How to improve near vision after cataract surgery?
You’ve had cataract surgery. Your distance vision is better. But now you struggle to read a menu or check your phone without glasses. You’re not alone.
Many people are surprised to find they still need reading glasses after cataract surgery—especially if they had perfect near vision before.
The good news? There are ways to improve near vision after cataract surgery. Here’s what you need to know.
Why near vision can be a challenge
In cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is replaced with a clear artificial one called an intraocular lens (IOL). Most standard lenses are monofocal—designed to give sharp focus at one distance. If your lens is set for distance, you’ll likely need glasses for close work. These lenses are predominantly used in the NHS
Options to improve near vision
1. Reading glasses
This is the simplest solution. If you had a monofocal lens, reading glasses can help you see up close clearly. Many people are happy with this.
But if you’d prefer to avoid glasses altogether, there are other options.
2. Multifocal or extended depth of focus lenses
If you're still considering cataract surgery for your other eye—or if you’re looking for an enhancement—multifocal IOLs or EDOF (extended depth of focus) lenses may be an option. These lenses allow you to see at more than one distance, including near.
They aren’t right for everyone and may come with side effects like halos or glare, especially at night. A suitability assessment is essential.
3. Lens exchange or enhancement
In rare cases, if the lens chosen during your cataract surgery doesn’t meet your visual needs, a lens exchange may be discussed. This is a more complex procedure and not always appropriate, but it's possible with the right conditions and surgeon.
Other things to consider
- Your vision goals matter. Not everyone needs perfect near vision. But if you do a lot of reading or screen work, it’s worth exploring options.
- Dry eye can affect clarity. Treating dry eye can improve how well you see at all distances.
- Some people just take time. Your brain and eyes often need a few weeks to fully adjust.
What’s the best option for you?
That depends on:
- The type of lens you already have
- The health of your eyes
- Your lifestyle
- Your personal preferences
Want to improve your near vision after cataract surgery?
Take our quick suitability self-test and see what’s possible for you.
Are you suitable for vision correction surgery?
It isn’t suitable for everyone.
The first step is to book an assessment so you can find out whether you can benefit.
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What our patients say…
★ ★ ★ ★ ★“Excellent result. Complete confidence in Paul Ursell. Quiet, quick, and efficient. Peaceful and comfortable hospital.”
P.T★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The cataract surgery on both of my eyes went very smoothly without any problems. There was no pain afterwards and I didn’t have to wear any eyepatch. I would highly recommend Professor Ursell for cataract surgery.”
M.S★ ★ ★ ★ ★“Highly professional, extremely efficient, and an excellent communicator, Paul exudes experience, knowledge, and ability. The whole process — initial consultation, operation, and post-op check-up — was wonderfully stress-free. I now have 20/20 vision, am glasses-free, and I am delighted by the results.”
S.B★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The cataract surgery has completely changed my life. Mr. Ursell put me at ease and explained all options. The procedure was quick and painless and completely successful, and I now have 20/20 vision in my good eye. One of the reasons I had the surgery was because of Mr. Ursell’s standing and experience. Cannot praise highly enough.”
D.S★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I was very short-sighted and my cataracts badly affected both reading and distance acuity. After the operation I now have very good distance vision (glasses-free) but still need glasses for reading. (This was the expected outcome as I did not want multi-focus implants). The operation was quick and painless, and I had no post-operative discomfort at all (which surprised me). The results are remarkable.
I can certainly recommend Professor Ursell. He is a personable consultant and a skilled surgeon.”
S.D★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Dr. Paul Ursell squashed many of my concerns for not having cataract surgery. He offered comfort with examples of his long/distinguished career and new technology that he applies to the surgery.
Both before and after the surgery, Dr. Ursell and staff gave me the information and attention I needed. It was a great success, and I highly recommend Dr. Ursell.”
PTOWe have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
