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Procedures

Cataract Surgery

Cataracts usually occur as part of aging and result in a progressive blurring of vision, in one but often in both eyes. Conditions such as diabetes, trauma, smoking, UV exposure and certain medications can result in cataracts developing sooner. Once cataracts start to progress beyond a level where glasses alone don’t help improve vision, or if your spectacle prescription needs updating frequently or if the symptoms and poor vision affect your regular activities and hobbies like, watching TV, driving, golf etc; you may be a candidate for cataract surgery.

A cataract occurs when the natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy. Cataract surgery restores vision by replacing the cloudy lens with a new artificial lens.

With approximately half of the population above the age of 65 in Australia having some amount of cataract, cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in Australia. It is a safe procedure with a high success rate and a majority of patients describe it as being relatively pain free. Complications are generally uncommon, but as with all surgery, possible.

Dr Dev will discuss details of the surgery such as the different artificial lens options with you at your clinic appointment and there will be opportunity to ask questions.

For further information:

Cataract Surgery At A Glance

Surgery time

15-20 mins

Hospital Stay

Day case

Time off work

3–7Days

Reasonably Mobile

1 day

Exercise Limitations

2–4 weeks

Washing Tips

Pat dry, keep out of direct shower for 3 days

Avoid Driving

Usually 48 hours (can vary, check with your doctor)

Full Recovery

4 weeks

Retinal Detachment Surgery

Retinal detachments are a potentially sight threatening condition that often requires urgent surgery or laser. Patients describe noticing flashes and floaters or a curtain like shadow coming across their vision. The risk of getting a retinal detachment is about 1 in 10,000 but this risk is about 5 times greater for people who are short-sighted(myopic).

There are several methods of surgery to treat retinal detachments and Dr Dev will discuss the most appropriate option at your clinic appointment. It is imperative that you get your eyes assessed urgently if you believe you may have symptoms suggestive of a retinal detachment.

For further information:

Retinal Detachment Surgery At A Glance

Surgery time

60–90 mins

Hospital Stay

Day case

Time off work

4–8 weeks

Reasonably Mobile

1 day

Exercise Limitations

4–8 weeks

Washing Tips

Pat dry, keep out of direct shower for 3 days

Avoid Driving

2–8 weeks

Full Recovery

4–8 weeks

Macular Surgery

The macula is the central part of your retina, or the nerve in the eye and plays an important role in your vision. You may have been told that you have a “macular hole” or “epiretinal membrane”. These conditions often result in increased distortion or blurring of your central vision. Some patients may also have a concurrent cataract together with one of these macular conditions and may be offered a combined procedure to address both conditions simultaneously. Rest assured that Dr Dev will discuss the best options to treat your condition and outline a clear plan when you see him at your appointment.

Some types of macular surgery require a special gas to be placed in the eye during surgery. This is to help support the retina while it heals. Your vision will be poor while this gas remains in the eye. In time it will dissipate. The success of macular hole or epiretinal membrane surgery is high with greater than 90% noticing an improvement of their symptoms.

For further information:

Macular Surgery At A Glance

Surgery time

60 mins

Hospital Stay

Day case

Time off work

2–8 weeks

Reasonably Mobile

1 day

Exercise limitations

2–4 weeks

Washing tips

Pat dry, keep out of direct shower for 3 days

Avoid Driving

2–8 weeks

Full Recovery

3–12 months

Intravitreal Injections

Intravitreal injections are a way to deliver just the right amount of medication into the eye. It is used to treat several conditions, the most common of which are Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), Diabetic Macular Oedema and Retinal Vein Occlusions. Injections are given through the white of the eye and are relatively painless. Adequate local anaesthetic is given prior to the injection and a lot of care is taken to ensure that it is as comfortable as possible for you.

After the injection, the eye may appear bloodshot and feel gritty but these generally resolve within several days. Most patients that receive injections will need to have them repeated on a schedule that Dr Dev will determine based on the latest evidence from scientific studies, his extensive experience as a retinal specialist and also depending on factors such as the diagnosis, how quickly your eye responds and results of the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans that you will be having.

For further information:

Intravitreal Injections At A Glance

Surgery time

Less than 5 mins

Hospital Stay

Outpatient Procedure or Day Case

Time off work

1 day

Reasonably Mobile

Immediate

Exercise Limitations

No swimming for 48 – 72 hours after the injection

Washing Tips

Pat gently if necessary

Avoid Driving

1 day

Full Recovery

1 day

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