Vision changes can impact daily life, and for many, eye surgery is a step toward improving vision and maintaining eye health.
Vision Clinic Sydney, based in the William Bland Centre on Macquarie Street, offers a range of eye surgery types, from cataract surgery to laser vision correction, keratoconus surgery, cornea surgery and glaucoma treatments.
Led by Dr. Nikhil Kumar, a specialist in cataract, cornea, and laser eye surgery, the clinic is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools to ensure precise assessments and optimal patient outcomes.
This article explores common eye surgery types, their purposes, and who may benefit from them.
Cataract Surgery: Restoring Vision Clarity
Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed eye operation types, particularly for older adults.
A cataract causes clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurry or dimmed vision. At Vision Clinic Sydney, we use advanced technology to ensure precise intraocular lens (IOL) selection thus improving surgical outcomes.
Who is it for?
Cataract surgery is recommended for individuals experiencing blurred vision, light sensitivity, or faded colors due to cataracts. It is especially beneficial for older adults whose vision impairment affects daily activities, such as reading, driving, or recognising faces.
Procedure Overview:
- Pre-Surgery Evaluation: Comprehensive eye assessment and IOL selection using advanced imaging technology.
- Surgery: The cloudy lens is carefully removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- Recovery: Most patients notice vision improvement within days, with full recovery within a few weeks.
Cataract surgery is the most common eye surgery for older adults, as it restores clear vision and enhances quality of life.
Laser Eye Surgery: Enhancing Visual Acuity
Laser eye surgery is a widely used treatment to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The surgery is suitable for individuals aged 21 and older who have stable vision and a healthy cornea and those wanting to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Vision Clinic Sydney offers multiple laser vision correction options.
1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
LASIK eye surgery is one of the most common procedures for vision correction, using a precise laser to reshape the cornea and improve clarity. The procedure is quick, typically taking under 15 minutes per eye, and offers rapid recovery with minimal downtime.
Recovery from LASIK Eye Surgery
Most patients experience clearer vision within 24 to 48 hours after LASIK, with minimal discomfort. While some may have temporary dryness or light sensitivity, these symptoms typically improve within a few days.
Full healing can take a few weeks, during which patients should follow post-operative care instructions, including the use of prescribed eye drops and avoiding rubbing the eyes.
2. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE eye surgery is a minimally invasive procedure designed to correct myopia and astigmatism by removing a small piece of corneal tissue through a keyhole incision.
Unlike LASIK, SMILE is flapless, reducing the risk of corneal flap-related complications and providing a more stable corneal structure post-surgery.
Recovery from SMILE Eye Surgery
Most patients notice improved vision within a few days, with minimal discomfort compared to LASIK, as the corneal nerves remain largely intact.
The smaller incision also lowers the risk of post-surgical dry eyes, making it a suitable option for individuals prone to ocular surface issues.
Glaucoma Surgery: Managing Eye Pressure
Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Without treatment, it can lead to progressive vision loss. When medication or laser treatments are insufficient, glaucoma surgery may be required.
Types of Glaucoma Surgery:
There are several types of glaucoma surgery, and the appropriate option depends on the type and severity of glaucoma, as well as how well previous treatments, such as eye drops or medications, have controlled intraocular pressure (IOP). Surgical procedures aim to improve fluid drainage or reduce fluid production to prevent further optic nerve damage.
Glaucoma Laser Surgery
Laser treatments are often the first-line surgical option for managing elevated eye pressure. They are minimally invasive and can help improve fluid drainage. These include:
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): Used for open-angle glaucoma, this procedure applies a laser beam to the trabecular meshwork to enhance fluid outflow.
- Laser Iridotomy: Commonly used for closed-angle glaucoma, this procedure creates a small hole in the iris, allowing fluid to drain properly.
- Filtration Surgery (Traditional Glaucoma Surgery):
For patients requiring more significant pressure reduction, traditional filtration surgeries create new drainage pathways to lower IOP: - Microincisional Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS):
MIGS refers to a group of minimally invasive procedures that use microscopic implants to improve fluid drainage. Often performed during cataract surgery, MIGS is ideal for mild to moderate glaucoma and offers a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgeries.
Cornea Surgery: Restoring Clarity and Eye Health
The cornea plays a crucial role in focusing light and maintaining clear vision. Certain conditions, such as keratoconus, pterygium, and endothelial disorders, can impair corneal function and lead to blurry vision, discomfort, or scarring.
When non-surgical treatments are insufficient, cornea surgery may be required to restore vision and eye health.
