You need to wear dark glasses for a long time after the operation. How not to worsen the situation and choose the right glasses for cataracts? Do I need sunglasses

24.07.2020

Glasses after cataract surgery are used to correct visual acuity or to protect the eyes from external negative factors. Eye health largely depends on how the patient behaves in the postoperative period. It is important to follow all the doctor's recommendations in order to avoid inflammation, the development of secondary cataracts and other types of complications. Today we would like to review the main points about optics, which will help you understand what is the best glasses to choose for vision correction.

First of all, I would like to answer one of the most popular questions about whether it is useful to wear glasses after cataract removal or whether it is better to refrain from it.

Ophthalmologists agree that properly selected glasses will have a positive effect on eye health not only after surgery, but also before it.

The maximum effect can be seen at an early stage of the development of the disease. They prevent further development of pathology and prevent clouding of surrounding objects. As the cataract progresses, white spots appear on the lens. This can cause problems with vision correction, so wearing glasses will be ineffective.

At the moment, scientists are developing a way to restore vision, which would not require surgical intervention. Experts are working to create glasses that would help in the treatment of cataracts. A lot of experiments are being carried out in order to obtain high-definition images even with an advanced stage of the disease. The difficulty lies in the fact that lens opacity is individual. In theory, a holographic method has already been developed, which allows you to eliminate clouding in the eyes, but so far it has not been implemented.

Selection features

Cataract treatment is carried out only through the operating method. During surgery, the cloudy lens of the eye is removed, and an artificial lens is installed in its place. Doctors try to select an artificial one for patients that would make their vision as clear as possible, but such an opportunity does not always appear. The need to use different types of optics is determined by a number of factors, including the patient's condition, his age and the presence of concomitant pathologies such as myopia, hyperopia, etc.

Given that cataracts are most common in older people, ophthalmologists prescribe plus glasses after surgery. Minus optics are used extremely rarely, while farsightedness and myopia can be combined. Many patients ask themselves which glasses are better even before surgery, although it will be quite difficult to answer the question in such a situation. After removing the clouded lens, vision becomes unstable and changes regularly.

After surgery, doctors give a number of recommendations that allow you to stabilize metabolic processes in order to choose the optics. For the first time after surgery, a person will need to wear glasses to ensure good vision. Until the moment when the eye apparatus stabilizes and gets used to the changes, the patient will have to change glasses about once a month.

If you do not agree on this issue with a specialist, then complications and even greater deterioration of vision may occur.

After surgeries that involve suturing, patients may experience pain and discomfort in the eyes. During the rehabilitation period, such sensations are the norm, but with correctly selected glasses, the patient will be able to strain his eyes less, which will have a positive effect on the tissue healing process.

It becomes possible to pick up permanent glasses after cataract removal only 5 months after surgery. The selection of optics is carried out in the ophthalmologist's office after a diagnostic examination.

Do I need to wear sunglasses?

Many people only perceive sunglasses as a fashion accessory. All ophthalmologists agree that wearing them after cataract surgery is simply necessary, since they primarily perform a protective function. After the operation, the cornea heals, therefore it is necessary to provide adequate protection for your eyes for a speedy recovery.

Ultraviolet rays can even burn the eye, in which case complications are inevitable. Wearing sunglasses is recommended at any time of the year. They must be used by car drivers and those who like to walk in the daytime under the scorching sun. Unfortunately, not all cataract sunglasses can benefit the patient. Some products do not fulfill their main purpose and even harm the health of the eyes, so it is important to take a responsible attitude to the choice of such optics.

Criterias of choice

First of all, it should be noted that it is not worth buying sunglasses for sun protection in the market or street counter. These products do not have labels or information sheets, so compliance with the basic requirements will not be possible to verify.

High-quality glasses do not have to be expensive; you can find products in stores that are affordable.

Let's list the main criteria to which you should pay attention:

In order not to be mistaken with your choice, it is recommended to try on the product, if black dots or uncomfortable sensations appear in front of your eyes, then the glasses do not suit you and their quality raises great doubts. Regardless of whether you want to choose transparent or sun-protection optics, before that it is best to consult with an ophthalmologist, who will give specific recommendations about the parameters of the glasses.

