Why Would a Child Need Glasses After Cataract Surgery?
FEB 21, 2014
Question:
My 1-year-old grandson has bilateral cataracts. Physician suggesting implants but says he will need thick reading glasses as well. Can you help me understand the rationale?
Answer:
When we remove cataracts in children, we are now able to implant artificial lenses. However, these are monofocal lenses that can correct only one of either distance or near vision. The convention is to correct for distance vision. That means that your grandchild will still need glasses for reading. As you may know, there are multifocal and accommodative lenses available that we use in adults. I am unaware of studies supporting the safe use of these lenses in children.