Latest news with #cataract


CTV News
6 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Paralyzed Montreal firefighter to finally undergo eye surgery after accessibility gaps
Michael Lavigne, a former Montreal firefighter paralyzed by a stroke is unable to get cataract surgery because no clinic can accommodate his medical needs. A Montreal man living with disabilities after suffering a stroke three years ago has just found out that he will be able to undergo surgery for cataracts. Following a story by CTV News about Michael Lavigne's plight, a transport company in the eastern Ottawa area, Salutem, reached out to offer to take him to a clinic for testing in September. This comes after Lavigne, a former Montreal firefighter, was told that there wasn't a clinic that could accommodate his bulky medical equipment, preventing him from getting preliminary testing ahead of surgery. READ MORE: Paralyzed Montreal firefighter unable to get eye surgery due to accessibility gaps He had originally been scheduled for cataract surgery before his stroke, but now bedridden, Lavigne requires a lift to sit up and a special ambulance to leave the house. Though his brain functions normally, his speech is limited, and he struggles to articulate his thoughts. He is cared for full-time by his mother and sister, as well as a CLSC nurse who visits him at home. 'Each hospital said the same thing, that they can do the surgery, but that the testing had to be done at an outside facility,' explained his mother, Connie Auger. 'They then gave me the numbers to call these facilities, and when I explained his condition and the severity of his paralysis, they said they could not help him because he cannot sit by himself.' Once the tests are complete, Lavigne is expected to be scheduled for surgery at Lachine Hospital.


Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Colorado surgeon asked cataract patient's wife eerie question after letting him die while playing 'music bingo', lawsuit claims
A surgeon asked a cataract patient's wife if she believed in God before telling her the heart-wrenching news that her husband had died during the routine procedure, according to a now-settled lawsuit. Bart Writer, 56, went in for the surgery at InSight Surgery Center in Lone Tree, Colorado - about 30 minutes outside of Denver - in February 2023, but he never made it out alive after his heart stopped on the operating table. During the eye procedure, Writer's surgeon, Dr. Carl Stark Johnson, and his anesthesiologist, Dr. Michael Urban, did not realize their patient was without oxygen because they were too busy playing 'music bingo,' the lawsuit, obtained by KUSA 9News, stated. After staff from the surgical center drew diagrams of how the operating room looked that day, investigators and Writer's wife, Chris, concluded it was a devastating accident until another doctor reached out to the widow and shared shocking details. 'And he goes, "I'm telling you this because I think that's a major distraction",' Chris, Writer's wife of 23 years, recalled as the doctor told her about the game Johnson and Urban would often play while operating. The absurd tip she got from that physician led Chris to hire lawyers to take depositions of both Johnson and Urban to see if it was true. 'Were you playing "music bingo" during Bart Writer's February 3, 2023, cataract surgery?,' the attorneys asked. Johnson and Urban both confirmed it was factual, per the deposition video. After her husband died, Chris was met outside by Dr. Johnson, who queried her if she believed in God, then asked her: 'Would you like to pray with me?' before telling her Writer was gone. By the time they realized he was not breathing, Writer was rushed to Sky Ridge Medical Center - just a little over a mile away. An autopsy revealed his cause of death was cardiac arrest. Investigators found that staff at InSight Surgery Center noticed abnormal vital signs from Writer 11 minutes into the surgery, according to notes reviewed by the outlet. Bodycam footage from that day showed paramedics responding to the surgery center as several staff members watched on. The game itself was played routinely during surgeries and consisted of those in the operating room listening to songs from Urban's cell phone, staff said, per the lawsuit. 'We continually listen to the radio and we categorize the songs,' Johnson explained. The pair said they would often listen to music from the 70s and 80s while they played the game. 