Cataracts

Cataract Surgery Townsville

Townsville

Woman Taking Eye Exam — Your Ophthalmologist in Townsville, QLD

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye. At first, any blurred eyesight may be almost unnoticeable. However, cataracts eventually result in severe blurred vision that has a major impact on your independence and lifestyle. A cataract is not a visible film on the outside of the eye, and there may not be any obvious signs that it is developing as it usually develops over time. 


Common cataract symptoms include:


  • Deterioration of your distance & reading vision 
  • Hazy, fuzzy or blurred vision 
  • Increased sensitivity to light & glare 
  • Difficulty driving at night 
  • No improvement in vision with stronger glasses


Book an appointment with 130eye on 07 4779 8008. Please note that you will require a referral from your general practitioner or optometrist for your consultation with Dr Glastonbury. Located at Ross River Rd in Townsville, our practice is open Monday-Friday.

Woman With Cataracts — Your Ophthalmologist in Townsville, QLD

Understanding Cataract Development

Cataracts are a common eye condition that affects many people, particularly as they age. The condition occurs when the lens of the eye, which is responsible for focusing light onto the retina, becomes cloudy or opaque. In a healthy eye, the lens is transparent, allowing light to pass through easily to form a sharp image. However, when a cataract develops, the cloudiness blocks light from passing through the lens properly, resulting in blurry or hazy vision.


While cataracts are most commonly associated with ageing, they can develop for a variety of reasons. Age-related cataracts are the most common type, but other factors can contribute to the condition, such as genetics, eye injuries, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Some people may also develop cataracts due to medication use, particularly corticosteroids.


It's important to note that cataracts are a natural part of the ageing process, and while they can significantly impact vision, they do not necessarily result in permanent blindness. In fact, cataract surgery, one of the most commonly performed surgeries in Australia, can restore vision to its previous clarity and quality.

Signs It May Be Time for Cataract Surgery

As cataracts progress, they often affect a person's daily life. Common symptoms of cataracts include blurry or cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night or in low-light conditions, increased sensitivity to glare and the need for more frequent changes in prescription glasses. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to seek medical advice and potentially inquire about cataract surgery in Townsville.


However, not all cataracts require immediate surgery. In the early stages, the symptoms may be mild, and you may still be able to manage with updated glasses or contact lenses. But when cataracts start to affect your ability to carry out normal activities, it may be time to consider surgery. Here are some signs that it could be time for cataract surgery:


  • Blurry or Cloudy Vision: The most common sign of a cataract is blurry vision, which can make it difficult to read, drive or recognise faces clearly. If glasses no longer provide adequate improvement in vision, it could be an indication that the cataract has progressed to a stage where surgery may be necessary.
  • Difficulty Driving at Night: Cataracts can cause increased sensitivity to glare from headlights or streetlights, making it difficult to drive at night. If driving becomes challenging, it may be time to discuss surgical options with your eye doctor.
  • Frequent Changes in Prescription Glasses: If you find that your prescription glasses or contact lenses no longer help you see clearly, this could be a sign that the cataract is interfering with your vision.
  • Hazy Vision or Double Vision: Cataracts can cause the vision to appear hazy, blurry or even lead to double vision in one eye. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an eye exam.
  • Colours Appearing Faded or Yellowed: Some people with cataracts notice that colours appear dull or yellowed. If this is affecting your ability to see clearly or distinguish between colours, it may be time to consider cataract surgery.


If you're experiencing any of these symptoms and they're affecting your quality of life, it's important to consult with an eye specialist like Dr Glastonbury. Through a comprehensive eye exam, Dr Glastonbury will be able to determine whether cataract surgery in Townsville is the right option for you.

What to Expect From Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure that aims to remove the cloudy lens from the eye and replace it with a clear, artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day as the procedure, and it typically takes less than an hour to complete.


Before cataract surgery in Townsville, you will have a thorough consultation with Dr Glastonbury, during which he will explain the procedure in detail and address any concerns or questions you may have. In some cases, pre-surgery tests may be required to assess the health of your eyes and determine the appropriate type of IOL for your specific needs.


On the day of surgery, you will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area around your eye. You will be awake throughout the procedure, but you will not feel any pain. Some patients may feel a sensation of pressure during the surgery, but it is usually brief and not uncomfortable. The cloudy lens will be removed using a technique called phacoemulsification, which involves breaking up the lens with ultrasound waves before gently suctioning it out.


Once the cataract is removed, Dr Glastonbury will insert the IOL into the eye. The IOL is typically made from silicone or acrylic and is designed to provide clear vision for most patients. After your cataract surgery in Townsville, you will be given instructions on how to care for your eye and when to return for follow-up visits. Most patients experience improved vision within a few days, although it may take a few weeks for the eye to fully heal.

