This information summarises 13 pages of very important information, and an educational movie, that every patient should read and watch on my website.  www.huntereyesurgeons.com/cataract-surgery.

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What is a cataract?

A cataract is clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurry or dim vision. Surgery is the only way to restore clarity, by replacing the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one.  Without surgery cataracts worsen leading to blindness. Surgery prevents this and improves vision.

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When to have cataract surgery.

Surgery is advised when cataracts cause reduced vision that cannot be improved with glasses.  The poor vision interferes with daily life, or the vision below driving standard (6/12 corrected). Delaying surgery can increase risks.

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The process of cataract surgery.

Surgery takes 10 minutes as a day procedure with local anaesthetic and light sedation. The cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial lens.  Twilight sedation is most common—comfortable and safe. The eye is numbed with drops or injection.

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Where to have surgery- public and private health systems

Surgery at Newcastle Eye Hospital offers no waits, broader lens choices, and increased results and lower complications, and can be accessed with private health insurance, or self-funding.  The public hospital system has longer wait time, lower results and higher complications, but no hospital cost.  

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Which eye should have surgery first?

Typically, the non-dominant or weaker eye is done first, so results can guide the second (dominant) eye.  Occasionally both eyes can be done on the same day, but there are disadvantages doing this.

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Glasses use after cataract surgery

Most patients can function without glasses for most visual tasks in bright light, but best vision (e.g., for reading or fine work) still requires glasses.  There are many different intraocular lenses and three main types.  Monofocal (best quality, usually needs reading glasses), multifocal (less need for glasses, but more side effects), or extended-depth-of-single-focus EDOF (a compromise between the two). Discuss your lens choice with your surgeon.

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Results of cataract surgery.

Most patients see improvement within days.  99% reach driving standard without glasses. Coexistent eye disease will limit improvement.

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The post-operative period.

Expect some irritation, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. Drops and follow-ups are essential. Vision typically stabilizes in a few weeks.  Some surgeons offer drop-less techniques, using steroid injections around the eye. Ask your surgeon if you are eligible.  Dry eye, light sensitivity, halos, and slow visual recovery may occur. A cloudy lens capsule may require laser treatment later.

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When can I drive?

Once vision meets legal standards (6/12 or better), the eyes are balanced and there's no double vision.  Most patients reach driving standard the day after surgery.

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Refractive outcomes after cataract surgery.

For most patients, the focus aim is for good distance vision. Targeting short-sight, or blended refractive outcomes can be planned with your surgeon.  The focus will shift over time.  Mono-vision is when one eye is focussed for near and the other for distance.  Some patients adapt well; others may notice blur or depth perception issues.    Residual blur of focus may occur. Updated glasses, contact lenses, or further surgery can correct it.

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How can we correct refractive error?

Glasses, contact lenses, piggy-back lenses, or laser corneal surgery may be used. Most patients only need glasses for reading or fine tasks after cataract surgery.

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Truths about vision and glasses after surgery

No intra-ocular lens gives perfect vision at all distances.  Cataract surgery reduces but does not eliminate the need for glasses.  Surgery improves the focus of the eye without spectacles, The progressive spectacle lens from your optometrist is the only lens that preserves high quality vision over a range of distances, and there is no equivalent lens that can go in the eye.  So for those patients wanting the best quality visual image, especially in dim light conditions, have a single focus lens and wear glasses when you need to.  

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Complications

Serious complications are rare (<1%). Infection, bleeding, inflammation, retinal detachment or unstable lens position can usually be treated.  Blindness risk is less than 1 in 3000 patients.  Remember that without surgery, every eye goes blind.

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If you have any questions, please ask your surgeon before the day of your surgery.  You can always reach us on 49676677, and our friendly administration staff can help you.