Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is performed as a day surgery by Dr Justin Sherwin.  Before the procedure an anaesthetist will give you a light sedative to ensure that you are relaxed, calm and comfortable.  Anaesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eye.

The surgeon creates a very small opening in the eye, less than 3mm in length to reach the cataract.  The lens, where the cataract forms, is then opened by creating what is known as a capsulorhexis.  An ultrasound probe is then used to break-up and remove the cataract from the eye.  This process is called phacoemulsification.

Once these fragments of the cloudy natural lens are removed a replacement intra-ocular lens (IOL) is inserted into the eye.   The IOLs are flexible and are folded so that they can fit through the tiny opening. Once inside the eye they unfold into position.  The IOLs are permanent.

The procedure takes less than 30 minutes but you will stay at the day procedure centre for approximately 2 hours while you recover.  You should have someone drive you home and stay with you for the day.

Usually the eyes are treated a minimum of one week apart.

You will need to arrange for someone to collect you and stay with you at home after the procedure.  You should plan to avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours.

Until all the drops wear off, your vision may be blurry, however, most patients see well the next day.  You vision will likely fluctuate as the eyes heal then settle over the first few weeks following cataract surgery.  There may be some mild discomfort or a gritty sensation for a few days after the procedure.

After cataract surgery, your surgeon will prescribe anti-inflammatory drops to take for a few weeks.

An intra-ocular lens (IOL) must be placed in the eye following removal of the cataract.  Without the implantation of this artificial lens you would need to wear very thick and heavy glasses in order to see clearly following surgery.  Although the very first IOL was developed in the 1950, in recent times this technology has advanced greatly.  At Vista Eyes, we offer a range of IOL designs and the decision of which lens to use is tailored according to each patient’s individual needs.

Precise measurements are taken of the eye and then used to determine the strength of the required implant. Dr  Sherwin goes to great lengths to ensure the accuracy of these calculations.   IOLs not only correct for short-sightedness and long-sightedness but toric lenses are used by Dr Sherwin in over 80% of patients to precisely address astigmatism.

As a result, most patients will find that they are much less reliant on glasses following cataract surgery and, in fact, many will only wear glasses for reading.

Sophisticated, modern IOL designs are also available to allow for the correction of vision for near, middle and far distances.  Extended-depth and  multifocal IOLs have become popular as they can provide increased independence from glasses. An alternative to these premium IOLs is monovision (blended vision), where one eye is targeted for near vision and the other for far vision. Monovision also can reduce spectacle dependence. Dr Sherwin will discuss at your consultation whether you are a suitable candidate for a premium IOL or monovision.

Yes, you will need a current referral to see Dr Justin Sherwin for cataract assessment and treatment.