How to Manage Post-Operative Recovery

Cataract surgery is a relatively quick and safe procedure, but like any surgery, it requires proper care and attention during the recovery phase. Most people experience only mild discomfort after cataract surgery, but it's important to follow post-operative instructions carefully to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.


Immediately following the procedure, you will need to rest for the remainder of the day. You may experience some blurry vision, sensitivity to light or mild discomfort in the operated eye, but these symptoms are usually temporary and subside within a few days. It is normal to experience some dryness or itching in the eye, but you should avoid rubbing the eye or applying pressure to it. Contact us to learn more about cataract surgery in Townsville.


For the first few days after surgery, it is essential to:


  • Wear an eye shield while sleeping to protect the eye.
  • Use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
  • Avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects, as these actions can strain the eye and interfere with healing.
  • Refrain from participating in strenuous activities, such as exercising, swimming or heavy lifting, for at least a few weeks.


During follow-up appointments, Dr Glastonbury will check the healing progress and assess the clarity of your vision. Most people find that their vision improves steadily over the first few weeks, and by the time they reach their final follow-up visit, their vision is significantly clearer.

How to Protect Your Eyes After Cataract Surgery

Once the initial recovery phase is complete, it's essential to continue taking steps to protect your eyes and maintain the best possible vision. Some of the most important measures to take include:


  • Wear Sunglasses With UV Protection: After your cataract surgery in Townsville, your eyes may be more sensitive to sunlight, and it's essential to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Sunglasses with UV protection will help shield your eyes from the sun and reduce glare, especially when you're outdoors during the day.
  • Avoid Rubbing or Touching Your Eyes: Although your eye will be healing, it's still crucial not to touch or rub your eye during the recovery phase. This will help prevent infection and ensure that the healing process goes smoothly.
  • Follow Post-Surgery Instructions: Be sure to follow any specific instructions given by Dr Glastonbury regarding the use of eye drops, restrictions on activities and when to schedule follow-up visits. Consistently using prescribed eye drops will help reduce the risk of infection and inflammation.
  • Maintain Regular Eye Exams: Even after your cataract surgery, it's important to keep up with regular eye exams to monitor the health of your eyes. Regular check-ups will help detect any potential issues early and ensure that your vision remains as clear as possible.
Eye With Cataracts — Your Ophthalmologist in Townsville, QLD
Eye Without Cataracts — Your Ophthalmologist in Townsville, QLD
Doctor Checking Patient Eye — Your Ophthalmologist in Townsville, QLD

Cataract Surgery Information & Treatment

The development of cataracts occurs naturally as a result of the ageing of the eye, and the diagnosis of cataracts in adults over 50 is not unusual. Blunt trauma can also be one of the other causes of cataract development. Cataracts sometimes occur in infants and children as a congenital defect.


Normally, the lens at the front of the eye focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, which creates a clear, sharp image. When the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and hazy, light cannot pass through freely, and your vision becomes blurred.

 

Cataract operations are performed routinely. There is no need to stay overnight in the hospital, and generally, you will be home within a few hours of your cataract surgery. Not all cataracts require treatment, but if your vision is affected and it begins to interfere with your work and lifestyle or prevents you from carrying out your normal daily living activities, Dr Glastonbury may suggest that you consider surgery.

After Cataract Surgery Care

LEAVE YOUR EYE PAD ON UNTIL YOUR POST-OPERATIVE APPOINTMENT THE MORNING AFTER YOUR SURGERY. DO NOT INSTILL ANY DROPS.


  • Bathe your eye twice a day (morning & night) with saline solution. You will need to use a clean gauze square for each wipe across the lid. Wipe from the inner corner of the eye and outward. Use a fresh gauze square for each wipe of the eye. DO NOT WIPE THE SURFACE OF YOUR EYE, ONLY YOUR EYELIDS 
  • Tape your eye shield over the operated eye each night for one week postoperatively. This will give you added protection from bumping your eye during the night. 
  • Use your drops after each bathing and at the other times as directed: 
  • You have two types of drops: 
  • TOBREX (antibiotic drop). 
  • MAXIDEX (anti-inflammatory drop).


After your operation, you need to use both types of your drops in the eye that was operated on until your next appointment with Dr Glastonbury. You should leave about 2 minutes between the instillation of each type of drop. Shake the eye drop bottles before using them. Drops should be instilled four times a day – BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER & BEDTIME without touching the surface of your eye with the tip of the bottle.


