Eye Specialist Institute

23/09/2022

What to Expect After Cataract Surgery?

🔷 Blurry vision is normal.

You should not expect to see well immediately after cataract surgery and your vision is likely to be blurry for at least the first several days.

🔷 Don't compare your recovery to others.

Remember that every patient’s healing response will be as unique as their eyes, and your recovery time may be shorter or longer than others.

🔷 A gritty feeling like there's something in your eye is normal.

Generally, any discomfort or soreness (dry, grittiness, or irritation) should fade over the following days, and your vision will continue to improve and stabilise over the 4-6 weeks following surgery.

🔷 Your eye may be bloodshot.

Your sclera (white part of your eye) may be bloodshot immediately after your operation and you should not be concerned as this is normal and will also fade over time.

Learn more about what to expect during, and after cataract surgery 👉https://eyespecialistinstitute.com.au/article/what-happens-in-cataract-surgery/

21/09/2022

Step-by-Step | What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts are a normal part of aging, and cataract surgery is a relatively quick procedure generally conducted in an outpatient setting, meaning you do not need to spend the night in hospital.

The most common surgery is microincision phacoemulsification cataract extraction, which is a minimally invasive and involves removing the cloudy crystalline lens (cataract) and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

Understand what happens in cataract surgery, step-by-step:

🔷 Step 1: Your eye area will be numbed with local anaesthetic.

🔷 Step 2: Your surgeon will make a tiny incision (~2mm) in the cornea and lens capsule.

🔷 Step 3: The cloudy lens is then broken up and removed using the phacoemulsification procedure (ultrasound vibrations and suction).

🔷 Step 4: Your new intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted into the capsular bag where your natural lens used to be.

🔷 Step 5: The incision is so small that it heals on its own and does not require any stitches.

Learn more 👉https://eyespecialistinstitute.com.au/article/what-happens-in-cataract-surgery/

20/09/2022

Cataracts | Frustrated with blurry vision?

Cataract surgery is one of most common types of eye surgery performed around the world each year.

During surgery, your cloudy cataract will be replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens, or IOL.

There are two main types of IOLs:

🔷 Monofocal IOLs - designed to provide the best possible vision at one distance, either near or distance vision. Most patients choose to have their IOL set for clear distance vision and are happy to use reading glasses for near-vision activities, like reading.

🔷 Multifocal IOLs - designed to provide the best possible vision for both near and distance vision, similar to bifocal or trifocal glasses.

How much does an IOL cost?

Not all types of IOLs are covered by insurance, however Medicare and most insurance companies do cover the cost of monofocal IOLs. Multifocal and other IOL types are known as “premium” lenses and are generally more expensive.

Learn more about IOL options: https://eyespecialistinstitute.com.au/article/choose-the-right-lens-for-your-cataract-surgery/

01/09/2022

Cataract Surgery | Which Lens is Best For You?

Selecting the best intraocular lens (IOL) for your cataract surgery depends on many factors, including the unique features of your eye, your budget, and your lifestyle.

The two main options are:

🔷Monofocal IOLs - designed to provide the best possible vision at one distance, either near or distance vision. Most patients choose to have their IOL set for clear distance vision and are happy to use reading glasses for near-vision activities, like reading.

🔷 Multifocal IOLs - designed to provide the best possible vision for both near and distance vision, similar to bifocal or trifocal glasses.

A discussion with your Ophthalmologist is a critical step in identifying the best IOL for your cataract surgery, and these are some important lifestyle questions to consider:

1. How important is it to reduce my dependency on glasses?
2. For which activities would I be most willing to wear glasses?
3. What is my most important daily activity?
4. How important it is to reduce glare and halos around lights?
5. Do you need precise vision for fine up-close work or to read small text?

Learn more in our latest article 👉 https://eyespecialistinstitute.com.au/article/choose-the-right-lens-for-your-cataract-surgery/

25/08/2022

Emergency ophthalmic care with our team is available via 1800 RETINA (1800 738 462) 🛑

Any of these symptoms can indicate a potentially sight-threatening eye condition which may require urgent medical attention:

❗️ Sudden loss of vision in one eye
❗️ Sudden hazy or blurred vision
❗️ Dark curtain-like blotting out of part of vision
❗️ Onset of new floaters and/or flashes of light
❗️ Loss of peripheral (side) vision

Fees and charges apply for emergency appointments and Medicare rebates are only available with a referral from your Optometrist or General Practitioner.

https://eyespecialistinstitute.com.au/emergency-eye-care/

24/08/2022

When Should I Have Cataract Surgery? ⌚️

The right time for you to have cataract surgery depends on your individual case and simply having cataracts does not necessarily mean you need to have surgery right away.

