Cataract
FAQs and Links
Frequently asked questions
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. All cataract surgery is performed after the eye is anaesthetised.
What if I blink or move my eyes?
Your eyelids are held gently apart with a device called a speculum. You can still blink; the speculum stops the eyelids from closing. Dr McKellar controls eye movements during surgery.
How much does cataract surgery cost?
Because there are so many different options it is not possible to give an exact figure until you have been assessed for surgery.
Some options such as toric and multifocal intraocular lenses are more expensive but result in significantly better outcomes for many patients. They also reduce or potentially eliminate the need for spectacles, a significant future cost saving.
What is the success rate of cataract surgery?
Approximately 98% of patients having cataract surgery will have their vision sucessfully restored. Other eye disease and complications can limit the outcome. Dr McKellar will inform you if the success rate in your eye is likely to be lower than in routine surgery.
Can cataracts re-grow?
No. Cataracts are not growths. Cataract surgery removes a diseased part of the eye and replaces it with a new artificial lens.
What is secondary cataract?
A term that is used to refer to the clouding of the capsule of the eye after cataract surgery. The correct term is posterior capsule opacification. It is treated with the YAG laser.
What is posterior capsule opacification?
Posterior opacification (PCO) is a condition in which the capsule of the lens becomes cloudy following cataract surgery. PCO is treated with the YAG laser.
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