Cataract Surgery

Q: Monofocal lens

Monofocal lens: this type of lens does not provide correction for near sightedness or astigmatism and corrects vision for only one distance- either far, intermittent or near. As a result, the patient will require glasses or contact lenses after the surgery for the best possible vision.

Q: Multifocal lens

Multifocal lens provides correction for both distance vision and near vision simultaneously but does not correct astigmatism. The disadvantage however is it can cause more glare than the monofocal lens.

Q: Premium intraocular multifocal lens

Premium intraocular multifocal lens , also called toric lens, provides correction for astigmatism as well as distance and near vision. The advantage of a toric lens is the patient usually does not require glasses or contact lenses for normal vision after the surgery.

Q: Accommodative lens

Accommodative lens are very flexible and mimic the movements of the natural eye lens by changing its shape inside the eye. This allows the eye lens to easily accommodate the change in focus for close and distant objects.

At Central Sydney Eye Surgeons, our team of ophthalmologists are sub-specialist cataract surgeons with extensive experience performing routine and complex cataract surgery.

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in the eye, which can cause vision loss and blindness. The lens, which is located behind the iris and the pupil, is usually clear and transparent.

However, over time, the proteins in the lens may start to break down and clump together, causing the lens to become opaque and yellow, leading to cataracts.

Cataracts can develop slowly and painlessly over time, and they are most commonly caused by aging, exposure to UV radiation, smoking, and long-term use of certain medications. Other risk factors include diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and certain medical conditions that increase the risk of oxidative damage to the lens.

Symptoms of cataracts include:

Blurred or hazy vision
Difficulty seeing at night or in low light conditions
Glare or halos around lights
Double vision in one eye
Faded colours
Frequently changing eyeglass or contact lens prescription

Various types of intra ocular lenses are used during cataract surgery. These include:

Monofocal lens

Monofocal lens: this type of lens does not provide correction for near sightedness or astigmatism and corrects vision for only one distance- either far, intermittent or near. As a result, the patient will require glasses or contact lenses after the surgery for the best possible vision.

Multifocal lens

Multifocal lens provides correction for both distance vision and near vision simultaneously but does not correct astigmatism. The disadvantage however is it can cause more glare than the monofocal lens.

Premium intraocular multifocal lens

Premium intraocular multifocal lens, also called toric lens, provides correction for astigmatism as well as distance and near vision. The advantage of a toric lens is the patient usually does not require glasses or contact lenses for normal vision after the surgery.

Accommodative lens

Accommodative lens are very flexible and mimic the movements of the natural eye lens by changing its shape inside the eye. This allows the eye lens to easily accommodate the change in focus for close and distant objects.

If the cataracts are affecting your vision and quality of life, surgery may be recommended.

Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure that removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens. The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient (day surgery) basis and takes about 30 minutes to an hour. There are several different surgical techniques that can be used for cataract surgery, including traditional surgical techniques and laser-assisted techniques. The most common type of surgery involves making a small incision in the eye, using ultrasound to break up the cloudy lens, and removing the pieces. The artificial lens is then inserted through the same incision and positioned in the lens capsule where the natural lens was located. The incision is self-sealing and does not typically require stitches.

After cataract surgery, most people experience a significant improvement in their vision, and they can usually return to normal activities within a few days. It’s important to have regular follow-up visits with your ophthalmologist to monitor your recovery and ensure that the artificial lens is functioning properly.

In conclusion, cataracts are a common age-related condition that can cause vision loss and blindness. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can restore vision by removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens.

If you have symptoms of cataracts or are experiencing vision problems, please contact us to make an appointment with one of our cataract specialists to discuss the best treatment options for you.

Our Cataract Surgery Specialists

General Ophthalmology

Refractive (Blurred Vision) Surgery