeon’s preference to meet the patient’s eye cataract demands.
Is a patient awake during cataract surgery?
Usually, cataract surgery involves local anesthesia, meaning the patient is awake but won’t feel any pain. During Surgery, eye drops or an injection of anesthesia are used to numb the eye, and the patient may also be given a sedative to help them calm down.
Even if the patient is awake during cataract surgery, their eye is usually covered with a sterile drape, so they can’t see what’s happening. But it’s possible they can see the light and movement. So with a microscope, the surgeon will look inside the eye and remove the cloudy lens.
Can cataract surgery be redone?
Yes, if necessary, cataract surgery can be done again. However, there are instances when problems or unexpected results can happen. Sometimes, patients may not see as well as they wanted to after the first Surgery or have problems like an infection, inflammation, or the lens moving out of place.
Patients should talk to their ophthalmologist or cataract surgeon if they are unhappy with their Surgery or have any problems. Sometimes, the surgeon may suggest more procedures to fix problems or improve the results. This could include a second cataract surgery or other treatments like laser vision correction, intraocular lens exchange, glasses, or contact lenses.
It’s important to remember that, even though cataract surgery can often be done again successfully, there are risks with any surgery, so the decision to have a second surgery should be carefully thought out and made in consultation with a qualified medical professional.
Can cataract surgery correct lazy eye?
Even though cataract surgery can help people see better by removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one, it is not a way to fix a lazy eye. But if the lazy eye is caused by a big difference in the refractive error (prescription) between the two eyes, cataract surgery can be combined with glasses, contact lenses, or Surgery to improve the overall balance of vision between the two eyes
A lazy eye happens when one eye doesn’t develop normal vision during childhood. This can occur when the brain gives more attention to one eye over the other, weakening the link between the brain and the “lazy” eye. On the other hand, cataracts happen when a patient’s natural lens gets foggy, making it hard to see or blurry.
When should cataract surgery be avoided?
In some situations, cataract surgery might not be a good idea or should be avoided for good. These conditions include:
Stable vision: If your Cataract doesn’t make a big difference in your vision, your doctor may tell you not to have surgery. In these situations, glasses or contact lenses might be better.
Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, like diabetes, that aren’t under control can make it more likely that something will go wrong during cataract surgery. In this case, your doctor may tell you to put off the surgery until your health problem is under control.
Eye problems: If you have other eye problems, like advanced glaucoma, macular degeneration, or severe dry eye syndrome, your doctor may tell you not to get cataract surgery because it might not help your vision.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women are usually told to wait for cataract surgery after giving birth. This is because hormonal changes during pregnancy can make it hard to get accurate measurements before the surgery.
Ultimately it is you and your eye doctor to find & decide the best options for or against the cataract surgery.
Can cataract surgery fix the Astigmatism condition?
Astigmatism can sometimes improve after cataract surgery, but it depends on several things. First, astigmatism is a corneal shape making vision blurry or distorted. In cataract surgery, a foggy natural lens is replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL), which can sometimes also fix astigmatism.
For cataract surgery, there are different kinds of IOLs, such as toric IOLs, which are made to fix astigmatism. Toric IOLs have different strengths in other parts of the lens, which makes it possible to correct astigmatism. Some people can use these IOLs to reduce or eliminate their astigmatism significantly.
But toric IOLs are not a good choice for all people with astigmatism. To determine the most suitable way to treat astigmatism, the severity and type of the condition and other things like the eye’s health must be considered. Then, your eye doctor can look at your situation and tell you the best treatment.
Can cataracts lead to blindness?
If you don’t treat cataracts, they can make you go blind. Remember, as cataracts get worse and spread, they can make it hard to see and, in the worst cases, make it impossible to see.
Pertinently, cataracts can be fixed with Surgery. The cloudy lens is taken out and replaced with an artificial one. With modern tools and techniques, cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to fix vision abnormality with a very high success rate. It’s essential to get regular eye exams and help immediately if your vision changes or worsens.
Can the use of eye drops help prevent or treat cataracts?
At the moment, no eye drop has been shown to stop or treat cataracts. Cataracts happen when the clear lens of the eye gets cloudy. This can make it hard to see in low light, cause glare, and blur your vision.
Some eye drops say they can prevent or treat cataracts, but there is no scientific evidence to back these claims up at this time. If you think you might have cataracts or are worried about your eye health, you should see an eye doctor to get checked out and get the right treatment.
Cataracts can only be fixed with Surgery, which involves removing the cloudy lens and putting in an artificial lens implant. But disciplined healthy life tips can help lower the potential risk of getting cataracts or slow their progress. For example, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV radiation, eat a healthy diet full of antioxidants, and stop smoking.
Can I go for cataract surgery after my LASIK Surgery?