For vision correction

In order to improve visual acuity, wearing glasses with diopters is required. In the early stages of cataract, optics for correction slows down the rate of deterioration of visual functions, but with severe opacity of the lens, it becomes useless.

Optics for correction will also be required to correct refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism).

Which glasses are better for cataracts depends on the set of characteristics:

Spectacle lens index. A high index indicates the smallest curvature and thickness of the lens.
Diopters. The required number of diopters is determined during visometry - assessment of visual acuity.
Center-to-center is a parameter that shows the distance between the centers of the pupils.
Material. The best quality glass is considered, but there are also good plastic lenses with a protective coating.
Anti-reflective (anti-reflective) coating. This coating improves transparency and smoothes glare.
Subjective feelings. The frame should not create discomfort.

Optics after surgery

Full restoration of vision is possible after replacing the lens with a multifocal IOL. Such a lens allows you to see equally clearly both near and far. But multifocal IOLs are expensive, so they are not always used. More affordable IOL options suggest that postoperative optics will be required for correction.

B requires proper eye care, including wearing sunscreen optics to protect against external irritants. After a few months, you can begin the selection of optics for the correction of visual functions.

Sunscreen

With cataracts, and not only, protection of the visual organ from the sun's rays is required, as well as the ingress of small particles, dust particles in windy weather. It is recommended to choose glasses with large lenses made of quality materials. Sunglasses should be worn both in sunny and cloudy weather.

Simulators

Sidorenko's glasses will help to slow down the progression of the disease. These are special training goggles, similar to scuba diving goggles. The mechanism of action is vacuum massage and dosed transmission of light rays, which leads to:

improving metabolic processes;
improving microcirculation;
strengthening the eye muscles.

The course of treatment is 10 days, during which you need to put on the simulator every day for 10 minutes.

Eyeglass lens care

How to properly care for your glasses and what not to do, see the video:

Using contact lenses

Sometimes people wonder if contact lenses can be worn for cataracts? They are approved for use and are used to correct visual impairments. But lenses for cataracts limit the supply of oxygen and nutrients, which can affect the course of the disease.

Therefore, when choosing lenses, you should give preference to models with a rich content of water, as well as breathable lenses.

Currently, scientists are developing special glasses, the effect of which is based on holography. That is, parameters are created that are inverse to turbidity. With the successful completion of the development, such optics will make it possible to cope with advanced stages of cataract without surgery.

Cataract of the eye is a clouding of the lens of the eye that prevents the passage of light rays into the eye and leads to a decrease in visual acuity.

2. In the peripheral layers of the lens.

Cataracts are congenital and acquired. Congenital is rare and usually does not progress. Acquired are more common, most of them are senile. In addition to old age, acquired cataracts can be caused by general diseases, eye diseases, eye injuries, and radiation.

Stages and causes of senile cataract development

Most people over the age of 60 will develop eye cataracts. First, opacities appear on the periphery of the lens, then the amount of opacities increases, they grow and merge with each other, vision is significantly reduced, but this stage of development is still called immature cataract.

In the future, all layers of the lens become cloudy, the color of the pupil instead of black becomes grayish, pearlescent - this is one of the symptoms of mature cataract. The eye becomes almost blind.

The main symptoms of cataracts

1. Objects begin to see indistinctly, look blurry. I constantly want to wipe my eyes or glasses, there is a feeling of a veil before my eyes. These are the symptoms of cataracts in the early stages of the disease.

2. A patient with cataracts (if the central part of the lens has become clouded) begins to see better in dusk than in bright light.

Training glasses for the treatment of the disease

In case of initial cataract, in addition to glasses with diopters, patients often use various devices for the eyes, the so-called “training glasses” (for example, “Sidorenko glasses”, “Pankov glasses”, etc.).

In case of initial cataract, in addition to glasses with diopters, patients often use various devices for the eyes, the so-called “training glasses” (for example, “Sidorenko glasses”, “Pankov glasses”, etc.).