'So as an example, with the 70s groups, [if the] Bee Gees were to sing a song, that would be a letter B,' Urban shared on the virtual disposition call. The group, including the doctors, would then carry on until they spelt out the B-I-N-G-O from other artists, including N for Neil Young and G for Gladys Knight, among others, the legal filing detailed. After learning her husband died from cardiac arrest, Chris couldn't understand how that could be the case. 'It just didn't make sense. Bart was 56. I mean, we skied every weekend. We bike together, we hike together,' she said. Just when she thought she had already learned the worst about how her husband died, Chris was shocked when nurses and further depositions revealed it was common for staff to turn alarms down or even off during procedures, she told the outlet. 'We learned from the nurses and from the depositions that it wasn't unusual for them to turn off the audible alarms,' she said. 'And that particular machine allows that to happen.' Because the alarms were turned off during his surgery and Writer was covered, nobody noticed his skin turning blue from the lack of oxygen. 'The machine allowed for that to happen,' said Chris. Dr. Johnson settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount as his attorney said he relied on Dr. Urban to 'monitor the patient's condition' that day, and that he was the one who silenced the alarms without his knowledge. 'Dr. Johnson relies on the anesthesiologist to provide the proper dose and type of anesthesia, to properly monitor the patient's condition, and to communicate all relevant information to the surgeon including if they have elected, for whatever reason, to silence the audible alarms. 'During the cataract surgery, Dr. Johnson is looking through a microscope for the entire procedure. Therefore, he must rely on the surgical team for many aspects of surgical care. 'Nothing in Dr Johnson's experience would explain, justify or have predicted Dr Urban's decisions on that day,' his lawyer added. Johnson also acknowledged the relationship he had with Writer, as his statement continued: 'What happened to Mr. Writer was a tragedy made even more painful because he was someone I had known for many years, 'We were all devastated by his death. Our prayers and sympathy are still and have always been with the Writer family. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about Bart.' Through his attorney, Urban said he stands by the care he provided that day and that he disagreed with Johnson's recollection of what happened. Now, Chris mourns her husband and father of her child everyday, especially after the couple planned to walk out of the doctor's office that day to enjoy dinner. She recalled: 'We had just talked about what we were gonna do for dinner that night. He just never met anyone that he didn't like and that didn't like him, you know, it's just that's who he was. 'My son is without his dad, his best friend. I'm without Bart, my guy. Yeah, it makes me angry. It makes me sad. I'm sad. I'm mad. I'm just disgusted. I'm just infuriated,' Chris said as she cried. The couple would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on July 15. In a recent heartwarming post, Chris wrote of her late husband alongside their wedding picture. 'He was the love of my life, my person, my cheerleader, the "bandleader" for our family and his many friends and my best friend. 'It's all still so unbelievable. Gone too soon and forever in our hearts....,' she said.


Globe and Mail
08-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Alcon's Latest Breakthrough Surgical Technology, Unity VCS, receives Health Canada approval
Alcon, the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced that UNITY ® Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) has received Health Canada approval. This innovation is the first to be introduced from Alcon's highly anticipated Unity portfolio. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: UNITY® Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) 'Today marks an important day for Canadian ophthalmologists as we introduce the next generation of equipment solutions in cataract and vitreoretinal surgery, and we are grateful to those who helped us reach this milestone,' said Franck Leveiller, Head of Global R&D and Chief Scientific Officer, Alcon. 