If an intraocular lens is implanted after cataract surgery, what can the client expect regarding glasses?

When an intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted following cataract surgery, patients can experience a significant improvement in vision, and many may find that their reliance on glasses for distance vision diminishes considerably. The primary purpose of an IOL is to restore focusing ability that may have been lost due to cataracts, allowing patients to see more clearly without corrective lenses.

However, it is essential to recognize that while some individuals may achieve satisfactory distance vision and not require glasses, others, particularly those who had presbyopia or have other vision issues, may still need glasses for specific tasks, such as reading or other close-up work. The extent to which glasses are needed also depends on the type of intraocular lens used; multifocal lenses can further reduce dependence on glasses for reading, while monofocal lenses typically require reading glasses for close tasks.

Each patient’s visual outcome can vary based on several factors including the initial prescription, the type of lens implanted, and how their eyes function after the surgery. So while many do enjoy reduced reliance on glasses with an IOL, it is not a definitive outcome for every patient.