Is everyone suitable for laser cataract surgery?
The most recent figures show that around 411,000 Australians have cataracts1Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2021. Eye health, How common is visual impairment? – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. [online] Available at: <https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/eye-health/eye-health/contents/how-common-is-visual-impairment> . Unfortunately, this is a common disease the world over that can’t be prevented. Thankfully there are three successful forms of cataract surgery available to Australians. The latest is laser cataract surgery.
Why should you consider laser cataract surgery? What makes someone a good candidate for it?
Let’s take a closer look at cataract surgery and how you can choose the best treatment.
Treatments for cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. Cataract surgery works by removing the clouded lens and fitting a new, artificial lens.
What is standard cataract surgery?
This traditional form of cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed worldwide each day. It involves removing the damaged lens and replacing it with a single focus lens. We perform this procedure while you are under local anaesthetic and sedation. We make a tiny incision by hand to remove the old cataract and replace it with the new monofocal lens. This lens is fixed for one distance which means you will still require glasses for most tasks.
What is lifestyle cataract surgery?
Lifestyle cataract surgery is very similar to traditional cataract surgery. The difference is the lens. The surgeon will fit a multifocal lens, meaning you can do more activities than before without the need for glasses.
What is laser cataract surgery?
The most advanced form of cataract surgery is laser cataract surgery.
There are many benefits of laser cataract surgery. Firstly, many aspects of the procedure traditionally performed by the surgeon by hand, we carry out with an ultra-precise laser. This allows for extremely precise fitting of extended depth of focus (EDOF) lens implants. These lenses can often eliminate your need for glasses for all tasks, including reading, intermediate and distance vision.
Is everyone suitable for laser cataract surgery?
Suppose you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts but generally have good eye health. In that case, you’re likely a suitable candidate for laser cataract surgery.
You must also have…
- had stable vision for the last year
- had a stable eyeglass/contact lens prescription for at least two years
- no current eye disease, such as dry eye, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration
- no previous eye disease, including corneal ulcers
Rest assured, the majority of people with cataracts can benefit from this treatment.
Your surgeon will talk through your medical history and rule out any possible concerns. A thorough examination in the clinic will confirm whether you can go ahead and schedule the procedure.
Can you afford laser cataract surgery?
The out-of-pocket expense for laser cataract surgery is $1,200 to $1,700. This includes all fees. Your health insurance may impose other charges.
Are you interested in laser cataract surgery?
Has this article piqued your interest in laser cataract surgery? As we’ve seen, there are many reasons to choose laser cataract surgery over traditional options. That said, the only way to know for sure if you’re a good candidate is to come into the clinic for a consultation.
At OKKO Eye Specialist Centre, we’re dedicated to giving you the best possible treatment for your individual condition.
Book a consultation with us today and learn more about the options open to you.
Share This Post!
Find our Auchenflower location
Find our Upper Mt Gravatt location
We’ve helped thousands of Queenlanders rejuvenate their eyes
"Very friendly and professional staff. Dr Russell is extremely informative and has a really positive presence. The doctor and all of the staff ensured all my questions were answered fully. I left the surgery feeling as if I’d been really well cared for."
Suzanne Cooper"The staff are all friendly and helpful."
Alana Jenkins"Dr Russell and the entire team should be commended for their genuine care and personal attention. They made every possible effort to explain and clarify the treatment required and made sure I was comfortable through the consultation treatment."
Xerxes Meher"Dr Russell is my hubby’s specialist for years. We love him. Such a kind person and always spends time to explain everything."
Zita Farczadi Kershaw"Many thanks for your care and skill and a big thanks to all your staff for their friendly care and professionalism shown each time I have visited."
Henry Ellison"My wife came to see Dr Russell today and we wanted to say thank you to all the staff for the kind and professional service. We are also extremely grateful for Dr Russell’s generosity when it came to us paying for the consultation. We wanted to reach out and say thank you so much!"
Troy and Liana ToddWe have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Take the first step to get more clarity from your vision and confidence in your life
Book a consultation, and one of our Brisbane eye experts will guide you towards the very best treatment for your eyes so you can get the results you’re looking for
About Brisbane’s Eye Specialist
A specialist ophthalmic micro surgeon, internationally trained retinal surgeon, medical retinal diseases specialist and cataract surgeon
Dr Matthew Russell, MBChB, FRANZCO
Brisbane Eye Surgeon
With a career that spans over 15 years, I have mastered the ability to achieve results that help patients regain their confidence and youthful energy.
When it comes to restoring the eye’s function, there is a world of choice available that most people miss. It is my responsibility as a specialist ophthalmic surgeon, to help you avoid the agonising anxiety and regret that comes with not knowing all your options.
I believe your lifestyle should dictate your vision, not the other way around. It’s my personal goal to align your vision with your lifestyle so that you can conquer life’s challenges and remain the version of yourself you most want to be.
Let me help you get your life back.
