Cataract Surgery Sydney
Trusted Eye Surgeons in Green Square
If your vision has become cloudy, blurry or more sensitive to glare, cataracts may be the cause. At Eye and Retina Specialists, we provide personalised cataract assessments and modern cataract surgery in Sydney, with care tailored to your vision needs, lifestyle and eye health.
Our experienced ophthalmologists consult from our Green Square clinic, conveniently located for patients from Zetland, Kensington, Alexandria, Redfern, Mascot, the Inner West, the Eastern Suburbs and greater Sydney.
Dr Neil Sharma
Dr Linda Zheng
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a gradual clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. The lens helps focus light so you can see clearly. As cataracts develop, vision may become less sharp and everyday activities can become more difficult.
Cataracts commonly develop with age, but may also occur earlier due to genetics, diabetes, previous eye injury, steroid use or other medical factors.
Common Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts can cause a range of symptoms, including:
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Blurred or cloudy vision
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Glare or halos around lights
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Difficulty driving at night
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Faded or dull colours
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Frequent changes in glasses prescription
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Increased sensitivity to bright light
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Trouble reading or seeing fine detail
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Trouble recognising peoples faces
When Should Cataract Surgery Be Considered?
Cataract surgery is usually performed when vision changes begin affecting your quality of life or daily activities such as driving, reading, work, hobbies or independence. Some people choose to have cataract surgery at an early stage to reduce their need for glasses.
The right timing depends on your symptoms, lifestyle, vision goals and overall eye health. We take the time to explain your options clearly so you can make an informed decision.
Cataract Assessment at Our Sydney Clinic
Your cataract consultation will include:
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Vision testing
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Comprehensive eye examination
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Cataract grading
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Retinal and macular assessment
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Discussion of symptoms and lifestyle needs
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Review of other eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma or diabetic eye disease
This detailed approach helps us recommend the most suitable treatment pathway for you and to personalise treatment for each individual patient.
Cataract Surgery – What to Expect
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed operations worldwide. The cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
The procedure is typically performed as day surgery. The operation is usually performed with local anaesthetic or topical anaesthetic drops, along with light sedation to keep you feeling relaxed and comfortable.
Recovery is usually quick, with many patients noticing improved clarity in the days following surgery. We will guide you through each step before and after surgery.
Lens Options for Cataract Surgery
There are different lens options available depending on your eyes and visual priorities.
These may include:
Monofocal Lenses
Designed to provide clear focus at one main distance (usually distance vision).
Toric Lenses
Used in selected patients to reduce astigmatism.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) and Multifocal IOLs
Some patients may be suitable for advanced lens technologies depending on lifestyle goals and eye health.
During your consultation, we will discuss realistic expectations, benefits and trade-offs of each option as well as the risks and benefits of cataract surgery so you can make an informed choice before proceeding.
Cataract Surgery Cost Sydney
Costs can vary depending on whether you have private health insurance, your level of cover, hospital and anaesthetist fees and lens choice.
We provide clear fee information before surgery, so you understand the expected costs and available options.
Why Choose Eye and Retina Specialists?
Patients choose our clinic for:
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Personalised, patient-centred care
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Careful lens planning
We strive to make your experience clear, professional and supportive from consultation through to follow-up care. Our surgeons perform cataract surgery at Randwick and Ashfield.
Cataract Simulation
Cataract Surgery - View from Operating Microscope
Dr Linda Zheng performing cataract surgery
Cataract Surgery Sydney
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are cataracts a film or "skin" growing over the eye?
This is a common misconception. Cataracts are actually a clouding or opacification of the natural lens inside the eye. The lens of the eye sits near the front of the eye , behind the iris (the coloured part). Cataracts most commonly occur with normal ageing, although can happen at any age.
Q2. Is cataract surgery painful?
No, cataract surgery is usually not painful. Our anaesthetist will prepare you for surgery, frequently administering a light sedation so you are relaxed and comfortable. The surgery is most often performed using a local anaesthetic block or topical numbing eye drops so you do not have any pain or discomfort during the operation. You may be aware of music playing, people talking or the sound of the equipment during the operation but you should feel calm and pain free. If there is any discomfort, we can administer more anaesthetic or sedation if required - just let us know. We want the operation to be as pain and stress free as possible for you.
In rare individual circumstances, a general anaesthetic can be used for the surgery if needed and medically suitable.
Q3. How long does cataract surgery take?
We perform cataract surgery as a day surgery procedure. You normally are asked to arrive before the operation with sufficient time to change into theatre attire, have your preoperative checks confirmed and eye drops administered prior to surgery. The operation itself usually takes around 15–20 minutes.
You are then taken to recovery where you are given time to relax, have a cup of tea and coffee and wait for your relatives or transport to take you home. In total, you are normally in the hospital for around 3 hours.
Q4. How long is recovery after cataract surgery?
Most patients notice improved vision the following morning or within a few days, although final healing can take several weeks. Antibiotic eye drops are prescribed following the surgery to reduce the risk of infection and anti-inflammatory eye drops to help the eye with healing.
We recommend patients avoid heavy lifting for up to 4 weeks following surgery. It is important to let the eye settle for a few days, and to ensure the vision is good, before resuming driving. We ask you talk to your surgeon about your particular case.
Q5. What are the risks with cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is widely considered the most successful and safest operation in modern medicine, with success rates often exceeding 95%. Nevertheless it is important to understand that every operation contains risks, and to discuss these with your surgeon before deciding to proceed.
There is a 2-3% risk of a complication during or after the surgery that may need re-operation. There is a less than 1 in a 1000 risk of a serious infection or serious bleed that may result in loss of vision or loss of the eye. There is a very rare auto-immune condition called sympathetic ophthalmia, where an operation on one eye can cause loss of vision in both eyes due to auto-antibodies.
While every care is taken to measure the eye and use complex equipment and calculations to calculate the intraocular lens (IOL),every human eye is different. On occasions the predicted post operative refraction can be significantly different to the actual outcome, known as a refractive surprise. This may result in glasses or contact lenses needing to be worn after the operation, or laser surgery enhancement performed. With newer technologies and experienced surgeons, the risk of refractive surprise has decreased.
Q6. Can cataracts come back after surgery?
The cataract itself cannot return once removed. Some patients later develop clouding of the lens capsule behind the implant, known as posterior capsular opacification (PCO). This can usually be treated with an in-office laser procedure that takes only a few minutes.
Normal eye compared to eye with a cataract
Book a Cataract Consultation
If you are experiencing cloudy vision, glare or worsening sight, a cataract assessment can help clarify your options.
To arrange an appointment, contact Eye and Retina Specialists today.