Cataract surgery

This procedure involves removing a cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear surgical lens (IOL).

If you have been diagnosed with cataracts you may experience dimmed or blurred vision. You might also have difficulty reading or driving, or need frequent changes to the strength of your glasses.

One of our ophthalmologists can check the progress of your cataracts. He or she will help you to decide if cataract surgery is the best option for you.

Where is it performed?

Cataract extraction and lens implant surgery assessment can be arranged at our Hobart, Rosny and Kingston rooms, and is performed at Hobart Day Surgery and at St Johns, Calvary Health Care.

How long does it take?

The surgery is usually over within half an hour. Most patients spend half a day with us; however, you can extend your stay if you need extra care or in the unlikely event that you’re unwell after the operation.

Before, during and after the procedure

You will have some preparatory eye drops prior to the surgery, which can be performed under local anaesthetic (eye drops only) or general anaesthetic

The cataract (cloudy lens) is removed through a tiny incision made through the cornea, which later heals without stitches.
We insert a special implant lens into the eye where the cloudy lens was. This new lens is designed to last a lifetime.
After the operation you’ll need to put some drops into your eyes three times a day to encourage healing and prevent infection. You’ll be able to read, watch TV and go about your life as usual.

Some people find that they’re more sensitive to glare for a few weeks after surgery. Ordinary (non-prescription) sunglasses will help.

You’ll need to attend all of your follow-up appointments and bring all your eye medications to your appointments. If your eye is sore or irritated or if you are worried about anything after your operation, you can call and speak to a member of our nursing staff.

Sometimes patients still require glasses after the surgery. Four to six weeks after the operation – when your eye has healed completely – we’ll know if you’ll need to wear glasses for reading or distance.

What are the risks or complications?

Over 95 per cent of patients have no trouble at all following surgery. However, as with any surgical procedure, complications can occur. These might include:

1. infection
2. inflammation – swelling and irritation of the eye(s) immediately after the operation
3. haemorrhage (bleeding) in the eye
4. change in pupil shape or size
5. droopiness of the upper eyelid
6. macular oedema (swelling of the retina responsible for clear central vision
7. retinal tears and retinal detachments
8. dry eye syndrome
9. very rarely, sympathetic inflammation in the other eye that may permanently decrease vision in that eye.

If you have other eye problems such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetes or glaucoma there is a chance that after the operation your vision might be limited. Your surgeon will do his or her best to inform you prior to the surgery if there is any sign of these other eye diseases.It is possible, after the operation, that your vision may start to fade again. Don’t be alarmed about this. This is often due to a thickening of tissue in the eye (behind where the new lens is implanted). It can be treated during a simple out-patient procedure.

More information:

www.cataractsurgery.com/ - this informative site tells you more about cataracts, the treatment and life after cataracts.