Q: What is a cataract?
Inside the eye there is a natural lens like the lens of a camera.
When we are born the lens is clear like glass. Over the years the lens can loose its clarity, and vision is reduced. A lens which has lost its ability to clearly transmit light is called a CATARACT.

Q: Who gets cataracts?
Cataracts are one of the commonest causes reduced vision in the world.  Cataracts can occur at any age , but most cataracts develop after age 60
Q: How do I know if I have a cataract?
Most patients suffering from cataracts will have noticed that their vision is becoming hazy. Some report trouble with  glare, particularly when driving at  night.
Q: When should the cataract be removed?
Some patients have small cataracts and may not yet experience any symptoms. These patients usually do not require surgery.
Patients who have cataracts impairing the quality of their vision may be advised that surgery could improve their vision. Cataract surgery is usually performed as an elective day surgery procedure.
In rare cases, if the cataract becomes very advanced , it can "leak"  or "expand" and cause glaucoma. In theses cases cataract surgery has to be performed urgently.
In childhood cataract surgery may be promptly required to prevent a "lazy eye" developing.

Ultrasonic removal of cataract

Insertion of folded implant

Q: Is the operation performed with Laser?
No. Many people mistakenly believe they have had a "laser cataract removal". The proven modern technique to remove cataracts is called Phacoemulsification or "Phaco". It uses an ultrasonic probe to break apart the cataract within the eye, and then sucks out the liquefied material. The wound is very small, and often no stiches   are needed.
There are some systems being developed to remove cataracts with laser, but these are still in the early stages of clinical practice. We do not believe there is a better or safer technique for cataract removal than Phaco at the moment. We do not know of any centres in Australia that routinely use a laser to remove cataracts.
How long will I be in hospital?
At Berwick Surgicentre cataract surgery is performed on site . Most patients spend 2 hours in the centre on the day of treatment. Most patients   can resume most normal activities eg shopping or work the next day after the eye patch is removed.

Q: Will I need to be put to sleep with an anaesthetic?
No. It is now rare to need a full anaesthetic. Most patients have only  their eye   put to sleep with anaesthetic drops. My anaesthetist will provide light sedation so you will be comfortable during this procedure
Q: Will I need an eye patch after surgery?
Only for the first day so as to reduce the risk of infection.
Q: When will I be able to return to work?
Desk work can be performed once on is comfortable. Heavy manual work should be avoided for the first week.
Q: I have private health insurance? Will I have to pay anything?
Berwick Surgicentre is unique in that you will face no charge for the anaesthetist or the surgeon or facility fee no matter what you level of hospital cover. For those with public hospital only cover the same service is provided though on the surgeons private lists at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. The only costs for the surgery will be any excess on your particular policy.

Cataract Surgery in the Berwick Surgicentre 

Q: If I  don't have insurance , can I still have cataract surgery at Berwick Surgicentre?
Yes. You can still have the personalised care and certainty of your choice of surgeon, and avoid the  waiting lists of public hospital treatment.
Q: Will I need to be checked before the operation?
You will need to have an appointment to confer with your doctor to asses for presence of cataract and any other diseases in the eye. A laser or ultrasound measurement will be made of your eye to precisely measure it to select the size of implant that you may need,  The fee for this is mostly claimable through Medicare. 

If you have astigmatism, a corneal map will be made to plan for any astigmatic correction at time of surgery.  

We invite your carer or close family member to attend with you for the counselling and you will be also shown a patient informational video on cataract surgery.

Q: Will I need to be checked after the operation?
You will be reviewed in the clinic the next day, and after one week. You will also need to have your eyes examined and re-tested for glasses after one month either at the eye centre or your referring optometrist.
Q: Will I need eye drops?
Yes. You will have eye drops to use four times daily for the first week , and then you will cut down the drops over the next 3 weeks.

Q: Will I need Laser treatment after surgery?

Rarely. We use mainly Acrysof lenses that have the least  complication rate of any intra-ocular lenses.