Lifestyle Cataract Surgery2021-06-18T01:59:20+10:00

Restore clear vision for active lives with lifestyle cataract surgery in Brisbane

Discover how this cataract treatment removes your cataracts AND aims to correct your glasses prescription to suit your active lifestyle

Gain freedom from glasses for many of the activities you enjoy

Lifestyle cataract surgery treats your cataracts and aims to reduce your need for glasses while you’re out and about

Wave goodbye to cataracts and glasses 

After lifestyle cataract surgery, we’ll have removed your cataracts and aimed to significantly reduce your dependency on glasses. Our patients receive lenses that enable them to see clearly for many of the tasks and activities they enjoy most.

Regain your independence

Cataracts often make our patients feel concerned about the future of their vision and anxious at the prospect of surgery. After cataract surgery, our patients experience a huge sense of relief as the colour of life comes flooding back, and the clarity of their vision is restored.

Feel liberated

One of the best things about lifestyle cataract surgery is the way it can improve all aspects of your day. You will worry less about how poor vision might interfere with your plans or where you last left your glasses. You should be able to run, walk and dance with more comfort and convenience. Many of our patients even begin to explore new passions and interests now that glasses no longer get in their way.

Re-engage with life

After lifestyle cataract surgery, our patients are delighted that they can continue to enjoy life with vision that can keep up with their active lifestyle. Patients who have undergone lifestyle cataract surgery realise that age really is just a number!

Wave goodbye to cataracts and glasses 

After lifestyle cataract surgery, we’ll have removed your cataracts and significantly reduced your dependency on glasses. Our patients receive lenses that enables them to see clearly for many of the tasks and activities they enjoy most.

Regain your independence

Cataracts often make our patients feel concerned about the future of their vision and anxious at the prospect of surgery. Fortunately, cataract surgery is a very safe procedure and our patients experience a huge sense of relief as the colour of life comes flooding back, and the clarity of their vision is restored.

Feel liberated

One of the best things about lifestyle cataract surgery is the way it can improve all aspects of your day. You will worry less about how poor vision might interfere with your plans or where you last left your glasses. You’ll be able to run, walk and dance with more comfort and convenience. Many of our patients even begin to explore new passions and interests now that glasses no longer get in their way.

Re-engage with life

After lifestyle cataract surgery, our patients are delighted that they can continue to enjoy life with vision that can keep up with their active lifestyle. Patients who have undergone lifestyle cataract surgery realise that age really is just a number!

Leading the way in expert eyecare

The OKKO Eye Specialist Centre team is highly experienced in the diagnosis, treatment and management of a comprehensive range of eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma and macular diseases

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

Expert options to treat cataracts and other eye conditions in Brisbane

If you can see yourself below, we can help you

Treat your
cataracts

Glasses are ineffective once cloudy vision starts getting in the way.1As the cataracts advance, c., 2021. As the cataracts advance, can my glasses be made stronger periodically until I decide it is time for surgery?. [online] American Academy of Ophthalmology. Available at: <https://www.aao.org/eye-health/ask-ophthalmologist-q/glasses-cataracts> [Accessed 16 June 2021]. Activities that you once enjoyed, like reading and walking can become a tiring challenge.

Fortunately, with cataract surgery, we can easily remove those grey clouds from your vision so that you can resume life as usual with your favourite pair of specs.

Learn more about standard cataract surgery.

Treat cataracts AND reduce your dependence on glasses

Being forced down the route of cataract surgery isn’t great. Still, if you’ve ever fancied reducing your need for glasses, it could be a blessing in disguise. Lifestyle and laser cataract surgery can remove your cataracts and give you a visual enhancement tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle.

Learn more about lifestyle cataract surgery and laser cataract surgery.

Halt the progression of your glaucoma

Having a sight-threatening condition like glaucoma can be scary. Early detection and treatment are often critical for preserving a good level of vision, but knowing the treatment options can be confusing.

We understand the severity of the situation and are here to guide you towards the right treatment for your unique eyes.

Learn more about glaucoma treatment.

Find help for another eye problem

Any issue with your eyes can be exhausting and stop you from engaging in activities you enjoy.

Fortunately, we’ve built an impressive reputation for the treatment of many complex eye conditions including keratoconus, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and ocular surface disease.

Learn more about our full range of eye treatments.

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
Removal of Cataract
Method of Removal
  • Manual Incision
  • Phacoemulsification
  • Manual Incision
  • Phacoemulsification
  • Laser-assisted cataract removal
  • Phacoemulsification
Reduced dependence on glasses for distance and mid-range vision
Reduced dependence on glasses for all activities
Who is this suitable for? No concerns with wearing glasses after surgery Would prefer to use glasses only for certain tasks Would like to reduce dependence on glasses for all tasks
Precise Enhancement Procedures Not required (vision after surgery can be corrected with glasses) Occasionally required if there is greater-than-expected dependence on glasses* Can be performed and is included in original surgery costs

*Enhancement procedures such as laser refractive surgery or piggyback IOL insertion are at cost and not covered by Medicare or health funds

Restore your vision and gain great functional vision without glasses

Lifestyle cataract surgery suitability criteria

Lifestyle cataract surgery allows you to enjoy a broader range of vision than standard cataract surgery.2All About Vision. 2021. Could cataract-dissolving drops replace cataract surgery someday?. [online] Available at: <https://www.allaboutvision.com/en-gb/conditions/cataract-surgery/> [Accessed 16 June 2021].

