What is a cataract?

A cataract is the term given to any opacification of the natural crystalline lens. Most cataracts develop slowly and they will increasingly impair vision over time. There is no cure for cataracts. They can only be removed by surgery and at the same time a small lens implant (usually acrylic) is placed inside the eye to focus the light on your retina.

How do I know that I have a cataract?

Cataracts mostly develop slowly, and in both eyes, so you may not have been aware that you had them. You might have noticed increasing difficulty with visual tasks such as reading and driving, especially in more dimly lit environments. You might have reduced contrast sensitivity or symptoms of glare. Spectacles will not fix the cataract and you may feel dissatisfaction with a new pair in the presence of cataract.

Do I have to have cataract surgery?

Cataracts do not damage the eye in normal situations and deciding to have a cataract operation is a decision you will make in conjunction with Dr. Kert. It is quite safe to postpone cataract surgery if you are unsure about proceeding. With cataract, your vision will decline slowly over a period of 1-3 years and Dr. Kert will ask you to return within that time for a review. Your other option is to proceed with cataract surgery. There is no medicine or natural remedy that will remove or dissolve a cataract.

What will happen to me before cataract surgery?

You will have a meeting with Dr. Kert and she will discuss your cataracts with you. You will then have some measurements done on your eyes to determine what size lens to implant in your eye. We usually do measurements on both eyes at the same time. Please stay on all your normal medications pre-operatively including aspirin and warfarin.

You will be given information about the timing of surgery. Most people have one eye operated on, followed by the second eye 2-4 weeks later.

What will happen to me on the day of surgery?

Cataract surgery is performed in a day surgery and there is no need to stay overnight. You will be in the Hospital for about two hours. The surgery takes 10-15 minutes and is performed under local anaesthetic. You will be awake during the operation, but will feel no pain or discomfort. It is normal to feel a little anxious before and during the operation and we will make sure you are comfortable and relaxed.

After surgery you will go home with a clear plastic shield over the eye and you will have instructions regarding eye drops. It is expected that you will feel a little gritty discomfort in the eyes for a few days.

Complications of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is well tolerated. Most people will have a 99% chance of seeing better following surgery. This will not be the case if you have a pre-existing eye condition such as macula degeneration or glaucoma etc. and Dr. Kert will alert you to this if it applies to you. One in a thousand (1/1000) people will have a major complication such as infection, bleeding or a major intra-operative complication. Everything possible will be done to minimise the chance of complications. If you have a serious complication you will most likely need a second operation and possibly a stay in hospital for a week or two while your eye recovers. You can become blind or lose your eye following cataract surgery, but this is extremely rare (approx 1/5000)

Please notify Dr. Kert at any time if you have further questions.