Accessing quality cataract surgery in Melbourne doesn’t need to be difficult or daunting.
At Armadale Eye Clinic we are proud to offer state-of-the-art cataract surgery to the Melbourne community and surrounds.
Cataracts refer to a clouding or opacity of the crystalline lens inside the eye. Normally this lens is transparent and allows the transmission of light through to the back of the eye, while at the same time playing an important role in the refraction, or bending, of light as it passes through.
The cause of cataracts is not fully understood, but the vast majority arise due to increasing age, making the frequency of cataract surgery in Melbourne exceedingly common in our ageing population. There are three types of age-related cataract – nuclear sclerosis, cortical cataract, and posterior subcapsular cataract. Specific symptoms may differ slightly between the types of cataract, but in general, a patient with cataract may experience:
- Blurry, filmy, hazy vision
- Increasing glare sensitivity
- Decreasing contrast sensitivity
- Constant changing of their prescription contact lenses or glasses
- Increased difficulties during certain activities, such as driving at night or reading in poor lighting
Because a cataract means the transparency of the lens is reduced, light is unable to pass through as easily, causing a progressive deterioration of vision.
Age is not the only cause of cataracts. Opacities in the crystalline lens may also be induced from causes such as genetic abnormalities, trauma, certain medications, and as a side effect of other surgical procedures to the eye.
The idea of cataract surgery doesn’t need to be daunting though for many it may cause slight anxiety. In Melbourne, cataract surgery is performed tens of thousands of times every year. Although all surgical procedures carry some degree of risk, in a developed society like Melbourne, cataract surgery is considered to be very safe with a low rate of complications.
Cataract surgery with Armadale Eye Clinic
Our city is fortunate to have access to many skilled cataract surgeons across Melbourne. At Armadale Eye Clinic we strive to provide the highest quality care for all our patients, both those attending for cataract surgery and those under our care for other eye conditions.
Consultations and pre- and post-operative examinations for our cataract patients are held at our clinic on Kooyong Rd, Armadale, while the cataract extraction procedure is performed at state-of-the-art facilities, Windsor Day Surgery, Victoria Parade Surgical Centre.
In our promise to deliver high-quality cataract surgery with the latest technology, we employ the use of Lenstar Biometry by Haag-Streit and Pentacam by Oculus to provide precise measurements of your eye’s prescription, lens thickness, corneal curvature, and axial length. This allows an accurate calculation of the intraocular lens that will be inserted in the place of the cataract during your procedure.
Before surgery
You will undergo a comprehensive examination with a trained clinician. The purpose of this is to evaluate the state of your cataract and any other co-existing conditions that need to be taken into account during surgery. Your clinician will also discuss with you what you expect to achieve from the surgery, such as whether you prefer to be given a lens implant that leaves you short-sighted for spectacle-free reading, or if you are interested in a premium intraocular lens such as multifocal intra-ocular lenses. The costs of your procedure will also be discussed with you at this time and will vary depending on your individual needs. The cost of cataract surgery in Melbourne and throughout Australia can be reduced with an appropriate level of private health cover. We cater for insured as well as uninsured patients at Armadale Eye Clinic.
During surgery
Your eye surgeon and supporting team will ensure you are feeling safe and comfortable as you are prepared for surgery. General anaesthetic is usually not used for cataract procedures, but light sedation can be offered to ease anxious nerves. A topical anaesthetic or nerve block will be applied around your eye and you will be asked to fixate on a specific target to keep your eye steady. Your doctor will create an incision in the cornea and use a purpose-specific instrument to break the cataract into smaller pieces, then to be suctioned out. A pre-prepared intraocular lens is then inserted into the eye and the corneal incision allowed to self-seal. In total, the treatment will take about 15-20 minutes.
After surgery
You will be given a protective eye shield along with post-operative care instructions and eye drop medications. In the days immediately following surgery you will notice a drastic improvement to your vision. Depending on how the surgery went and how quickly your eye heals and vision improves, your ophthalmologist may want to review you the following day, the following week, and the following month.
Cataract surgery cost in Melbourne with Armadale Eye Clinic does not need to be prohibitive. We are pleased to offer the expertise of experienced cataract surgeons to Melbourne’s residents with payment plan options and accepting all health funds.
If you are suffering vision impairment from cataract, contact us now.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
OPENING HOURS:
Weekdays: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
CONTACT US:
Phone: (03) 9070 5753
FAX: 8692 1131
Email: info@armadale-eye.com.au
WHERE TO FIND US:
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