REFRACTIVE ERRORS AFTER CATARACT SURGERY

 

Cataract surgery involves removal of the clouded lens (cataract) inside the eye. Thus, post surgery, children often need to wear glasses or even contact lenses to increase the vision and help in focusing light in the eye.

How is the refractive error after cataract surgery taken care of?
There are 3 ways of taking care of refractive errors after cataract surgery:
  1. By use of glasses. The advantage is that they provide a very sharp vision, are very convenient and simple to use. The disadvantage is that it may be difficult to play sports in them. Also when only one eye is operated for cataract surgery, then it may lead to double vision as the operated eye is a lazy eye.


  2. By use of contact lenses: The advantage is that contact lenses usually provide both vision and appearance that is very natural. They can be used even if cataract surgery was done in one eye. The disadvantage is that it is difficult to place and remove them in young children and they can get lost if the child rubs the eyes. If proper care and cleaning precautions are not taken care of, it can lead to infection in the eye.


  3. By implanting a lens in place of the lens removed. This is called as intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. IOLs provide vision and appearance that is normal and is permanent. The main disadvantage is that when the child grows, the eye also grows and focusing power of eyes can also change. Thus, the child may still need to wear glasses or contact lenses after certain ages, though not with that high number.
       Can a child who had a cataract surgery in the past still have an IOL implanted now?
Yes, a child who has cataract surgery a few years ago without an IOL can still have one placed by a second operation later.

Last updated on 1st December 2008


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