Cataracts
Clouding of the eye's natural lens
At Sutherland Eye Surgeons, we offer modern cataract surgery using advanced intraocular lens technology to restore crisp, clear vision tailored to your individual visual needs.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is the progressive clouding of the eye's natural lens, which is normally clear and transparent. The lens is composed primarily of water and crystallin proteins arranged in a precise, orderly manner to focus light onto the retina. As we age, these proteins can aggregate and lose their normal organisation, forming opacities that scatter and block light as it passes through the eye.
Cataracts are not a growth or a film over the eye; rather, they represent a structural change within the lens itself.
Symptoms of cataracts
Cataract development is typically gradual, and symptoms may be subtle in the early stages. As the lens becomes increasingly opacified, patients commonly experience:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Glare and halos
- Faded or yellowed colours
- Frequent changes in spectacle prescription
- Double vision in a single eye
- Difficulty with near vision
This can lead to difficulty driving at night, trouble reading and an increased risk of falling.
Assessing your cataracts
A comprehensive eye examination is essential to confirm the presence of a cataract, assess its impact on vision, and rule out other causes of visual impairment.
When you visit us at Sutherland Eye Surgeons, we perform a comprehensive eye examination to confirm the presence of a cataract and plan your treatment. This includes a review of your medical history and visual symptoms, assessment of your spectacle prescription and visual acuity, and microscopic examination of the lens using a slit lamp to determine the type and density of the cataract.
Precise measurements of your eye (axial length and corneal curvature) are taken using biometry to determine the appropriate power for your intraocular lens, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) may be performed to image the macula and exclude subtle retinal pathology that could influence your visual outcomes.
Cataract surgery
Cataract surgery is recommended when visual impairment from the cataract begins to interfere with your daily activities, quality of life, or safety. There is no medical therapy to reverse or halt cataract progression, and the timing of surgery is a shared decision between you and your ophthalmologist.
At Sutherland Eye Surgeons, cataract surgery is performed as a day-only procedure with intravenous sedation for relaxation, typically taking approximately 20–30 minutes. The standard technique is phacoemulsification, in which a small incision is made at the edge of the cornea, an ultrasonic probe breaks the cloudy lens into microscopic fragments, and the fragmented material is gently aspirated from the eye. A clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is then inserted through the same small incision and positioned within the natural capsular bag.
Our surgeons offer a range of intraocular lens technologies including monofocal, toric, extended depth of focus (EDOF), and multifocal lenses and we take the time to discuss the most appropriate option for your individual visual needs and lifestyle. Most patients experience significant improvement in vision within the first 24–48 hours, with brighter colours, reduced glare, and greater independence in daily activities.
Ready to see clearly again?
If cataracts are affecting your quality of life, we are here to help. Contact Sutherland Eye Surgeons today to schedule a comprehensive assessment.
For all appointments and enquiries, please phone 02 9521 8402
Monday
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8:30am – 5:00pm
8:30am – 5:00pm
8:30am – 5:00pm
8:30am – 5:00pm
8:30am – 5:00pm
Suite 5, Level 1
570 President Ave
Sutherland NSW 2232
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