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Cataracts are one of the most common causes of blurry vision, especially as we get older. But what exactly is cataract surgery, and how does it help? If you’ve been told you have cataracts, or you’ve noticed your vision getting cloudier or colours fading, you’re probably wondering what the procedure involves and how it can restore your sight.

At Medownick Laser Clinic, we’ve been guiding patients through cataract surgery for more than 30 years. Let’s explore what it does, why it might be needed, and what you can expect.

What causes cataracts? 

Inside each of your eyes is a natural lens, which focuses light onto the retina to give you clear vision. Over time, this lens can develop cloudy patches - called cataracts - that make it harder for light to pass through. This happens as proteins in the lens clump together, creating a foggy area that affects your ability to see.

Cataracts are incredibly common, especially as we age. In fact, by the age of 80, more than half of Australians will have had cataracts or cataract surgery. It's important to understand that cataracts cannot be reversed or “cured” with glasses, medications, or lifestyle changes: surgery is the only way to remove them and restore clear vision.

What does cataract surgery achieve? 

Cataract surgery removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with a clear, artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). This restores your ability to see clearly, often with brighter colours, sharper detail, and reduced glare.

For many people, cataract surgery also reduces dependence on glasses, depending on the type of IOL chosen.

Why might I need cataract surgery? 

Cataract surgery can be performed as soon as a cataract is detected, even when it is quite small and even if it is not yet impacting your vision. Once removed you won't grow new cataracts (they grow inside your lens, which will have been replaced). However, you may prefer to wait until the cataract has progressed and you are more symptomatic, and that's fine too. In most cases, you are likely to need cataract surgery when: 

• Your vision is blurry or foggy, even with glasses
• You struggle with glare from lights, especially at night
• Reading or driving (or both) become difficult
• Colours appear faded or yellowed
• Your lifestyle is limited by poor vision

Cataracts often develop with age, but they can also result from injury, certain medications, prolonged exposure to UV rays, or health conditions like diabetes.

Is cataract surgery safe? 

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries worldwide, with a high success rate. At Medownick, we use advanced technology and a personalised approach to ensure optimal outcomes for every patient.

What happens during cataract surgery? 

Now that you know what cataracts are and what cataract surgery achieves, let’s look at what happens during the procedure itself:

Preparation:
At Medownick, cataract surgeries are performed at Epworth Hospital, one of Australia’s leading private hospitals. You’ll be cared for by an experienced Epworth anaesthetist, who will administer twilight sedation, a state where you’re relaxed and comfortable, but not fully asleep. This goes beyond local anaesthetic, ensuring you won’t feel any pain or remember the surgery afterwards.

No injections, no stitches:
Thanks to our advanced surgical techniques and expertise, your eye is prepared and treated without the need for any injections in or around the eye. The incision is tiny and self-sealing, so in the majority of cases no stitches are required, a hallmark of Medownick’s precision approach.

Cataract removal:
The cloudy lens is broken up using an advanced ultrasound technique known as "phacoemulsification". The fragments are then gently suctioned out to remove your cataract.

Lens replacement:
A clear, foldable intraocular lens is implanted, and settles into the eye.This lens is selected ahead of time based on your vision needs and decided in consultation with your surgeon.

Fast recovery:
The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes. At Medownick, we treat each eye just one day apart, for example, one eye on Friday and the other on Saturday, allowing you to return home the same day after each procedure. This approach helps you achieve full vision correction within a short timeframe, while minimising disruption to your life. 

How long is the recovery? 

Most people notice improved vision the next day, with complete recovery taking a few weeks. You’ll use prescribed eye drops to support healing, and we’ll guide you through every step of your aftercare.

Book the right appointment for you

Option 1: Not sure if you have cataracts?
Book a free online assessment with Medownick Laser Clinic to find out if cataracts or another vision issue might be affecting you. Our team will explain your options and answer your questions.

Option 2: Already diagnosed with cataracts?
Let’s discuss your treatment options and get you on the path to clearer vision. Call us on 1800 37 39 37 or email info@medownick.com.au to book a consultation directly with our surgeon.