It should be understood that these devices do not cure cataracts, but only slow down the process of lens clouding (especially when used together with vitamin eye drops). Surgery will become necessary sooner or later.

Glasses after cataract surgery

1. For correction in order to improve visual acuity.

2. To protect the eyes from excessive sunlight and dust after surgery.

For several weeks after cataract surgery and implantation of an artificial lens, the patient may experience increased sensitivity of the eyes to light, wind, etc. In this regard, ophthalmologists recommend using sunglasses in the early postoperative period, especially when exposed to irritating factors (when going outside).

The installation of multifocal IOLs solves this problem. which allow you to see well in the distance or near.

However, due to their high cost, implantation of this type of lens is not always possible.

Most likely, you will not need glasses after cataract surgery. During the examination, the doctor determines the necessary curvature of the intraocular lens in such a way as to provide the patient with good vision under average conditions.

The ideal option is to install a multifocal lens. which will make it possible to clearly see objects located at different distances.

We know that the human lens can change its curvature and this is its property and imitate similar products. Of course, muscles are not involved in the accommodation process, just a multifocal IOL has several focusing points - each designed for a certain range of distances.

About 90% of patients who have such a lens do not use glasses.

Modern methods of surgery restore vision in case of cataracts in 90% of cases. The patient recovers completely after a while and leads a normal life. Therefore, there are no restrictions on the choice of optical vision correction - you can wear either glasses or lenses - whichever is more convenient for you.

After the patient has undergone eye surgery, proper eye care must be observed. It would be wrong to sleep on the side of the operated eye, it is better to sleep on the other side.

Hygiene is also important as when washing, you must be very careful not to allow soap and water to get on the operated area. When you wash your head, it is worth tilting it back; tilting your head forward is strictly not recommended.

If, nevertheless, a misunderstanding happened, and water got into your sore eye, then you should rinse it with a solution of chloramphenicol 0.25. It is also necessary to be constantly monitored by a doctor and adhere to all the recommendations they need.

Check-ups with a doctor are usually weekly, during which a doctor checks the patient's level of vision and general condition. After the operation, the patient must wear a bandage for 24 hours.

A bandage is needed in order to protect the damaged area of \u200b\u200bthe eye from dust and bright light. Usually, the doctor applies 2 layers of gauze, which is fixed on the face with an adhesive plaster.

At the end of the day, the bandage can be removed. After surgery, the patient often has to use eye drops.

They improve healing and protect the eye from infection. As a rule, eye drops must be used within a month after the operation, then they become unnecessary.

So what glasses should you pick up after a small incision surgery to remove a cataract? Today, doctors prefer to carry out the operation with this method, because this is less traumatic for the patient.

If surgery is performed in this way, the level of vision often recovers faster and the patient feels better. During the operation, specialists make a small incision without suturing after replacing the lens.

Local anesthesia is used for laser surgery. What is the name of this kind of operation? It has a name - ultrasonic phacoemulsification.

It is noteworthy that the patient does not even need to go to the hospital during its implementation, which also shortens the rehabilitation period. But do not confuse this kind of surgery with laser correction, because they have completely different purposes.

After the operation, you can start selecting glasses for permanent wearing in a month. It doesn't take long for your vision level to stabilize, although of course it will take longer for your vision to fully return to normal.

Studies were carried out on cataract removal, which showed that in 65% of cases, the level of vision stabilized after 8 days. And after 15 days, the optical properties of the eye were restored in all patients.

A total of 30 people took part in the study. A cataract is a serious eye condition that causes the lens to become clouded, resulting in visual impairment.

In such cases, it is better to carry out the operation, and preferably as soon as possible. During the operation, the lens is replaced with an artificial one.

After the operation, the doctor prescribes glasses for the patient to wear permanently.

A single focus or monofocal lens is inexpensive while still providing good vision to the patient. But at the same time you will not be able to see well at different distances.

As a rule, the doctor selects a certain curvature of the artificial lens, which will provide maximum sharpness for distant objects. This is done so that a person can safely move along the street, go to work and drive a car.

For reading or working with small details, glasses will be needed.

