In the early stages, some cataracts can be left untreated. When your sight deteriorates to a point where it interferes with your ability to carry out daily tasks or enjoy your hobbies (e.g. working comfortably or seeing in low-light situations such as at night), it could be time to consider surgery.

Traditional or manual cataract surgery is considered one of the safest surgical procedures in the world today, with a very high success rate.¹ Laser cataract surgery may reduce the risk of complications even further. Serious complications are rare with cataract surgery but may include endophthalmitis (infection of the eye), bleeding, retinal detachment, macular swelling and posterior capsular rupture.

1. _{Stein JD, Grossman DS, Mundy, KM et al. Severe adverse events following cataract surgery among Medicare beneficiaries. Ophthalmology 2011 Sep; 118(9): 1716–1723. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.ophtha.2011.02.024}

Some, but not all, of the costs of cataract surgery are covered by Medicare and also by private health insurance (depending on the type of cover you have). The gap payment will depend on several factors, including your level of private health cover and the replacement lens option you choose. We’ll go through all costs clearly at the time of your appointment.

This will depend on your level of cover. We recommend you check directly with your insurer, including any waiting periods and applicable co-payment or excess.

Private health insurance is not required to have surgery with us – you can self-fund it using your own funds.

Some of the potential benefits of cataract surgery are:

• Reduced risk of falls, fractures and surgical complications: Falls in the elderly can cause significant disability. Patients with cataracts are 2 or 3 times more likely to fall.
• Increased safety and confidence, especially while driving: Driving plays an important role in maintaining independence, mental wellbeing and engagement in the community.
• Reduced dependence on glasses: Cataracts may cause an increase in the strength of an individual’s glasses or contact lens prescription. Cataract surgery may reduce the need for glasses.
• Less anxiety and depression: By limiting independence and affecting overall quality of life, cataracts increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
• Higher levels of activity and physical fitness: Cataract surgery increases confidence and preserves mobility, making it easier for older adults to stay active.
• Reduced need for nursing home or personal care: By helping to maintain individuals’ independence, cataract surgery reduces the need for outside care.
• Continued ability to work: Cataract surgery enables older adults to continue their occupations, fostering their independence and engagement in life.

_{*Dependent on your individual situation.}

Today’s replacement lenses can also be used to correct pre-existing vision problems due to short-sightedness, long-sightedness, presbyopia and/or astigmatism. There are different lens options available, and some may allow you to achieve clear vision without glasses. For example, trifocal lenses provide focus at near, intermediate and far distances. These are typically the best option for achieving clear vision without glasses, although there are no guarantees. The most suitable candidates are over 55 years, rely heavily on glasses/contact lenses and are long-sighted. If you are quick to notice visual imperfections, then glasses may remain your best choice.
Speak with your ophthalmologist to find out the best lens option for you. This will depend on your lifestyle, expectations and eye health, and your surgeon will help you understand what you can realistically expect to achieve.

A typical procedure takes less than 30 minutes. Allowing for admission, preparation and recovery time, you’ll be in the day surgery for around 2 to 3 hours.

Probably, but not necessarily – some people even fall asleep during the surgery. You are not required to be awake for the operation.

We will administer a local anaesthetic (numbing drops) to your eye and you may also be given a sedative to help you relax. You should feel no pain.

Your surgeon will ensure that your eyelid is gently held open throughout the procedure so that you cannot blink.

Your sight will usually recover within days but typically fluctuates for about a month before stabilising. If you notice any significant reduction in your vision, tell your surgeon immediately. The protective shield is usually worn for the first day and your surgeon may also recommend the shield be used for the first few nights after the operation – this is usually the case if you can’t stop rubbing your eyes. Cataract surgery does not usually involve stitches.

Normal daily activities such as light housework can be resumed within a couple of days. With routine and successful surgery, patients are usually fit for all physical activities and contact sports one month after cataract surgery – this includes sparring in martial arts.

You may feel some mild discomfort beginning a few hours after surgery. For most people, this resolves with a week, but may last longer in some cases.¹ You will be given treatments to manage any discomfort or pain.

_{1. Porela-Tiihonen S, Kaarniranta K, Kokki M  et al. A prospective study on postoperative pain after cataract surgery. Clin Ophthalmol 2013;7:1429–1435. https://dx.doi.org/10.2147%2FOPTH.S47576} 

Driving is not recommended for the first few days after surgery to allow your eye to settle.

It is generally preferable to give the first eye a chance to settle before planning surgery and lens requirements for the second eye. Even though cataract surgery is quite safe, operating on both eyes at the same time may increase the risk of serious complications and visual impairment (e.g. if both eyes were to get infected at the same time).¹. However, there may be some situations where your surgeon recommends having both eyes done at once.

1. _{The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO). Preferred practice patterns: cataract and intraocular lens surgery. Surry Hills, NSW: RANZCO, 2016. Available at ranzco.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/RANZCO-Cataract-PPP-2016.pdf [Accessed 7 July 2021]}

Your doctor will be able to help you determine when the second eye can be operated on. Although it varies, most surgery is around two weeks apart. In the case of multifocal implants, early second-eye surgery hastens the recovery. Patients who are very short- or long-sighted also benefit from both eyes being operated on in quick succession, as it is common that their eyes are now significantly unbalanced. During the period between surgeries, a contact lens may be used to balance the eye that has not yet been operated on.

Laser-assisted cataract surgery is an alternative technique that uses a femtosecond laser to help with parts of the procedure. It is also known as FLACS, which stands for femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.
Both traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgeries are safe and effective, with similar visual results for most people.
FLACS may be a slightly safer option if you have a higher risk of developing complications – for example, if the fibres holding your lens in place are weak, or you are taking certain medications.
Learn more about the difference between cataract surgery and laser cataract surgery.

No, there are certain patients who are not suitable for laser cataract surgery. Your surgeon will be able to advise if you are suitable after completing a thorough examination of your eyes.

As with any new technology, laser cataract surgery costs more than traditional cataract surgery. This is due to the operating costs of the laser.

Cataract surgery is one of the most successful procedures in medicine, so the risk factor is relatively minimal. However, as with any surgery, complications can occur and may be related to the procedure itself or to the anaesthesia. Most of the complications from cataract surgery are minor and can be corrected. The success rate is high (99%),¹ with around a 1 in 1000 risk of permanently impaired eyesight.²
Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of cataract surgery so that you can make a fully informed decision.

1. _{Clark A, Morlet N, Ng JQ et al. Whole population trends in complications of cataract surgery over 22 years in Western Australia. Ophthalmology 2011 Jun;118(6):1055-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2010.11.001}
_{National Health Service (NHS). Overview: Cataract surgery. UK: Crown, 2021. Available at www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataract-surgery [Accessed 7 July 2021]}

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common potential complication of cataract and lens surgery. PCO can occur when the back of the capsule (housing the lens) thickens. This can cause your vision to appear cloudy but can be treated quickly using a YAG laser outpatient procedure and eye drops.

Also, refer to the section ‘Potential complications’ at the bottom of the ‘Cataract & lens surgery’ page.

Artificial intraocular lenses (IOLs) are composed of pliable and flexible plastic materials and serve as replacements for the natural lens in your eyes. They not only provide a substitute for your eye’s original lens but can also address existing refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Available lenses include:

• Monofocal lenses
• Multifocal lenses
• Bifocal lenses
• Trifocal lenses
• Extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses
• Toric lenses