Gone are the days when cataract surgery was a painful ordeal with lengthy recovery months and finally resulting practically with no improved vision as there were no lenses available for replacement. With the evolution of Intra-ocular lenses and laser, the cataract surgery turned to restore vision completely. With present advancement, ocular calculations are more accurate in reducing the residual refractive error resulting in better visual outcome.
Factors that determine vision after surgery:
- Type of surgery: Surgeries with smaller incisions have resulted in faster recovery rate for restoring vision. Vision gains normalcy with first few days after the surgery in case of Phacoemulsification and generally it takes a month for vision to stabilize. Visual acuity results vary from person to person and visual challenges like glare, halos and loss of contrast sensitivity are overcome.
- Absence of other eye disorders: There will decreased improvement in vision if untreated eye disorders like glaucoma or macular degeneration are present.
- Type of lens replaced: Multifocal IOL (near and distance vision) usually makes it less dependent on glasses although it could be used for vision enhancement.
- PCO: Immediately after a cataract surgery one may experience blurring, floaters, flashes of light for a day and it improves steadily to clearer vision as the eye heals. In case the vision does not get clear after cataract, you need to report and check if it is not the cause for PCO. PCO is effectively treated through YAG laser capsulotomy. The lens implanted also depends on the willingness to wear glasses.
- Postoperative Refractive Outcome and use of corrective measures: Near sighted dominant eyes may require glasses for distance. In some cases glasses are prescribed for near vision. Postoperative refractive outcome is not exactly predictable before the surgery.
- Successful Recovery: This happens when one recovers without complications and secondary infections.
Methods to restore normal vision:
Glasses: Whenever lOL cannot be implanted, glasses are prescribed. Moreover presbyopic cataract eyes may require bifocals for near vision.
Contact lens: Hard or soft lenses are used. Reading glasses in addition may be used for near vision.
IOL: Multifocal IOL caters to near, distance, intermediate vision. If Monovision is suitable, you could have suitable lens in one eye for distance and other to supplement for near vision.
How cataract surgery enhances vision:
- Astigmatism correction- With IOL implants like Tonic lens, LRI’s or both, astigmatism correction is possible during the cataract surgery.
- Various aspects of vision also changes after cataract surgery like colour perception, near, immediate and distance vision.
- Refractive surgeries like LASIK, PRK enhances vision after cataract surgery heals. Reduces the need of glasses.
- Presbyopia correction possible during cataract surgery.
- Improved vision reduces accidents.
Pre-operative consultation is an opportunity to clear your doubts and discuss your visual needs and lifestyle which would help in taking the right decision in the choice of cataract surgery and right IOL. Post-operative care and follow ups are vital too. Any case you experience any blurring of vision, double vision, difficulties in night vision do consult with us for detailed diagnosis and treatment.
We care for your visual needs without compromise.