You look like a great match for laser cataract surgery

Here’s what you need to know about this treatment

Laser cataract surgery restores clear vision for distance and reading

Remove your cataracts AND dramatically reduce your need for reading and distance glasses

“I have cataracts and find my glasses to be a huge inconvenience for most activities”

After laser cataract surgery, we will have removed your cataracts and aimed to significantly reduced, if not eliminated, your dependency on glasses – particularly for reading and distance.

Many of our patients find having less dependence on their glasses revitalises their energy and gives them a level of confidence they never knew they’d lost.

Restore your vision and significantly reduce or eliminate your dependency on glasses for reading and distance

Discover everything you need to know about laser cataract surgery

What is laser cataract surgery?

Laser cataract surgery uses the latest technology in cataract surgery and can include laser vision correction to maximise your freedom from glasses after cataract removal1All About Vision. 2021. Laser Cataract Surgery. [online] Available at: <https://www.allaboutvision.com/en-gb/laser-cataract-surgery/> .

How do I know if I’m suitable?

To be sure that you are suitable for laser cataract surgery, we will need to examine your eyes thoroughly at your initial assessment. This will include multiple advanced diagnostic tests and scans.

How does laser cataract surgery work?

Unlike standard and lifestyle cataract surgery which involves making manual incisions to access and remove the cataract, with laser cataract surgery we use a pre-programmed laser. This method is more precise and has higher repeatability2Kristine Brennan, S., 2021. Making the Cut: Capsulotomy Devices. [online] Reviewofophthalmology.com. Available at: <https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/making-the-cut-capsulotomy-devices>.

We then replace the cataract lens with a new advanced lens providing you with glasses-free vision for a range of distances including reading and distance vision.

Take the first step to address your cataracts

Book a consultation, and one of our Brisbane eye experts will guide you towards the right treatment for your eyes and lifestyle so you can get more confidence and clarity from your vision

Advantages and disadvantages of Laser Cataract Surgery

Advantages

  • Unlike standard and lifestyle cataract surgery, laser cataract surgery significantly improves vision for a range of distances including reading and distance vision3All About Vision. 2021. Laser Cataract Surgery. [online] Available at: <https://www.allaboutvision.com/en-gb/laser-cataract-surgery/>.
  • The laser technology enables the use of new intraocular lenses designed specifically for laser cataract surgery. These advanced lenses significantly increase the predictability of vision outcomes and range of vision compared to the previous generation of implants. The implants also maintain a more stable position compared to implants designed for standard cataract surgery4American Academy of Ophthalmology. 2021. Cheaper alternative to the femtosecond laser shows promise. [online] Available at: <https://www.aao.org/headline/cheaper-alternative-to-femtosecond-laser-shows-pro>.
  • Laser cataract surgery has a much higher level of predictability when compared to manual techniques used in standard cataract surgery5Laser cataract surgery has a much higher level of predictability when compared to manual techniques used in standard cataract surgery. .

Disadvantages

  • Laser cataract surgery is more costly than standard cataract surgery.
  • You may still need glasses for certain visually demanding tasks like reading in dim lighting conditions.

Different types of cataract surgery for different needs

Together, we’ll assess your candidacy and recommend the best solution to suit your needs and lifestyle
Standard Cataract Surgery Lifestyle Cataract Surgery Laser Cataract Surgery
We’ll remove your cataract and you’ll be able to see as you did before you developed cataracts
If you’re a glasses-wearer, you will be happy wearing glasses after surgery
If you’re a glasses-wearer, you’ll have reduced dependency on glasses for certain activities (distance and mid-range tasks) after surgery
If you’re a glasses-wearer, you’ll enjoy significantly reduced dependency on glasses for all activities (including reading, mid-range and distance vision) after surgery

What are the risks of laser cataract surgery?

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner

The risks of having laser cataract surgery

There is a 98 – 99% likelihood of undergoing cataract surgery without complications that may permanently affect your best possible vision6VisionAware. 2021. What Are the Risks of Cataract Surgery? – VisionAware. [online] Available at: <https://visionaware.org/your-eye-condition/cataracts/risks-of-cataract-surgery/> .
Potential complications of the procedure include retinal detachment, uveitis (inflammation inside the eye), infection, glaucoma, bleeding, and re-dislocation of the IOL7 All About Vision. 2021. Certain Drugs May Cause Cataract Surgery Complications. [online] Available at: <https://www.allaboutvision.com/en-gb/conditions/cataract-surgery-complications/> .

The risks of not having laser cataract surgery

In certain people, the growth of a cataract can make them prone to primary angle-closure glaucoma. This is where the drainage channel in the front of the eye (trabecular meshwork) is gradually narrowed by the increasing size of the crystalline lens. Eventually, the drainage channel can become completely blocked, resulting in a rapid increase in the pressure within the eyeball and a painful red eye. Long-sighted patients are more likely to be at risk of angle-closure glaucoma8Glaucoma Research Foundation. 2021. Are You an Angle-Closure Glaucoma Suspect?. [online] Available at: <https://www.glaucoma.org/glaucoma/are-you-an-angle-closure-suspect.php#:~:text=other%20risk%20factors.-,Risk%20Factors,gets%20more%20crowded%20with%20age.&text=Smaller%20eyes%20are%20often%20%E2%80%9Cfar,likely%20to%20get%20angle%2Dclosure.>. Your eye specialist will be able to assess if you are at risk of primary angle-closure glaucoma and whether you would benefit from cataract extraction or another treatment to prevent this serious condition.

