Cataract Surgery Brisbane
Cataract treatment guided by clinical assessment.
Understanding Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a common treatment for cataracts. Using careful techniques, the clouded natural lens inside the eye may be removed and then replaced with a clear artificial lens.
As your local ophthalmologist in Brisbane, our team is here to help you understand what treatment may involve, how it works, and what to expect. If you are considering treatment, you are welcome to contact our team for further details.
Why Cataract Surgery is Performed
Cataract surgery is used to help address cataracts. These occur when the eye’s lens, which is normally clear, becomes opaque. This lens is located inside the eye behind the pupil, where it sits in the lens bag.
A cataract causes blurred vision by blocking light as it travels through the eye. It may also shift the eye’s focal point, further blurring vision. Cataract removal surgery is often required when the cataract progresses, and symptoms interfere with daily vision.
How May Cataract Surgery Help?
Cataract surgery is a form of lens replacement surgery. By carefully removing the cataract and replacing it with an artificial lens, vision clarity may improve.
Many patients experience clear vision soon after surgery. However, recovery time and visual outcomes vary between individuals. Furthermore, once the cloudy lens has been removed, the cataract itself does not return.
Are cataracts affecting your vision?
Our team is here to assess your condition and discuss treatment options.
Cataract Procedure and Surgical Steps
Cataract surgery is the only proven treatment for cataracts. The procedure is carefully performed using controlled and advanced cataract surgery techniques.
1. Preoperative Eye Measurements
Highly precise measurements are taken of the eye before surgery to determine the exact lens strength for your eye.
2. Accessing the Lens Bag
Through microincisions, an opening is created in the lens bag.
3. Ultrasound Lens Removal
The opaque lens is then broken into small fragments with ultrasound and removed from the eye.
4. Artificial Lens Implantation
Next, a transparent artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted into the lens bag. The focusing power of each lens implant is specific to each eye.
Questions About Cataract Surgery
Want to learn more about cataracts? Simply reach out to our experienced team today.
What will I experience during cataract surgery?
At Vision for Life Institute, we understand that the thought of eye surgery can make us feel nervous. This is why we use modern anaesthetics to help manage discomfort and pain during the procedure.
Prior to cataract surgery, a local anaesthetic is applied to the eye. You may feel movement and sometimes some pressure. You may also be given medication to relax you (sedation), so you are in a ‘twilight,’ but you will be awake.
You should not be able to see any of the operating instruments used during cataract surgery.
Will I need glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery?
Whether or not you may need contact lenses or a glasses prescription after cataract surgery will likely depend on the type of artificial lens implant used.
There are four options:
Option 1: Monofocal Artificial Lens Implant in Both Eyes
The traditional approach has been to insert lens implants, which offer excellent distance vision in both eyes. It is a very good option for those who are happy to wear glasses for near (e.g. reading) and intermediate distance (e.g. using computers, reading the dashboard of a car).
Option 2: Multifocal Artificial Lens Implant in Both Eyes
Multifocal intraocular lenses offer excellent vision for objects at all distances. They offer excellent distance vision, intermediate vision, and near vision. They are the lens type that are most likely to result in spectacle independence.
In some people, multifocal lenses may result in haloes around lights, which are most commonly noticed when driving at night. Usually, these are very mild. However, in some cases, haloes may be very troubling, to the point that these lenses need to be removed.
Option 3: Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) Lens Implants
EDOF lenses offer not only excellent distance vision without glasses, but also excellent intermediate distance vision. EDOF lenses also provide some near vision, though glasses are still required for reading small print, particularly in low-light conditions.
Although the near vision provided by EDOF lenses is not quite as good as that provided by multifocal lenses, it is very rare for patients to notice haloes.
Option 4: ‘Blended Vision’ or ‘Monovision’
With blended vision, artificial lens implants are inserted. This may result in one eye being focused for distance and the other eye being focused for near.
Blended vision significantly reduces the need to wear glasses after cataract surgery. It usually allows people to be glasses-free for most daily activities. Patients may still require glasses for reading very fine print and/or for driving at night. Because one eye is focused for distance and the other for near, it may take the brain a few months to fully adapt to blended vision.
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 four hours. This 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 may advise you whether you can drive or not. As a rule, you may return to driving within a few days after surgery.
What is the aftercare for cataract surgery?
After surgery, prescribed eye drops are usually required for four weeks. These drops aim to help the eye settle down and recover after surgery.
A dressing is also 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 one month after cataract surgery. Light exercise is okay after cataract surgery, but bending and heavy lifting should be avoided for two weeks.
Where is the cataract surgery performed?
In Brisbane, our surgeons operate at Mt Gravatt Private Hospital in Upper Mt Gravatt. In Hervey Bay, we operate at the Hervey Bay Surgical Hospital.
How much does cataract surgery cost?
The cost of cataract surgery may vary depending on whether you have private health insurance and the type of lens you choose.
If you have private health cover, many people are able to have their cataract surgery with a standard (monofocal) lens at no out-of-pocket cost. If you decide on a premium lens option, such as multifocal or extended depth of focus (EDOF), there may be a smaller out-of-pocket expense.
If you don’t have private health insurance, there are package fees that include the hospital, surgeon, anaesthetist, and lens costs. These fees will differ depending on the type of lens chosen.
Please note: surgeries performed in Hervey Bay may include a rural/remote surcharge.
Can I have cataract surgery if I don’t have private health insurance?
Yes. At Vision for Life Institute, our team routinely performs cataract surgery for uninsured patients.
How long do I have to wait for my cataract surgery?
At Vision for Life Institute, we are usually able to perform your surgery within two weeks from the time you contact us. There is no ‘waiting list’.
We can offer all patients, whether insured or uninsured, rapid access to surgery so they may improve their vision and get on with their lives.
Contact us to book a consultation with one of our experienced ophthalmologists today.
Can I see a video of cataract surgery?
You can see a video of cataract surgery here.
The Vision for Life Institute Difference
A Range of Treatments
Our team manages a broad range of adult eye diseases and conditions, supported by extensive clinical experience.
Decades of Experience
Our team has over 25 years of combined experience and is committed to continuous learning.
Ideally Located
We are proud to support our local Brisbane community with accessible, world-class eye care.
Reach out for Cataract Surgery in Brisbane
Evidence-based cataract treatment is available at Vision for Life Institute. As experienced cataract surgeons, our team may assess your condition and arrange appropriate care where needed. Contact our team today to arrange an initial consultation.