Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, causing blurred or dulled vision. Cataract surgery is a safe, commonly performed procedure that restores clarity of vision by replacing the cloudy lens with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery may reduce your need for glasses and help you regain independence.
Cataract
Before
After

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that causes blurry or dim vision. The lens of the eye is positioned behind the pupil. As the lens becomes cloudy, vision can appear blurred, dim, or hazy, it may feel like you are looking through a frosty or foggy window. Over time as a cataract develops it may make everyday tasks, such as reading, driving, seeing the expression on people’s faces, more difficult.

The lens in your eye functions like that of a camera lens to focus incoming light onto the retina in order for you to see clearly.

Throughout your life the natural lens is clear & flexible to enable you to have clear natural vision refocusing between distance and near objects. Any cloudiness of the natural lens in your eye over time is termed a cataract.

Cataract

Cataract Surgery

Cataracts operation involves making a tiny incision approximately 2mm through in which an intricate ultrasonic machine (a phacoemulsification instrument) uses sound waves to break the cataract up into small pieces so that it can easily be removed from the eye. This process is called phacoemulsification.

After the cloudy lens has been removed from the eye it is replaced with a small clear artificial lens, an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is put into your eye replacing the dysfunctional cloudy cataractous lens which has been removed.

There are a number of different IOL lens designs available. At your consultation the ophthamologist will discuss with you your lifestyle and what IOL is recommended for you, taking into account the unique features of your eyes and your visual requirements.

Most people want to minimise any spectacle wear following removal of their cataract. A premium multifocal intraocular lens that facilitates clear vision over a full range at near, distance and intermediate may be the most suitable option.

Some people are better suited to a single focus, monofocal intraocular lens therefore you would need to wear reading glasses after the cataract is removed.  The ophthamologist will carefully go through the options with you to determine the most appropriate option for you.

Where is cataract surgery performed?

Drs Kent and Munro perform cataract and refractive lens exchange surgery at the Christchurch Eye Surgery.

Opened in 2014, it is equipped with four operating theatres and the latest ophthalmic technology and equipment to allow surgeons to provide the best possible care.

Fendalton Eye Clinic is an affiliated provider with Southern Cross Healthcare Insurance for selected services and a NIB First Choice Health Provider

 

 

Book your free lens assessment

Intraocular Lens (IOL) Options

Contact Us

FAQs about Cataract Surgery

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

Symptoms of a cataract can be quite variable. The most common symptom is cloudy, blurry or dimmed vision because of the increased shattering of light caused by a cloudy lens. With a cataract you may also experience sensitivity to light and glare. As a cataract advances you may notice difficulty with night vision. It is not uncommon to notice that colours are dull in particular a fading or yellowing of bright colours. The formation of a cataract can cause your spectacle prescription to change so with advanced cataracts updating your glasses does not provide clear vision.

What causes a cataract to form?

A cataract is a clouding or yellowing of the eye's naturally clear lens. The lens in your eye is inside your eye behind the iris (coloured part of your eye). The majority of cataracts appear with advancing age. However the exact cause of cataract is unclear, it may be the result of a lifetime of exposure to ultraviolet radiation contained in sunlight, or may be related to other lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking, diet and alcohol consumption. Cataract can also occur at any age as a result of other causes such as eye injury, exposure to toxic substances, long term exposure to certain medications or radiation, or as a result of other diseases such as diabetes. In rare cases babies may be born with congenital cataracts due to genetic defects or developmental problems. In infancy cataracts may also result from exposure to diseases such as rubella during pregnancy. Dr Kent and Dr Munro can treat your cataracts by performing cataract surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an intraocular lens.

Where does Dr Kent & Dr Munro perform cataract surgery?

Drs Kent & Munro perform cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange procedures (Lifestyle replacement lens surgery) at the Christchurch Eye Surgery Hospital. Opened in 2014, their state-of-the art facility has been purpose-built to give you the very best eye surgery experience possible. Christchurch Eye Surgery Hospital has an exceptionally-skilled professional team of experts including anaesthetists, nurses and technicians to ensure that you receive the best possible treatment and quality care.
View more questions here