ldhflyguy Loc: near Chicago

I just found out I will need cataract surgery (new lenses) for both my eyes. I don't visit the surgeon for consultation for about 1 month. I'm concerned that the lens replacements will affect my photography regarding camera viewfinders. I'm hoping to hear from HH members that have already had this experience and still use their cameras. I have two questions:
1. Will I still be able to read the numbers/symbols in my DSLR camera viewfinder?

I've been hoping to switch to mirrorless cameras. I haven't looked through the viewfinder of a mirrorless camera. I'm thinking mirrorless camera viewfinders work like miniature video screens.
2. Will I be able to use mirrorless camera viewfinders, particularly in terms of reading their numbers/symbols?

Thank you for helping me.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

You should be able to adjust the diopter control on the viewfinder to allow you to see the viewfinder image and viewfinder display just fine, whether you are using a DSLR or a mirrorless camera. Should be true no matter what you decide about vision correction format, because the correction dial works on both sides of "normal." Just make sure that whatever camera you buy (or are using) has such a correction option. If you have your shooting eye set up for distant vision, you should be OK in any case, whether you have the adjustment or not.

Nitroclimber Loc: Nebraska

I had cataract surgery and presently use a mirrorless and a DSLR camera (Sony RX10 iii & Canon 5D Mark iii). I can easily read numbers/symbols in both cameras. My cataract lens are for distance. Some folk with distance/close and others have close. I personally prefer distance and wear glasses for close up like reading, but do not wear glasses when photographing. I use manual and auto-focus depending upon the situation. Any pictures that I have posted in the last two years have been taken post-cataract surgery.

In summary, I don't believe you will have problems with numbers/symbols nor focusing.

I agree with the previous post that you can adjust your view on the camera to match your eye sight!

DrDon Loc: Hingham, Ma

There will be no effect on your view except you may not need glasses.Don’t worry you will find much improvement.

MFTVGirl Loc: Baltimore, MD

Although I can't speak to mirrorless specifically, you may want to check into upgraded lens implants. Several years ago I got the Restore lens implant, which corrects for both distance and close-up. My distance vision is 20/20 and my reading is even better than that, with no glasses/contacts at all. It does add to the cost, as insurance will pay for the basic implant that corrects for either distance or reading, but it may be worth it. Mainly, it would be best to discuss with your doctor what is important to you regarding your vision. They probsbly have lots of choices for implants now; hopefully they've even come down in price. Best of luck, and I hope your new vision turns out to be wonderful!

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

From what I understand, from a friend who just had cataract surgery, one chooses the distance they want to be able to see without glasses, close or far. That's the lens they use for replacement. Glasses are required for the other. That's presents an issue. But, there is a solution.

I wear glasses and they are progressive lenses. So, I can read at close distance and see well at far distances. Some cameras I look through and some I look at. So, my problem of having to switch glasses was solved. I suggested the same solution to my friend and their glasses are progressive, as well. Plain glass for close up and prescription for distance. You're probably looking at something similar.
--Bob

fehutch Loc: gulfport, ms

Having had both eyes done years ago, I have found that implants are best that require spectacles for reading - not for distances. Sunglasses only for walking around, glasses for lcd screens, and viewfinder diopter adjustment to accommodate “no specs” direct eye viewing. Hope that helps.

wetreed

I just had my cataracts removed and lasik surgery. I had trouble after the first eye, after the second every came together. I no longer have to wear glasses when using my camera. I did not even have to adjust the view finder. The important thing to remember is to give yourself a couple of weeks to adjust. In the end you will definitely see better without the cataracts.

JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington

I use an Olympus EM1 MK II mirrorless camera and had cataract surgery on both eyes in Oct, 2020. I had lenses inserted to give me optimum distance vision, knowing I would need other glasses for reading and computer work.

The LCD screen on my camera is very readable without glasses and I can see the data in the electronic viewfinder just fine. I do occasionally put my glasses on to check settings but generally do not need the glasses to operate the camera.

amkras Loc: NY

You will get all kinds of responses here based on individual experiences. I just had both eye done in March. The second one was just 2 weeks ago. The type of lens appropriate for you will be based on the pathology of your eyes and whether there is any astigmatism, glaucoma or macular disease. I had Toric lens implanted to correct astigmatism and distance. For assorted reasons, multifocal lens were not an option for me.

I use drug store reading glasses now and in May when my eyes have totally healed I will be fitted for progressive glasses to cover intermediate and close up. The top will be clear since that vision is now normal.I may not even wear them all the time but it will make computer work and reading easier.

I adjusted the diopter of my cameras and can see perfectly through the viewfinder. All my cameras are mirrorless and until I get glasses I cannot see the LCD screen clearly. I do not wear the readers while out and about taking pictures.

Both times I was out driving and taking pictures within 2-3 days. Absolutely no discomfort with either eye both during and after. The procedure goes quite quickly.

Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

GrannyAnnie

I was just diagnosed with a cataract that needs surgery. My husband had both eyes done several years ago and opted to pay the extra money for the upgraded lens. Since that time, my doctor told me there are several newer lens versions available, each with plusses and minuses. Discuss this with your doctor to make the decision that is best for you. Whatever you choose, you shouldn't have a problem with your camera. I shoot with both an older Nikon and an Olympus 4/3 and the diopter adjustment has been a great aid. Best wishes for a clearer view of the world!

kufengler Loc: Meridian, Idaho 83646

I've had cataract surgery done back in my mid 40's, I'm 72 now, and it's worked out well. One eye, right, has a lens for distance the left for close up, about laptop distance. I've gotten along great without glasses since then. Got my license renew a year ago. (Eye test) I don't have any issues viewing through the viewfinder or display.
I do wear glasses that balances out my eyes when reading a book or extended TV watching. Those are progressive lenses, but for most of the time I don't wear them.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

I had cataract surgery in 2007. Opted for distance vision in both eyes. I still wear glasses for astigmatism correction & reading. I switched from an Alpha 850 to A7RIII in 2019 and have seen no problem with the EVF & LCD panel with or without my glasses. The biggest problem is with polarized sunglasses especially when using a polarizing filter.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

See this thread.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-663648-1.html

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Viewfinders show what will be photographed with a view for normal eyesight at distance. In that respect, DSLR and mirrorless viewfinders are the same. If you get lenses that are properly selected, that is what you should get from the surgery. I needed glasses for distance before the surgery. While I was supposed to have lenses that focused for distance, they were off and I needed glasses after the surgery as well. Since I am old enough that my eyes don't adjust focus for closer distances, I wore progressive lenses before and had no problem wearing them after. Now, years later, my eyes have changed and without glassed my eyes focus about perfect for reading, not distance.