Cataract Surgery Sydney

Cataracts cause a progressive and painless loss of vision and require prompt attention. If left untreated they may eventually cause total blindness. Some common causes of cataract include ageing,  trauma,  medication, diabetes, and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light.

Dr Kumar is an expert in small incision and laser cataract surgery. If you’re in need of specialist cataract surgery in Sydney, contact us to regain your optimal vision once again.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a common condition that is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens and affects the majority of Australians over the age of 65. Over time the cloudiness can worsen causing blurred vision and eventually blindness.

Stages of Cataracts

Normal Lens

Normal Lens: A healthy, transparent lens that allows light to pass through without obstruction, maintaining clear vision.

Immature Cataract: A cataract in its early stage where the lens is partially opaque but still allows some light to pass through.

Mature Cataract: A cataract that has progressed to the point where the lens is completely opaque, significantly impairing vision.

Hypermature Cataract

Hypermature Cataract: An advanced cataract where the lens has become shrunken and hardened due to leakage of its contents, leading to further complications.

Posterior Subcapsular Cataract

Posterior Subcapsular Cataract: A type of cataract that forms at the back of the lens, just beneath the capsule, often affecting near vision and causing glare.

Nuclear Cataract

Nuclear Cataract: A cataract that forms in the central zone (nucleus) of the lens, typically associated with aging and resulting in gradual hardening and yellowing.

Sutural Cataract

Sutural Cataract: A rare type of congenital cataract that occurs along the Y-shaped sutures of the lens, often present from birth and may not affect vision significantly.

Cataract Surgery Symptoms of cataracts

Symptoms of cataracts

Patients with cataracts often do not experience any symptoms when the condition first develops. Cataracts will continue to progress with no apparent pain, although patients may experience:

 

  • Blurred or hazy vision
  • Double vision
  • Poor vision in bright light
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Poor vision at night and difficulty driving
  • Altered colour perception
  • Frequent changes in spectacle or contact lens prescription

Symptoms of cataracts

Cataract Surgery Symptoms of cataracts

Patients with cataracts often do not experience any symptoms when the condition first develops. Cataracts will continue to progress with no apparent pain, although patients may experience:

 

  • Blurred or hazy vision
  • Double vision
  • Poor vision in bright light
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Poor vision at night and difficulty driving
  • Altered colour perception
  • Frequent changes in spectacle or contact lens prescription
Cataract Surgery Symptoms of cataracts

Benefits of cataract surgery

There are many benefits of having a cataract operation. If left untreated, cataracts will worsen over time and may lead to reduced quality of life and eventually considerable vision loss. A cataract operation allows you to maintain your independence and carry out the following:

 

  • General day-to-day activities
  • Driving
  • Reading
  • Working
  • Social activities
  • Sport

What are the risks associated with cataract surgery?

Cataract Surgery What are the risks associated with cataract surgery

Although cataract surgery is considered safe, all surgical procedures carry risks. At the time of your appointment, these will be discussed with you. It’s important to note that the vast majority of patients undergo this procedure without any complications.

 

However, very rare but possible complications that may require further surgery include:

 

  • High pressure in the eye
  • Droopy eyelid
  • Infection
  • Bleeding inside the eye
  • Swelling of the cornea
  • Blindness
  • Loss of the eye
Cataract Surgery What are the risks associated with cataract surgery
Concerned About Your Vision?
We can help.
Cataract Surgery Am I a suitable candidate for cataract surgery

Am I a suitable candidate for cataract surgery?

If visual impairment begins to interfere with your ability to read, work or do the things you enjoy, you may want to consider cataract surgery to restore your vision. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the world and can be performed quickly and easily with a success rate of over 99% and a minimal risk of complications.

Am I a suitable candidate for cataract surgery?

Cataract Surgery Am I a suitable candidate for cataract surgery

If visual impairment begins to interfere with your ability to read, work or do the things you enjoy, you may want to consider cataract surgery to restore your vision. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the world and can be performed quickly and easily with a success rate of over 99% and a minimal risk of complications.

