Transform cloudy to clear vision with laser cataract surgery in Brisbane

DISCOVER HOW LASER CATARACT SURGERY RESTORES YOUR VISION AND CAN GIVE YOU GREAT READING AND DISTANCE VISION WITHOUT GLASSES1Dick, H. B., & Schultz, T. (2017). A Review of Laser-Assisted Versus Traditional Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery. Ophthalmology and therapy, 6(1), 7–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40123-017-0080-z

WE’RE HONOURED TO BE MEMBERS OF THESE PRESTIGIOUS PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS
ENJOY GREAT READING AND DISTANCE VISION WITHOUT GLASSES

Laser cataract surgery can treat your cataracts and dramatically reduce your need for reading and distance glasses

Restore your most precious sense

With laser cataract surgery, we aim to remove your cataracts, and significantly reduce, if not eliminate, your dependency on glasses – particularly for reading and distance.2All About Vision. 2021. Laser Cataract Surgery. [online] Available at: <https://www.allaboutvision.com/en-gb/laser-cataract-surgery/> [Accessed 30 June 2021].

“I experienced courteous, caring and highly professional treatment from the reception staff all the way through. Dr Russell and his team go the extra mile to explain in detail everything you’re likely to experience while in their high-quality care. Would highly recommend VSON!” – ​​Martina Donaghy

Revitalise your energy

Many of our patients find that being freer of their glasses not only revitalises their energy but gives them a level of confidence they never knew they’d lost.3Amedo, A., Koomson, N., Pascal, T., Kumah, D., Ocansey, J. and Asare-Bediako, B., 2021. Quality of Life of Cataract Patients Before and After Surgery-Evidence From Four Rural Communities in Ghana. [online] Mathewsopenaccess.com. Available at: <https://www.mathewsopenaccess.com/full-text/quality-of-life-of-cataract-patients-before-and-after-surgery-evidence-from-four-rural-communities-in-ghana> [Accessed 30 June 2021].

You should no longer have to rummage around for your glasses just to read a menu or use your phone.

Revitalise your energy

Many of our patients find that being freer of their glasses not only revitalises their energy but gives them a level of confidence they never knew they’d lost.4Amedo, A., Koomson, N., Pascal, T., Kumah, D., Ocansey, J. and Asare-Bediako, B., 2021. Quality of Life of Cataract Patients Before and After Surgery-Evidence From Four Rural Communities in Ghana. [online] Mathewsopenaccess.com. Available at: <https://www.mathewsopenaccess.com/full-text/quality-of-life-of-cataract-patients-before-and-after-surgery-evidence-from-four-rural-communities-in-ghana> [Accessed 30 June 2021].

You should no longer have to rummage around for your glasses just to read a menu or use your phone.

Reclaim your freedom

One of the best things about laser cataract surgery is how it can improve even the simplest things in an average day. You should no longer need to worry about how poor vision might interfere with your plans. Our patients report an easing sense of freedom and convenience.

Reclaim your freedom

One of the best things about laser cataract surgery is how it can improve even the simplest things in an average day. You should no longer need to worry about how poor vision might interfere with your plans. Our patients report an easing sense of freedom and convenience.

Revolutionise your life

Patients are often thrilled knowing that they’ll never have to miss out on life’s little pleasures, whether it be the smile of a grandchild, the colours of the sunset or simply getting stuck into a good book.

“The service here is exceptional, the staff were more than accommodating, and every step was explained, so I knew exactly what was happening.” – Alan Brown

Revolutionise your life

Patients are often thrilled knowing that they’ll never have to miss out on life’s little pleasures, whether it be the smile of a grandchild, the colours of the sunset or simply getting stuck into a good book.

“The service here is exceptional, the staff were more than accommodating, and every step was explained, so I knew exactly what was happening.” – Alan Brown

HOW CATARACT SURGERY WORKS

Enjoy a life free from cataracts and glasses in 3 easy steps

Step 1: Reach out

Because there are 3 types of cataract surgery, the best way to find the right one for you is to get in touch. Give us a call on 07 3063 0732 or you can click the button to use our easy online booking form:

BOOK A FREE ASSESSMENT

Step 2: We’ll meet

Visit our clinic in Fortitude Valley for a free assessment that will give you a complete understanding of your cataract surgery options.

Step 3: Enjoy life

After cataract surgery you’ll have crystal clear vision, and with laser cataract surgery you’ll also have the life-changing ability to read again without glasses5Kanellopoulos AJ. Topography-guided LASIK versus small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for myopia and myopic astigmatism: a randomized, prospective, contralateral eye study. J Refract Surg.2017;33:306 – 312 [online] Available at: <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28486721/> [Accessed 21 June 2021]..

