A cataract occurs when the normally clear natural lens inside the eye gradually becomes cloudy. As the lens becomes less transparent, light is no longer focused as clearly onto the retina, which can cause vision to become blurred, hazy or less vibrant.

Most cataracts develop gradually as part of the ageing process. Other factors that can increase the likelihood of developing cataracts include diabetes, prolonged UV exposure, a family history of cataracts, previous eye injury or surgery, radiation treatment and smoking. Cataracts can also occasionally be present from birth or develop during childhood.

Symptoms usually develop gradually and may include:

• Blurred, cloudy, foggy or hazy vision
• Increased glare or sensitivity to bright light
• Halos around lights, particularly when driving at night
• Colours appearing dull, faded or yellow
• Frequent changes to a glasses prescription without significant improvement
• Reduced contrast or difficulty seeing in low light
• Double vision in the affected eye

Cataracts do not usually cause pain, and not every cataract requires immediate surgery. Surgery is generally considered when cataracts begin to interfere with vision, independence or everyday activities.

Your cataract consultation is an important part of planning your surgery and your desired visual outcome.

Detailed measurements and diagnostic scans are performed to assess the health and structure of your eyes and calculate the appropriate intraocular lens, or IOL. Your pupils may also be dilated so your ophthalmologist can examine the cataract and assess the health of the internal structures of your eye.

Just as importantly, we will discuss how you would ideally like to see following surgery. Your lifestyle, occupation, hobbies, current glasses use and preferences for distance, intermediate and near vision can all influence the type of IOL that may be recommended.

For some patients considering monovision or blended vision, a contact lens trial may also be recommended to help simulate the proposed visual outcome before surgery.

Before surgery, you will receive detailed instructions from our clinical team regarding medications and eye drops.

Cataract surgery itself is generally a short procedure, although you will spend additional time at the surgical facility for admission, preparation and recovery. Most patients have their eye numbed with local anaesthetic and may also receive light sedation to help them feel comfortable and relaxed.

During surgery, your ophthalmologist creates a very small incision in the cornea. The cloudy natural lens is gently broken down and removed before a carefully selected artificial intraocular lens is inserted into the eye. The incision is generally self-sealing and usually does not require stitches.

After surgery, you will rest briefly before going home with your support person. Your aftercare and post-operative appointments will be explained to you before you leave.

(Click here for a video overview of cataract surgery)

Monofocal lenses – distance vision

A monofocal IOL can provide clear distance vision in both eyes. Patients choosing this option will generally require glasses for reading and other close work. For some patients, this provides excellent quality of vision with a simple and predictable visual strategy.

Monovision or blended vision

With monovision, one eye is generally targeted more towards distance vision and the other towards nearer vision. The brain combines the information from both eyes, potentially reducing dependence on glasses across a broader range of activities.

Not everyone adapts comfortably to this difference between the eyes, which is why a contact lens trial may be recommended before surgery for some patients.

Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lenses

EDOF intraocular lenses are designed to extend the range of clear vision, generally providing strong distance vision with improved intermediate vision for activities such as computer work, dashboards, shopping and many everyday tasks.

They can offer greater spectacle independence than a standard monofocal lens while maintaining an emphasis on quality distance and intermediate vision. Reading glasses may still be required for smaller print or prolonged close work.

Trifocal lenses

Trifocal IOLs are designed to provide vision across distance, intermediate and near ranges and can offer a high degree of independence from glasses.

As with all premium IOLs, they are not suitable for every eye. Some patients may experience visual effects such as halos or glare, particularly around lights at night, so careful assessment and discussion of lifestyle and expectations are important.

There is no single “best” cataract lens for every patient. The most appropriate IOL depends on your eye health, measurements, lifestyle, visual priorities and tolerance for the compromises associated with different lens technologies.

Cataract surgery is commonly done one eye at a time although it is perfectly safe to have both eyes corrected at the same time.  In Australia, due to our Medicare ruling, if you have private health insurance and are covered for your cataract procedure, you will not be fully reimbursed* if both eyes are corrected during the same procedure, therefore, it is recommended having your procedures on separate dates (if both eyes require surgery).
*Please note: depending on your health fund and level of cover, there may be a small gap for your cataract procedure. Your surgical co-ordinator can advise you of the details.

Vision often begins improving relatively quickly, although it can fluctuate while the eye heals. Your ophthalmologist and clinical team will provide detailed instructions regarding physical activity, showering, exercise and returning to your normal routine.

Click here to go to the ‘Health Funds’ page

Private health fund

The amount your private health insurer contributes towards cataract surgery depends on your individual hospital policy, level of cover, waiting periods, excess and agreements between your health fund and the hospital.

If cataract surgery relates to a pre-existing condition, private health insurers may apply a waiting period of up to 12 months.

Before surgery, we will contact your health fund to confirm your eligibility, excess and any expected out-of-pocket expenses. Our team will provide the relevant procedure and provider information required by your insurer.

Public waiting list

Patients without private hospital cover may elect to have cataract surgery through the public health system. Waiting times can vary according to clinical priority, hospital capacity and government funding.

Private uninsured

Patients who do not have private health insurance but prefer not to join the public waiting list may choose to self-fund cataract surgery in the private system.

Eligible Medicare patients may receive Medicare benefits towards certain medical services associated with cataract surgery; however, there will generally still be private costs associated with treatment. Our surgical co-ordinators can provide an individualised estimate of fees before surgery.