Cataract surgery and color vision

[JanR]

Have any of you who’ve had cataract surgery found your color vision being distorted?

It happened to my dad after he had his cataracts removed. He had a hunter green chair – which is a rich, bright green – that turned turquoise after the surgery.

I may soon need to have mine removed, and I don’t want colors to start looking untrue. Does this happen often? How many here are experiencing it?

 

[BartholomewB]

On the contrary, I was pleasantly surprised to find how much brighter colors became after the operation. I hadn’t realized how faded they had become with my cataracts. Blue, in particular, improved greatly.

 

[Beryllos]

I may soon need to have mine removed, and I don’t want colors to start looking untrue.

Talk with the eye surgeon about it. Some patients report color vision changes upon cataract surgery. Replacement lenses come in different tints, for medical or other reasons. Also note that the eye’s natural lens acquires a tint (yellow or brown) with age, so one may notice a change in color vision when it is replaced with a clear lens.

 

[BartholomewB]

Also note that the eye’s natural lens acquires a tint (yellow or brown) with age, so one may notice a change in color vision when it is replaced with a clear lens.

That was what had happened my case, I think.

 

[GEddie]

Earlier forms of cataract surgery allowed UV light into the eye. Patients became able to see UV patterns on insects, plants, etc., that human eyes are normally blind to.

It seems that our eyes naturally filter out UV because it can damage the retina, so currently, an artificial UV filter is installed to restore that function.

I’d imagine that if the light spectrum expands due to cataract surgery, that how each color is perceived would also change to an extent.

ICXC NIKA

 

[DaveBj]

On the contrary, I was pleasantly surprised to find how much brighter colors became after the operation. I hadn’t realized how faded they had become with my cataracts. Blue, in particular, improved greatly.

My wife had the same experience. She was delighted.

D

 

[JanR]

Well, then, I’m going to definitely insist on a clear lens, and if the surgeon refuses and insists on a tinted one, I shall simply bow out until I can find one who will respect my wishes. I shouldn’t have any problem, though, if the same ophthalmologist I’ve been seeing, and like, will also be the one doing the surgery. He is very respectful, and if anyone would understand my concern, he would.

 

[Beryllos]

Well, then, I’m going to definitely insist on a clear lens, and if the surgeon refuses and insists on a tinted one…

Proceed carefully! Rather than insisting, based on what you’ve read here, you should endeavor to be informed about the options and how they may appear to you. From what little I’ve read, the problem may be “clear” lenses, which let in more blue than what patients are accustomed to. The “tinting” which I wrote of earlier tends to reduce the blue, which some patients prefer.

I would suggest that you find out what lens (brand and model) your dad got. With that information, his doctor or yours might be able to explain why he is seeing more bluish colors, and hopefully help you to select a lens that is more satisfactory for yourself.

 

[JanR]

Thank you.

My dad has been long deceased, and I have no idea who his eye doctor was.

I’m sure I can get all the information I need by consulting my eye doctor, who is very knowledgeable and communicates well. I shall tell him that I want the end result to be that I can see all colors true and natural, with no distortions, no off-shades caused by a new lens. He should know what to recommend for achieving that. If a clear lens won’t do it, then whatever type will is what I would go for.

Now, it may not be possible, with any artificial lens, to see all colors true and natural – or it may be possible, indeed. That would be the result I would want.

I do like this ophthalmologist – I’ve been going to him for a long time. So, I shall tell him what I want and see what he can do for me.

Thanks for the info. I didn’t realize a clear lens might not be the best option. I figured clear is clear.