Enjoy more clarity and colour
Standard cataract surgery removes your cataracts so you can move forward with your life
Lift the cloud from your vision
After standard cataract surgery in Brisbane, we will have removed your cataracts, and you should be able to resume life with unclouded vision.
Regain your independence
You should be able to enjoy all the benefits of your newly-restored vision. Our patients are often amazed at how much brighter and vibrant the world appears and are able to enjoy life’s pleasures with the people they love.
Get back to normal
Many patients are back to their regular activities the day after cataract surgery. Their vision is much clearer, and if they wear glasses, they find them much more effective.
Re-engage with life
If you wear glasses and want to reduce your dependence on them while being active, travelling or simply out and about, you may want to consider lifestyle cataract surgery.
If you’d also like to reduce your dependence on reading glasses or glasses for tasks such as driving at night, you may want to consider laser cataract surgery.
Lift the cloud from your vision
After standard cataract surgery in Brisbane, we will have removed your cataracts, and you’ll be able to resume life with unclouded vision.
Regain your independence
Enjoy all the benefits of your newly-restored vision. You’ll be amazed at how much brighter and vibrant the world will appear and will be able to enjoy life’s pleasures with the people you love.
Get back to normal
Many patients are back to their regular activities the day after cataract surgery. Their vision is much clearer, and if they wear glasses, they find them much more effective.
Re-engage with life
If you wear glasses and want to reduce your dependence on them while being active, travelling or simply out and about, you may want to consider lifestyle cataract surgery.
If you’d also like to reduce your dependence on glasses for close-up tasks like reading and driving at night, you may want to consider laser cataract surgery.
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
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.
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
Restore your vision and resume life with glasses
Standard cataract surgery suitability criteria
To ensure that you are suitable for standard cataract surgery in Brisbane, we will need to examine your eyes in your initial consultation prior to arranging your surgery.
How cataract surgery in Brisbane works
Standard cataract surgery involves removing your cataracts to improve the clarity of the vision.
The primary goal with this type of surgery is on achieving a high level of distance vision. We do this by removing the cataract lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens that provides a single focus. You will likely need glasses for mid-range (using a computer) and near vision activities such as reading and sewing.
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.2AHealthline. 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 one of the safest surgeries performed on the human body. Generally, your recovery will be short and uneventful, and we will keep you informed at every stage.3ll 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.4Eyewiki.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.5Medicinenet.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 is 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. We will give you 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.
Standard cataract surgery risks
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Therefore, 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
Restore your vision AND eliminate your need for glasses
If you would like to experience freedom from glasses after your cataract surgery in Brisbane, you have the option to choose your desired prescription by opting for:
- Lifestyle cataract surgery – Restore clarity of vision AND correct your glasses prescription to suit your active lifestyle
- Laser cataract surgery – Restore clarity of vision AND correct your glasses prescription so you no longer need glasses for reading and distance vision.
Does a non-surgical treatment exist?
The alternative to having cataract surgery is quite simply not undergoing cataract surgery. Cataracts are unable to be treated with anything other than a surgical procedure. If you do not treat your cataracts, then over time, they will continue to cause your visual acuity and contrast sensitivity to decline gradually.6All 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.7Spalton 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 cataract surgery, the natural lens will thicken in addition to going cloudy, which 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.
8Stanborough, R. M. J. (2020, October 15). What’s the Difference Between Glaucoma and Cataracts? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/glaucoma-vs-cataracts#differences
Standard cataract surgery steps
The most common type of cataract surgery is known as micro-incision phacoemulsification cataract extraction. We perform this procedure with local anaesthetic (eye drops) and copious sedation.
We make a small (2-2.5mm) self-sealing incision on the side of the cornea, the clear membrane on the surface of the eye. We then insert a fine ultrasound (phaco) probe. Vibrations from the tip of the probe fragment and emulsify the cataract into a pulp. We then carefully remove these fragments of cataract under microscopic guidance.
Following this, we replace your natural lens with a biocompatible monofocal lens, specifically preselected for your eye. The implant is rolled up in a special lens injector and gently guided into place by your surgeon. In the majority of cases, the IOL will sit within the natural bag that originally held the crystalline lens (the capsule), and sutures are not usually required to position the IOL.
Standard cataract surgery results
After standard cataract surgery in Brisbane, we will have removed your cataracts, and your potential for good vision will be back to its former level.
Over 90% of patients achieve excellent distance vision (20/25 or better) without glasses.9Spalton D, Koch D. The constant evolution of cataract surgery. BMJ. 2000;321(7272):1304. doi:10.1136/bmj.321.7272.1304
You may need glasses with a small prescription to achieve your best possible distance vision.
The degree to which cataract surgery can correct pre-existing focusing errors varies according to:
- The severity of the pre-existing focusing error
- Dry eye syndrome
- Macular conditions
- Other factors such as astigmatism that influence the health of the eye
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
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.
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 |
|
|
|
| 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
Links to authoritative resources on standard cataract surgery
News and FAQs
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Our Brisbane eye specialists
We are dedicated to providing you with the best possible eye health and vision outcomes
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.