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Precautions after surgery: wearing eyeglasses |
Is it necessary to wear sunglasses after cataract surgery?
See Response
Medical director and surgeon
Dr. David Richardson is Medical Director of the San Gabriel Valley Eye Associates, Inc. A graduate of the University of Southern California and Harvard Medical School, he specializes in medical and surgical diseases of the eyes such as treatment of diabetic retinopathy and cataract surgery.
Wearing Eyeglasses after surgery
The answer depends upon the intraocular lens (IOL) used to replace the natural lens (the cataract). Most IOLs have UV protection built into them so it is generally not necessary to wear sunglasses after cataract surgery. However, the Crystalens IOL does not have any UV protection so anyone who has chosen that IOL must wear glasses with UV protection at all times when outdoors. As this IOL is more expensive than a standard IOL and insurance does not pay for it anyone who had this IOL implanted would know it.
There are, however, other reasons why someone would want to wear sunglasses after surgery (though not required).
- The inside of the eye is inflamed for a few weeks after surgery. Bright lights can cause pain in the eye until this inflammation is gone. That is why most patients wear "cataract glasses" for at least a few weeks after surgery.
- The IOL allows more light into the eye than was allowed by the cataract. Some people simply prefer to wear sunglasses with a tint after surgery because of this added brightness.
- There is evidence linking UV and blue light to development of macular degeneration. Therefore, wearing sunglasses with UV and "blue blocking" lenses may be of some benefit.
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