CATARACT SURGERY

WHAT IS A CATARACT?

A cataract is a natural ageing process in the eye, where the normally clear lens becomes cloudy. Cataracts generally cause blurry vision, difficulty reading and glare in low light. Cataract surgery can easily restore your vision and improve your quality of life.

CATARACT SURGERY

Cataract surgery is a very safe and painless operation which usually takes around 10-15 minutes per eye, and allows you to return home that same day. The operation is performed under local anaesthetic and involves removing the cloudy lens from inside the eye and replacing it with a new, clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The whole operation is performed through a micro incision which does not require stitches. The new lens remains clear for life, meaning you will never need to have another cataract operation performed. We use the most up-to-date cataract surgery technology to ensure you have the best outcome possible, with a fast visual recovery. 

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Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (ISBCS), performed on both eyes in the same day, is now available in Taranaki for qualifying patients. If you have cataracts in both eyes, it is typical for there to be a few days to a few weeks in-between surgeries. However, your surgeon will be happy to discuss the benefits of ISBCS and whether this might suit your needs. 

YOUR INTRAOCULAR LENS (IOL)

There are different IOL options which you will be able to discuss with your surgeon. These include:

• PREMIUM MONOFOCAL IOL
  This is the most common lens and suits most people, allowing for good distance vision. 
   

• TORIC IOL
  If you have astigmatism this lens can be used to correct your astigmatism, giving you good distance vision without glasses. 
   

• MULTIFOCAL AND EXTENDED DEPTH OF FOCUS IOLs
  These lenses give a combination of near and distance vision. 

We look forward to discussing the many benefits these lens options can provide you and tailor them to suit your lifestyle. 

POST-SURGERY CARE

While you will start to enjoy the benefits of your life changing vision immediately, your surgeon will continue to personally follow up with you in the weeks after your surgery and will be available for any questions.