DISCOVER IF YOU CAN BE FREE FROM CATARACTS AND GLASSES

The best way to find out if laser cataract surgery and lens replacement is right for you is to have an in person assessment. There are 3 types of cataract surgery, so firstly, you’ll be assessed. Then our experts will give you a clear answer on which type of cataract surgery is best for your lifestyle.

LASER CATARACT SURGERY EXPLAINED

Restore your vision and reduce your dependence on eyeglasses, readers and bifocals

Laser cataract surgery suitability criteria

Cataracts occur, affecting most of us when the natural lens of our eye ages and loses its clarity. As a cataract progresses, the natural lens becomes hazy and discoloured. This causes your eyesight to worsen.

  • Your vision becomes blurred and cannot be corrected with glasses
  • Reading small print becomes challenging
  • Colours fade
  • Your confidence driving at night begins to falter. This is because the cataract scatters light causing glare sensitivity.

Our goal is to restore your vision using the most advanced lens technology and laser vision correction techniques.

To be sure that you are suitable for laser cataract surgery, we will need to examine your eyes thoroughly at your initial assessment. This will include multiple advanced diagnostic tests such as:

Visual acuity: to understand how far down the eye chart you can read.
Refraction: to determine the refractive error in your eyes.
Pachymetry: to measure the thickness of your cornea.
Topography: to generate advanced maps of the cornea to provide a contour plan of the front surface of the cornea. (This aids in the diagnosis of astigmatism and the exclusion of certain diseases).
Biometry: to measure the axial length, curvature and chamber depths of your eye.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT): to provide detailed images of the retina.

Up to 20% of people undergoing cataract surgery will have low-level focusing problems following cataract surgery, resulting in a dependence on glasses. This may interfere with their satisfaction with their vision following surgery. These people would benefit from laser cataract surgery.

Laser cataract surgery uses the latest techniques in cataract surgery and laser vision correction to maximise your freedom from glasses after cataract removal.

Laser cataract surgery can be broken down into two steps:

Step 1: We use a laser to access the capsule the natural lens sits in and remove the cataract.
Step 2: We replace the cataract lens with a new advanced lens.

A critical part of step 1 is creating a capsulotomy or opening the capsule which contains the cataract. In standard cataract surgery, the surgeon makes the incision manually. In laser cataract surgery, a laser makes the incision. This method is more precise and has higher repeatability6Dick, H. B., & Schultz, T. (2017). A Review of Laser-Assisted Versus Traditional Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery. Ophthalmology and therapy, 6(1), 7–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40123-017-0080-z.

The laser capsulotomy technique also enables us to use more advanced extended depth of focus (EDOF) implants designed explicitly for laser cataract surgery. This improves the stability of multifocal implants. Your surgeon can position these lenses with a much higher degree of accuracy, resulting in improved visual outcomes.7Dick, H. B., & Schultz, T. (2017). A Review of Laser-Assisted Versus Traditional Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery. Ophthalmology and therapy, 6(1), 7–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40123-017-0080-z

The specific type of lens that will best suit you depends on your vision needs and preoperative testing. At your assessment, we conduct extensive analysis to determine which lens will meet your lifestyle requirements.

Sometimes after cataract surgery, the eye needs laser vision correction to fine-tune the focus. Using LASIK and SmartSurface technology, we can refine the focus of your eye and the quality of your vision following surgery.

Our surgeons have a laser vision correction background. This gives them a specific skill set to consider your quality of vision after the removal of cataracts.

The lenses

There is no single “best” lens that would meet the needs of everyone. Intraocular lenses vary as much we differ as individuals with our own vision and lifestyle needs. We have a complete range of the latest lens types and laser vision correction techniques available. These will help you achieve the vision that will best suit your lifestyle and vision needs after surgery.

We can use a lens implant (Intraocular lenses) to give a range of vision, from distance to close. We calculate the lens power using scans taken at your initial assessment for surgery that assess the abilities of your natural lens.

At this assessment, your ophthalmologist will discuss lens options with you and the target focus for your eyes after surgery. This enables us to select the best implant and focus target for your needs. Some possibilities include:

Multifocal lens implant combined with extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses – reduces your dependence on glasses, readers, and bifocals for most day-to-day distance tasks.
EDOF lens implant – reduces your dependence on glasses, readers, and bifocals for most day-to-day near and distance tasks
Astigmatic/Toric lenses – Some patients have a high degree of astigmatism. Fortunately, we can correct this with a toric lens, enabling you to see well without glasses or contact lenses for distance and close-up tasks.

