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Cataract Surgery
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. A normal lens is clear and lets light pass to the back of the eye (the retina). If the lens becomes cloudy, it is called a cataract. Over time, it may become more cloudy, making it harder to see.
Cataract formation only affects the lens of the eye, none of the other important structures such as the cornea, iris, retina or optic nerve.
Causes and Symptoms
Cataracts develop as a normal part of the ageing process. By age 60, approximately half of all adults will have some cataract formation, although it may be minor and unnoticeable. By the age of 70, nearly everyone has some degree of cataract formation. However, not everyone with a cataract will end up needing cataract surgery.
Cataracts may also develop as a result of diabetes, various chronic eye diseases, eye injury or excessive ultraviolet light.
A cataract usually develops slowly, and at a different rate within each eye. Some years may pass before a cataract interferes with vision enough to require surgery. Symptoms you may notice include:
- your vision may be a little blurred, like looking through a cloudy glass
- light from the sun or a bulb may seem bright or glaring
- when you drive at night, oncoming headlights may cause glare or haloes
- colours may not appear as bright as they used to
- your glasses prescription may change
- you may have double vision
Theses symptoms can also be signs of other problems. With Cataracts, vision typically becomes more blurred, hazy or foggy, although near vision may improve.
The type of cataract you have will affect the symptoms you develop. If you think you have a cataract, talk to us about a cataract eye examination to find out for sure.
Specialist Day Care Eye Surgery Theatre
Wellington Eye Centre opened a state of the art eye surgery theatre in Wellington in August 2006. The specialist eye centre provides cataract, laser and other eye surgery to Wellington and central New Zealand.
Cost of Cateract Surgery
The other main consideration in cost is the type of lens you chose. Artificial lenses range in price from low cost simple lenses to sophisticated lenses, such as the Crystalens that more closely matches the eyes normal lens.
*The total cost of cataract surgery is usually split three ways. These are
- A hospital / facility fee – where the operation is performed
- A surgeons fee
- An anaesthetists’ fee (if required)
Private Theatre - More Comfortable Environment - Easier Access
Our Specialist Eye Staff will ensure your personalized care. And our new location has plenty of parking close by. You may find yourself more at ease in this private facility, than in a larger hospital atmosphere.
How is a Cataract Treated
A change in your glasses, stronger bifocals, the use of magnifying lenses, appropriate lighting or other visual aids may temporarily improve your vision. Usually however, surgery is eventually necessary.
Removal of a cataract is the most common eye operation and one of the most common surgical procedures performed in New Zealand today. It has a high rate of success due to the modern methods used. It involves removing the cloudy lens, and replacing it with an artificial lens implant.
About Artificial Lenses
The artificial lens is called an "Intraocular Lens Implant" (IOL). It is a transparent disc with a shape similar to the natural lens.
Most people fitted with modern IOL's will not need spectacles for distance vision, but will still need reading glasses. However, others may require glasses for both distance and close vision (such as reading).
Most lenses are made of silicone, acrylic or PMMA. While these materials are safe and effective, if you think you may have a sensitivity to them, please tell us.
The Crystalens - First 'Accommodating' Lens Implant for Near and Distance
The Crystalens is the first accommodating intraocular lens to be approved by the FDA in the United States. It is designed to move forward and backward in the eye using the eye's internal muscle, to allow patients to focus naturally at near as well as long distances.
In conventional lens implant surgery, which has been the standard treatment for cataracts for many years, the surgeon implants a fixed focus plastic or silicone artificial lens. This lens allows the patient to see well only at distance. For reading vision, patients would require a pair of glasses.
In normal lens implant surgery, such as is done in cataract surgery, a fixed focus artificial lens in inserted in the eye to take the place of the normal human lens which has been removed. This lens will give sharp vision at one distance only. If good distance vision is obtained, then reading and computer glasses will be needed for close work. Alternatively, if good reading vision is obtainied, then glasses will be required for distance vision such as when driving.
Because the Crystalens changes focus using the eye's normal focus, it is possible to have both good distance and good near and intermediate range vision without glasses. For more information see the link below, or ask our staff.
How do I decide whether to have surgery?
Most people have plenty of time to decide about cataract surgery. If you have a cataract it does not have to be removed immediately. Talking with your doctor or eye care professional will help you make your decision.
When your vision deteriorates to the point where it affects your work, lifestyle, daily activities, driving, reading and hobbies, or if personal safety is at risk, it is probably time to consider cataract surgery.
Your eye surgeon will tell you if cataract surgery is the best option for you. You will be told about what cataract surgery involves, and also given written brochures to help you make a decision about having surgery.
Making an appointment
To make an appointment you can telephone Wellington Eye Centre using the contact information on the contacts page of this web site.
The cost of a cataract examination is $125.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If vision is unaffected or only slightly affected, no treatment is necessary.
Cataracts cannot be cured by any type of medication, eye exercise, alternative therapy, diet, or glasses. Surgery is the only way to treat a cataract.
Before making a decision about treatment your ophthalmologist will need to assess your eyes and general health. He will:
- Carefully examine the external and internal structures of both eyes
- Assess your vision to determine how much vision is affected
- Determine whether the cataract can be removed safely and successfully
- Determine whether any other eye diseases are present and need treatment.
After a thorough examination, he will discuss the diagnosis and recommend the best treatment.
Preparation for Surgery
Cataract surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. However, if you have other medical problems or concerns, the ophthalmologist may recommend you stay in a hospital for the procedure.
Cataract removal is usually performed under local anaesthetic. For some patients a general anaesthetic may be recommended, in which case you will need to be admitted to a hospital.
There are a number of surgical techniques for removal of cataracts. The most common is Phacoemulsification. This technique allows a short operation - usually only 20 to 30 minutes, and fast recovery of vision.
Cataract Surgery on the Second Eye
If both eyes are affected by cataracts, we usually wait until the first eye has healed before operating on the second eye.
Pre-existing Conditions
In some cases, pre-existing medical conditions may interfere with successful visual outcome.
Risks
Every surgical procedure is associated with some risks. While every attempt is made to minimize risks, complications can occur that may have permanent effects. We will discuss these with you during an eye examination and give you a brochure to read.
Recovery from Cataract Surgery
Immediately after surgery you will be moved to a quite comfortable recovery lounge. Refreshments will be available.
With day case surgery, you will go home the same day as you have surgery. Your total time at Wellington Eye Centre on the day of your surgery is approximately 3 hours.
Follow up Appointments and Recovery
You will be seen by the operating surgeon the day after surgery, and then again at one and three weeks. These appointments will be arranged with you when booking the date of your surgery.
Recovery is usually quick. Soon after surgery, most people notice that their vision has improved. Glasses are still needed for reading.
Usually you can resume your activities and exercise with moderation within a few days after the operation. After the eye has healed and adjusted to the intraocular lens for several weeks, your eye will need to be tested again. You may need glasses and be given a new prescription for glasses.
Summary
Modern cataract surgery is safe, fast and effective. Most people who have a cataract operation do very well and obtain excellent vision afterwards. The surgery is not painful and the risk of a major complication during or after the surgery is less than 1%.