Top Cataract Questions: Can you wear contacts after cataract surgery?

Contact lenses and cataract surgery… Are they a match or will you be reliant on eyeglasses (should you need them) after a cataract operation? 

The short answer, happily, is that pretty much everyone who needs them and wants to wear contacts after cataract surgery, will be able to. But how about if we told you that there are ways that you might not need any vision correction measures after your cataract op?

If that sounds appealing, read on to discover how… 

Can You Wear Contacts After Cataract Surgery? Yes… But You Might Not Need Them

• It’s all about the lens
• Astigmatism? We can sort that out too

It’s all about the lens 

When you have a cataract operation, the natural, diseased lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one. This is known as an intraocular lens (IOL). These come in many different formats that are categorized as follows:

• Monofocal IOL: This provides focused vision at either near or far distances. The prescription is unique to your requirements and you and your surgeon will decide in advance which distance best suits your needs. You’ll need supportive lenses (eyeglasses or contacts) to complement this.
• Bi/multifocal IOL: Similar to contact lenses (or eyeglasses) that have different prescriptions for both near and far distances.
• Toric IOL: These dual-purpose lenses help correct both astigmatism and either near or far-sightedness. In some cases, laser vision correction might also be necessary if the lens doesn’t quite bring the desired results for astigmatism.
• Accommodating IOL: These advanced lenses use the natural muscles of the eye to allow the lens to move very slightly. This provides clearer vision at different distances.
• Light-adjustable IOL: This is one of the newest types of IOL and it’s pretty revolutionary. This is because the prescription can be adjusted once it’s been sited within the eye. The ophthalmologist uses ultraviolet radiation to do so.  

Monofocal IOLs are used if you undergo traditional cataract surgery. They’re the only type that can be placed during such a procedure. All the other types of lenses can only be sited through laser-assisted cataract surgery. This is a more advanced and precise method of surgery whereby your eye structure is mapped into a computer program. This guides the laser that makes the incision and provides the intricate placement required to site these cutting-edge lenses.

Astigmatism? We can sort that out too 

When you undergo laser cataract surgery, your surgeon can also treat astigmatism at the same time.

So, while you absolutely can wear contact lenses after cataract surgery, with the right IOL and any other appropriate intervention, there really is a chance that you can live a life free from lenses. 

During your initial cataract operation consultation, you’ll discuss lens options with your surgeon. What’s deemed suitable for you will depend on both your lifestyle and the unique anatomy of your eye. Everyone is different—a lens that’s right for one person might not be for another.

However, a skilled cataract surgeon can often find a solution that may well lead to that happy status of not needing eyeglasses or contact lenses. If that sounds appealing, then be sure to discuss options at the earliest opportunity. 

Discover the Wonders of Advanced Cataract Surgery at the West Boca Eye Center

Whether you opt for a traditional procedure with the option of eyeglasses/contact lenses to support, or you like the idea of cutting-edge tech that can lead to a life without vision support, we can help.  

We’ll also make sure that all your questions are answered. Whether you want to know if you can wear contacts after cataract surgery or anything else, our team will keep you fully informed.

Find out more at https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/services/cataract-surgery

Contact lenses and cataract surgery… Are they a match or will you be reliant on eyeglasses (should you need them) after a cataract operation?