Mary River Eye Specialists

Cataract Surgery

cataract1

A Guide to Cataracts

A cataract is a condition whereby your eye’s clear lens gets blurry, consequently compromising your vision. Inside of a structure that is referred to as the lens capsule, this lens is shoved up behind the pupil. Cataracts restrict the passage of light through the eye, subsequently decreasing vision. The clouding may alter the focal point of the eye, leading to further visual disturbance. Generally, treatment for this medical condition involves a cataract surgical removal.

Available treatments for cataracts

The most practical treatment for curing cataracts is cataract surgery in Hervey Bay. The procedure requires making minor incisions close to the lens capsule. Through these incisions, the hazy lens is emulsified using ultrasound technology and then carefully removed. Henceforth, a clear, synthetic intraocular lens (IOL) is infused into the capsule. This replacement lens is tailored to each patient’s vision requirements based on precise pre-surgical measurements of the eye, guaranteeing the rehabilitation of precise vision.

Explore a visual demonstration of cataract surgery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JOcoW-nh_k&t=1s

What will I experience during cataract surgery?

We use a local anaesthetic on your eye before cataract surgery to guarantee you won’t feel any pain during the process. You may experience some motion or pressure, but this will not cause discomfort. We will also administer sedation medication to help you relax, putting you in a “twilight” state where you will remain awake but calm. Because you won’t see the surgical tools, the procedure is minimally intrusive.

Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?

If you require glasses after cataract surgery, trust the type of artificial lens implant used. There are four main options available:

Option 1: Install a monofocal artificial lens implant in both eyes.

The traditional method applies to inserting monofocal lenses to offer excellent vision at a distance. This option is perfect for individuals who wish to see plainly at far reaches without glasses but are comfortable wearing glasses for near tasks like reading or using a computer.

Option 2: Multifocal artificial lens implant in both eyes.

Multifocal lenses permit clear vision at different distances—near, intermediate, and far. They are the chosen choice for multiple who desire freedom from glasses, as they provide vision for activities like driving, using a computer, or reading books. However, in some cases, people may notice halos around lights, particularly at night. While this effect is usually mild, in rare instances (around 1 in 200), it may be bothersome enough to require the removal of the lenses.

Option 3: Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lens implants.

EDOF lenses deliver clear distance vision, perfect for driving or watching TV, as well as intermediate vision for tasks like working on a computer. You may also achieve some near vision for reading, but reading very small print may still require glasses, especially in dim lighting. EDOF lenses offer a rare chance of seeing halos, making them a suitable choice for many people.

Option 4: "Blended vision" or "monovision."

Combined vision corrects one eye for distance and the other for near vision. After cataract surgery, this setup reduces the need for glasses, enabling the performance of most daily activities without them. However, reading fine print or night driving may still require the use of glasses. Since one eye focuses on near vision and the other for distance, it may take your brain a few months to adjust fully to this type of vision.

If you are considering cataract surgery in Hervey Bay, it’s essential to consult with a skilled specialist to consider your lens options. If you opt for cataract eye surgery in Hervey Bay or seek information on the Australia cataract eye surgery cost, understanding these options will help you make the best determination for your lifestyle.

How long does cataract surgery take?

With modern technology and techniques, cataract surgery is usually performed in around 20 minutes.  The total time that patients spend at the hospital is approximately 4 hours which includes time for eye drops to dilate the pupil, time to give the anaesthetic, the surgery itself and time to recover from the anaesthetic.  

How long after cataract surgery can you drive?

After your surgery you will have a post-operative appointment within a few days of your surgery.  At that stage we can advise you whether you can drive or not.  As a rule, you can return to driving within a few days after surgery.

What is the after care for cataract surgery?

After surgery, eye drops are usually required for 4 weeks. These drops help the eye settle down and recover after surgery.

A dressing is placed on the eye immediately after the surgery. This is usually removed the morning after the surgery at the latest.

It is important not to swim for 1 month after cataract surgery. Light excercise is ok after surgery but bending and heavy lifting is best avoided for 2 weeks after cataract surgery.

What do I experience during cataract surgery? Do I feel pain?

No pain is felt during the surgery.  You will be given sedation to relax you and put you in a “twilight” state.  The eye is numbed so no pain is felt.  You do not see anything coming towards the eye during surgery. 

Can I see a video of cataract surgery?

You can see a video of cataract surgery here.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JOcoW-nh_k&t=1s

Where is the cataract surgery performed?

In Brisbane, our surgeons operate at EyeTech Day Surgery in Upper Mt Gravatt.
https://curagroup.com.au/hospital/eye-tech-day-surgeries-southside/
In Hervey Bay, we operate at the Hervey Bay Surgical Hospital.https://www.hbsurgical.com
Patients spend approximately 4 hours at the hospital on the day of surgery.  This time includes the time required for eye drops to dilate the pupil, the anaesthetic, the surgery and the recovery from anaesthetic.

How much does cataract surgery cost?

The cost of cataract surgery in Brisbane and Hervey Bay depends on whether you have private health insurance that covers cataract surgery.

If you have health insurance, our surgeons offer “no gap” cataract for monofocal lens implants. For premium lenses, such as multifocal and extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses, there is usually an out-of-pocket cost of up to $500 per eye.

If you don’t have health insurance, the total out-of-pocket expense for cataract surgery is $2400 for a monofocal lens and $3600 for an extended depth of focus (EDOF) or multifocal lens. This fee is per eye and includes the hospital fee, lens fee, surgeon fee and anaesthetist fee.

Can I have cataract surgery if I don’t have private health insurance?

Yes.  At Vision for Life Institute, our Doctors routinely perform cataract surgery for uninsured patients.