'We have a long legacy of engaging our customers throughout the research and development process to design bold innovations in ophthalmology. This approval is a significant milestone in delivering meaningful impact for Canadian Eye Care Professionals and patients.' Unity VCS is Alcon's most advanced vitreoretinal and cataract surgical innovations combined together in one integrated platform. Unity VCS is designed to deliver enhanced workflow efficiencies over Alcon's current leading systems, CONSTELLATION ® Vision System for vitreoretinal and combined procedures, and CENTURION ® Vision System with ACTIVE SENTRY ® for cataract surgery. "The first time I used Unity VCS in a wet lab environment, I had a real 'wow' reaction," said Dr. Rosa Braga-Mele, ophthalmologist and chair of Alcon's North America Cataract Core Advisory Board. "This is a proud moment to see the world-class innovation from Alcon receive approval in Canada. I'm particularly excited about the stability of the fluidics and cutting efficiency of the platform, which is quite remarkable and will create considerable surgical efficiencies." Unity VCS leverages a novel phacoemulsification modality to deliver up to two times faster nucleus removal ^ with 40% less energy * into the eye 1, and a first-of-its-kind phaco handpiece that estimates temperature at the incision site 3. In vitreoretinal advancements, the new technology offers cutting speeds of up to 30,000 cuts per minute, the world's fastest vitrectomy probe #,2,3. The platform offers surgical stability and efficiency with a unique proprietary fluidics system 3. "As a global market leader in cataract and retina surgical products 4,5,6, Alcon recognizes that the increasing demand for these procedures 7,8,9 necessitates enhanced workflow efficiencies and excellent patient outcomes," said Jeroen Bastemeijer, General Manager, Alcon Canada. "Unity VCS builds on Alcon's expertise in surgical equipment with pioneering innovations for vitreoretinal and cataract surgery—driving advancements from cutting speeds to fluidics management, to ergonomics and workflow. We are thrilled to bring this latest breakthrough technology, Unity VCS, to Canadian clinics in 2026." Alcon has tested Unity VCS during investigational advisory wet lab sessions with more than 200 highly experienced surgeons from 30+ countries. Commercial launch of Unity VCS is expected in early 2026. Unity VCS is the latest innovation from the Alcon Vision Suite—a portfolio of innovative products designed to help Eye Care Professionals increase clinic and OR efficiency, and deliver exceptional patient experiences. The Alcon Vision Suite will continue to grow with cutting-edge Unity products that are expected to be introduced over the coming years, adding to our market-leading legacy products, which will continue to be available and serviceable. Unity VCS will be supported by Alcon's training, product maintenance, and Services teams. About Alcon Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at About UNITY VCS Indications / Intended Use 3: The UNITY ® VCS (Vitreoretinal Cataract System) console, when used with compatible devices, is indicated for use during anterior segment (i.e. phacoemulsification and removal of cataracts) and posterior segment (i.e. vitreoretinal) ophthalmic surgery. In addition, with the optional laser, this system is indicated for photocoagulation (i.e. vitreoretinal and macular pathologies), iridotomy and trabeculoplasty procedures. Please refer to the Directions for Use for the accessories/consumables and User Manual for a complete listing of indications, warnings, cautions and notes. ^2x faster nucleus removal than OZIL Torsional phaco *Based on N=10 HPs, Artificial cataract lens IOP 55 mmHg vacuum of 450 mmHg # Compared to Constellation HYPERVIT 20k vitrectomy probe OZIL - Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. References Alcon Data on File, 2024 - REF-24379. Alcon Data on File, 2024 - REF-24644. Unity VCS User Manual 2024 – REF-24980. Market Scope 2023 Retinal Surgical Device Market Report, 2023. Market Scope 2023 Cataract Surgical Equipment Market Report, 2023. Market Scope 2024 IOL Market Report, 2024. CNIB – Blindness in Canada, Accessed December 2, 2024 - REF-19527. The Prevalence of Canadian Vision Loss and Cataract Surgery, 2019 - REF-01661. Conference Board of Canada - Ophthalmology in Canada: Why Vision Loss Should Not Be Overlooked, 2020 - REF-10834.

