The Best Glasses (& Sunglasses) for Cataracts

Although glasses and sunglasses cannot cure or treat cataracts, there are glasses that can correct blurred vision and other vision problems that are caused by the presence of cataracts. 

For those who would like to put off or temporarily avoid surgery, glasses may be an avenue to see as clearly as possible until cataract surgery becomes more necessary. Some individuals who have undergone cataract surgery also wear glasses and sunglasses that provide advanced protection in the same way that cataract glasses and sunglasses do.

Types of Cataract Glasses

There are a variety of types of cataract glasses that can be worn either during the daytime or nighttime for best results. The aim of cataract glasses is to correct vision problems while also providing advanced protection from harmful UV rays, which worsen cataracts and can also play a role in cataract development.

Not to be confused with cataract lenses that are implanted into the eye during surgery to replace the clouded natural lens, sunglasses and glasses can be worn and taken off, providing flexibility for wearers. While artificial lens implants used after cataract extraction are permanent treatment options, individuals can interchange different types of glasses for specific needs, so long as the glasses in question do not compromise or jeopardize vision quality.

Cataract glasses can offer the following:

Ultraviolet Protection

UV rays have been shown to cause damage to proteins in the eye lens (a process called glycation). This can result in the development of cataracts or worsen existing cataracts. UV light causes oxidative reactions/stress in the same way that oxygen does. 

Glasses and sunglasses that offer advanced ultraviolet protection often provide 99 to 100 percent UV protection (UVA and UVB) and/or 100 percent protection against UV 400. 

Anti-Reflective

Many patients who have cataracts have a sensitivity to light, in which case anti-reflective lenses can be tremendously beneficial. These lenses feature technology that helps to prevent excess light from entering the eye. Anti-reflective glasses assist in combating discomfort from invasive lights.

Blue Light Blocking

In this day and age, eye strain is a pervasive problem, even for individuals who have clear vision. Blue light glasses help to reduce exposure to blue light that emits from smart devices, laptops, and televisions. Blue light glasses may reduce screen fatigue and digital eye strain, making them a popular choice for professionals.

Blue light protection may be helpful for those with cataracts for lessening discomfort and helping to reduce the harmful effects of digital eye strain. Though there is some controversy around their efficacy, blue light glasses have been shown to potentially promote restful sleep and reduce migraines that result from too much screen time. 

Polarization

Glare can often be a problem for people who have cataracts. Polarization is a treatment for the lens that helps to reduce intense glare, which is often experienced while driving, as light is projected from surfaces like pavement and water. 

Polarized lenses and sunglasses are often beneficial for active individuals. They can be useful in everyday activities such as driving.

Daytime Glasses

There are certain kinds of glasses that can be worn throughout the day. Blue light glasses can be considered daytime glasses and so can sunglasses that offer UV protection during daylight hours. 

Individuals with cataracts often invest in glasses that they can wear at work or the office as well as glasses that can be worn when being active outside.

Nighttime Glasses

Glasses that are worn at night are often more geared toward driving in the dark. There are clear sight driving glasses available that can help to reduce the blinding glare from oncoming headlights and streetlights, providing individuals with clear and optimal vision.

Looking for the Best LASIK Near You?

Find a LASIK Surgeon

Cataract Glasses Features Breakdown

Many cataract glasses and sunglasses have the following features:

• Polycarbonate lenses 
• Scratch-resistant frames 
• Advanced ventilation
• Fog-resistant
• Solar ray protection (up to UV 400)
• Molded engineering, rendering lens and frame independent of each other
• Measured nose bridge support for comfort and stability 

Cataract glasses and sunglasses also come in a variety of styles. Wrap-around and fit-over sunglasses can be worn over prescription glasses. Those who seek more stylish options can select from aviator-style sunglasses and polarized night vision glasses. 

What Are the Best Cataract Glasses?

Choosing the best cataract glasses and sunglasses comes down to style preferences, functionality, and underlying vision problems that the glasses in question are meant to address.

Those looking for a more budget-friendly option might choose Optix 55 Wraparound Night Driving Glasses to reduce headlight glare and improve vision clarity while driving or operating machinery.

LensCovers offers polarized wraparound sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection. LensCovers provides cataract glasses in a wide variety of colors and sizes.

Yodo provides fit-over glasses that are rated highly for cataracts and also worn by athletes. Many of these styles are polarized in addition to offering 100% UV protection. Yodo glasses also come in a variety of styles designed to block light from entering your peripherals.

Ray-Ban also makes smart glasses in the Wayfarer style that have various technological features as well as a high-bridge fit. Various lenses are available offering different levels of UV ray protection. 

How to Get Cataract Glasses or Sunglasses

When you have cataracts, eye protection becomes more of a necessity than an accessory. Cataract glasses and sunglasses can be purchased online or from retailers and boutiques directly for those who would like to try on their glasses in person.

Make sure to consult with an eye doctor in order to obtain a good idea of where your vision is and what needs to be addressed. Your eye doctor can recommend brands and styles of glasses that suit your needs, your condition, and your lifestyle.

Once you get your first pair of cataract glasses or sunglasses, and you discover the features that you most need and enjoy, you can purchase glasses for specific times of day and specific activities as well as cataract glasses for everyday use. 

Wearing glasses to correct vision problems related to cataracts is not a sustainable solution, as vision problems related to cataracts will continue to worsen over time. Eventually, as cataracts worsen, surgery will be needed to regain and maintain clear vision.

References

1. Real-World Visual Outcomes of Cataract Surgery Based on Population-Based Studies: A Systematic Review. (April 2022). British Journal of Ophthalmology.

2. Association Between Cataract Extraction and Development of Dementia. (December 2021). JAMA Internal Medicine.

3. Can Blue Light-Blocking Glasses Improve Your Sleep? (October 2021). Harvard Health Publishing.

4. Relationship Between Practices of Eye Protection Against Solar Ultraviolet Radiation and Cataract in a Rural Area. (July 2021). PLOS ONE.