Cataract Eye Surgery
THE MELBOURNE-BASED EYE SURGERY SPECIALISTS
Cataract Eye Surgery - What Are My Options?
There are a number of different treatment options for cataract surgery in Australia, depending on your personal circumstances.
Cataracts
What is Cataract Surgery?
The eye’s natural lens sits behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye) and is responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images on the retina. As we age, the lens becomes cloudy and light cannot pass clearly to the retina, making vision impaired.
Though cataract symptoms may appear slowly and painlessly, over time they grow and cloud more of the lens, progressively obstructing vision.
Symptoms 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
Cataract Diagnosis
Over half of those aged over 65 years have some degree of cataract development and an optometrist can easily detect them during a routine eye examination. If they are thought to be significant, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon for options on cataract eye surgery and other treatments.
Cataract assessment
A comprehensive eye exam is first performed to confirm whether you have a cataract or other eye disorder impacting your vision.
During the exam, we measure your visual acuity (your current level of vision), and examine the specific characteristics and density of any cataract. We also evaluate your retina and general ocular health. In the majority of cases, patients have an ultrasound scan (OCT – Optical Coherence Tomography) to check that the macula is healthy.
Prof. Noel Alpins and Dr Lana del Porto will then decide whether cataract eye surgery is the best option for your condition and its effect on your lifestyle.
Cataracts
Cataract Eye Surgery Treatments
Some cataract sufferers find improvement by wearing stronger glasses, using brighter lighting or magnifying lenses. However, ultimately the only treatment for cataracts is surgery, which involves the removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an implantable lens.
If you’d like more information about cataract surgery at NewVision Clinics and how it can transform your vision, call us now, or book online for an assessment.
LASIK Treatment
LASIK (Laser-Assisted-In-Situ-Keratomileusis) eye surgery is a safe and painless procedure.
Over 80% of patients having laser eye surgery will undergo this treatment, and over 35 million people have enjoyed its results worldwide. The result of our LASIK eye surgery Melbourne-wide is exceptional.
PRK Treatment
Prior to the development of LASIK, Photorefractive Keratectomy or PRK eye surgery was the first excimer laser procedure. It has undergone many advances and innovations since its introduction more than 30 years ago.
Prior to the treatment, the epithelial layer of the cornea is gently brushed away.
After treatment, a ‘bandage’ contact lens is placed onto the eye. The epithelium grows back within days but full healing takes longer to achieve. Excellent vision is expected within a month, although most patients can drive within 7 days and return to work in a week.
Treatments
How Do Our Cataract Eye Surgery Treatments Compare?
The total time of our cataract eye surgery to correct your vision is approximately between 15-20 minutes.
| LASIK Treatment | PRK Treatment |
|---|---|
| Prior to the treatment, a hinged flap on the cornea is created either with a laser or a microkeratome. | Prior to the treatment, the epithelial layer of the cornea is gently brushed away. |
| After treatment, the flap is replaced and the epithelium quickly repairs itself. Healing is rapid and excellent vision is reached within a few hours and you can return to work the following day. | After treatment, a ‘bandage’ contact lens is placed onto the eye. The epithelium grows back within days. |
| Healing is rapid. | Healing takes longer to achieve. |
| Excellent vision is reached within a few hours and you can return to work the following day. | Excellent vision is expected within a month although most patients can drive within 5 days and return to work in a week. |
FAQs
How do I pay for my cataract surgery?
It doesn’t matter whether you undergo laser eye surgery, cataract removal, or one of our other treatments, the payment methods are the same. You can pay for your surgery in Australia with a single payment or in instalments.
How long does laser cataract surgery take?
Small incision cataract surgery takes approximately 15 minutes, and you will be allowed to go home after a few hours.
How long is the recovery period after the surgery?
You will normally notice your vision has improved by the next day, however, full recovery may take between 2-4 weeks. Immediately after the cataract surgery, you may experience irritability, sensitivity and grit in your eyes. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drops will be prescribed to help with your recovery and infection prevention.