National Post
20-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
Alcon Introduces Clareon PanOptix Pro in Canada, Delivering the Lowest Light Scatter of any Trifocal IOL
Article content Clareon PanOptix Pro has half the light scatter of Clareon PanOptix 1-3,*,** PanOptix Pro provides an unprecedented 94% light utilization, compared to a theoretical maximum utilization of 96% for diffractive optics 1-4,*,**,† Clareon PanOptix Pro provides more uninterrupted light distribution across the full visual range, and is designed for better image contrast 1,††,‡ Article content TORONTO — Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced the approval of Clareon ® PanOptix ® Pro intraocular lens (IOL) for cataract patients inCanada. PanOptix Pro leverages proprietary ENLIGHTEN ® NXT Optical technology which delivers the lowest light scatter and highest reported light utilization of any trifocal IOL. 1-3,5-9,**,‡‡ PanOptix Pro provides an unprecedented 94% light utilization, compared to a theoretical maximum utilization of 96% for diffractive optics. 1-4,*,**,† These enhancements also provide more uninterrupted light distribution from distance to near, and a 16% increase in optical image contrast between distance and intermediate. 1,††,‡ PanOptix Pro builds on the clinically-proven low visual disturbance profile, high spectacle independence and exceptionally high patient satisfaction of PanOptix. 10-13,§,§§,¶,¶¶ 'Now, with PanOptix Pro, more light utilization and less light scatter is possible‡,‡‡, empowering both my practice and my patients.' Article content 'As the global leader in eye care, we are committed to improving our technologies to advance patient outcomes through rigorous, world-class R&D,' said Rob Scott, VP, Intraocular Devices, R&D, Alcon. 'Our team looked at hundreds of design options, ultimately landing on a targeted diffractive refinement that helped us recover 50% of light lost to scatter, and reposition it to a beneficial focal point for PanOptix Pro. 1,3,10.14-19,* This allowed for specific enhancements while maintaining the features that have driven the success of PanOptix—the world's most implanted trifocal IOL.' 1-3,20,21,*,**,‡‡,‖,Ω 'PanOptix has been a cornerstone of my cataract practice for eight years,' said Dr. Rosa Braga-Mele, MD, MEd, FRCSC, Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto. 'These lenses have consistently delivered outstanding visual outcomes for my patients 10, 24, § – a low visual disturbance profile 25, ∂ and a happy patient with greater spectacle independence. 23, § So, it's exciting to see this technology evolve to further meet patients' visual expectations. Now, with PanOptix Pro, more light utilization and less light scatter is possible ‡,‡‡, empowering both my practice and my patients.' Article content PanOptix Pro will be available in Canada from Alcon in the single-use Clareon AutonoMe ® preloaded delivery system and as well as with the Clareon Monarch ® IV delivery system in early 2026. 22 PanOptix Pro offers a +2.17 diopter intermediate and a +3.25 diopter near add power. Like all Alcon IOLs, PanOptix Pro will be available with blue light and ultraviolet filtering. 22 For surgeons interested in more information on PanOptix Pro, please speak to a local Alcon representative. Article content About Clareon PanOptix Pro Article content The Clareon PanOptix Pro Trifocal IOL is a type of multifocal IOL used to focus images clearly onto the back of your eye (retina) to allow clear vision after the cataract removal. In addition, the center of the Clareon PanOptix Pro Trifocal IOL allows for better near (reading) vision and intermediate (computer work) vision versus what a monofocal lens would provide. Please consult the Directions for Use regarding indications, precautions, cautions and warnings which is available at Article content About Alcon Article content Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at Article content * PanOptix has 88% light utilization (12% scatter light)/PanOptix Pro 94% light utilization (6% scatter light). ** Based on manufacturer-reported values and respective methodology for Clareon PanOptix, Envista Envy, AT Elana, Gemetric and Rayner. † For feasible diffractive optics of up to pentafocal design from Krackhardt et al. †† Simulated photopic through-focus point spread function (light intensity [energy])—polychromatic. ‡ Compared to Clareon PanOptix. ‡‡ Based on bench and vision simulator studies. §Based on prospective multicenter randomized study at 6 months, significantly more subjects reported not experiencing starburst and glare (p<0.05 n=276). §§All-implanted analysis set. ¶In response to the IOLSAT questionnaire question 'In the past 7 days, how often did you need to wear eyeglasses to see'? ¶¶Response to the following question on IOLSAT questionnaire (Version 1.0, December 20, 2018) at 6 months post-op 'Given your vision today, if you had to do it all over, would you have the same lenses implanted again?'; n=127. ‖ Based on worldwide IOL unit sales of Clareon PanOptix and AcrySof IQ PanOptix through Q1, 2024. Ω Severity ratings by phakic patients with simulated implant of Clareon PanOptix Pro and Clareon PanOptix using VirtIOL simulator (n=64). ∂ Based in a meta-analysis of 11 unique clinical studies with 580 patients in 10 different countries, including 'very bothersome' and 'severe' visual disturbances. Clinical studies were performed on the AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOL; AcrySof IQ PanOptix and Clareon PanOptix are optically equivalent. Article content References Article content Alcon data on file, 2025. REF-25218 Alcon data on file, 2024. REF-25221 Alcon data on file, 2015. REF-08546 Krackhardt U, et al: Upper bound on the diffraction efficiency of phase-only fanout elements. Applied Optics; 1992; 31:27-37.; 10. Zhu D., Zhang J., et al. Patient-Reported Outcomes of Visual Disturbances with a Trifocal Intraocular Lens: A meta-analysis. