Cataract surgery is performed on tens of thousands of Australians annually. The five most important choices to make before undergoing cataract surgery are outlined here.
At Personal Eyes, we have taken due diligence to publish articles like this to enlighten you about various topics such as – the effects of bright lights on the lens of the eye, artificial intraocular lenses, toric lenses, cataract removal, blurry vision problems, posterior capsule opacification, double vision, clouded lens, and many more. Read on!
The Ideal Time for Cataract Surgery
In every region of the world, cataract surgery is the gold standard. When a cataract is surgically removed and replaced with an artificial lens, vision is restored. Cataracts are a chronic condition that takes years to develop.
In the early stages, most people find that altering their glasses prescription is sufficient to handle the blurriness. However, if left untreated, cataracts can lead to permanent blindness in regions of the world.
In the past, cataract surgery was only performed on patients whose cataracts had progressed to the point that they were affecting their ability to see. Cataract removal is now possible even in its earliest stages when the condition only causes mild visual impairments such as loss of colour vision, glare, and contrast, but not yet complete blindness.
Cataract removal is possible at any stage of the disease; however, it is most effective when done when the cataract is still young and hence less invasive. By having cataracts removed before they have a chance to fully mature, the patient is spared the severe vision impairment that comes with hyper-mature cataracts.
When scheduling cataract surgery, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to take it easy for at least a month afterward. This means avoiding vigorous activities like swimming and other water sports.
How should I have cataract surgery?
Both manual and laser techniques are used for the earliest phases of cataract surgery. Most cataract surgeons conduct traditional, manual cataract removal, whereas only a few handfuls with access to cutting-edge laser equipment can do laser cataract removal.
Many of the Personal Eyes centers fall within this category. Among the first in Australia to use lasers to remove cataracts, the doctors at Personal Eyes were pioneers in this field.
While laser cataract surgery may offer certain advantages, in general, both methods are highly effective with minimal risk of problems. If you’re debating between manual and laser cataract surgery, consulting with a surgeon who performs both procedures might help you make an informed decision.
I need a new lens, but I’m not sure which one
You’ll need to choose a lens replacement when you get cataract surgery (known as an intraocular lens or IOL). The quality of your postoperative eyesight depends greatly on the lenses chosen for your operation. Your needs and tastes will determine which lens is best for you.
Given their many focus points, which allow for clear distant and close vision, multifocal lenses are a viable alternative to corrective eyewear for those who value this independence.
Some people choose monovision, in which they get two new lenses replaced at once; one corrects their farsightedness, and the other their near-sightedness, so they no longer need glasses for either distance.
Lens replacement technology has advanced to the point where astigmatism may be treated, enhancing the visual outcomes for those who have it. Toric intraocular lenses are what’s needed in these cases.
The availability of many lens replacement options is crucial. Your surgeon will go through all of your options with you and help you choose the lens that is ideal for your eyes, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences.
What surgeon will operate on your cataracts?
Choosing a surgeon to operate on your cataracts may be the most crucial step. Choosing a cataract surgeon might seem like an overwhelming undertaking due to the various considerations that must be made.
The following should be taken into account:
- The credentials of the surgeon: Is this ophthalmologist a member of RANZCO (the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists)? As a means of further refining their cataract-removal abilities, several ophthalmologists have pursued and completed specialised training in the anterior portion of the eye.
- Consider the proficiency of the surgeon. The success percentage of their cataract procedures, and how many of them have they done? Participation in relevant training and research may be an indicator of their competence. Some surgeons, for instance, spend time instructing more junior doctors on how to do complex procedures like cataract removal.
- The benefits of consulting a surgeon: I was wondering whether they offered either traditional cataract surgery or laser surgery. Do they have access to, and experience with, a variety of replacement lenses so that you may receive individualised care?
- Surgical fees: The answer to this question often rests with the expertise and tools of the operating surgeon. The price of replacement lenses varies depending on the kind, with high-quality lenses costing more.
Cataract surgery can be expensive, however many Australian health insurance plans cover a significant portion of the expense (this will depend on your level of coverage and may be subject to waiting periods and excess payments). During the initial appointment, I am pleased to answer any and all of your questions.
The facility where your cataract surgery will be conducted
Cataract surgery is a common day procedure performed by most doctors. Think about the day of the procedure while deciding on a surgeon.
In accordance with the NSQHS, all of Personal Eyes’ facilities have cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment tools. As a result, you won’t have to worry as much about experiencing any problems before, during, or after your operation thanks to the presence of safety and quality systems that facilitate the delivery of safe patient care.
Consider whether or not having the day surgery co-located with the clinic is significant to you in terms of convenience, and think about how you plan to get to and from your surgery and pre-and post-operative consultations.
Facilitating your choice-making
The surgeon has a duty to ensure that you are well informed and at ease with the time and specifics of your cataract surgery before proceeding with the treatment.
Schedule an appointment to have a full eye exam and explore your cataract surgery choices in depth.
Conclusion
Personal Eyes’ mission is to provide information to everyone interested in learning how to better their eyesight in-spite of a cloudy vision from cataract. And if you are seriously considering cataract surgery or you begin to notice that eye drops are no longer effective for your eye pain, contact us and we can help you determine if you are a suitable candidate for lens replacement surgery.
If you are having any questions or inquiries about how to have clear vision, or about specific topics such as – intraocular lens implant, cloudy lens, retinal detachment, laser-assisted cataract surgery, manual cataract surgery, lens capsule, replacement lens, new artificial lens, distance vision, artificial intraocular lens, multifocal lenses, eye surgeon, cloudy natural lens, cataract surgeon – you should get in touch with us via our Personal Eyes website to book your free consultation today.