To cure the clouding of the lens is possible only with the help of surgery. The surgery itself is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.

In the overwhelming majority of cases, the patient manages to fully restore his vision or, at least, to ensure a return to a full life and work capacity. However, the postoperative period requires some restrictions, including alcohol intake.

In addition, in most cases, after replacing a clouded lens with an artificial one, it will be necessary to wear glasses with diopters (for near or far), because Artificial lenses generally provide good vision at a certain distance: distance or near.

This problem is solved by the installation of multifocal IOLs, which allow you to see well in the distance or near. However, due to their high cost, implantation of this type of lens is not always possible.

Not all patients know that glasses for cataracts will help restore vision both after surgery and before surgery. Such a pathology threatens with deterioration and even complete loss of vision, so it is important to choose a convenient and high-quality optical device. The effectiveness of therapy and recovery after removal of the lens depends on the correct choice of protection of the organs of the visual system.

Indications

The patient may wear glasses for protection and correction, especially at the initial stage of cataracts. Ophthalmologists prescribe a device to restore visual functions in the following eye pathologies:

Myopia (nearsightedness). Visual acuity decreases when looking at objects at a distance.
Hyperopia. The person does not see well up close.
Astigmatism. Poor vision both far and near.
Presbyopia. Aggravated with age, when a person cannot clearly see small objects up close.

Efficiency

Of course, optical constructions will not be able to cure cataracts, but they help in the early stages of the disease, keeping vision at the same level. If the patient suffers from a severe degree of cataract, wearing such optics does not make sense. In such cases, a surgical procedure is performed to replace the lens. But such a sign as clouding of objects is weakened by correctly selected glasses.

Sunglasses, which can be worn at all stages of cataracts, protect from unsafe UV rays.

How to choose?

Before making a purchase, it is advisable to thoroughly survey.

You should not save on such a purchase and it is very important to choose a good manufacturer. According to experts, a bad optical device will not only be ineffective, but can also harm health. It should not be forgotten that in case of cataract, a doctor's consultation with an examination is required. Diagnosis is carried out in medical centers or salons. Some of the most common eyeglass fitter mistakes include:

choosing a beautiful frame, but not comfortable;
making purchases in non-specialized institutions;
purchasing low in quality and price;
incorrect selection of lenses.

When choosing glasses, pay attention to the following points:

Optical quantities. Diagnostic indicators that are given by an ophthalmologist during examination.
The lenses themselves. Their coverage is important, the index - the higher the indicator, the lighter the glasses.
Optical device material. There is no advantage in choosing glass or plastic.
Frame comfort. It should be comfortable, preferably with silicone movable nose pads.

How to wear?

Optical products are believed to be more beneficial at the onset of the disease.

Cataract glasses are used for correction in the early stages of the disease. It is almost impossible to predict the period during which they will be effective, since the rate of increase in pathology is individual. The development of cataracts over time leads to clouding of the lens. At this stage, the efficiency of the optical design decreases.

An optical instrument is often prescribed after a lens has been replaced. It is needed to protect against ultraviolet rays and other adverse factors. As a rule, these will be dark glasses, which are used when going out. They are worn not only in sunny weather, but also in cloudy weather. Only at night, if there are no plans to visit illuminated places, you can leave the optical device at home. Wearing period - up to 2 months. Sometimes after the operation, wearing special glasses is necessary in order to examine objects that are placed at different distances. In addition, glasses are needed to work in daylight. However, such optical devices should not be worn immediately, but only several months after the surgical procedure. The recovery period generally lasts from 2 weeks to 2-3 months, while, in order to less injure organs and reduce the load on the eyes, the doctor may prescribe lenses of different diopters.

After performing the surgical intervention, the patient thinks that he can finally breathe freely, because all the difficulties are over. Unfortunately, this is not entirely true. Self-care and adherence to all medical recommendations in the postoperative period are no less important than the successful implementation of the intervention itself. Lens replacement surgery is no exception in this case. Recovery after lens replacement is not a very long and successful process if the patient is responsible for himself and his health. The correct behavior after replacing the lens of the eye will be discussed in this article.

