CATARACT SURGERY

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract Surgery involves removing the clouded lens (cataract) and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. 

The artificial lens called an Intraocular Lens or Lens Implant, is positioned in the same place as your natural lens. It remains a permanent part of your eye.

Over 98% of Cataract surgeries are successful and is one of the most successful operations in the world.

Types Of Intraocular Lens Implants

There are many different types of lens implants available for cataract patients.

Monofocal Intraocular Lens
The traditional lens implant is a mono-focal intraocular lens, which can be used to correct a certain range of vision (usually the distance vision for driving).

Multifocal Lens
These lens implants may correct different portions of your vision, which include:
  • Distance,
  • Intermediate (computer) and
  • Near (reading) vision.
These implants may help to reduce the need for spectacles after Cataract Surgery, however, they are not suitable for all individuals.

Toric Lens
Toric lens implants can be used to correct Astigmatism and decrease the dependence on spectacles. 

Your ophthalmologist will help you to choose the most suitable lens implant based on your needs and lifestyle. It is essential to appreciate that spectacles may still be required to provide the sharpest focus in certain conditions despite the most suitable implants chosen.

Preparing For Cataract Surgery

Before Cataract Surgery is performed, you may be required to,

Procedure for Cataract Surgery

The procedure is quick, pain-free, and performed in a day surgery on an outpatient basis. Patients will spend approximately three hours at a day surgery. 

The latest Cataract Surgery comprises of advanced phacoemulsification (ie ultrasound). This involves the eye's internal lens being emulsified with an ultrasonic handpiece and removed from the eye. 

This process can be combined with micro-incision called Femtosecond Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery.

Five Stage Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery is performed in five stages, these are:
  1. The operated eye will be completely anaesthetised by an anaesthetic specialist,
  2. A small incision on the cornea is made to allow access and removal of the opaque lens,
  3. The cataract will be broken into small pieces with an ultrasound probe (phacoemulsification) and removed,
  4. After the cataract is removed, a foldable intraocular lens is then implanted into the eye for focusing light,
  5. Finally, the eye will be patched and the incision is then allowed to seal with the eye's natural mechanisms and you may return home. There are usually no stitches involved.

Post Cataract Procedure

Recovery is rapid and patients usually do not report any discomfort during or after surgery.

You will not be able to drive after the procedure, so you should have someone ready to take you home. You may also have to arrange for temporary home assistance.

Cataract Surgery Recovery

Post-operative eye care and wound-healing are important factors in your Cataract Surgery’s success.

Your ophthalmologist will check your eye on the following day after surgery.
  • You will be instructed to use eye drops for one month.
  • Depending on the severity of your cataract, your vision will clear in a couple of days or may take a few weeks.
  • It is essential to understand that even if visual recovery is slower, the final visual outcome will still be the same.

Risks With Cataract Surgery

Some complications can include
Rare complications such as infection (endophthalmitis) or bleeding Vitreous Haemorrhage can also arise.

All of these complications are rare but, can lead to significant vision loss. Thus, close follow-up is required after surgery. These complications can all be treated.

Treatment Process

Preparation for Surgery

  • Provide a complete list of your medications so you can be advises which to stopped prior to surgery,
  • Treat any tooth, gum, bladder or bowel problems before surgery to reduce the risk of infection
  • Stop anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) at least seven days before the procedure.
  • Stop or cut down smoking to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery
  • Consider losing weight (if overweight) before surgery

Day of Surgery

  • Report any infections to me prior to surgery as the procedure cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.
  • Do not consume alcohol - 24 hours prior to treatment,
  • Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for 6 hours before surgery
  • Avoid vigorous physical activity or exercise 24 hours prior to surgery,

During Surgery

  • Administration of general anesthesia or sedation and local anesthesia
  • The entire procedure can take 60 minutes to two hours.
  • Procedure is performed and sent to recovery room, for observation
  • Pain medications are prescribed to help with pain during the recovery phase. 

After Surgery

  • Do not consume large amounts of alcohol after surgery,
  • Avoid vigorous physical activity or exercise until advised,
  • Follow the Post Surgery Treatment Plan proscribed by the surgeon and post op care specialists.
  • Any questions or complications should be communicated directly to the surgeon

Common Questions

If you have a specific question about your treatment, we recommend contacting the practice.
  • Hospital Discharge?

    The patient is then discharged from the hospital in a day or two after the procedure. 


    Patients are advised on the steps to keep the wound dry and clean and on scar management.


    The patient is advised to maintain a strict elevation of the joint for ten days. 

    • arrange help to assist with chores, and
    • avoid putting any weight on the joint, with the help of crutches and walkers. 
  • Recovery After Achilles Tendon Rupture?

    An Achilles tendon rupture is regarded as serious injury, and even minor injury can have a prolonged recovery period. 


    Patients are normally immobilised in a below-knee cast or boot for 6 weeks.


    Other conditions include:

    • no weight-bearing during this time, and 
    • often a further 4-6 weeks in a boot is required once walking is started. 

    Return to maximum function often takes up to one year after the injury.

  • Wound Management?

    At the time of discharge patients are advised on:

    • The necessary steps to keep the wound dry,
    • Wound care and Cleaning, and 
    • On scar management. precautions.
  • What if I Am Pregnant?

    It is not recommend surgery while pregnant, as the risks are uncertain due to the lack of information available about the effect on the fetus. 


    For more information please call us on and request to speak with one of our medically-trained registered doctor or nurse.

  • Post Surgery Treatment Program

    Long term outcomes depend on the severity of the initial injury. 


    Some patients won’t get back to their pre-injury function or sport, even with well-performed surgery. 


    Ten Days After Surgery

    X-rays are repeated ten days after the procedure to determine the situation. 


    Physiotherapy

    For the best possible outcome, postoperative physical therapy plays an important role in proper recovery following your procedure. 


    This postoperative management includes regular scheduled visits with a physical therapist 


    Extended Recovery Period

    The patient is advised to limit their activities for six to eight weeks after the surgery.


    Certain activities such as driving are also restricted for up to six weeks post-surgery. 

  • Possible Risks or Side Effects?

    The procedure carries all the risks associated with surgery, such as 

    • infection, 
    • bleeding and 
    • a severe allergic reaction to anesthesia. 

    Redness and bruising at the site of injection may be seen which should resolve over time. 


    You may experience post operative pain for prolonged period or other serious side effects contact your surgeon, as well as:

    • damage to the structures around the operative zone such as nerves, blood vessels, tendons, muscles,
    • chronic pain due to nerve entrapment
    • delayed healing
    • wound infection or breakdown.
  • Possible Complications of Surgery?

    If this condition or injury is missed or untreated can result in the collapse of the arch of the midfoot with significant pain, and the development of arthritis. 


    When surgery is performed, risks include damage to the structures around the top of the foot (nerves, blood vessels, tendons, muscles), as well as a risk of wound infection or breakdown.


    It is common to sustain cartilage damage at the joint surfaces during the initial injury, and some people develop midfoot arthritis and ongoing pain down the track. 


    Some patients require further surgery to fuse the midfoot joints to relieve arthritis pain.

  • Do You Offer Discounts?

    Due to strict regulations set by the Australian Medical Board it is against the law to offer surgical inducements. 


    Discounted treatments should raise alarm bells when you are choosing which specialist to trust your treatment to. 


    The surgeon's skill is more important than price. Effective surgery will maximise your health outcome.