top of page

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. This clouding cause’s distortion of the light that enters the eye and it causes the vision to be reduced. Eventually blindness can occur if a cataract is left untreated.

 

2. How can a Cataract be treated?

Just because a cataract has begun to develop does not mean treatment is necessary, however once treatment does become necessary the only method of treatment is to remove the cataract with an operation. During this operation the Ophthalmic Surgeon removes the cataract from the eye and replaces it with an Intraocular Lens (IOL)

 

3: Can Cataract be treated without Surgery?

Unfortunately there is no evidence that treatment such as eye drops or tablets can repair a cataract.

 

4. How do I know whether I have a Cataract?

Cataracts often grow slowly in the beginning and patients may begin to notice such symptoms as                                                           

1. Glare     

2. Blurred Vision  

3. Difficulty Reading 

4. Becoming more near sighted.

Often patients will be diagnosed with a cataract by their optometrist who will refer them to an Ophthalmic surgeon.

 

 

 

 

 

5. What happens when I am referred to Dr Troski?

On the day of your consultation one of Dr Troski’s specialist team of Orthoptists will take a full history and commence the examination of the eye using sophisticated measurements (Called Biometry) these measure the exact size and shape of the eye and the cataract. As well as this a full Ophthalmic exam will be performed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then Dr Troski will fully examine the eye and the cataract and will spend time with you and your family explaining in detail the type of cataract you have and whether there is a need for surgery and he will also discuss all of the available IOL options to give you the best possible visual result. 

 

 

6: What Can I expect on the day of Cataract Surgery?

You will have an appointment at the Victoria Parade Surgery Centre (VPSC) which is located in the same building as Dr Troski’s clinic. On the day of surgery there is free parking in the building car park. You’ll have a full admission by the nursing staff and be examined by Dr Troski’s specialist Anaesthetist. You should expect to be at the VPSC for about 2 hours.

 

7: What kind of Anaesthetic will I have?

In most cases the Anaesthetist will administer light sedation through a vein (Not a General Anaesthetic) the eye is usually anaesthetised with eye drops but sometimes if required some local Anaesthetic is placed near the eye by the Anaesthetist.

 

 8: Can I see the operation?

No, you cannot see the surgery but you may see some bright lights and shadows. Most people do not find the surgery unpleasant.

 

9: Does Cataract Surgery hurt?

No there should be no pain during the surgery. There may be some mild discomfort and you may feel light pressure on the eye but the surgery should not be painful.

 

10: Is the eye painful after Surgery?

There may be some discomfort and watering of the eye after surgery but it should not be very painful. This generally subsides over the first 24 Hours.

 

11: Can I have both eyes operated on, on the same day?

Dr Troski is a member of the International Society of Bilateral Cataract Surgeons (ISBCS) and has been performing Bilateral Cataract surgery on selected patients for many years. Although most patients prefer to have each cataract operation on separate days it is usually possible to have both eyes operated on in the same day if the patient prefers this. Dr Troski will be able to tell you whether you are suitable for bilateral cataract surgery.

12: Will I need to wear glasses after Cataract Surgery?

Dr Troski uses the most advanced biometry measurements and surgical techniques to make sure that you have the best possible visual result. For the vast majority of patients you’ll be able to see well enough to drive. Most patients will require glasses for seeing up close and for reading unless a multifocal lens is used.

 

13: What alternatives are there to wearing reading glasses?

In some patients it is possible to minimise the use of spectacles both for distance and for reading by implanting multifocal lenses. Dr Troski can discuss with you the risks and benefits of this approach in you individual case.

 

14: Astigmatism.

Up to 60% of patients have pre-existing corneal astigmatism. Essentially this means that their eye is shaped more like an egg than like an orange. In order to fully correct your distance vision an astigmatism correcting lens (Toric IOL) can be implanted.

Dr Troski was the first surgeon in Australia to routinely use astigmatism correcting lenses and remains the highest volume user of Toric lenses in Australia. Dr Troski was also the first Surgeon in the Southern Hemisphere to use real time computer guidance in the Operating theatre to align the intraocular lenses exactly in the position of the patient’s astigmatism. Dr Troski continues to routinely use real time computer guidance in all patients with astigmatism in order to optimise their vision.

15: What is Laser Cataract Surgery? Several years ago a Laser was adapted for use inside the eye to help with some of the steps of cataract surgery. It was hoped that this would improve the results of surgery but unfortunately it has not proven to be better or safe. Dr Troski does not perform laser cataract surgery and does not recommend this procedure. Dr Richardson, a well-known American surgeon has a very useful website that explains this

bottom of page