Why do we not need eyeglasses after cataract surgery even with no reading glasses?

Cataract surgery is essentially the removal of the old, hardened and discolored natural lens so as to replace it with a new, clear artificial lens implant. Since the ocular surgeon is already there, so to speak, it is possible to use a lens implant with a different "prescription" than the original natural lens. These can be selected in advance to also neutralize any pre-existing nearsightedness. The newest technology lens implants can even correct astigmatism and presbyopia (needing reading glasses).

_Written by J. Trevor Woodhams, M.D. - Chief of Surgery, Woodhams Eye Clinic