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 5-8, 2024; Boston. Muzychuk, A. Defocus Curve Performance of a Novel Hydrophobic Acrylic Trifocal Intraocular Lens: A prospective, Multicenter Canadian Study. ASCRS Annual Meeting, April 5-8, Boston. Rayner Professional Website. Accessed September 2024. Carones F. New Concept of Light Distribution for Bilateral Trifocal IOL Implantation. AAO. 2022;2022:53. ZEISS AT LISA tri family. Supplement in Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today (Europe), September 2014. Zeiss Cataract Insights: Laying the Myth or Reality; Digitalization enhances cataract surgery? Supplement in Ophthalmology Times, Europe; May 22, 2024; Accessed September 2024. Kohnen T, Lapid-Gortzak R, Ramamurthy D, et al. Clinical outcomes after bilateral implantation of a diffractive trifocal intraocular lens: A worldwide pooled analysis of prospective clinical investigations. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2023;Volume 17:155-163. doi:10.2147/opth.s377234. Alcon data on file, 2024. REF-23958. Alcon data on file, 2018. REF-01475. Alcon Vision LLC. Clareon® PanOptix® Trifocal Hydrophobic Acrylic IOL. Product Information. 2021. Charness N, Dijkstra K, Jastrzembski T, Weaver S, Champion M. Monitor viewing distance for younger and older workers. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting. 2008;52(19):1614- 1617. doi:10.1177/154193120805201965 Government of Canada CC for OH and S. CCOHS: Office ergonomics. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. April 25, 2023. Accessed May 9, 2023. Gundersen K, Potvin R. Trifocal intraocular lenses: A comparison of the visual performance and quality of vision provided by two different lens designs. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2017;Volume 11:1081-1087. doi:10.2147/opth.s136164 Kohnen T, Titke C, Böhm M. Trifocal intraocular lens implantation to treat visual demands in various distances following lens removal. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2016;161. doi:10.1016/ Lwowski C, Pawlowicz K, Petermann K, et al. Visual and patient-reported factors leading to satisfaction after implantation of diffractive extended depth-of-focus and trifocal intraocular lenses. Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 2022;48(4):421-428. doi:10.1097/ Alcon data on file, 2024. REF-25903 Alcon data on file, 2024. REF-23554 MarketScope LLC. 2023 IOL Market Report: Global Analysis for 2022 to 2028. St. Louis, MO: MarketScope LLC; 2023. Clareon® PanOptix® Pro Trifocal Hydrophobic Acrylic IOL Model PXYWT0 2024 Directions for Use. Zhu D, et al. Rate of complete spectacle independence with a trifocal intraocular lens: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmology and Therapy. 2023;12(2):1157-1171. doi:10.1007/ Vision LLC. Modi S, Lehmann R, Maxwell A, et al. Visual and patient-reported outcomes of a diffractive trifocal intraocular lens compared with those of a monofocal intraocular lens. Ophthalmology. 2021;128(2):197-207. doi:10.1016/ Zhu D., Zhang J., et al. Patient-Reported Outcomes of Visual Disturbances with a Trifocal Intraocular Lens: A meta-analysis. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 5-8, 2024; Boston. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Relations Article content Article content Article content Article content


Health Line
04-06-2025
- General
- Health Line
Do You Need Glasses After Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens inside the eye with an artificial lens. Cataracts are common as you age, and surgery is usually safe and effective. Depending on your replacement lens, you may need glasses after cataract surgery. A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye due to many different causes, like aging, toxic exposures, or injury. Cataract surgery is a procedure where the damaged lens of your eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant. Cataracts become more common as you get older, and more than half of Americans over age 80 develop them. Cataract surgery is usually a safe and effective procedure, but you may need to wear glasses after the surgery, depending on what type of artificial lens is implanted. Who needs glasses after cataract surgery? The lens is a curved piece of clear tissue in your eye. Situated behind your pupil, it changes the way light enters your eye and helps you focus your vision at different distances. Cataract surgery involves replacing the lens in your eye with an artificial replacement called an intraocular lens (IOL). Whether you'll need glasses