Cataract Surgery

What is Cataract Surgery?

A cataract is when the natural lens of the eye is cloudy, reducing eye sight. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an intra-ocular lens (lens implant).

Cataract surgery is normally done under local anaesthetic as day-case surgery. Dr Kent is one of the few eye surgeons in New Zealand who routinely does cataract surgery just with anaesthetic eye drops and without injections around the eye. No eye patches are required afterwards and there is no need to stop eating, drinking or any regular medications for cataract surgery.

Dr Kent uses micro-incisional cataract surgery techniques and the latest micro-incisional intra-ocular lenses. He also specialises in the use of multi-focal intra-ocular lenses for achieving independence from reading glasses as well as toric intra-ocular lenses for correction of astigmatism. He also does astigmatism correcting surgery as a routine part of modern cataract surgery.

Dr Kent also does “refractive lens exchange” surgery where a cataract operation is done on a clear lens to correct higher focusing problems as well as in combination with multi-focal intraocular lenses. Refractive lens exchange is done to relieve the patient of spectacles or contact lenses and is not covered by medical insurance.

Why would I need Cataract Surgery?

If your eye sight is reduced or the quality of your vision is affected by cataract, then you could have cataract surgery to restore clear and sharp vision. There are no set criteria and there is no such thing these days as a cataract needing to be “ripe” or dense enough. As long as your vision is affected by cataract and you understand the risks and benefits of cataract surgery then it can be done.

The other reason you may need cataract surgery is to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. People with hyperopia (long-sightedness) or high myopia (short-sightedness) without cataract can have the same operation done on a clear lens and the lens replaced with an intraocular lens to allow them to see without spectacles or contact lenses. Astigmatism can often be corrected at the same time.

What is the process for referral?

You can be referred to Dr Kent at Fendalton Eye Clinic by your general practitioner or optometrist. Alternatively, you can simply self refer by ringing on 0800 45 27 45 or 03 3513518. Visit his website at www.lasik.co.nz