Types of Cornea Surgery:
There are several types of cornea surgery, and the appropriate procedure depends on the severity of the condition and its impact on vision. These surgeries aim to stabilise, repair, or replace damaged corneal tissue, improving both visual clarity and eye comfort.
Keratoconus Treatments
For patients with keratoconus, a condition that causes thinning and bulging of the cornea, treatments focus on strengthening or reshaping the cornea to prevent further deterioration.
- Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL): A minimally invasive procedure that uses UV light and riboflavin eye drops to strengthen the cornea and slow disease progression.
- CAIRS (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments): A newer technique where tissue segments are implanted to improve corneal shape and stability.
- Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK): A partial corneal transplant that removes only the diseased outer corneal layers, preserving the healthy inner layers and reducing the risk of rejection.
Pterygium Surgery
A pterygium is a non-cancerous growth of tissue that extends onto the cornea, often due to excessive UV exposure. If it causes discomfort or vision obstruction, pterygium surgery can be performed to remove the growth and restore clear vision. This procedure may involve a conjunctival graft to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Endothelial Keratoplasty
Endothelial keratoplasty is a minimally invasive corneal transplant that replaces the damaged inner layer of the cornea (endothelium) while preserving the healthy outer layers.
It is commonly performed for conditions such as Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy and Pseudophakic Bullous Keratopathy, both of which cause corneal swelling and vision impairment.
Two advanced techniques used in endothelial keratoplasty are:
- Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK): A highly precise procedure that replaces only the thin Descemet’s membrane and endothelial cells, potentially offering sharper vision and a lower rejection rate.
- Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK): A slightly thicker layer of donor tissue is transplanted, making it easier to handle surgically and a preferred option for complex cases or patients with additional corneal conditions.
How to Choose the Right Eye Surgery
Deciding on an eye surgery type depends on various factors, including:
- Eye Condition & Severity: Certain surgeries, such as cataract surgery, are typically required to restore vision once cataracts impair daily activities. Glaucoma surgery may be essential to manage intraocular pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage.For individuals with corneal conditions such as keratoconus or endothelial disorders, procedures like collagen cross-linking, DMEK, or DSAEK can help restore vision and maintain corneal health.
- Vision Correction Needs: For individuals with refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, laser eye surgery options such as LASIK, PRK, or SMILE can offer an alternative to glasses or contact lenses.
Schedule an eye exam today with Vision Clinic Sydney and explore the best solutions for your vision needs.
How To Book an Assessment
To request an appointment or if you have an enquiry, please contact us via the following ways:
Call or message us: +6129 222 9188
Email us: reception@visionclinicsydney.com.au
Book online via our website.
FAQs
What is the most common eye surgery?
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure worldwide, particularly among older adults. It involves removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens to restore vision. This procedure is highly effective in addressing blurry vision caused by cataracts. Post-surgery care may include the use of eye drops to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection.
What are the common eye surgeries for older adults?
Older adults frequently undergo cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery to manage age-related vision problems. These surgical procedures help maintain eye health and prevent further vision deterioration. Consulting an eye surgeon can determine the most appropriate treatment for individual needs.
What are the types of eye surgery to correct vision?
Refractive surgery, such as LASIK, PRK, and SMILE, is performed to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These procedures reshape the cornea to improve focus and reduce dependence on glasses or wearing contact lenses. An eye surgeon will assess your suitability for laser surgery based on your corneal health
How long does recovery take for common eye surgeries?
- Cataract surgery: Recovery typically takes a few days to weeks, with full vision improvement as the eye adjusts to the artificial lens.
- LASIK and other laser surgery: Most patients notice clearer vision within 24-48 hours, but full healing may take a few weeks.
- Refractive surgery (PRK, SMILE): Healing can take longer than LASIK, with gradual improvement over weeks.
- Glaucoma or retinal surgery: Recovery varies depending on the procedure and the individual’s eye health.
- Corneal Surgery (DMEK, DSAEK, or Pterygium Surgery): Recovery depends on the procedure and severity of the condition. While DMEK and DSAEK can provide rapid vision improvement, full healing may take weeks to months as the new corneal cells integrate. Pterygium surgery recovery is generally quicker, with mild irritation subsiding within a few weeks.
Is diabetic retinopathy treated with surgery?
While diabetic retinopathy is primarily managed through blood sugar control and regular monitoring, advanced cases may require laser photocoagulation or vitrectomy to prevent further vision loss. These procedures are not as common as cataract or refractive surgery, but they play a crucial role in preserving vision for individuals with diabetes-related eye disease.
General Information Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this site is general in nature and may not reflect current medical developments or research. Your reliance on any information provided by this site is solely at your own risk.
