How Much Better Will My Vision Be After Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful surgeries performed today, allowing people to restore clarity to their vision. Have you ever wondered how much your eyesight could improve after lens replacement surgery? 

Advanced cataract surgery from Cory Bergman, MD, in Rapid City, South Dakota, and Casper, Wyoming, offers hope to those struggling with clouded vision. Let's explore what you can expect post-operation and how it might affect your daily activities.

Vision changes after surgery

After cataract surgery, most patients experience significant improvements in their vision. Swapping out the cloudy lens for an artificial one often brings back visual sharpness and brightness. You may find colors appearing more intense, and bothersome glare from bright lights or sunshine could decrease. 

Vision improvements typically emerge within days of cataract surgery, though complete visual stabilization may take up to a month.

How quickly does vision improve?

Improvements in vision are typically noticeable within the first 24 to 48 hours following the surgery. Initially, your vision may be blurry as your eye heals and adjusts to the new lens. 

However, within a few days, most patients report seeing clearly again and may even feel confident enough to resume normal activities. Following Dr. Bergman’s recovery instructions closely ensures the best possible outcome.

Will I still need glasses?

Many people can reduce their dependence on glasses after cataract surgery, especially for distance vision. However, whether or not you need glasses afterward depends on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) implanted. 

Different options include monofocal lenses that correct for one distance and multifocal lenses that can improve both near and distance vision. Dr. Bergman helps determine the best choice for your specific needs, and some patients may still require glasses for reading or seeing objects up close.

Factors that can affect vision results

While lens replacement typically yields excellent results, certain conditions like elevated eye pressure, retinal issues, or diabetes-related eye problems may affect your visual recovery. Dr. Bergman discusses realistic expectations for your vision after surgery, and additional treatments may be recommended for these conditions.

Can cataracts return after surgery?

Once cataracts are removed, they cannot return. However, some patients may experience a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which occurs when the back of the lens capsule becomes cloudy. 

While PCO creates symptoms similar to cataracts, it’s easily treated with a quick, painless laser procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy. This restores clear vision without the need for another surgery.

Consider cataract surgery for improved vision

Cataract surgery offers the chance to significantly improve your vision and quality of life. While results may vary depending on your eye health and the type of lens used, most patients experience clearer, brighter vision after the procedure. If you’re struggling with the effects of cataracts, this surgery can make a remarkable difference in how you see the world.

Schedule an appointment online or call the office to schedule an appointment to find out if advanced cataract surgery is right for you.