DO

  • Wear sunglasses while outdoors; you will be more sensitive to glare in the post-operative phase. 
  • You may read or watch TV if you can tolerate it; you will not harm your eye. 
  • Ask Dr Glastonbury when you can drive again. Definitely DO NOT drive on the day of surgery or the day after surgery.   
  • Bring your eye drop bottles to the post-operative appointments.


DON’T

  • Don’t rub or put your fingers into your eye. 
  • Don’t apply pressure to the eye when instilling the eye drops 
  • Don’t bend your head lower than your chest for two weeks. 
  • Don’t lift anything heavy for two weeks following your surgery. 
  • Don’t sleep on the same side as your healing eye for one week. Sleep on the opposite side or on your back. 
  • Don’t be concerned about washing your hair. You can wash it under the shower but close your eyes. 

IMPORTANT


Contact the surgery if: 

  • Your vision deteriorates significantly and suddenly. 
  • If you experience deep, SEVERE pain in your eye. 
  • If you develop a yellowish discharge from your eye.


Please Remember: 

It is very important that you have assistance available to you in the immediate post-operative period when you return home and overnight. You will still have residual anaesthetic agents in your body, and you will also experience a degree of visual impairment due to your operated eye being patched. This can alter your depth perception when attending to certain domestic tasks in the home, such as pouring hot water. There is also an increased risk of falling postoperatively.


It is a requirement of the North Queensland Day Surgery that you have someone to accompany and stay with you in the immediate post-operative stage.


You have had an operation, and you will have some post-operative discomfort, as with most surgery. If you have had your other eye operated on in the past, please be aware that the post-operative phase for your current surgery may not follow the same recovery path as your other eye surgery. This is not abnormal. 


  • You may experience some dull aching discomfort in the first 24-hour period postoperatively above your eyebrow, or you may experience it as a dull headache. You should have effective pain relief available for this period of time should you need it. ​Please DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN for pain following your eye surgery.
  • You may experience a sensation of having something in your eye in the first few days postoperatively. You may notice your eye is watery. This is your incision, and over the first few days, you may notice this sensation, particularly when you are blinking, tired or trying to focus on a TV screen or computer screen when your eye may be a little dry. This sensation will improve. If you are concerned, please call our rooms on 47 798008 for further instruction and advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How soon can I get my second cataract operation done?

    Dr Glastonbury prefers to wait 3-4 weeks before operating on your second eye. This way, the healing and optical result of the first cataract operation can be assessed.

  • When can I get new glasses after surgery?

    Dr Glastonbury will advise you of this, but generally, you should not aim to get new glasses until your eye has healed, so we would advise waiting approximately 6 weeks to avoid costly changes to your new lenses.

  • How long will I be at the Day Surgery for my operation?

    You will usually be at the Day Surgery for a total of 2 – 2.5 hours on average

  • How soon can I drive after cataract surgery?

    This depends on several factors, including the level of vision and driving license requirements. You should speak to Dr Glastonbury about this at your first post-operative appointment so that you can be sure that your vision is of a satisfactory standard to drive safely following surgery.

  • When can I stop bathing my eye after surgery?

    You can stop bathing your eye 1 week after your operation.

  • Will I see Dr Glastonbury today?

    You will see Dr Glastonbury every time you attend our rooms for consultation with an appointment.

  • When can I resume normal activities after surgery?

    Generally speaking, you can return to your normal activities 2 weeks following cataract surgery, depending on your post-operative progress. Following pterygium surgery, it is important to keep out of bright sunlight and dirty and dusty environments, which could further irritate your eye. Following lid surgery, it is important to keep the wound clean and dry, so you should avoid environments and activities that will not enable you to do this. You should not swim after an eye operation in the immediate post-operative phase. 

  • My eye is watery; how can it be dry?

    It may not seem sensible, but dry eyes often lead to watery eyes. When the eyes dry out, they become irritated and uncomfortable. That prompts the lacrimal glands to produce so many tears that they overwhelm the eye's natural drainage system. Tear production tends to lessen with age, so dry eyes are more common in older adults. Some medical conditions and medications can also lead to dryness, as can dry and windy weather/seasons and environments.

  • Does Dr Glastonbury do intravitreal injections?

    Yes

  • How long does the cataract surgery take?

    The surgery itself is usually fairly quick, but it depends on the density of the actual cataract.

  • Will Dr Glastonbury be doing my operation?

    Yes, he will. If he is the doctor who has seen you and booked your surgery, he will be your surgeon.

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Optometrist Examining Woman's Eyes — Your Ophthalmologist in Townsville, QLD

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