Cataract Surgery
Cataract is the leading cause of reversible vision loss in the world today and surgery is its only treatment.
Unfortunately Cataract is a fact of life. Cataract is a gradual clouding of the lens of the eye, which is a natural ageing process. As the cataract develops ones vision slowly deteriorates, initially giving symptoms such as glare, and blurring, and eventually resulting in significant vision loss.
As we approach 80 all of our population develops signifcant cataract, although the process can begin much earlier than that and it is not unusual to begin getting cataract in ones 50s or 60s. Some people will develop cataract early as a result of family history, medications, trauma and sunlight exposure, to name a few. Occaisionally children are born with cataract, although this is rare.
There is only one treatment for cataract that is affecting vision and that is surgery; drops, laser vision correction and medication have no role.
Cataract Surgery is a quick, simple and painless procedure performed under local anaesthetic. The surgery often taking less than 10 minutes. Most patients see well the next day and just keep getting better.
Cataract surgery can be performed with either conventional ultrasound or with the latest cutting edge laser technology to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial intra ocular lens (IOL).
Laser assisted surgery essentially uses short pulses of light to perform the first few steps of a cataract operation with a high degree of accuracy. The latter part of the operation is then completed in the conventional way.
Laser assisted surgery results in reproducible outcomes and reduces the trauma of the operation to the eyes fine structures.
Intraocular lenses are placed into the eye to correct vision. This often means a lower dependance on glasses and in some instances complete freedom, particularly if multifocal lenses are used.
Most procedures are complication free; we will however discuss any concerns you may have at the time of your consultation.
We undertake extensive testing with the latest of equipment to ensure that your eyes are suitable for the best technology has to offer, and aim to expertly look after your vision to acheive outcomes that match your expectations
