At Pure Sight Eye Surgeons, Dr Alison Chiu takes a customised approach to cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is not one-size-fits-all : eyes, visual goals, and surgical approaches can vary significantly. The choice of intraocular lens is a critical part of this process, and Dr Chiu offers the full range of lens options to help restore vision and reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses after surgery.
When Is Cataract Surgery Recommended?
Cataract surgery is recommended when the cataract begins to interfere with your daily activities. In some cases, a cataract may need to be removed to allow adequate monitoring of other eye conditions such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, or because the cataract is contributing to elevated eye pressure or inflammation.
Cataract Surgery as Vision Correction
An important aspect of modern cataract surgery is that it’s also an opportunity to correct your vision. When the cloudy natural lens is removed, the artificial lens that replaces it is selected to a specific optical power. This means that existing refractive errors, including short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia, can be addressed at the same time.
For patients over 55 to 60 who develop cataracts, surgery provides a permanent solution that corrects the cataract and the underlying refractive error in a single procedure. For this reason, cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange are closely related, with the main difference being whether a cataract is already present.
A Tailored Approach to Cataract Surgery
Our approach to cataract surgery is deliberately different. Rather than limiting patients to one of a few standard lens options, we take a fully bespoke approach.
By assessing multiple lifestyle and anatomical factors, we carefully select from a wide range of advanced lenses to achieve the most precise, effective and long-lasting outcome for each individual patient.
- Often limited to 1–2 standard lenses, leading to a one-size-fits-all approach
- Lens choice rarely considers how you use your vision day to day
- Limited options for complex or post-laser eyes, often resulting in compromised outcomes
- Access to 20+ modern lens designs for precise matching to each patient
- Lens choice is tailored to your daily life - screens, night driving and work
- Specialised solutions for astigmatism, previous laser surgery & macular changes, with clear guidance
The Procedure
Dr Chiu performs cataract surgery using microincisional phacoemulsification, a precise keyhole technique. The procedure is performed as a day case under local anaesthesia, typically taking 15 to 20 minutes per eye.
- A small incision of approximately 2mm is made in the cornea
- A circular opening is made in the capsule surrounding the lens, which is preserved to hold the new lens
- An ultrasound probe gently breaks up the cloudy lens, which is removed through the keyhole incision (phacoemulsification)
- A folded intraocular lens is inserted through the same incision and unfolds inside the eye
- The incision is self-sealing and heals without stitches
Surgery is performed at Sydney Surgical Centre in Randwick and Somerset Day Surgery in Kingswood, usually one eye at a time with a gap of one to two a few weeks between procedures.
Choosing Your Intraocular Lens
The lens you choose determines what you can see clearly without glasses after surgery. Small differences in lens choice and planning can have a meaningful impact on your vision.Options include monofocal lenses (clear at one distance, usually distance), monovision/blended vision, EDOF (extended depth of focus), multifocal lenses, and toric lenses for astigmatism.
Your Options for Surgery
There are different pathways for cataract surgery depending on your clinical needs, preferences, and level of health insurance cover.
These may include treatment through the public system, private surgery, or more customised approaches with advanced lens selection and planning.
Your options will be discussed with you in detail so you can choose the approach that best aligns with your vision goals and circumstances.
AddOn Lenses and the PresbyDuet Technique
For patients wanting reversible multifocality or to upgrade vision after previous cataract surgery, Dr Chiu offers AddOn intraocular lenses. These are supplementary lenses placed in the sulcus, in front of the primary IOL.
In 2015, Dr Chiu performed the first reversible dual-lens cataract procedure worldwide, now known as the PresbyDuet technique. This combines a monofocal IOL in the capsular bag with a removable multifocal AddOn lens. The key advantage is that if the patient’s needs change, the AddOn can be removed or exchanged without disturbing the primary lens.
AddOn lenses can also correct residual refractive error after cataract surgery or provide additional magnification for patients with macular disease.
Recovery
Most people notice improved vision within a day or two. Key aftercare: wear the protective eye shield at night for one week, don’t rub your eye, use prescribed eye drops as directed, and avoid water in the eyes, swimming, heavy lifting, and dusty environments for the period advised. Bending over, light exercise, and flying are all permitted after surgery and Dr Chiu will discuss your specific questions postoperatively
Risks and Complications
Cataract surgery has a high success rate, but potential complications include infection (rare but serious), inflammation, increased intraocular pressure, retinal detachment (uncommon), and posterior capsular opacification (common, treated with a quick laser procedure). Contact 1300 DR CHIU (1300 37 2448) if you experience any concerns during recovery.You will also be provided with Dr Chiu’s mobile number to ensure you are fully supported in your recovery, especially for any emergencies in the first week. These risks are uncommon and will be discussed with you in detail during your consultation.
Cataract surgery today is not just about restoring vision, but about optimising how you see. Dr Chiu takes the time to understand your visual priorities and tailors your surgery to achieve the best possible outcome for your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?
This depends on the type of lens implanted. Monofocal lenses usually require reading glasses. EDOF and multifocal lenses can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.
Can cataracts come back after surgery?
No. Once the natural lens is removed, a cataract can’t return. The capsule behind the lens can become cloudy over time (PCO), easily treated with a brief laser procedure.
What's the difference between cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange?
The surgical technique is identical. Cataract surgery removes a cloudy lens; RLE replaces a clear lens primarily to correct vision. In patients over 55 to 60, the lens often has early changes, so the line between the two can be blurred.
What is the best lens for cataract surgery?
The best lens is the one that suits your life, not just your eyes. There is no single “best” lens. The right intraocular lens (IOL) depends on your eyes, lifestyle, and visual priorities.
Can cataract surgery be performed on both eyes on the same day?
In selected cases, cataract surgery can be performed on both eyes on the same day. Suitability depends on your eye health, general health, and the planned approach to your vision correction.
Not all patients are suitable, and this will be discussed with you during your consultation. It’s also important to be aware that most health funds do not cover the second eye if surgery is performed on the same day, which may result in additional out-of-pocket costs.
Is cataract surgery painful?
Cataract surgery is not typically painful. The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops, and sometimes a local anesthetic block, so you may feel some pressure or mild sensation, but not pain. Most patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable the procedure is.
How long does cataract surgery take?
The procedure usually takes 10–20 minutes per eye, although you will be in the operating suite longer for preparation and recovery.
How long is the recovery after cataract surgery?
Vision often improves within a few days, but full stabilisation can take a few weeks.
When can I drive after cataract surgery?
This depends on your vision and comfort. Many patients are able to resume driving within 1–2 days after cataract surgery, but everyone’s situation is different. You will be advised at your post-operative review (usually the day after surgery) once your vision has been assessed and it is safe to do so.