Cataracts

Dr Au offers Cataract Surgery Assessment through East St Kilda Eye Clinic

and Armadale Eye Clinic

Did you know?

In Australia, cataract affects around 50% of people aged 50 and above!

A very common eye condition that worsens over time, it is crucial to know what to look out for and get treated before severe vision loss occurs. Almost everyone will develop cataracts by age 80.

(Centre for Eye Research Institute Australia)

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a loss of transparency or clouding of the lens of the eye. The normal lens is crystal clear. As one ages, however, chemical changes occur in the lens that make it less transparent, thereby obstructing the passage of light through the lens and affecting one’s clarity of vision.

Cataracts are not all the same and may be mild, moderate or severe.

What are the Symptoms of Cataract?

A progressive and painless blurring of vision
Glares, particularly at night or in dim settings
A need for frequent spectacle prescription change
A change in colour perception
Doubling of image in the affected eye (less common)

Be careful! Sometimes, cataracts may cause an improvement in one’s near vision (thus reducing one’s reliance on reading glasses), giving a false impression that one’s vision is improving.

When Should I Consider Cataract Surgery?

Not all cases of cataract requires cataract surgery. If visual blurring is still mild, surgery is usually not warranted. However, if the blurring is significant enough to affect daily activities or nears the visual requirements for driving, then cataract removal surgery is recommended. Contrary to popular belief, you should not wait until the cataract is too dense, mature or opaque before undergoing surgery, as complications are more likely to occur. Recovery from complicated cataract removal surgery is also prolonged.

Types of Cataract Removal Surgery

Cataract removal surgery is a very safe, successful and life-changing operation as the old cloudy lens is replaced with a new and clear one. There are 3 types of cataract surgery; Dr Au will discuss your options and make the most appropriate recommendation for you.

Phacoemulsification (Phaco)

Two incisions are made (using very small blades) and a special device using high-frequency ultrasound energy is used to soften and break down the cataract for easier removal. Dr Au practices a double chop technique which allows the cataract to be removed with minimal ultrasound energy providing faster visual recovery.

Femtosecond Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)

Most notably, no blades are used in this method. Popularly known as the bladeless cataract surgery in, a highly precise femtosecond laser is used to create the wound and facilitate the removal of the cataract. This technique often costs more, takes more time (as patient needs to be moved between theatres) but yields similar visual results, as such not regularly practiced by Dr Au.

Extracapsular Cataract Surgery (ECCE)

This is the older, traditional method which formed part of Dr Au's training in Singapore. A larger wound is made in the eye that requires suturing in the end. This means that recovery time is longer necessitating frequent visits for suture removals. This is not routinely offered, but some very dense and complicated cataracts may have to be removed this way. There are limited surgeons who are able to perform this technique competently in Melbourne.

Intraocular Lenses (IOLs):

Essential for Every Cataract Surgery

An intraocular lens (IOL) is the new, clear, artificial lens that is placed in the eye after the old cloudy one has been removed. Basically, it mimics the focusing power of the eye’s natural lens that allows us to see. The 2 main types of IOLs are:

Monofocal IOLs

Correcting distance vision, they are great for clear far vision, but glasses will be required for reading and other near work. Intermediate distances (such as computers and car dashboard) may also require separate powered glasses.

Extended depth of focus IOLs

Correcting distance vision and offering some intermediate distance, but glasses will still be required for reading and other near work. Note that this may not be appropriate for all patients.

Multifocal IOLs

Correcting a range of vision, Dr Au utilizes trifocal and extended range versions which can allow for clear vision at various distances. Note that this may not be appropriate for all patients.

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