A Cataract is the name given to the natural lens inside the eye when it has become cloudy or less clear in appearance. A common misconception is that the cataract is like a “film” or “skin” that has grown over the eye, and this simply is not true. In actual fact, if you are suffering from a cataract, then the lens itself has gone cloudy and this can occur due to age, trauma, diabetes, or genetics to name a few causes.
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A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in the eye that affects vision. The lens is normally clear and helps to focus light onto the retina at the back of the eye, allowing us to see clearly. However, as we age, the proteins in the lens can clump together and cause the lens to become cloudy, which can lead to vision problems. Cataracts can develop slowly over time, and may not cause noticeable symptoms at first. However, as the cataract grows, it can cause vision to become blurry, hazy, or distorted. Other symptoms of cataracts may include sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing at night, and seeing halos around lights. Cataracts are a common condition, particularly among older adults. Other risk factors for cataracts may include a family history of cataracts, smoking, diabetes, and prolonged exposure to sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet radiation. Treatment for cataracts typically involves surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens. Removal of a cataract is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in Australia. It has a high rate of success due to the modern methods used. If the eye is otherwise healthy, the likelihood is that cataract surgery will restore good vision. If there is macular degeneration, glaucoma or diabetes, final vision may be limited by these conditions. Of every 100 operations to remove a cataract, 99 will result in improved vision. Despite the benefits of modern cataract surgery, there are risks. These will be discussed in detail with your surgeon at cataract assessment appointment. There are several types of cataracts, including: The type of cataract a person has can affect the symptoms they experience.
Cataracts develop as a normal part of the ageing process. By the age of 60, about half of all adults will have some cataract formation. The earliest symptoms can begin with glare and sensitivity to bright light. Later, as the cataract continues to worsen, haloes may appear around lights. Haloes are especially noticeable when driving at night: at the same time, night vision typically decreases. Vision typically becomes more blurred, hazy and foggy. Near vision (without glasses) can improve. Colours often become duller and darker.
Removal of a cataract is warranted when vision has worsened or if daily activities, reading, driving and hobbies are affected, or if personal safety is at risk. If vision is unaffected or only slightly affected by a cataract, treatment may be delayed. Cataracts cannot be cured by any type of medication, eye exercise, alternative therapy, diet or glasses. Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract. Choosing the right lens is an important part of the cataract surgery process, as it can have a significant impact on the patient’s visual outcome. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right lens for the best visual outcome: Lifestyle: the patient’s lifestyle and visual needs should be taken into account when choosing an IOL. For example, a patient who enjoys reading may benefit from a lens that provides good near vision, while a patient who enjoys outdoor activities may benefit from a lens that provides good distance vision. Visual acuity: The patient’s visual acuity, or ability to see clearly, should be evaluated before surgery. This can help determine the appropriate power of the IOL needed to achieve the best visual outcome. Astigmatism: If the patient has astigmatism, a condition that causes blurred vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea, a toric IOL may be recommended. This type of lens can correct astigmatism and improve visual acuity. Multifocal vs. monofocal: Multifocal IOLs can provide good vision at multiple distances, while monofocal IOLs provide good vision at one distance. The choice between these two types of lenses depends on the patient’s visual needs and lifestyle.
Any surgical procedure is associated with risks to the patient. While your doctor will make every attempt to minimise risks, complications can occur that may have permanent effects. If one eye is blind (or has extremely poor vision), you must carefully weigh the benefits against the risk of surgery on your only “working” eye. Serious complications following cataract extraction are not common because of the significant surgical advances in recent years. The following possible complications are listed to inform you and not to alarm you. There may be other complications that are not listed. Although most complications resolve over time, they can affect vision, sometimes permanently.
After you have decided to have cataract surgery, our clinical staff will need to measure your eye (using a low powered laser) to determine the optical power of the artificial lens. Usually, the focus of the lens implant is fixed and cannot change. The lens implant is usually chosen for distance vision. In these cases glasses are required for reading. Rarely, the lens power may be intended for reading. Your doctor will discuss these options, and your preferences, prior to surgery. Cataract removal is usually performed under local anaesthetic and light sedation. A specialist anaesthetist gives the anaesthetic and sedative. Cataract surgery is performed as a day-only procedure. Modern anaesthetic drugs are safe with a few risks. However, a few people may have a serious reaction to an anaesthetic drug. Tell your anaesthetist and your doctor if you have experienced complications from anaesthetics in the past. There are two techniques for cataract surgery which are discussed below. Your doctor will provide more detail and help you decide which one suits you. Small Incision Manual Phacoemulsification The most common surgical technique is phacoemulsification, this involves removing the natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery Recently, advancements in laser technology have allowed some parts of cataract surgery to be performed with a laser. The LensX Femtosecond Laser has been used in Sydney since approximately 2012. The laser is used to create the corneal wounds, the opening to the lens capsule, and to divide the lens. This laser ends up conducting about half of the surgery. The other half still needs to be done manually. The manual parts include sucking out the old lens and inserting the new lens. Generally final visual outcomes and safety are about the same between laser and normal cataract surgery techniques. The potential advantages of the laser are that the surgery may be gentler on the eye. The actual benefits of the laser are yet to be scientifically proven, and may be only small. There is an added expense for the use of the laser, and this cannot be claimed back from Medicare or private health insurance. If both lenses are affected by cataracts, your doctor will usually wait until the first eye has settled before operating on your second eye. The most common is 2 weeks gap between the eyes. After surgery, you will be moved to a quiet area to recover from the effects of the sedation and local anaesthesia, which are slight. You will be offered a drink and small snack. Most patients are ready to leave within a few hours. Arrange for someone to drive you home. For the 24 hours after surgery, do not: It is best to have someone help you for a day or so as you recover from the surgery. Your ophthalmologist or nurse may give you additions after-care instructions. Most patients do get significant relief from pain and discomfort by using over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol. Call your doctor if you need stronger pain relief. The day following surgery, your doctor will want to examine your eye and check on your progress.
Our prices are clear and transparent and you will be fully informed of the total cost before the surgery. We have an agreement with all major health funds and offer known gap to suitably insured patients which means your out-of-pocket cost will be $500 and we will bill your health fund directly. Please call us to discuss the cost of surgery in more details. Are there payment plans on offer? We don’t offer payment plans directly through us, we refer all of our patients to MacCredit, a broker that provides credit assistance and payment plan options. It specialises in offering suitable, flexible payment plans for various medical treatments that start from $4,000. The application process is streamlined so you can move forward with your surgery sooner rather than later. Patients can contact MacCredit directly on 1300 884 355 or for more information you can visit maccredit.com.au How soon can I get the procedure done? After a cataract assessment and consultation with Dr Yohendran, patients can have the surgery done usually within 1 to 3 weeks after the consult. If you have specific questions, please call our friendly staff on 9958 0552 or email us at info@nscataract.com.au At Northern Sydney Cataract, we are here to help!What is cataract?
Types of Cataracts:
Causes and Symptoms
Treatment
Choosing the right lens (IOL)
Possible complications of Cataract Surgery
Preparation for Surgery
Anaesthesia
Surgical Techniques for the Removal of Cataracts
Cataract Surgery on the Second Eye
Recovery from Cataract Surgery
How much does it cost?