Can Cataract Surgery Cause Farsightedness and Can It Be Corrected?

After cataract surgery, if the vision test shows hyperopia (farsightedness), is it possible to change hyperopia to emmetropia (normal vision) or myopia (nearsightedness)?

Dear Doctor,
1.
I underwent cataract surgery in both eyes over a year ago, during which monofocal intraocular lenses were implanted.
Postoperatively, I have developed hyperopia of +1.25 diopters in my right eye and +0.50 diopters in my left eye.
The surgeon did not mention the possibility of hyperopia after the surgery; they only indicated that it would correct my previous high myopia.
Is it normal to experience hyperopia after the surgery? Are there any options available to change hyperopia to emmetropia or myopia? Thank you!
2.
Additionally, does cataract surgery with the implantation of intraocular lenses cause any deviation in the visual axis? Thank you!

Ding Wenzi, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/05

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Is it normal to have hyperopia after surgery? This is a common situation.
Are there ways to change hyperopia to emmetropia or myopia? If the degree is not significant, glasses correction can be considered.
After cataract surgery, does the implantation of an artificial lens cause a deviation in the visual axis? Most of the time, it does not.

Reply Date: 2020/02/05

More Info

Cataract surgery is a common procedure that involves the removal of the cloudy lens of the eye (the cataract) and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). While the primary goal of cataract surgery is to restore clear vision, some patients may experience changes in their vision post-surgery, including the development of farsightedness (hyperopia).

Understanding Farsightedness Post-Cataract Surgery
Farsightedness occurs when the eye is too short or the cornea has too little curvature, causing light rays to focus behind the retina. After cataract surgery, it is not uncommon for patients to experience some degree of refractive error, including hyperopia. This can happen for several reasons:
1. Lens Power Calculation: The power of the IOL is calculated based on preoperative measurements of the eye. If these measurements are not accurate, the implanted lens may not provide the desired refractive outcome, leading to hyperopia.

2. Changes in Eye Shape: The surgery itself can alter the shape of the eye or the position of the lens, which may contribute to changes in vision.

3. Natural Aging Process: The natural aging of the eye can also lead to changes in vision, including the development of hyperopia, independent of the surgery.

Is It Normal to Experience Farsightedness After Surgery?
While it is not uncommon for patients to experience some degree of hyperopia after cataract surgery, it is essential to discuss these changes with your ophthalmologist. They can evaluate whether the degree of farsightedness is within a normal range or if it requires further intervention.

Can Farsightedness Be Corrected?
Yes, there are several options available to correct post-surgical hyperopia:
1. Eyeglasses: The simplest and most common method for correcting hyperopia is through prescription glasses. Your eye care professional can provide a prescription that compensates for the degree of farsightedness.

2. Contact Lenses: Some patients may prefer contact lenses, which can also be prescribed to correct hyperopia.

3. Refractive Surgery: In some cases, additional surgical options such as LASIK or PRK may be considered to reshape the cornea and correct the refractive error. However, the eligibility for these procedures will depend on various factors, including the overall health of the eye and the stability of the vision.

4. Lens Exchange: If the hyperopia is significant and bothersome, a lens exchange procedure may be an option. This involves removing the current IOL and replacing it with a different lens that better suits the patient’s refractive needs.

Does Cataract Surgery Cause Axial Deviation?
Regarding your second question about whether cataract surgery can cause the visual axis to deviate, it is important to note that the positioning of the IOL is critical for optimal visual outcomes. If the lens is not centered correctly within the eye, it can lead to issues such as astigmatism or misalignment of the visual axis. However, significant deviations are rare when the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon.

In conclusion, while experiencing hyperopia after cataract surgery can be concerning, it is a known possibility. There are effective methods to correct this condition, and it is crucial to maintain open communication with your eye care provider to explore the best options for your specific situation. Regular follow-ups and assessments will help ensure that any changes in vision are appropriately managed.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Post-Cataract Surgery Farsightedness: Causes and Solutions

Hello Dr. Tsai, I had cataract surgery on my right eye a month ago, using a self-funded artificial lens for myopia and astigmatism. My recovery seems normal, but my right eye's vision is only 0.4. However, wearing +1.25 reading glasses allows me to see up to 1.0. Does this ...

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Hello, once the prescription stabilizes, we can discuss it further with the surgeon. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cai Wenyuan, Director of Ophthalmology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Understanding Post-Cataract Surgery Presbyopia: What to Expect

After cataract surgery with the replacement of a monofocal intraocular lens, if the patient's prescription is not retained, the degree of presbyopia (farsightedness) postoperatively is typically around +2.00 diopters. Yes, the degree of presbyopia can increase with age as th...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Zhiqiang: You can start testing by adjusting from 250 degrees. It is possible that as age increases, vision may deteriorate, necessitating an appropriate increase in prescription strength.

Can Laser Surgery Help Myopia and Strabismus in Young Adults?

Hello Dr. Huang, I have a friend who is 24 years old and currently has a refractive error of approximately -8.50 diopters in one eye and -9.00 diopters in the other eye. I would like to know if laser surgery is a viable option to reduce his prescription. Will the prescription wor...

Dr. Huang Bozhen reply Ophthalmology
Subject: Laser Surgery. Explanation: Laser surgery to reduce refractive error is feasible if the procedure is successful, as any surgery carries risks, with severe cases potentially requiring corneal transplantation. Post-surgery, it is essential to continue eye care, such as reg...

Can Surgery Correct Presbyopia for Better Vision at Work?

Hello doctor, my vision was around 1.0 until I was 35 years old, and at 40 years old, it was still 0.8. Now at 47, I have to wear reading glasses all the time. Is there a surgical treatment available? I am still a working professional and often use the computer to read reports an...

Dr. Wang Zhangji reply Ophthalmology
Currently, the treatment options available in Taiwan include conductive keratoplasty and multifocal intraocular lenses. Conductive keratoplasty utilizes radiofrequency waves to alter the refractive state of the cornea; however, its effects are temporary, lasting approximately 1 t...