Cataracts are a normal part of aging and many people with cataracts do not experience any symptoms in the early stages.

Read our latest article to understand the symptoms of worsening cataracts and when it might be time to consider surgery.

👉https://eyespecialistinstitute.com.au/article/when-to-have-cataract-surgery/

19/08/2022

Cataract Surgery | See the World in Colour (again)

Cataracts can develop slowly over time, and you may not even be aware that you have cataracts until you have an eye test.

You could be missing out on years of clear vision.

After cataract surgery, many patients notice colours are brighter because they are no longer viewing the world through lenses clouded by cataracts.

Read our latest article to learn more about cataracts - the symptoms, causes and when it is time to consider surgery.

https://eyespecialistinstitute.com.au/article/cataracts-symptoms-causes-surgery/

08/08/2022

Frustrated with your vision?

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a recommended vision correction surgery for many patients who are tired of wearing their reading glasses and want to improve their vision.

RLE surgery is a very similar procedure to cataract surgery (the most commonly performed eye surgery in the world).

It involves removing and replacing the eye's natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), reducing or eliminating your dependence on glasses and protecting you from ever developing cataracts.

https://eyespecialistinstitute.com.au/eye-condition/refractive-lens-exchange/

08/08/2022

Eyelid Malposition | Eyelid Turning Inward or Outward

In a healthy eye, the eyelid hugs the surface of the eye to provide protection.

However, age, previous surgery, inflammatory conditions of the skin or conjunctiva, and Bell’s palsy can cause the malposition of your eyelids.

Eyelid malposition may involve your eyelid turning either inward (entropion) or outward (ectropion).

Commonly the lower eyelids are more affected than the superior eyelids.

Learn more about the treatments available 👉
https://eyespecialistinstitute.com.au/article/eyelid-turning-inward-or-outward/

04/08/2022

Tired of Wearing Your Glasses? | Laser vs Refractive Lens Exchange

When people think of spectacle freedom, laser eye surgery usually comes to mind.

While laser may be suitable for many young people, the full benefit is likely to only last till they are in their mid-40s.

This is when a natural ageing condition called 'presbyopia' will start to impact their eye's ability to focus on near objects and they may require reading glasses to see clearly again. 👓

And, once a cataract develops in their natural lens, they will need a second operation to replace the cloudy lens with a new intraocular lens.

One of the key benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), is that it eliminates the need for you to have cataract surgery later in life.

To correct your vision and give you freedom from your glasses - Refractive Lens Exchange surgery involves replacing your eye's natural lens with an intraocular lens, preventing a cataract from ever developing.

Learn more about the difference between laser eye surgery and Refractive Lens Exchange and which option may be best for you:

Tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses? Our Gold Coast surgeons offer refractive surgery to correct your vision so you can enjoy spectacle freedom.

25/07/2022

Droopy Eyelids | Causes & How to Fix

Droopy eyelids can be very inconvenient and uncomfortable, and in severe cases they can block part or all your vision.

Surgery to correct droopy eyelids is a relatively fast and straightforward procedure, and can be performed by an Oculoplastics surgeon to help reduce the impact on your vision and restore eyelid appearance.

Most often, drooping eyelids can be related to ageing, where the tendon frays and muscles weaken over time (ptosis), or excess skin develops around the eyes (dermatochalasis). However, certain cases of ptosis can also be of neurological cause and attention should be sought promptly.

Learn more: https://eyespecialistinstitute.com.au/article/how-to-fix-droopy-eyelids/

19/07/2022

Ouch! 🥺

A stye or chalazion is a benign eyelid cyst usually related to an infection or a blockage of secretions.

They can occur at any age and usually only affect one eye at a time.

While they often resolve on their own, there are treatments that you can try at home to assist the body's natural healing process.

Learn more 👉https://eyespecialistinstitute.com.au/article/styes-and-chalazions/