This option is ideal for those who have an active lifestyle and who value low dependence on glasses for distance and mid-range vision.

To be sure that you are suitable for lifestyle cataract surgery, we will need to examine your eyes at your initial consultation.

How lifestyle cataract surgery works

In this surgery, we replace the cataract with a lens that has a range of focus. We call this extended depth of focus intraocular (EDOF) lens technology. This type of lens can correct the vision so that you can see clearly from 50 cm to the far distance.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

  • Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in Australia. The procedure typically takes less than half an hour and does not require an overnight stay.3AHealthline. 2021. Cataract surgery preparation, procedure, costs, aftercare, recovery. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/cataract-surgery#how-long-is-it> [Accessed 16 June 2021].
  • Cataract surgery is generally a safe procedure. Recovery is typically short and uneventful, and you will be kept informed at every stage.4ll About Vision. 2021. Could cataract-dissolving drops replace cataract surgery someday?. [online] Available at: <https://www.allaboutvision.com/en-gb/conditions/cataract-surgery/> [Accessed 16 June 2021].
  • Vision is usually improved the day after surgery. Maximum improvement is usually achieved with EDOF, trifocal and toric lenses.5Eyewiki.aao.org. 2021. Refractive Error After Cataract Surgery – EyeWiki. [online] Available at: <https://eyewiki.aao.org/Refractive_Error_After_Cataract_Surgery> [Accessed 16 June 2021].
  • The lens implants are permanent and ordinarily do not need to be replaced – they are good for the life of the patient.6Medicinenet.com. 2021. [online] Available at: <https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=43031> [Accessed 16 June 2021].

Disadvantages

  • Mild discomfort: After surgery, it is normal to feel mild discomfort, irritation, or a stingy sensation. If you experience these symptoms you can take paracetamol (such as Panadol, Panamax, Dymadon, or Panadeine). Mild mucous, a small amount of bloody discharge, and watering of the eye are also considered normal.
  • Driving is not permitted for 24 hours following surgery, due to the sedation used.
  • Light sensitivity: It is also quite normal to be sensitive to light after surgery. You will be given a pair of dark glasses after your procedure.
  • You must avoid:
    • Rubbing your eyes
    • Engaging in strenuous activity/exercise, gardening, or heavy lifting (greater than 10kg) for two weeks
    • Wearing eye make-up for one week
    • Swimming for two weeks
    • Allowing water/shampoo to come into direct contact with the eye for two weeks

Cataract surgery risks

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

The risks of not having 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 glaucoma. 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.

Options and alternatives

The only way to treat a cataract is to surgically remove it and implant an artificial lens in its place.

An alternative to lifestyle cataract surgery is:

  • Laser cataract surgery –  Restore clarity of vision AND correct your glasses prescription so you no longer need glasses for reading and distance vision
  •  Standard cataract surgery – An ideal treatment for someone who has no astigmatism or other refractive error (only approximately 30% of the population).

Does a non-surgical treatment exist?

The alternative to having cataract surgery is quite simply not undergoing surgery. Cataracts are unable to be treated with anything other than a surgical procedure. If they remain untreated, then over time they will continue to cause your visual acuity and contrast sensitivity to gradually decline.7All About Vision. 2021. What happens if cataracts are left untreated?. [online] Available at: <https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/faq-cataract-left-untreated.htm> [Accessed 16 June 2021]. Your optometrist may ultimately be unable to prescribe glasses to provide any form of visual clarity.

The cataract will eventually blur your vision to a point where daily activities can become difficult to perform.8Spalton D, Koch D. The constant evolution of cataract surgery. BMJ. 2000;321(7272):1304. doi:10.1136/bmj.321.7272.1304

In some cases, if you do not opt for surgery, the natural lens will thicken in addition to going cloudy, and can potentially cause the drainage pathway of the eye (the trabecular meshwork) to narrow. This can put you at risk of a condition known as angle-closure glaucoma, which can result in irreversible vision loss.9Stanborough, R. M. J. (2020, October 15). What’s the Difference Between Glaucoma and Cataracts? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/glaucoma-vs-cataracts#differences

Lifestyle cataract surgery steps

Step one: We use local anaesthesia in the form of eye drops and light (twilight) sedation. We make a tiny incision in the cornea – the transparent membrane on the surface of the eye – using a laser.

Step two: 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 three: Once we’ve had the cataract removed, we implant the artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL) using a special lens injector. In the majority of cases, the IOL will sit within the natural ‘bag’ that held the original lens, and the incision heals on its own.