Cataract Surgery Am I a suitable candidate for cataract surgery

How is cataract eye surgery performed at
Vision Clinic Sydney?

If you decide to have your cataract eye surgery at Vision Clinic Sydney, this is what you can expect:

First Appointment

Cataract Surgery First Appointment

Dr Kumar will discuss your history with you and conduct an examination of the eye to exclude other eye conditions. A range of diagnostic tests will be conducted. A discussion of your visual requirements will follow and a discussion of surgical risk.

There are several different intraocular lenses (IOL’s) available to help each patient achieve the best possible results from cataract surgery. Dr Kumar will discuss the choices available to you and will match the intraocular lens used with your individual circumstances.

Presbyopia correcting IOL’s allow for full vision correction at near, intermediate and far distances and may eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses in most patients. IOL’s can also correct astigmatism.

Cataract Surgery First Appointment
Cataract Surgery Procedure

Procedure

Cataract surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves numbing the eyes with anaesthesia and then making a tiny incision into which an ultrasonic probe is inserted. The ultrasound energy breaks up, or emulsifies the cloudy lens, which is then aspirated. This method of cataract removal is considered the least traumatic to the eye.

Once the cloudy lens has been removed, a new artificial lens is implanted into the eye. Surgery usually takes only a few minutes to perform and is painless for most patients. The intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted through the same incision that the old lens was removed from. The IOL will unfold into the remaining lens capsule.

IOLs are used to correct vision problems during cataract surgery by replacing the old, damaged lens with an artificial lens that clears up and corrects vision, often leaving patients with little to no dependence on glasses.

Procedure

Cataract Surgery Procedure

Cataract surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves numbing the eyes with anaesthesia and then making a tiny incision into which an ultrasonic probe is inserted. The ultrasound energy breaks up, or emulsifies the cloudy lens, which is then aspirated. This method of cataract removal is considered the least traumatic to the eye.

Once the cloudy lens has been removed, a new artificial lens is implanted into the eye. Surgery usually takes only a few minutes to perform and is painless for most patients. The intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted through the same incision that the old lens was removed from. The IOL will unfold into the remaining lens capsule.

IOLs are used to correct vision problems during cataract surgery by replacing the old, damaged lens with an artificial lens that clears up and corrects vision, often leaving patients with little to no dependence on glasses.

Recovery and Post Operative Care

Cataract Surgery Recovery and Post Operative Care

After the procedure, a patch may be placed over the eye and you will be asked to rest for a while. Patients can return home the very same day but will need someone to drive them home. For the next few days, you may experience itching, mild discomfort, fluid discharge and sensitivity to light and touch. Dr Kumar will prescribe eye drops to help the healing process and to reduce the risk of infection.

Cataract Surgery Recovery and Post Operative Care
Cataract Surgery Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

A recent development in cataract surgery is the use of a femtosecond laser to prepare the eye for cataract surgery. Theoretical advantages include precisely constructed wounds and less energy used to remove the cataract.

Dr Kumar has extensive training in femtosecond laser-assisted cornea and lens surgery and was amongst the first surgeons to use this technology for cataract surgery in Australia. Should this option be of interest, discuss potential benefits and alternatives with us. Depending on your circumstances this technology may be recommended.

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

A recent development in cataract surgery is the use of a femtosecond laser to prepare the eye for cataract surgery. Theoretical advantages include precisely constructed wounds and less energy used to remove the cataract.

Dr Kumar has extensive training in femtosecond laser-assisted cornea and lens surgery and was amongst the first surgeons to use this technology for cataract surgery in Australia. Should this option be of interest, discuss potential benefits and alternatives with us. Depending on your circumstances this technology may be recommended.

How much does cataract surgery cost in Sydney?

Cataract Surgery How much does cataract surgery cost in Sydney

The total cost of your cataract surgery in Sydney will vary depending on the severity of your condition. To get an accurate estimate of how much the surgery will cost you, we advise booking an initial consultation with us.

