{"id":6717,"date":"2020-06-29T09:44:25","date_gmt":"2020-06-29T09:44:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=6717"},"modified":"2021-07-22T09:57:19","modified_gmt":"2021-07-22T09:57:19","slug":"will-cataract-surgery-give-me-20-20-vision","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-conditions\/guide-to-cataracts\/when-should-i-have-cataract-surgery\/will-cataract-surgery-give-me-20-20-vision\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Cataract Surgery Give Me 20\/20 Vision?"},"content":{"rendered":"

How does cataract surgery help to improve vision?<\/b><\/h2>\n

As cataracts<\/a> develop and cloud the eye\u2019s natural lens, significant visual distortions begin to impact the ability to see clearly. As cataracts worsen, they threaten vision clarity to the point that performance of many routine activities becomes quite challenging.<\/p>\n

Cataract surgery<\/a> involves replacing the eye\u2019s natural lens with an artificial lens to improve clarity of vision.<\/p>\n

What is an artificial lens?<\/b><\/h2>\n

An artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL), is a tiny lens that serves as your new eye lens. The IOL bends or refracts the light rays that enter your eye, to enable clear vision.<\/p>\n

Will an IOL give me 20\/20 vision?\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Prior to cataract surgery, your eye doctor will use an ultrasound test to take precise measurements of the size and shape of your eye. These measurements will help your eye doctor to determine the most appropriate type of IOL, as well as how to accurately position the IOL. An effective lens position will enable the possibility of achieving 20\/20 vision.<\/p>\n

Equally important, is the exact calculation of your refractive error. Your eye doctor will calculate a precise measurement of your optical prescription prior to your scheduled surgery, in order to ensure that the correct power is attributed to your IOL. An accurate calculation of your refractive error will help you to achieve the 20\/20 vision you are anticipating.<\/p>\n

However, even with precise measurements, the IOL can move slightly during surgery, causing its position to shift as well. Your eye doctor will reexamine your eyes the next day, to determine if your IOL has remained in its correct position. In a case where the IOL has moved, your eye doctor can easily reposition the lens.<\/p>\n

While many people will obtain 20\/20 vision from their IOL, 30 to 50 percent of people who choose a monofocal IOL will still require corrective lenses after surgery.<\/b><\/p>\n

Schedule a consultation<\/strong><\/a> with an eye doctor near you to see if you qualify for surgery.<\/p>\n

SEE RELATED:<\/strong> Cataract Surgery: What to Expect<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t

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Find an eye doctor near you<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t
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