Cataracts

What is a cataract?

The lens of the eye is normally transparent but as we age it becomes cloudy. This is a cataract. The amount of light that passes through the lens is reduced and scattered by the cataract, thereby reducing the clarity of images. This is like taking a picture with a camera that has a smudged lens. Cataracts can also be congenital or the result of trauma or medication.

Symptoms of early cataracts include reduced vision, diminished perception of colour, difficulty reading newspapers or street signs, glare, and halos when driving at night.

It is commonly believed that a cataract is a film over the eye that is scraped off. This is untrue. Another common fallacy is that you must wait until your vision is very poor before surgery can be performed. Dr Lamb and his patient will decide when surgery is necessary after testing vision and discussing lifestyle demands such as driving, sport, computer use etc.

Understanding cataract surgery

Careful measurements of the eyes are taken before surgery using an ultrasound ‘A scan’ or an optical scanner called the IOL Master. These two instruments calculate the correct implant for your eye. There are various styles of intraocular lenses. If you have significant astigmatism, a toric implant will be used. Sometimes a multifocal implant can be used to improve distance and near vision in the same eye. The most popular method, called ‘monovision’, is to have one eye fully corrected for distance vision, and the other eye corrected for near vision with slightly reduced distance vision. The goal is to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses.

Claiming your rebate

Dr Lamb is a ‘no gap surgeon’ for privately insured patients. This means he bills the health fund direct and the patient has no out-of-pocket expenses. Uninsured patients will receive an account and be able to claim a portion of their account from Medicare.

The surgery

Cataract surgery is the most common eye surgery in the word but cataracts remain the most common cause of blindness. The procedure is a delicate, highly-skilled operation that involves manipulation of the tiny structures inside the eye. A high-powered microscope allows Dr Lamb to view the parts of the eye clearly.

A tiny incision is required to insert a probe that is used to remove the cataract. This probe uses ultrasound, known as ‘phacoemulsification’. The ultrasound will break the cataract into tiny pieces allowing it to be gently vacuumed from the eye.

	After the cataract has been removed, an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens, is inserted. This lens is needed to bring light rays into proper focus on the retina.
Cataract removal

	The wound is self-sealing and sutures are not usually required. This ‘no-stitch cataract surgery’ dramatically reduces discomfort and recovery time, ultimately improving vision.
*The artificial lens is inserted into the eye where the cataract was removed.*

	Cataract surgery results are usually excellent, however complications can occur. Dr Lamb routinely discusses any risks with his patients.
Lens in position and vision restored

Anaesthetic