Step four: Once the surgery is complete, we place a clear shield over the eye, which stays on for four hours post-surgery. We will ask you to commence the use of postoperative drops which consist of an antibiotic drop and two anti-inflammatory drops. The surgery takes less than an hour, and generally, the total time at the hospital is approximately three hours. 

Lifestyle cataract surgery results

Over 90% of patients achieve excellent (20/25 or better) distance vision without glasses.10Spalton D, Koch D. The constant evolution of cataract surgery. BMJ. 2000;321(7272):1304. doi:10.1136/bmj.321.7272.1304

In most cases, the lens provides very natural vision quality. The transition to new vision following surgery is relatively easy for most patients.

Most people achieve functional near vision. This means glasses are not usually required to read medium-sized print in good light. Typically, patients need low strength glasses to:

  • Read small print
  • Read for extended periods
  • Browse the internet on a mobile phone
  • Read in dim light
  • Participate in detailed close activities

A small proportion of patients may need limited use of glasses for specific activities such as driving at night. Some patients may choose to wear progressive glasses for convenience. The likelihood of achieving excellent distance vision without glasses depends on:

  • The eye’s health before cataract surgery
  • The degree of previous focusing errors
  • Astigmatism

How to get help from our team of eye experts

Get the expert eye treatment you need in 3 easy steps

Step 1 – Reach out

Give us a call on: 3725 0222 and we’ll guide you towards an initial consultation.

Step 2 – We’ll meet

During your initial consultation, we will take a detailed medical history and examination to make an accurate assessment of the issue at hand.

Step 3 – Your vitality restored

We will treat you at one of our state-of-the-art Brisbane eye clinic facilities, with the aim of giving you the optimism and confidence to re-engage with life. 

As seen on TV

OKKO brings innovative laser cataract technology to Australia
A screenshot of the news reporting Dr. Matthew's success in innovative cataract technology.
A screenshot of Dr. Matthew performing cataract surgery, as featured on the News First News Channel.
A screenshot from News Brisbane mentioning Dr. Matthew bringing innovative cataract laser eye surgery to Australia.

Take our quick suitability quiz to discover which type of cataract surgery is right for you

When it comes to cataract surgery, there is a world of choice available that most people sadly miss. Avoid disappointment and discover which option is best suited to your needs and lifestyle in just a few minutes

Insurers

We’ve got you covered, OKKO is pleased to work with all the insurers below:
  • Australian Unity

  • ACA

  • CBHS

  • CBHS Corporate

  • CDH

  • CUA Health

  • Doctors’ Health

  • Emergency Services

  • GMHBA

  • GU Health Corporate

  • HBF

  • HCI

  • Health Partners

  • Health.com.au

  • HIF

  • Latrobe

  • MDHF

  • MO Health

  • Navy Health

  • Nurses and Midwives

  • Onemedifund

  • Peoplecare

  • Phoenix

  • Police

  • QCH

  • Reserve Bank

  • RT Health Fund

  • St Lukes

  • Teachers Health

  • Teachers Health

  • Westfund

News and FAQs

Learn more about our quality ophthalmology services and how they can provide you with the best possible eye health and vision outcomes

Insurers

We’ve got you covered! We are registered with all the major insurers in Australia.

Links to authoritative resources on lifestyle cataract surgery

You use the lens of your eye every day, for everything from reading to driving to bird watching. With age, the proteins inside your lens can clump together turning the lens from clear to cloudy. Certain behaviors can put you at a higher risk for getting a cataract. Click here for more information.

A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye. Cataracts are very common as you get older. In fact, more than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to get rid of cataracts. Click here to read more.

If you have a cataract, your lens has become cloudy, like the bottom lens in the illustration. It is like looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield. Things look blurry, hazy or less colorful with a cataract. Click here to read more.

Our Brisbane eye specialists

We are dedicated to providing you with the best possible eye health and vision outcomes

Dr Nick Toalster, MBChB, FRANZCO

Specialist ophthalmic surgeon

I am an ophthalmologist with advanced training in cataract, corneal and glaucoma microsurgeries. As both an optometrist and an ophthalmologist, I am particularly well placed to lead the emerging field of eye disease management.

Dr. Matthew Russell, MBChB, FRANZCO

Brisbane Eye Surgeon

I am a specialist ophthalmic microsurgeon, internationally trained retinal surgeon, medical retinal diseases specialist, and cataract surgeon. With a career that spans over 15 years, I have mastered the ability to achieve precise results with the aim of helping patients regain their confidence and youthful energy.

Dr Judy Ku, MBChB, FRANZCO

Specialist ophthalmic surgeon

I am a specialist in glaucoma, cornea & external diseases and cataract surgery. I am passionate about assisting my patients to achieve their full visual potential. I feel extremely privileged to have the opportunity to restore sight and to improve people’s quality of life.

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