Small Incision Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision problems among adults 55 years of age and older. Cataract Surgery has advanced considerably over the past 20 years and is now performed on over 80,000 people each year in Australia. It is one of the most successful operations performed, allowing most patients to improve their vision by replacing the cloudy cataract with a new, clear, implantable lens.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract can be best described as clouding of the natural lens of the eye. The lens is responsible for focussing light and producing clear, sharper images on the retina. Over time, as cataracts cloud the lens, the vision becomes impaired and light cannot pass clearly to the retina. Over half of those aged over 65 years have some degree of cataract development and this is easily detected with routine eye examinations.

The symptoms of cataract include:

• Blurred or fuzzy vision

• Sensitivity to light and glare (especially when driving at night)

• Increased nearsightedness, requiring frequent changes in the spectacle prescription

• Dulled colour perception

Presently, there are no medical treatments, drops or laser eye surgery available to prevent or reverse cataracts. The only treatment for cataracts is their surgical removal and replacement with an implantable lens matched to the optical requirements of the eye.

Modern Small Incision Cataract Surgery

Melbourne eye surgeon, Dr Noel Alpins of NewVision Laser Eye Clinics performs cataract surgery each week at Mentone (formerly Como) Private Hospital in Parkdale and at The Avenue Private Hospital in Windsor. Cataract surgery patients are only required to attend for the day and their vision begins to improve almost immediately after small incision cataract procedure. If preferred an overnight stay can be arranged.

Small incision cataract surgery is performed under local anaesthetic and a sedative is given to help you relax. An anaesthetist will be present to monitor your comfort.

The technique of phacoemulsification is used to remove your cataract. Dr Alpins introduced this modern, microsurgical technique to Victoria in 1987 and since that time many other eye surgeons have learned from him during his fifteen years of experience. The phacoemulsification technique uses ultrasound to dissolve the cataract allowing a much smaller incision to be made than was possible using previous methods. This enables a quicker recovery of your eyesight. To hasten vision recovery further "no stitch" surgery is utilised.

The small incision will be placed at the optimal position to improve the visual result of the eye by reducing or eliminating any existing astigmatism at the time of surgery. The intra-ocular plastic lens is placed in the natural position of the human lens and restores your vision without the need for thick glasses afterwards.

Once out of the operating suite you will be monitored by nursing staff to make sure that you are comfortable. In most cases an eye patch is not required - enabling you to start using the eye almost immediately after surgery. It is unlikely that you will experience discomfort.

Consultations and Pre-operative Tests

Dr Alpins and his staff will conduct a thorough eye examination on your eyes in order to determine whether a cataract or other eye disorder may be affecting your vision.

During the examination your visual acuity is measured to determine your current level of vision. A slit lamp is then used to look at your eye to examine the specific characteristics and density of the cataract. An evaluation is also made of your retina and general ocular health.

The decision to operate is reached by you and Dr Alpins together. The decision is based on the degree to which the cataract is impairing your vision and the effect this has on your lifestyle and individual needs.

Prior to small incision cataract surgery an ultrasound test will be carried out to determine the power of the lens implant required to replace your natural lens - and avoid the need for distance glasses after the procedure.

Please contact us at NewVision Laser Eye Clinics if you wish to receive more information or make an appointment to assess your suitability for cataract surgery and lens implantation.