after cataract surgery largely depends on what type of IOL you get. There are many IOL options. Take the time to talk with your eye surgeon beforehand so that you make the choice that's right for you The main types of IOLs include: Monofocal: Monofocal IOLs are the most common, and also the only IOL that is usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance. They focus at only one distance, either close, far, or intermediate range. Most people get them for distance vision. Multifocal: Multifocal IOLs provide both distant and near focus simultaneously. They contain different zones, shaped like concentric rings, that allow you to focus on objects far away and close up. Extended depth of focus: Extended depth of focus IOLs have only one corrective zone, which is stretched to allow distance and intermediate vision. Accommodative: Accommodative IOLs change shape like your eye's natural lens to allow you to focus at different distances. Toric: Toric IOLs correct astigmatism, a vision issue that's caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. Light-adjustable lens (LAL): This newer type of IOL is the only one that can be customized after surgery. Adjustments are done through a series of office-based light treatment procedures. In one 2017 study, 81% of subjects who had cataract surgery in both eyes regularly wore glasses before their procedure. After the procedure, only 49% regularly wore glasses. If you get a monofocal IOL, you'll need glasses or contacts to see outside your lens's focus range. For instance, if you opt for an IOL for distance vision, you may still need glasses for reading or to see things clearly up close. If you're having surgery in both eyes, you may have the option to choose monovision to reduce the need for glasses, especially if you have worn monovision contacts. Monovision involves selecting the focusing power of one IOL for distance and the other for near sight. If you get multifocal IOLs, you may find that your vision is still blurry when focusing at certain distances, and you may need to wear glasses to focus in this range. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, most people with accommodative IOLs don't need to wear glasses, but some people still prefer to do so for long periods of reading or activities that require near vision. What kind of glasses are needed after cataract surgery? The type of glasses you'll need after cataract surgery will depend on what type of IOL you receive. In the case of a monofocal IOL, most people receive an IOL with distance vision correction and wear glasses for reading and activities that involve near vision. Some people get IOL lenses for near vision and wear glasses for distance vision. However, if you have a fair amount or significant amount of astigmatism and did not get Toric IOL, you will need glasses for distance and near. If you have IOLs that allow you to focus at different distances, you may still find certain distances are blurry. In this case, you may want to wear glasses that allow you to see clearly at those distances. Frequently asked questions about glasses after cataract surgery How long should you wait before getting new prescription glasses after cataract surgery? It's important to wait for your eyes to fully heal and your vision to stabilize before getting a new prescription. You may be able to get new glasses as soon as 2 weeks after your surgery. It may be longer if you have swelling or other complications. It's important to wait for your eyes to fully heal and your vision to stabilize before getting a new prescription. You may be able to get new glasses as soon as 2 weeks after your surgery. It may be longer if you have swelling or other complications. Are there any signs that indicate you need new glasses? It's typical to have some blurriness and trouble seeing for a few days after cataract surgery. If you notice persistent changes to your vision, you may need to change your prescription. Some vision changes you might notice include: blurry vision squinting a lot tired eyes frequent headaches light sensitivity It's typical to have some blurriness and trouble seeing for a few days after cataract surgery. If you notice persistent changes to your vision, you may need to change your prescription. Some vision changes you might notice include: How do you know which glasses are right for you? After you've healed from your cataract surgery, your eye doctor will perform an updated refraction to determine which eyeglass prescription is best for you. It's most common that people who undergo cataract surgery will need reading glasses after their vision has stabilized. The bottom line Cataract surgery is typically a safe and effective procedure that can correct vision blurriness or cloudiness caused by cataracts. The most common type of replacement lens is a monofocal IOL. These lenses allow your eye to focus at only one distance: either near, far, or intermediate. Most people get monofocal IOLs for distance vision and wear glasses for reading. If you get multifocal lenses that allow you to see at multiple distances, you may not need glasses. If you're unsure about what type of IOL you need or whether you'll need glasses after cataract surgery, be sure to talk with your eye doctor.