Advantages

Disadvantages

  • Mild discomfort: After surgery, it is normal to feel mild discomfort, irritation, or a stingy sensation. If you experience these symptoms you can take paracetamol (such as Panadol, Panamax, Dymadon, or Panadeine). Mild mucous, a small amount of bloody discharge, and watering of the eye is also considered normal
  • Laser cataract surgery is more costly than Standard or Lifestyle Cataract surgery
  • Driving is not permitted for 24 hours following surgery, due to the sedation used
  • Light sensitivity: It is also quite normal to be sensitive to light after surgery. You will be given a pair of dark glasses after your procedure
  • You must avoid:
    • Rubbing your eyes
    • Engaging in strenuous activity/exercise, gardening, or heavy lifting (greater than 10kg) for two weeks
    • Wearing eye make-up for one week
    • Swimming for two weeks
    • Allowing water/shampoo to come into direct contact with the eye for two weeks

The operation to replace a clouded lens is low-risk.13Harvard Health. 2021. Considering cataract surgery? What you should know – Harvard Health. [online] Available at: <https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/considering-cataract-surgery-what-you-should-know> [Accessed 1 July 2021].

The risks of not having cataract surgery

In certain people, the growth of a cataract can make them prone to primary angle-closure glaucoma. This is where the drainage channel in the front of the eye (trabecular meshwork) is gradually narrowed by the increasing size of the crystalline lens. Eventually, the drainage channel can become completely blocked, resulting in a rapid increase in the pressure within the eyeball and a painful red eye. Long-sighted patients are more likely to be at risk of angle-closure glaucoma.14Ling JD, Bell NP. Role of Cataract Surgery in the Management of Glaucoma. Int Ophthalmol Clin. 2018;58(3):87-100. doi:10.1097/IIO.0000000000000234[online] Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5992498/> [Accessed 1 July 2021].

Your eye specialist will be able to assess if you are at risk of primary angle-closure glaucoma and whether you would benefit from cataract extraction or another treatment to prevent this serious condition.

An alternative to laser cataract surgery is:

Does a non-surgical treatment exist?

The only way to treat a cataract is to surgically remove it and implant an artificial lens in its place15Davis, G., 2021. The Evolution of Cataract Surgery. [online] PubMed Central (PMC). Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6139750/> [Accessed 1 July 2021].

We perform laser cataract surgery in a 20-minute minimally invasive day surgery procedure. We perform the procedure under intravenous sedation and local anaesthesia. Because of the sedation, most patients aren’t aware of the surgery taking place. They recover from the sedation and return home usually within 40 minutes of the operation.16Verywell Health. 2021. What to Expect With Laser Cataract Surgery. [online] Available at: <https://www.verywellhealth.com/laser-cataract-surgery-3421943> [Accessed 1 July 2021].

Step one: We use local anaesthesia in the form of eye drops and light (twilight) sedation. We make a tiny incision in the cornea – the transparent membrane on the surface of the eye.

Step two: Once we have removed the cataract, we implant the selected artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL) using a special lens injector. In the majority of cases, the intraocular lenses or IOL will sit within the natural ‘bag’ that held the original lens, and the incision heals on its own.

Step three: Once the surgery is complete, we place a clear shield over the eye, which stays on for four hours post-surgery and reduces the risk of infection. We will ask you to commence the use of postoperative drops which consist of an antibiotic drop and two anti-inflammatory drops.

The total time at the hospital is approximately three hours.

Most patients can return to many routine daily activities, including driving within two or three days of their surgery.17Verywell Health. 2021. What to Expect With Laser Cataract Surgery. [online] Available at: <https://www.verywellhealth.com/laser-cataract-surgery-3421943> [Accessed 1 July 2021].

Following laser cataract surgery, you’ll have a higher level of glasses independence for both near and distance tasks.18Kanellopoulos AJ. Topography-guided LASIK versus small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for myopia and myopic astigmatism: a randomized, prospective, contralateral eye study. J Refract Surg.2017;33:306 – 312 [online] Available at: <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28486721/> [Accessed 21 June 2021].

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

ARE YOU SUITABLE?

Could you get freedom from cataracts and read again without glasses? Find out by taking our free self-test now

TAKE CATARACT SELF-TEST

Hi, I’m Dr. Matthew Russell, your laser and cataract surgery specialist

HI I’M DR. MATTHEW RUSSELL YOUR LASER EYE AND CATARACT SURGERY SPECIALIST

With over 15 years of experience, I enjoy the privilege of helping patients of all ages reclaim clear vision or preserve it for as long as possible.

Vision correction and high-precision cataract surgery hinge on the expertise and skill set of the provider who also has access to the most precise tools for the job. Ophthalmic surgeons like me know how to make treatment safe, comfortable and positive for the patient. They know how to minimise the risk of complications and maximise successful outcomes.

I have a passion for helping my patients enjoy the clear, high-definition vision they need to live rich and active lives. Now, I have hand-picked a team of professionals that share my passion and commitment to exceptional care.

Dr. Matthew Russell

MBChB, FRANZCO