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 eye surgery, depending on your personal circumstances. The most effective treatments include Advanced PRK surgery and LASIK eye surgery.
Cataracts
What is it?
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
When you book a consultation at one of the NewVision Clinics in Melbourne, we begin by performing a comprehensive eye exam 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 your 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.
Dr. Noel Alpins will then decide whether cataract eye surgery is the best option for your condition and its effect on your lifestyle.
Cataracts
Treatment
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.
Professor Noel Alpins has a particular interest in cataract eye surgery and in his expert hands thousands of cataract patients have regained clear vision.
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 simply fantastic.
PRK Treatment
Prior to the development of LASIK, Photorefractive Keratectomy or PRK Surgery was the first astigmatism.It has undergone many advances and innovations since its introduction more than 20 years ago.
Treatments
How do they compare?
The total time for each procedure is between 15-20 minutes for both eyes, although the laser treatment itself lasts only seconds. Long-term results are equally as good with either method although good quality vision is reached quicker with LASIK. For this reason LASIK surgery is the preferred choice for correcting vision for most patients.
| 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. | 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?
You can pay for your cataract surgery treatment with a single payment or in instalments.
How long does laser cataract surgery take?
Small incision cataract surgery takes approximately 30 minutes, and you will be allowed to go home after a few hours. This includes the time for anaesthesia, surgical procedure, irrigation, lens implant insertion, and final rinse.
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 4 to 6 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.