Retina Specialists Auckland New Zealand

Cataracts

What is a cataract?

The lens of the eye is normally clear and sits behind the pupil and the iris. If it becomes cloudy for any reason, this is a cataract. Cataracts can vary from being minor to being so marked as to prevent adequate vision.

What causes cataract?

There are many causes of cataract, but the most common one in NZ is age related.

Treatment of cataracts.

Only cataracts which are reducing vision need to be treated. Modern cataract surgery is effective at improving vision in most patients. The technique is called phacoemulsification, and involves removing the cloudy lens through a small incision and then placing an artificial lens in the eye to replace it. It takes 20 - 60 minutes for the surgery, and there is almost never a requirement to stay in hospital overnight. It is possible to do cataract surgery under general or local anaesthesia, but because of the shorter recovery, local anaesthetic, with light sedation if necessary, is the most commonly used method.

Post-operative care.

After the surgery you will rest in a recovery area for an hour or so. The after effects of the anaesthesia and any sedation used are usually only slight. Although you feel fine, it is important to take things easy for a week or so, and particularly to avoid heavy lifting or straining for at least 2 weeks.

Risks and complications

Any surgery carries a risk of complications, but modern cataract surgery has a very good safety profile. If you have any concerns or worries after the surgery you should contact your eye specialist. This is particularly true if your vision is becoming increasingly blurred or your eye is becoming increasingly red and/or painful, in which case you should call straight away.

Frequently asked questions:

Can cataract surgery be performed by laser?

No. There are some experimental lasers being developed which may be useful in the future, but currently there are no institutions using lasers for cataract surgery.

Can cataracts regrow after surgery?

No. Sometimes the membrane bag that the lens sits in becomes thickened after the surgery, making the vision blurred again, but this can be easily treated as an outpatient.

Will I need glasses afterwards?

Most people need glasses for fine tasks afterward. If you currently wear glasses your prescription will almost certainly be different post-operatively.

What if I have other eye disease - will cataract surgery help?

There are many diseases which affect the eye and may limit visual improvement from cataract surgery. Usually they can be diagnosed in advance and your surgeon will discuss this with you before the surgery.


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	Cataracts What is a cataract? The lens of the eye is normally clear and sits behind the pupil and the iris. If it becomes cloudy for any reason, this is a cataract. Cataracts can vary from being minor to being so marked as to prevent adequate vision. What causes cataract? There are many causes of cataract, but the most common one in NZ is age related. Treatment of cataracts. Only cataracts which are reducing vision need to be treated. Modern cataract surgery is effective at improving vision in most patients. The technique is called phacoemulsification, and involves removing the cloudy lens through a small incision and then placing an artificial lens in the eye to replace it. It takes 20 - 60 minutes for the surgery, and there is almost never a requirement to stay in hospital overnight. It is possible to do cataract surgery under general or local anaesthesia, but because of the shorter recovery, local anaesthetic, with light sedation if necessary, is the most commonly used method. Post-operative care. After the surgery you will rest in a recovery area for an hour or so. The after effects of the anaesthesia and any sedation used are usually only slight. Although you feel fine, it is important to take things easy for a week or so, and particularly to avoid heavy lifting or straining for at least 2 weeks. Risks and complications Any surgery carries a risk of complications, but modern cataract surgery has a very good safety profile. If you have any concerns or worries after the surgery you should contact your eye specialist. This is particularly true if your vision is becoming increasingly blurred or your eye is becoming increasingly red and/or painful, in which case you should call straight away. Frequently asked questions: Can cataract surgery be performed by laser? No. There are some experimental lasers being developed which may be useful in the future, but currently there are no institutions using lasers for cataract surgery. Can cataracts regrow after surgery? No. Sometimes the membrane bag that the lens sits in becomes thickened after the surgery, making the vision blurred again, but this can be easily treated as an outpatient. Will I need glasses afterwards? Most people need glasses for fine tasks afterward. If you currently wear glasses your prescription will almost certainly be different post-operatively. What if I have other eye disease - will cataract surgery help? There are many diseases which affect the eye and may limit visual improvement from cataract surgery. Usually they can be diagnosed in advance and your surgeon will discuss this with you before the surgery.