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.
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 the Caulfield Eye Clinic cataract surgery is performed on site in the Melbourne Day Surgery. Most patients spend 2 hours in the centre on the day of treatment. Most patients go home without the need of an eye patch, and can resume most normal activities eg shopping or work immediately.

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, and a small amount of anaesthetic over the iris.
Q: Will I need an eye patch after surgery?
Usually not. With the newer anaesthetic techniques an eye patch is usually not needed after surgery.
Q: When will I be able to return to work?
Most working people choose to have the day off work, but we have had patients attend for surgery at 8am and head off to work at 10am.
If you need to work the next day, you can check have your day 1 check up at 7:30 am, and head straight off to work.
Q: I have private health insurance? Will I have to pay anything?
Usually there is a gap fee for the doctors charges, but no gap fee for use of the day surgery. We try hard to keep out of pocket charges low, and tell you exactly what they will be before booking your operation.

Cataract Surgery in the Caulfield Eye Clinic 

Q: If I  don't have insurance , can I still have cataract surgery at Caulfield Eye Clinic?
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 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.
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?
Possibly. Up to half of all patients develop some clouding of the natural membrane behind the implant in the months or years after cataract surgery. This is then removed in the office using a painless laser treatment taking only a few minutes. The treatment is called a YAG laser capsulotomy.