1. What is a cataract?
2. What causes cataracts?
3. How do I know if I have a cataract?
4. When should I have cataract surgery?
5. Do I have to stay in hospital overnight for cataract surgery?
6. Do I have both eyes operated on at the same time?
7. Will I need someone to care for me after cataract surgery?
8. Should I continue my regular medications before surgery?
9. Do I have to wear a patch over my eye after surgery?
10. Is small incision cataract surgery performed with a laser?
11. Is small incision cataract surgery painful?
12. When can I resume normal activities after cataract surgery?
13. Will I need to see the surgeon again after my procedure?
14. Will I need spectacles after cataract surgery?

1. What is a cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye. Approximately 25 percent of people over 65 years of age will have some cataract formation. Cataracts can develop in both eyes but the rate at which they develop in each eye often varies.
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2. What causes cataracts?

In many cases there is no apparent cause for a cataract. There are a number of known causes for cataract development including:
· The natural aging process
· Prolonged exposure to UV light
· Eye trauma
· Disease
· Long-term use of some medications (in particular cortisone)
· Genetic susceptibility
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3. How do I know if I have a cataract?

Common cataract symptoms include, glare, ghosting, multiple images, trouble with near and distance vision and frequent changes in spectacle prescription. You may just notice that your vision is blurred. Your regular eye care practitioner should be able to detect a cataract.
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4. When should I have cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery should be considered when the above mentioned symptoms interfere with daily activities or when prescription spectacles no longer provide sufficient visual clarity.
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5. Do I have to stay in hospital overnight for cataract surgery?

No, cataract surgery is a day procedure and you are only required to be at the centre for a couple of hours.
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6. Do I have both eyes operated on at the same time?

No, the second eye may be operated on one week following the first eye, if necessary, upon the surgeon’s advice.
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7. Will I need someone to care for me after cataract surgery?

Yes, you will definitely need someone to take you to and collect you from Adelaide Eye & Laser Centre. You will require a companion/carer for the first 2 to 4 hours after your procedure due to the sedation given to you prior to your operation.
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8. Should I continue my regular medications before surgery?

Yes, you should continue taking all regular medications before surgery, unless otherwise advised by the surgeon or nursing staff. Be sure to advise the surgeon or nursing staff of all the medications you are taking prior to your procedure. Also advise staff of any allergies.
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9. Do I have to wear a patch over my eye after surgery?

As a general rule it is unnecessary to wear a patch over the operated eye after cataract surgery, unless otherwise advised.
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10. Is small incision cataract surgery performed with a laser?

Small incision cataract surgery is not performed with a laser but with a phacoemulsifier that uses ultrasound to fragment the natural lens of the eye. The fragments are then vacuumed out via a small incision on the cornea and then replaced with an intraocular lens. Some types of cataract can be removed using a fine jet of pure water which further reduces operative stress on the eye.
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11. Is small incision cataract surgery painful?

At Adelaide Eye & Laser Centre small incision cataract surgery is performed under intra-venous sedation with anaesthetic eye gel, so no pain is felt during the procedure.
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12. When can I resume normal activities after cataract surgery?

Vision improves over a 24 to 72 hour period, so you can return to normal activities when comfortable to do so. This includes watching TV, reading, writing and moderate exercise. However, you should not drive for at least 24 hours or swim for at least 3 days after surgery.
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13. Will I need to see the surgeon again after my procedure?

Post-operative consultations with the surgeon are scheduled for the day after the procedure and one week after the procedure, with follow-up consultations by your regular eye care practitioner every 1-2 years unless otherwise advised.
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14. Will I need spectacles after cataract surgery?

Spectacles may be needed to correct any astigmatism or residual vision error, including reading glasses. Your regular eye care practitioner may prescribe these approximately 4 weeks following cataract surgery.
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