Cataract Surgery
WHAT IS CATARACT SURGERY?
Understanding Cataract Surgery
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, located just behind the pupil and iris. Normally, this lens is clear and helps to focus light for sharp vision. With age, proteins in the lens can clump together, making the lens increasingly opaque and causing blurred or cloudy vision.
Cataracts typically begin to form after the age of 60, and while progression is gradual, untreated cataracts can eventually lead to significant vision loss.
Types of Cataracts
While most cataracts are age-related, other factors and conditions can also cause them to develop earlier in life:
Secondary Cataracts: Can develop after eye surgery for other reasons or as a result of long-term medication use, such as steroids.
Traumatic Cataracts: Caused by a direct injury to the eye, either blunt or penetrating.
Radiation Cataracts: Linked to excessive exposure to radiation, such as sunlight or welding.
Congenital Cataracts: Rare but present at birth or by early childhood.
Cataract Surgery Explained
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures worldwide. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Modern cataract surgery is quick, precise, and minimally invasive. With incisions as small as 2.0 mm, recovery is fast and patients typically enjoy excellent visual outcomes. Many people now choose to undergo cataract surgery earlier in life to restore clarity and improve quality of vision.
Commonly, cataract removal coincides with driving licence checks to optimize vision for driving in older patients.
Intraocular Lens (IOL) Options
Lens implant technology has advanced significantly over the past 50 years, offering predictable and highly refined results.
At Perth Laser Vision, we provide:
Monofocal IOLs: Restore distance vision clarity but glasses will still be needed for reading.
Multifocal IOLs: Correct both near and distance vision, reducing the need for glasses altogether.
EDOF IOLs: Extended depth of focus IOLs aim to restore distance and some intermediate and/or reading vision (glasses may still be needed for reading). Most commonly these are used with one eye set for distance and one for reading.
During your consultation, Dr Phillip McGeorge will assess your eyes and lifestyle needs, to recommend the most suitable lens option.
Benefits of Cataract Surgery
01
Reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
02
Enhances quality of life, better colours, contrast, comfort in bright or low-light situations, and more enjoyable everyday activities.
03
The procedure is safe, precise, and minimally invasive, with fast recovery times.
04
There is no specific age for cataract surgery; by replacing your natural lens with an artificial one, you not only improve your vision now but also prevent cataracts from ever developing in that eye in the future.
05
Modern lens options, including monofocal and multifocal IOLs, can be tailored to your lifestyle and visual needs.
Why Choose Perth Laser Vision?
With decades of experience and state-of-the-art technology, our team has helped thousands of patients regain clear sight. We are committed to personalised care, ensuring you understand your options and feel comfortable every step of the way.
Why choose Dr Phillip McGeorge at Perth Laser Vision?
When it comes to your vision, experience and trust matter most. At Perth Laser Vision, you’ll be cared for by Dr Phillip McGeorge, one of Australia’s most experienced laser eye surgeons, and a dedicated team committed to delivering the very best outcomes.
Perth Laser Vision has consistently led the way in eye surgery, with groundbreaking achievements and firsts in WA, including:
- Over 30,000 laser eye surgeries – more than any other surgeon in Australia
- SMILE lenticule extraction
- Bladeless femtosecond LASIK
- Multifocal implant surgery
- PanOptix Pro Trifocal lenses to reduce dependence on reading glasses
- Corneal inlays for keratoconus treatment
- Rapid (3-minute) corneal cross-linking for keratoconus
With a proven record of innovation and results, you can feel confident knowing your vision is in the most experienced hands.
FAQs
Is cataract surgery painful?
No, the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and patients typically feel no pain.
How long does the surgery take?
The procedure usually takes around 15 minutes per eye.
What is recovery like?
Most patients notice improved vision within 24–48 hours, with full recovery in a few weeks.
Will I need glasses after surgery?
This depends on the type of IOL you choose. Multifocal lenses can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.
Is cataract surgery safe?
Yes, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective eye procedures, with a very high success rate.
All surgery, however, carries risks and these risks must be balanced with the benefits anticipated.
Our surgeon will discuss any specific risks for this surgery, with you.
Is laser eye surgery covered by Medicare?
Unfortunately, the Federal Government has determined that laser eye surgery will not be covered by Medicare as it is considered a lifestyle surgery.
Cataract surgery is covered to a variable extent by private health insurances, including Bupa, Medibank, AHM, Defence Health, Navy Health and HBF. We also provide finance options for the uninsured.
Related blogs
How Painful is Corneal Crosslinking? How Do I Reduce the Pain?
Laser Eye Surgery PRK vs LASIK: Key Differences and How to Choose
SMILE vs LASIK Eye Surgery: What’s the Difference and Which is Best For You?
Get in touch
Trust your vision with Perth’s most experienced Laser Eye Surgeon, Dr Phillip McGeorge.
MURDOCH
SJOG Murdoch Medical Clinic
Suite 55, 100 Murdoch Drive
Murdoch WA 6150
SUBIACO
28 Churchill Ave
Subiaco WA 6008
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