What is Cataract Surgery In Sydney & Newcastle
Cataract Surgery In Sydney & Newcastle
What is cataract surgery: Restore Your Vision with Clarity
When you ask what cataract surgery is, you want to know how your bad eye vision becomes clear again. Cataract surgery is the medical procedure that removes the eye’s cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens to restore sharp, clear sight. At The Cataract Clinic in Sydney & Newcastle, we make this change safe, caring and tailored to your specific needs.
Why Cataracts Happen & Why Surgery Works
Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process in the eye.
The lens in your eye is what keeps your vision clear and sharp. As we get older, the proteins in the lens can start to clump together, making it cloudy. When that happens, you may notice your sight isn’t as clear as it used to be.
When a cataract grows, it scatters and blocks light entering the eye, causing blurry vision, glare and poor night vision.
Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one, thereby restoring light focus and clear vision.
How Cataract Surgery is Performed
Knowing how cataract surgery works can ease your mind. Here’s what to expect:
Local anaesthetic - The Eye is numbed using drops. You’ll stay awake but feel no pain.
Tiny incision - The surgeon uses small cuts to access the lens.
Ultrasound or laser breaking of the lens - The cloudy lens is gently broken up and removed.
Lens implant insertion - A clear artificial lens (intraocular lens, “IOL”) is placed.
What Makes It Minimally Invasive
Incisions are very small, meaning less tissue disruption.
It’s usually an outpatient procedure - you can go home the same day.
Most people see improvement quickly, often within 24-48 hours.
Personalised Lens Choices & Visual Goals
One of the benefits of modern cataract surgery is that the replacement lens can be customised to your vision needs. At The Cataract Clinic, we help you understand lens options such as:
Monofocal lenses - Clear at one distance; glasses may still be needed for reading or driving at night.
Multifocal & Extended Depth of Focus lenses - Help see clearly at multiple distances.
Toric lenses - Correct astigmatism as well as cataract.
We will discuss your lifestyle and visual needs, like reading, driving, and screen time. Then, we will help you choose the best lens option for your cataract surgery.
Recovery & What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
You may wonder what your day‐to‐day will be like post-surgery. Here’s a rough timeline:
You’ll use eye drops, protect the eye and attend follow-up visits. Our surgeons monitor to ensure healing.
Day of Surgery - Mild discomfort, watery eye, some light sensitivity. Most people go home the same day.
1-2 days after - Gradual clarity returns; some blurriness may still be present.
1 week - Reduced swelling, vision continues improving.
A few weeks - Full recovery for most. Most restrictions lifted (driving, lifting, etc).
Risks, Safety & Why Choose The Cataract Clinic
All surgeries have risks, but modern cataract surgery is among the safest eye operations. At The Cataract Clinic:
Our surgeon has performed tens of thousands of cataract procedures.
We operate in fully licensed, purpose-built theatres.
We use proven equipment, strict hygiene, and follow-up care.
Potential risks are low: infection, minor inflammation, and lens misalignment. We explain everything before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common concerns people often have when searching for 'what is cataract surgery' or 'cataract surgery'
Q: How long does cataract surgery take?
A: Typically under one hour. The actual removal and lens insertion portion is often far shorter. Local anaesthetic means minimal discomfort.
Q: Is cataract surgery painful?
A: No. You’ll feel pressure, maybe, but with modern anaesthetics and techniques, it’s very tolerable. Pain afterwards is mild and controlled with drops.
Q: When will I see better after surgery?
A: Many patients notice clearer vision the next day. Vision continues to sharpen over the first few days to weeks.
Q: Will I still need glasses?
A: Depends on what lens you pick. Monofocal may mean glasses for reading; multifocal or toric aim to reduce the need for spectacles. We help you choose.
Q: Is cataract surgery safe for older patients?
A: Yes. Age alone isn’t a barrier. Medical assessment checks general health, eye health, and ensures that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Your First Step to Clear Vision
Understanding what cataract surgery is and how this simple yet effective procedure can restore lost vision is important. If you’re in Sydney or Newcastle and your sight is becoming blurry or interfering with daily life, it’s best not to wait.
Call The Cataract Clinic today to book your one-on-one consultation. We’ll guide you through whether cataract surgery is right for you, explain your lens options, discuss safety and costs, and help you take the first step towards clearer vision.
