Cataract Surgery

Dr Sack operates in a modern day surgery using state of the art equipment. The two day surgeries he operates at are:

You will be in the day surgery centre for approximately two hours and can go home straight after the procedure. The operated eye will be covered by a clear patch and vision usually returns after a few hours.

Intravenous sedation will be administered by a qualified anaesthetist, ensuring that you are comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. There are no needles used to anaesthetise the eye — only drops — and no discomfort or pain whatsoever is felt during the procedure.

The cataract is removed using a modern, safe procedure called phacoemulsification, and the surgery is performed through a tiny incision of less than 3mm. This incision is also used to insert the intra-ocular lens. No stitches are necessary as the wound is very small and watertight.

The eye will feel a little gritty, scratchy and often a little watery that night. By the time you see Dr Sack in his rooms the next day, most of the discomfort will have disappeared.

An eye patch is only necessary for the first night after the operation. Drops are then used for the next three weeks to prevent infection as well as to reduce any inflammation.

Often, the second eye can be operated on a short time after the first — possibly within a week or two. This is done to prevent an imbalance between the two eyes which can occur especially if you are very long or short sighted.

After Surgery

Your eye may still be slightly gritty and scratchy for a few days after surgery but there will be no pain. You may be able to wear your old glasses for reading (distance glasses are usually not necessary) until the second eye has had the cataract removed.

Often sunglasses are necessary as glare can be present in the early post-operative phase. This can last up to three weeks but will settle down. Most patients are driving or playing golf or tennis by the weekend.

You will need to return for a check up approximately three weeks after the operation. Following that, you will see your referring optometrist for a final check and new glasses can then be prescribed. (These are usually only required for reading.)

Even though the cataracts have been removed, it is still important to have an annual check up for conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. These appointments can either be with Dr Sack or your referring optometrist.