Laser cataract surgery steps

Get the expert eye treatment you need in 3 easy steps

Step 1 – Removing the cataract

We use local anaesthesia in the form of eye drops and light (twilight) sedation. Using the new CAPSULaser, we make a tiny incision in the cornea – the transparent membrane on the surface of the eye.

We insert a fine instrument through the incision, which uses ultrasound vibrations to break up the lens into a fine pulp. We then carefully remove this pulp under microscopic guidance.

Step 2 – Inserting the new lens

Next, we implant a special intraocular lens or IOL into the eye using a special lens injector. These lenses are the latest in lens technology, designed specifically for laser cataract surgery. In the majority of cases, the intraocular lenses or IOL will sit within the natural ‘bag’ that held the original lens, and the incision heals on its own.

Step 3 – Return home and relax

Once the surgery is complete, we place a clear shield over the eye, which stays on for four hours post-surgery and reduces the risk of infection. We will ask you to commence the use of postoperative drops which consist of an antibiotic drop and two anti-inflammatory drops.

The total time at the hospital is approximately three hours.

Most patients can return to many routine daily activities, including driving within two or three days of their surgery.

Take the first step to address your cataracts

Book a consultation, and one of our Brisbane eye experts will guide you towards the right treatment for your eyes and lifestyle so you can get more confidence and clarity from your vision

Laser cataract surgery results

Enjoy great reading and distance vision without glasses

When will you start to see laser cataract surgery results?

It is essential to give yourself some time to adjust to your new vision. Not only does physical healing take place, but the brain needs time to adapt.

Most patients have optimal vision and will have completely adjusted within a few weeks9All About Vision. 2021. 8 Ways to Minimize Cataract Surgery Recovery Time. [online] Available at: <https://www.allaboutvision.com/en-gb/conditions/cataract-surgery-recovery/>.

How long will laser cataract surgery results last?

Laser cataract surgery is permanent, and the results should last a lifetime10Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center. 2021. 23 Answers to Common Cataract Surgery Questions. [online] Available at: <https://www.goodeyes.com/cataract/cataract-surgery-questions/>.

You may need further treatment (i.e. YAG laser treatment) should you develop a post-operative condition known as PCO some time after cataract surgery.

When can you get back to normal life after laser cataract surgery?

Your vision improves typically within a few days11All About Vision. 2021. 8 Ways to Minimize Cataract Surgery Recovery Time. [online] Available at: <https://www.allaboutvision.com/en-gb/conditions/cataract-surgery-recovery/>. However, the recovery can take longer if you have a pre-existing eye condition. You should be able to gradually resume your normal, active lifestyle after some days of rest12All About Vision. 2021. 8 Ways to Minimize Cataract Surgery Recovery Time. [online] Available at: <https://www.allaboutvision.com/en-gb/conditions/cataract-surgery-recovery/>.

Frequently asked questions
about laser cataract surgery

Now you know your options, get your questions answered

The lenses
Those who opt for laser cataract surgery will have access to the latest intraocular lens technology specifically designed for laser cataract surgery.

These lenses significantly increase the predictability of your vision outcome and the range of vision compared to the previous generation of implants.

They also maintain a more stable position compared to implants designed for standard cataract surgery.
These lens implants can give you a range of vision, from distance to close. We calculate the lens power using scans taken at your initial assessment for surgery that assess the abilities of your natural lens.

At this assessment, your ophthalmologist will discuss lens options with you and the target focus for your eyes after surgery.

Before the treatment, you will be given anaesthetic eye drops followed by further anaesthetic around your eye to prevent any discomfort during the operation.
Depending on your health fund, your out of pocket costs will be in the region of $1300 to $1700.

  • This excludes anaesthetist’s fee
  • This includes all follow-up for 6 months

Notes: There may also be an excess to pay attached to your health insurance.

Consultation fees

Private health insurance does not contribute to consultations.
Medicare rebate on consultation fee with a current referral from your Optometrist or GP.

Find out more here

Discover the number one mistake patients make when choosing cataract surgery

Most people have cataract surgery without knowing about all the options they actually have surrounding cataract surgery. Unfortunately, most people only find this out after having cataract surgery. The information in this Brisbane Cataract Guide could save you frustration and worry. Simply click the button below to give us your email and we’ll send you this life changing guide:

Take the first step to restore your vision

Make 2021 the year you transformed cloudy to clear vision with cataract surgery in Brisbane

Dr Matthew Russell, MBChB, FRANZCO

Brisbane Eye Surgeon

We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide and that you have started to understand your options surrounding cataract surgery and the life-changing results it can achieve.

Remember, the timing of cataract surgery is a personal choice. Cataract surgery is one of the most successful and life-enhancing interventions in modern medicine, with a fast recovery and significant improvement in the quality of life13National Library of Medicine. 2021. The impact of cataract surgery on quality of life. [online] Available at: <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21088580/>.

The additional satisfaction that then comes with multifocal lenses is particularly high. Patients can see far away and read without glasses for the first time in many years or, in some cases, for the first time in a lifetime.

Book a consultation to explore your options

What’s next? Take the first step towards understanding your cataract treatment options. Book a consultation online or call us on 07 3063 8914. We can discuss your unique situation and answer any questions you may have.
We look forward to greeting you warmly and meeting in person at the clinic.