Patient behavior after lens replacement

As a rule, an operation to replace your own clouded lens with an intraocular lens is performed on an outpatient basis. This means that within a few hours after the intervention, when the doctor is convinced that there are no early postoperative complications, the patient can leave the ophthalmological clinic. Exceptions are patients who received intravenous sedation during the intervention - in such circumstances, the patient may be asked to remain at the clinic under supervision until the evening.

It is advisable that after replacing the lens, someone from your family or friends will meet you and accompany you home. The fact is that a sterile bandage will be applied to the operated eye, and in the case of a low level of visual acuity in the second eye, it will be difficult to navigate in space. The bandage applied in the operating room is allowed to be removed the next morning after the intervention. When going outside during the first week, it is advisable to use safety glasses or a sterile bandage, gluing it to the skin of the face with a plaster. The postoperative period may be accompanied by the following sensations:

Minor painful sensations in the periorbital region and in the operated eye;
Itching in the eyeball area;
Blurred vision;
Sensation of a foreign body or sand in the eye that was treated with the intervention;
Minor headache.

All these symptoms disappear within the first week. If the pain syndrome increases, you can take drugs based on ibuprofen or paracetamol. It is advisable to spend the first day after replacing the lens in a horizontal position, rest more, and also try not to burden the eye.

Restoration of vision after lens replacement

Patients are always interested in how quickly they will return to normal vision after lens replacement surgery. Vision will be blurred immediately after surgery. All structures of the eyeball need time to heal and recover after the intervention. To speed up this process as much as possible, you need to try not to load the operated eye, to spend the first day alone. It is advisable to avoid significant visual stress for a week.

Already after the first week, patients will notice positive dynamics and a significant improvement in visual acuity. The maximum recovery is most often observed after 2-3 weeks. At first, there may be increased photosensitivity.

However, complete healing after lens replacement occurs in the 4th postoperative week. Restoration of vision largely depends on the presence of concomitant ophthalmic pathology. For example, glaucoma or degenerative changes in the retina can affect the quality of vision. Colors after cataract surgery may appear brighter because the light rays will pass through the new clear artificial lens.

The need to wear glasses after replacing the lens largely depends on the other pathology of the eye and the type of implanted intraocular lens. Glasses may be needed due to the fact that the artificial lens cannot focus on objects at different distances. Scientific studies have shown that 95% of patients with monofocal lenses and 20% of patients with multifocal lenses require glasses after lens replacement. There are also accommodating artificial lenses. With their use, the likelihood of wearing glasses in the postoperative period is lower.

For advice on choosing the right artificial lens for you, you should only contact your surgeon or your doctor.

Treatment after lens replacement

Eye drops in the postoperative period are an integral aspect of rehabilitation. Such treatment is necessary for the fastest healing of postoperative wounds, as well as for the prevention of infectious complications. The appointment and dosage regimen of eye drops are individual for each patient. All this is determined by the surgeon immediately after the operation, and then at each visit. As a rule, the following groups of drugs are used:

Antibacterial agents (drops containing ciprofloxacin, tobramycin).
Anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal drugs - diclofenac, indomethacin).
Combined preparations containing hormonal and antibacterial agents).

As the healing progresses, the frequency of using the drops decreases. However, all issues of dosing and the occurrence of adverse reactions should be discussed with the attending physician. In order not to injure the eye during instillation, as well as to prevent infection, simple rules must be followed.

First of all, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops. Then tilt your head back or lie on a horizontal surface. Pull the lower eyelid down with your finger, turn the bottle of drops over and press on the bottle or pipette. After instilling the eyes, close them, you can apply a sterile gauze napkin. If there are several drugs, a five-minute interval is considered the minimum. After use, the eye drops must be tightly closed. To preserve the medicinal properties of the drug, it is recommended to observe the temperature storage regime.

Recovery after lens replacement is not a very long process. Patients generally do not experience significant discomfort, and restrictions are always temporary. Compliance with all medical recommendations and regimen guarantees the maximum possible restoration of visual acuity for each individual patient. All questions and ambiguities that arise during the rehabilitation period are best discussed with the attending physician.