Yes, it is usually safe to have cataract surgery after LASIK. This is because LASIK surgery does not change the eye’s lens, which is taken out during cataract surgery. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Time: After LASIK surgery, you should wait until your vision has stabilized before getting cataract surgery. Before having cataract surgery, you should usually wait at least six months to a year.
Selection of intraocular lens (IOL): If you have had LASIK surgery, it may affect the choice of IOL used during cataract surgery. This is something that your eye doctor will consider while planning your surgery.
Alongside these points. Your eye surgeon will decide the suitability for cataract surgery post your LASIK
Can I go for cataract surgery if I have glaucoma or Kalamotia?
Whether or not you have cataract surgery will depend on the case merits. Your Ophthalmologist will determine the viability and decide if cataract surgery is right for you. In some cases, surgery may be possible. Still, it may be necessary to take extra steps or do supplementary procedures to treat the underlying condition and get the best results from the surgery. Hence, it is essential to talk to your doctor about your options.
Does cataract surgery cause dry eyes?
Surgery to remove cataracts can dry your eyes, but this is not a standard or typical side effect. Dry eyes can happen for several reasons, including using anesthesia during surgery, breaking the tear film on the surface of the eye during surgery, and using eye drops after surgery.
But after cataract surgery, many people don’t have dry eyes or only have temporary dryness that goes away over time. If you are worried about dry eyes after cataract surgery, you should talk to your eye doctor or surgeon. They can look at your specific case and give you advice and treatment options that are right for you
Does cataract surgery cure Eye floaters?
It’s important to remember that cataract surgery may have some good impact on eye floaters, but it’s not a cure, and not all patients will notice a significant change
Remember, Eye floaters, are not directly fixed by cataract surgery. Changes in the vitreous humor, the clear gel-like substance that fills the space between the eye’s lens and Retina, are what cause eye floaters. The cataract (cloudy) lens is replaced with an artificial lens during cataract surgery. However, the problem with the vitreous humor is not fixed.
But it’s possible that cataract surgery could make eye floaters less noticeable. During the surgery, the surgeon may remove some of the vitreous humor, which could reduce the number of floaters or make them less noticeable. Also, replacing the natural lens with an artificial lens may make floaters less annoying and improve your overall eyesight.
What happens if a Cataract is left untreated?
Cataracts can make it hard to see or even make you blind if they are not treated. Your Cataract will get worse if you don’t do anything about it. It can cause blurry vision, trouble seeing at night, sensitivity to light, double vision, and even total vision loss.
This is especially true for people with other eye conditions or health problems affecting their eyesight. For example, untreated cataracts can also make it more likely for older people to fall or have other accidents.
When are cataracts worse enough to require Surgery?
The most common signs that you might need cataract surgery are:
Blurry Vision conditions: If your vision is blurry or cloudy even when you wear glasses, this could be a sign that you have cataracts.
Trouble seeing at night: If you have trouble seeing at night or in low light, this could be a sign of cataracts.
Glare sensitivity: If you are sensitive to light and it hurts or hurts your eyes, it might be a sign of cataracts.
Double Vision: You may need cataract surgery if you can see two images simultaneously.
Reduced contrast sensitivity: You may have cataracts if you can’t distinguish between different colors or shades of grey.
Problems doing everyday things: If cataracts make it hard for you to drive, read, or watch TV, it may be time to get cataract surgery.
Ultimately, the best way to decide whether or not to have cataract surgery is to talk to your eye doctor or Ophthalmologist. They can look at your situation and help you figure out what to do.
Do cataract surgeries improve night vision?
Yes, cataract surgery can help people see better at night. Cataracts happen when the natural lens in the eye gets cloudy. This can make it hard to see, especially at night or in low light.
In cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and a clear artificial lens is placed. This can help people with cataracts see better and lessen the glare or halo effect they sometimes see at night.
But it’s important to remember that not everyone’s night vision improves after cataract surgery. How well the surgery works depends on how bad the Cataract is and if any other eye problems are happening underneath. So talk to your eye doctor about your situation and what you want cataract surgery to do for you.
Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
After cataract surgery, you may or may not need glasses. This depends on several things, such as the type of intraocular lens (IOL) used, the refractive error you already had, and the goals of the surgery besides your lifestyle & preferences.
Suppose a monofocal IOL, the most common type of IOL, is used during cataract surgery. In that case, you will likely need glasses for near, intermediate, or far vision, depending on the IOL power chosen and the refractive error you already had. Monofocal IOLs help you see well at a distance, but they may not correct presbyopia or astigmatism, making it hard to see up close or in the middle distance.
If a multifocal or accommodating IOL is used, which is made to help with both far and close vision, you may not need glasses for most activities, but you may still need them for very close work, like reading small print.
Download our free cataract guide: Use the Cataract brochure as support data alongside its graphics
