FAQs About Cataract Surgery, Contact Lenses, And How The Eye Doctor Can Help

Can you wear contact lenses after cataract surgery? More than 24 million adults 40 and over in the U.S. have cataracts, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). If you're one of the many Americans with this common condition, take a look at what you need to know about contact lenses and the ways an eye doctor can help to restore your vision.

What Are Cataracts? 

This common eye issue is a clouding of the lens. The eye's lens is normally clear. Cataracts are cloudy or foggy areas that make it difficult to see. Even though you might not know you have a cataract or notice fogging of the lens, you may experience symptoms. These include blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, halos (rings around lights), double vision in one eye, or the need for stronger eyeglasses/contact lenses. 

Why Do You Have Cataracts?

Age is a major factor in the development of cataracts. Cloudiness may result from the normal age-related protein breakdown in the lens of the eye. Genetics (family members who have cataracts), some eye injuries, some types of health conditions, spending a significant amount of time in the sun (unprotected), and medications such as corticosteroids can raise the risk of developing cataracts. 

Can You Have Cataracts and Nearsightedness or Farsightedness?

Yes, you can have cataracts and difficulty seeing clearly from a distance or close up. Many people wear contact lenses for these types of blurry vision issues. Unlike cataracts, nearsightedness and farsightedness don't come from lens-related protein breakdown or clouding of the lens. Instead, these common vision changes are the result of an improper curvature of the lens. 

What is Cataract Surgery?

Do you feel like you constantly need stronger contacts or the eye care doctor recommends a stronger prescription? Cataracts make it harder to see. This often makes it necessary to use a stronger prescription of contact lenses. If stronger prescriptions don't help you to see clearly, the vision doctor may suggest surgery. Instead of repairing the lens, an eye surgeon will replace it with a new artificial one. This stops the clouding. But it won't necessarily correct existing nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Should You Continue to Use Contacts?

Yes, you can continue to wear contact lenses after cataract surgery. The eye doctor may want you to wait until you heal from your surgery and your vision adjusts before you use your contacts. The optometrist may need to measure your vision and prescribe new contact lenses after the surgery.

For more information, reach out to an eye doctor.


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