We also provide flexible payment plans for any surgical procedures at Vision Clinic Sydney:

  • Simple online application
  • Approval in 60 minutes
  • Payment plans up to $30,000
  • Transparent fees
  • Hassle-free payments to your surgeon

Visit the Medipay website at medipay.com.au to apply now.

Cataract Surgery How much does cataract surgery cost in Sydney

Why choose Vision Clinic Sydney for cataract treatment?

We believe there are numerous reasons to choose us for your cataract treatment:

 

  • We use state of the art diagnostic and laser technology to maximally optimise your vision
  • We provide excellent quality of service combined with superb surgical outcomes
  • Tailored and innovative solutions for each patient
  • Highly professional yet personal communication with patients
  • Over 19 years of experience
  • Dr Kumar has carried out thousands of cataract and refractive procedures
  • Prompt appointments, treatment and reduced waiting times in the clinic
  • Meticulous attention to detail ensuring your vision is protected
eye surgeon sydney

Meet Dr Kumar

Dr Kumar is an Ophthalmic Surgeon with specific and extensive training in many different forms of laser surgery. He graduated in Medicine from the University of Newcastle and earned a Masters of Public Health degree from the University of NSW. He completed his Ophthalmology Fellowship training at the Sydney Eye Hospital. He later completed a Cornea and Refractive Fellowship at the University of Toronto. He has been in private practice in Sydney since 2009.

Dr Kumar has performed thousands of cataract and laser eye surgery procedures over his 19-year career and is committed to the preservation and improvement of quality of vision. He is dedicated to maintaining the highest standard of ophthalmic medical and surgical care.

Meet Dr Kumar

eye surgeon sydney

Dr Kumar is an Ophthalmic Surgeon with specific and extensive training in many different forms of laser surgery. He graduated in Medicine from the University of Newcastle and earned a Masters of Public Health degree from the University of NSW. He completed his Ophthalmology Fellowship training at the Sydney Eye Hospital. He later completed a Cornea and Refractive Fellowship at the University of Toronto. He has been in private practice in Sydney since 2009.

Dr Kumar has performed thousands of cataract and laser eye surgery procedures over his 19-year career and is committed to the preservation and improvement of quality of vision. He is dedicated to maintaining the highest standard of ophthalmic medical and surgical care.

How to schedule exploratory consultation

For your first appointment, you will need a referral letter from your General Practitioner or Optometrist. You can still be seen at the practice without a referral, but will not be able to claim a Medicare rebate for the consultation or any tests/procedures you may have performed at the clinic.

You can download the referral PDF form or submit it online.

Please bring:

  • Any prescription glasses that you wear
  • Sunglasses or a hat as your eyes may be dilated during the consultation and this will make you more sensitive to light. You may not be able to read or drive for 4 hours after your appointment.
  • A list of current medications and details of your medical history
  • Your Medicare card, private health fund card and pension card if you have them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you can find our most frequently asked questions about cataract eye surgery:

A cataract is treated by using surgery to remove and replace the affected lens.

No, a cataract cannot return after surgery as, unlike our natural lens, the artificial lens doesn’t cloud over time.

This depends on your circumstances. For most patients, standard small incision cataract surgery is the best option. For some,  laser-assisted cataract surgery is advised.

Yes, you can. Advanced Toric IOLs correct the imbalance caused by an irregular cornea shape in patients with astigmatism.

The recovery period for both laser-assisted cataract surgery and traditional cataract surgery is the same.

Yes, as local anaesthesia is used during cataract surgery you will be awake but you will be sedated and won’t feel any pain.

Yes, it’s important that you use eye drops after surgery to help your eyes heal and to prevent infection.

Most people will still need to wear glasses for some activities following cataract surgery.

Concerned About Your Vision?

Our friendly staff can talk to you about your vision issues and arrange the best course of action for diagnosis and treatment. Take advantage of our vision assessment  to see how we can make it happen for you.

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