If your vision has become cloudy due to cataracts, you may be interested in cataract surgery. This is the only way to eliminate cataracts since the condition never reverses on its own.

Cataract eye surgery has come a long way in the past few years. Instead of the risky, time-consuming procedure it once was, FDA-cleared laser cataract surgery allows your ophthalmologist to replace your clouded lens in just 10 minutes. There’s no need for a hospital stay, and the recovery process is usually fast and straightforward.

After cataract surgery, you can expect your vision to be better than ever! After all, cataract eye surgery doesn’t just replace your cloudy lens with an artificial one—it can also fix the refractive errors in your eye.

With all this in mind, many patients wonder if they will still need glasses after cataract surgery. The answer depends on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) you and your doctor choose based on your personal health and vision goals.

• Monofocal intraocular lenses have one focusing distance — long-range, mid-range, or up-close. Most people choose lenses for clear long-range vision and wear glasses for mid-range tasks like working on the computer and up-close tasks like sewing or reading. If you have astigmatism, you will need glasses to see objects within all ranges of vision.
• Multifocal intraocular lenses provide clear vision at long distances, mid-range, and up close, reducing the need for corrective lenses or even reading glasses. These IOLs could be a good choice if you want to lower your dependence on glasses and enjoy the best vision possible at all ranges.
• Vivity intraocular lenses are classified as “Extended Range of Vision,” allowing you to focus both near and far without glasses. This is superior to basic monofocal lenses, which require glasses for either distance or up-close viewing. Vivity IOLs are a great alternative for anyone who is not a candidate for multifocal lenses due to macular disorders or glaucoma.
• Toric intraocular lenses correct astigmatism, a common condition where the eye is cone-shaped instead of round. These lenses improve night vision and decrease your dependence on glasses while driving. However, you may still need to wear glasses for up-close tasks like reading.

In the end, cataract surgery clears up your cloudy vision, but you may still require glasses in some situations, depending on the type of intraocular lens you and your doctor decide is best for you. To discuss your options, please reach out to Snead Eye Group. Our vision specialists are ready to help you see clearly again! Call us at (239) 946-5386 or schedule your appointment online today. We have four convenient locations in Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, and Cape Coral, FL, to better serve you.