| What is a cataract? | What happens during cataract surgery? |
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye which can lead to impaired vision. A healthy lens is clear, however when a cataract forms the lens becomes yellow or white and more opaque over time.
In most cases cataracts form due to the aging process. Some health problems (such as Diabetes, smoking status, and UV sunlight exposure) can also increase the risk of developing cataracts. What do I need to do in preparation for surgery? Shower and wash your hair the morning of or night before your surgery. Wear no make-up, deodorant, perfume, aftershave, nail polish or talc. Wear clean, comfortable clothing. Take your regular medications as prescribed, unless advised otherwise by your doctor, anaesthetist or pharmacist. | Cataract surgery is a day procedure that is completed under local anaesthetic. This means you will remain awake for the duration of the procedure and you will get to go home on the same day. Under a microscope, the surgeon makes a tiny incision on your eye, inserts an instrument that is used to break up the cataract and the cataract fragments are then suctioned out. The surgeon will then insert an artificial lens – this is permanent. Some patients will require a suture to the incision in the eye and some will not. An eye patch will then be applied which is to be kept on overnight after surgery.
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Please attend Mater Hospital Brisbane’s Emergency Department if you develop any of the following symptoms: |
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When to seek help| What happens after cataract surgery? | What are the potential risks of cataract surgery? |
| You will be discharged from Hospital the same day of your operation with an eye patch on. A post-operative appointment with the surgeon 1 week after your operation will be scheduled. Important note: In some cases, the surgeon may wish to see you the day after your operation. In this event, you will be informed of this prior to being discharged. After your operation there is a regime of eye drops to follow for 4-6 weeks – you will receive instructions on when to remove your eye patch, when to commence your eye drops, as well as the prescriptions for the eye drops before you go home. The first night after surgery you must keep your eye patch on and keep it dry. You will continue to use this guard at night to protect your eye for 2 weeks. Wash the plastic guard with warm soap water after each use. Avoid hair washing and splashing water in the eye for 1 week after surgery. You will receive detailed instructions for managing your eye postoperatively after your procedure. | Complications post cataract surgery are rare, however there are potential risks and complications with this procedure. They include but are not limited to the following: Infection of the eye: This could cause loss of vision and requires treatment with antibiotics. Droopy eyelid: This may alter your appearance and can be disfiguring. Further treatment may be required. Acute inflammatory reaction: This may lead to acute pain and may require further treatment. Cloudy cornea: This may or may not settle and could potentially require further surgery. Cataract fragment movement: A fragment of the cataract may fall into the back of the eye requiring further surgery. Glaucoma: This may require further treatment. Macular oedema: This is a collection of fluid that usually settles with time. Retinal haemorrhage: This is a bleed in the eye that usually settles with time. Retinal detachment: This will require further treatment. |
Contact informationFor any questions regarding your upcoming eye surgery, please contact the hospital via the following numbers, available Monday – Friday 8am – 4:30pm. |  Mater Bookings Office (07) 3163 8444Admin team for questions regarding your booking date, time, transport, updating details.  Eye Surgery Scheduler (07) 3163 8155Nursing team regarding pre-surgery instructions for medications, fasting instructions, health conditions  Mater Call Centre (07) 3163 3000Regarding pre-op or post-op clinic appointments, or concerns after surgery. |