Expectations after cataract surgery

[cpax]

I had a cataract removed a week ago in my left eye, replaced with a monofocsl IOL, ostensibly for distance although it seems more midrange to me. I still need readers for close work as I expected, but my distance vision is not sufficient for driving, especially at night. The gioal of the surgery was to correct for poor night snd contrast vision. Although the cataract was not "ripe", my symtoms and real world functioning indicated that the cataracts needed to go. While the surgery was uneventful, including an ECP laser treatment, my vision is almost exactly the same as before, except for no contacts lens now. Unfortunately, my vision with contacts (and glasses) was the reason for surgery. So. my question is, how much more improvement should I expect. I am having no other after effects from the surgery.

[cpax]

If I have the same issues with my vision after cataract surgery than before, poor night vision, poor contrast vision, hard to drive day or night, from light to shadow. and the cataract was not "ripe", then maybe the cataract was not the cause of my poor vision. We have been unable ti get refraction better than 20/60 with glasses or contacts. I'm 56 and in otherwise good health. What else could be wrong.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

You need to discuss this with your surgeon.  The formulas for prediction of post op need for glasses are not 100% It seems you vision is better without glasses compared to preop.   No surgery in the world is perfect.  

I do not know how much more improvement you can expect.  You have not provided any data.  What is your vision?  What is your refraction?  Have you discussed this with your surgeon?

Dr. O.