Cataract Surgery
A cataract is when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. They occur when the proteins in the lens lose their ability to stay clear. This often occurs with aging though some people may be born with them. Cataracts can develop as the results of trauma, certain medications or ocular inflammation.
Some of the symptoms you may notice if you have a cataract include:
- Blurred or faded vision
- Glare (especially at night)
- Ghosting of images
- Double vision in one eye
Management of Cataracts
There are no medications that are proven to prevent or treat cataracts. In their early stages, cataracts may not significantly affect your vision and can be monitored. Once you have noticed visual changes from the cataracts however, then surgery is generally indicated.
Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing this with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is usually performed as a day surgery in hospital under anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic is given around the eye to minimize discomfort along with mild sedation. At the time of surgery, small incisions are made in the cornea to facilitate removal of the cloudy lens (which is the cataract). Once removed, a clear artificial lens is placed in the eye to correct the vision. No sutures are generally required at the time of surgery. After surgery the eye is covered with a pad and shield which are removed the following day.
Intraocular Lens (IOL) Options
It is important prior to cataract surgery to have a detailed eye examination assessing for any other concurrent ocular conditions. You will also have measurements taken of your eye which help to determine the most appropriate IOL implant. There are several different types of IOLs available depending on your visual requirements. This is an important decision, and there is no ‘right’ option – the Ophthalmologists at Rockhampton Eye Clinic will discuss with you your visual requirements and help guide your IOL selection based on your eye health and visual goals.
Monofocal intraocular lenses provide excellent quality of vision. These IOLs however correct only a single focal distance. This means, that if your vision is corrected for the distance you will still require glasses for your near vision (eg. Reading vision) and intermediate vision (eg. Computer work). Toric IOLs may be used which correct for astigmatism. Sometimes a blended approach may be taken where one eye is corrected for the distance (usually the dominant eye) and the other eye is targeted for intermediate vision.
These IOLs provide greater spectacle independence than monofocal IOLs. If corrected for the distance, these IOLs provide excellent intermediate as well as distance vision. You would still need to wear reading glasses however. Toric IOLs are also available which correct for astigmatism. You may notice glare and haloes with this type of IOL though the incidence is low. A blended approach may again be taken to provide greater near vision in one eye.
These IOLs offer the greatest chance of spectacle independence. They provide multiple focal distances to enable near, intermediate and distance vision. Toric IOLs are also available in this range. Patients may experience glare or haloes with this type of IOL.
What to expect after cataract surgery
It is normal that your vision will be blurred immediately after cataract surgery. This generally improves in the first few days. You will be given eye drops to apply for the first month to assist with the healing of the eye. It is important while the eye is healing that you avoid strenuous activities and keep the eye dry. You may need to clean the eye and for this we recommend using cool boiled water or saline. Your surgeon will advise you regarding return to activities (such as driving) after surgery.
If you have any concerns after cataract surgery, as with any eye surgery, such as reduced vision or increased pain, you need to contact the clinic to discuss your symptoms and arrange review.
As with all surgeries, there are risks associated with cataract surgery and these will be explained at the time of your consultation as well as in the post-operative period. If you have any concerns regarding your eye after surgery we recommend you contact the clinic to discuss your symptoms and arrange review. If you are unable to reach the clinic or one of our doctors, please attend your nearest Emergency Department for review.
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