Cataract Surgery

Beyond the fifth decade of life, many of us will start to experience the cloudy vision that’s caused by cataracts.  Cataracts related to ageing are the most common type, but cataracts can also result from hereditary factors, diseases (such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism) medications (such as long term use of steroids) or injury.

The good news is that cataract surgery is both safe and effective.  With the help of a replacement lens, it is possible to regain the vision quality you had prior to cataracts.

Understanding cataracts

As we grow older, the eye’s natural lens can stiffen, harden and begin losing it clarity, forming a cataract. Your vision appears as though you are looking through a “frosted” window, as light cannot be properly focused on the retina (back of the eye), resulting in an unclear image.

Symptoms of a cataract include:

• Cloudy or blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Poor night vision
• Dull or faded colour
• Frequent changes in glasses prescription, not providing clear vision

About cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is a safe, effective way to improve your vision.  Cataract surgery is a microsurgery,  a tiny incision (3mm) is made on the side of the cornea. Through this insertion the doctor inserts a tiny probe, using high frequency sound waves (phacoemulsification)  the cataract is broken up & removed from the eye via the fine probe. The membrane that surrounds the natural lens of the eye is left intact. This membrane (capsular bag) provides support for the new, intraocular lens (IOL).The IOL is made of plastic, silicone or acrylic. The IOL is folded and inserted through the same micro- incision, it unfolds in the eye into its permanent position. Because of the size and location of the incision, stitches are rarely needed, and the eye heals rapidly.

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) were invented in 1949 and have been routinely used in modern cataract surgery for over 30 years.

Historically cataract surgery involved implanting a monofocal (“standard”) IOL and aiming to allow you to be in focus for things in the distance. With a monofocal IOL reading spectacles are required after cataract surgery in order to see clearer to read.

While a number of people undergoing cataract surgery are happy to wear reading glasses after cataract surgery, there are IOL options that can reduce or even eliminate the need to wear glasses for near visual tasks.

No single lens works best for everyone. After consultation and discussion with Dr Kent or Dr Bedggood the right course of treatment and appropriate lens for you will be determined.

Reducing spectacle independance after cataract surgery

Achieving spectacle independence or reducing spectacle dependence is a goal for many people undergoing cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange.

There are three methods of reducing dependence on near vision spectacles after cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange with intraocular lenses (IOLs). These are:

• Monovision with monofocal or toric IOLs
• Multifocal IOLs
• Accommodating IOLs (the Crystalens and other future options)
  
  

	Affiliated provider benefit to Cataract Patients
	- no need for prior approval
	- no money up front for surgery
	- Southern Cross pays us directly