Limitations after lens replacement

Compliance with all restrictions allows you to speed up the recovery period after replacing the lens, and also reduces the risk of postoperative complications. Within a day after the intervention, the patient can take a shower, wash his hair and wash his face. It is important that soap, shampoo or other detergents do not get into the operated eye during hygiene procedures. Below are some of the post-lens replacement restrictions that are highly recommended for the first two weeks after surgery:

Avoid strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting.
Avoid tilting the head below the waist for the first month.
It is not recommended to rub or press on the operated eye.
It is not advisable to wear eye makeup for one week after lens replacement surgery.
It is undesirable to visit the pool or swim in open water, as well as visit the sauna or bath.
You can not stay in the bright sun for a long time without sunglasses.
Doctors recommend not to sleep on the side of the eye that has undergone surgery.

There are practically no dietary restrictions after this intervention. Proper nutrition is recommended, sufficient amount of fluid consumed. If constipation occurs, it is advisable to take laxatives to avoid injury to the eye when straining.

All restrictions are temporary and are aimed at the fastest healing of the eyeball. By following these simple rules, you will achieve the fastest possible restoration of vision and reduce the risk of postoperative complications.

Rehabilitation after lens replacement

The rehabilitation period is an important and responsible time for the patient. Rehabilitation means a set of measures aimed at the earliest possible restoration of vision. Rehabilitation after replacing the lens of the eye consists of the following activities:

A visit to a doctor for the purpose of examination and examination of the operated eye. Timely visits will allow the specialist to monitor the progress of the recovery period, prescribe certain medications, and give recommendations on care and lifestyle. If for some reason you cannot visit the clinic at the appointed time, be sure to notify the administrator about this and choose a new time to visit.
Mode. There are no strict restrictions on the regimen for patients during rehabilitation after replacing the lens of the eye. On the first day of the intervention, it is advisable to observe bed or semi-bed rest, not to burden yourself. In the future, you can lead a normal life, avoiding stress and taking all measures to protect the eye on the street, as well as protecting it from the effects of toxins and chemicals. It has already been mentioned above about protection from various detergents during hygiene procedures.
Hygienic care. The operated eye does not require special care, unless otherwise recommended by the attending physician. You can wash your face with water at room temperature. The use of eye drops for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes will be discussed in the corresponding section.
Eye protection. The patient leaves the operating room after changing the lens with a special gauze bandage or curtain. At home, you are allowed to remove this bandage yourself, but not earlier than the next day after the intervention.

Doctors recommend refusing to drive a car at the initial stage of the postoperative period. In conditions of partial restoration of visual acuity, driving a vehicle may require strenuous work of the operated eye. And lack of clarity of vision can lead to unwanted accidents. It is advisable to discuss the return to driving with the operating surgeon.

Often, the rehabilitation period after replacing the lens of the eye proceeds smoothly, and vision is restored fairly quickly, provided that all recommendations are followed.

Complications after lens replacement

Fortunately, complications from lens replacement surgery are rare, and most are treatable with early diagnosis. The risk of complications increases in the presence of concomitant ophthalmic pathology. The attending physician always tells the patient about the risks of possible complications on the eve of the operation. After that, if everything is clear to the patient, he signs an informed consent for the intervention. The most common complications after lens replacement:

Bleeding in the early postoperative period;
Infectious complications (endophthalmitis);
Increased intraocular pressure;
Cystic macular edema of the retina or its detachment;
Dislocation of the intraocular lens;
Secondary cataract or fibrosis of the lens capsule.

For the timely recognition of complications, the patient in the postoperative period is assigned periodic preventive examinations. If symptoms such as acute pain, a sharp decrease in the quality of vision against the background of previous positive dynamics, the appearance of flashes before the eyes, you should immediately consult a doctor.

However, if the patient observes all the necessary medical recommendations and restrictions after replacing the lens, then the risk of postoperative complications is practically excluded. Cataract surgery is one of the safest surgical procedures today. Thanks to new ultrasound and laser technologies, the risk of intraoperative complications is 1/1000 percent, and patient reviews after lens replacement are mostly positive.