Living in the Sunshine State, we’re exposed to strong UV rays — and unfortunately, UV light accelerates cataract formation. Many patients ask if they need cataract sunglasses before or after surgery to protect their sight. To find out, we sat down with Christian Guier, OD, a board-certified optometrist with our team at Florida Eye Specialists.
Dr. Guier helps patients with general eye care including specialty contact lenses, management of glaucoma, monitoring the progression of cataracts, and evaluating for diabetic complications. Most recently, he has specialized in fine-tuning the fit and shape of the Light Adjustable Lens for patients after cataract surgery. In this blog, he explains everything you need to know about sunglasses and cataracts.
Do Sunglasses Prevent Cataracts?
Dr. Guier emphasizes the importance of wearing sunglasses at any age. “Sunglasses not only filter light and enhance contrast, improving your quality of vision, but they also reduce glare,” he explains. “Additionally, they protect the surface of your eyes, your eyelids, and the delicate skin around your eyes, which can help guard against skin cancer.”
However, while sunglasses offer crucial protection, they can only slow, not stop, the progression of cataracts. “Cataracts are a normal part of aging,” Dr. Guier explained. “Think of them like a rite of passage — we all get them eventually.”
Do You Need Special Cataract Sunglasses After Cataract Surgery?
“Immediately after cataract surgery, you may feel more light-sensitive. But you don’t need a specific type of sunglasses to help,” Dr. Guier said.
He explained that cataracts reduce the light that enters the eye. “Surgery is like cleaning the window. Your eyes get less obstructed, and your sight can seem much brighter. That’s because more light is reaching the back of your eye. For a short duration after surgery, you may feel more reliant on your sunglasses than before.”
This can feel like a big change for patients who were used to their old, clouded vision. “I ask my patients to give it six months after surgery, and by then, they will appreciate their new and improved sight,” Dr. Guier said.
What Are the Best Sunglasses After Cataract Surgery?
Dr. Guier says that people can wear any sunglasses after surgery, whether they choose a fashion statement or go for the lens that reduces the most glare. For people who are especially light-sensitive, he recommends mirror glass lenses.
“Mirrored sunglass lenses can reflect 30 percent extra sunlight, attenuating light in the brightest conditions” he explained. “Mirrored glass lenses make a lot of sense at the beach, golf course or when boating.”
According to Dr. Guier, the color of the lens makes a big difference as well. “A dark green or dark charcoal gray tint tends to reduce the light more than may be necessary,” he said. “The drawback for some people is that it is like a cloud obscuring the surroundings. You might only be able to appreciate those darker lenses from 10 am to 4 pm during our Florida summers.”
On the other hand, he said that a neutral brown, copper, or bronze color reduces glare without restricting as much light. These tints are more versatile. “So people can wear those brown colors in a variety of settings and for longer durations, say from 8 am to 6 pm.”
UV-Blocking Glasses After Cataract Surgery With the Light Adjustable Lens
Some of your friends or family members may have had cataract surgery with a new type of cataract lens implant called the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL). In that case, you may have heard them explain they needed to wear a special type of “sunglasses” after surgery, even sometimes while indoors.
The groundbreaking LAL technology allows patients to test drive their vision and customize their prescription after surgery, just like with glasses or contacts. This technology uses UV light to change the optics of the lens and how patients see, so that they can choose the best fit for their lifestyle.
“After surgery, we can change the lens prescription to better meet the patient’s needs and expectations,” said Dr. Guier. “Patients are actually directing how we make those changes.”
Because of the special UV-sensitive particles embedded within the LAL implant, patients are required to wear special UV filtration for a short duration after surgery, just until their lens therapy has been completed.
“It’s important to know these are not sunglasses — they’re not the same as your designer sunglasses. They are UV filters specifically tuned to prevent inadvertent changes to the lens during the treatment process,” Dr. Guier explained.
He said this is because there is plasticity in the LAL when patients go through treatment, which allows changes to be made. “Once everybody agrees that their vision is just right, we fix it in place. Until then, the UV filters eliminate any potential ambient UV light that could create a change in the lens that we don’t want. It’s protective.”
Patients receive two versions of the UV filters. One pair is tinted to reduce glare outside, and one is clear so patients can wear them in indoors or in low-light settings.
“Our LAL patients are mandated to wear these UV filters anytime they are outside, in a vehicle, or even if they are indoors and near a window until they complete their final ‘lock-in’ treatment,” Dr. Guier said. “After that, they can transition to any sunglasses or no sunglasses.”
Visit Florida’s Top Cataract Specialists
Whether you’re preparing for cataract surgery or planning for ongoing eye care, the cataract specialists at Florida Eye Specialists are here to help. Review our list of top questions to ask before cataract surgery, or schedule an appointment today for personalized care and expert advice.
Our ophthalmologists have years of training through medical school, residency, fellowship, and post-fellowship work. Many of them spent years as professors and surgeons at Mayo Clinic prior to joining our team as well.
With the help of our experienced team, your clear vision can be restored, and you’ll be back to doing the things that you love in no time.