Reading Glasses After Cataract Surgery

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Question:
I had cataract surgery four years ago and now I need reading glasses. Do I need prescription reading glasses or can I use store-bought reading glasses?   

Answer:
Typically, if you can see great at distance without any glasses, then over-the-counter reading glasses (i.e., the ones that you can buy at nearly any pharmacy or store) will be sufficient. They range anywhere from +1.00 D to +3.00 D. In most cases, patients will require +1.25 D for computer use and +2.25 to 2.50 D for reading near. The rule of thumb is that if you want to see things closer, select a higher number like +3.00 D, and if you want to see farther away like at a music stand, choose +1.00 D.

Answered by: Robert Melendez, MD

Categories: Cataracts, Vision Correction

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