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Cataract surgery is microsurgery which removes your damaged lens (cataract) and replaces it with a new intraocular lens. This new lens will remain clear and will last for life. There are a variety of intraocular lens to choose from to suit your needs.
Is Cataract Surgery for you?
Cataracts occur with increasing age (too many birthdays).
Normally UV light causes the lens proteins to change, which decreases the quality of your vision.
You may experience changes in your vision, such as:
- Vision can be blurred.
- Glare can be a problem, especially when driving at night.
- Poor colour perception, especially in the blue spectrum.
Cataracts usually occur over years with slow vision changes, but sometimes cataracts can occur quickly causing a rapid change to your vision. There are three main types of cataracts: nuclear, cortical and posterior subcapsular. Some cataracts are a combination of the three types.
The Cataract procedure
Your cataract surgery with Dr Reece Hall can be performed at:
- Bowen Hospital in Wellington
- Southern Cross Hospital in Wellington
- Crest Hospital in Palmerston North
Cataract surgery (Phacoemulsification) is done with a local anaesthetic as a day surgery procedure. The latest micro-incisional technqiues are used.
Cataract recovery time
The visual results for cataract surgery are excellent, with most people achieving driving standard vision without glasses. New glasses after cataract surgery will normally improve the vision further.
Laser cataract surgery is also available after cataract surgery for those people that wish to have their vision independent of glasses.
For more information regarding the costs of cataract surgery, book to have your cataract assessment and discuss your suitability for Cataract Eye Surgery.
Phone 0800-69-20-20
Common Cataract Questions
What is a cataract?
A cataract forms in your natural crystalline lens with age. The proteins become disorganised and discoloured. This damage is mostly related to ultraviolet light over the years. Sometimes the change can be genetic or associated with a medical condition such as diabetes. The good news is it can be successfully treated with cataract surgery.
How is a cataract treated?
Cataracts can only be permanently treated with surgery. Cataract surgery is done as a day procedure with local anaesthetic. The cataract is broken up into small pieces by phacoemulsification. A new acrylic intraocular lens replaces the cataract to restore your sight.
Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
You will definitely see a lot better following cataract surgery. Normally new glasses will improve the visual result a further 5-10%. For those who do not want to use glasses they might consider combining cataract surgery with laser eye surgery.
How do I know when I need to get my cataract surgery done?
Cataracts can develop over years and at first you may not notice any symptoms. If a cataract is affecting your day-to-day enjoyment then it is time to have an assessment to improve your vision. Symptoms you may notice are: difficulty seeing in low or very bright light, difficulty driving as headlights appear to have a halo around them, the glare from strong lights is uncomfortable or dazzling, colours appear washed out or have more of a brown or yellow hue, or you may experience double vision.
How long until I can resume my normal activities after cataract surgery?
Following cataract surgery some people can drive the next day, whereas others may need to wait until new glasses are prescribed. Most people are able to do all day to day activities within a couple of days to weeks.