Cataract Surgery in Melbourne – Safe, Affordable & Expert Care

It can be alarming to first hear that you have signs of a cataract. However, under the care and skill of Dr van Heerden, our specialist in cataract surgery, Melbourne residents can rest assured their eyes are in safe hands. Having completed further study in cataract surgery, Dr van Heerden is passionate about achieving optimal visual outcomes after your cataract extraction.

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What are cataracts?

A cataract is an opacity of the lens inside the eye. At birth, a normally developed lens is optically transparent, allowing light to pass through freely to reach the back of the eye and form what we know as vision. The most common cause of cataracts is age but other factors can also cause a cataract, such as systemic disease, injury, and certain medications.

Finding signs of cataract in our Melbourne patients is not uncommon, and early opacities do not necessarily require immediate cataract surgery. Our Melbourne practices are well-equipped with the tools and skilled staff to manage your cataracts.

Cataract Surgery

In Melbourne, the cost of having an untreated cataract can be more than simply hazy vision. With our busy and active Melburnian lifestyles, the presence of a cataract has the potential to significantly impact your quality of life. Advanced cataracts are associated with social withdrawal, increased risk of accidents, and may result in the loss of your driver’s licence.

Undergoing the removal of a cataract in our Melbourne rooms is typically an uncomplicated, straightforward procedure. Dr van Heerden and his team have an excellent record of success and safety.

In preparation for the procedure, your eye area is numbed with local anaesthesia. The cataract is then surgically extracted from the eye and replaced with a clear implant, known as an intraocular lens. Your ophthalmologist will then give you instructions to optimise your healing during the postoperative period.

Cataract surgery cost in Melbourne can vary widely, depending on factors such as the skill of the surgeon and the selected intraocular lens. Our Melbourne clinics are committed to making cataract surgery affordable so that everyone has the opportunity to restore their vision and live life to the fullest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have cataracts?

Many people are unaware they have an early cataract and only find out during a routine eye exam. The symptoms of a cataract can be subtle or pronounced, depending on the location of the opacity and how advanced it is. Common cataract symptoms include blurry vision, also described as cloudy or hazy vision, an increase in glare sensitivity (such as when faced with oncoming car headlights), and a decrease in contrast sensitivity (such as when trying to read in dim lighting). The best way to determine if you have a cataract is to see your optometrist or ophthalmologist for an eye test.

How much does cataract surgery cost at your Melbourne clinics?

The cost of cataract surgery in Melbourne depends on several factors, including the surgical technique (standard phacoemulsification or femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery / FLACS), the type of intraocular lens (IOL) selected, and your level of private health insurance coverage. At our Windsor Day Surgery, we use advanced diagnostic technology such as the ZEISS IOLMaster 700 and the Pentacam by Oculus to ensure highly accurate measurements. While costs vary, we offer affordable cataract surgery options for both insured and uninsured patients, and we accept all major private health funds.

Can I have a general anaesthetic for my operation?
Understandably, many people feel quite nervous at the thought of undergoing any sort of surgery on their eyes. Removal of a cataract in Melbourne is very rarely performed under general anaesthetic as this increases the risks associated with the procedure. Your eye area will be well numbed using topical anaesthetic or a local block. For patients who are feeling particularly restless or anxious, our anaesthetist can offer a light sedative to help them feel more at ease.
What options do I have for my intraocular lens (IOL)?
In Melbourne we are fortunate to have access to medical technology that is advancing ever forward. In addition to the traditional monofocal intraocular lens, we also have access to multifocal intraocular lenses, toric intraocular lenses for astigmatism, and even extended depth of focus intraocular lenses. Your cataract surgeon will discuss which lens implant is best suited to your visual requirements.
What if I have a cataract but I don’t feel ready for eye surgery?
It is not uncommon for a person with cataracts to delay the operation. In most cases, this can be done quite safely with no problems, though in some select cases your ophthalmologist may strongly recommend you undergo the cataract extraction sooner rather than later. For most people, living with an early or moderately advanced cataract is no issue, and you can perform the majority of your routine tasks quite easily. Once you feel your vision is no longer able to keep up with your normal activities, you may then consider having your cataracts removed.
Is cataract surgery painful?

Cataract surgery is virtually painless. In Melbourne, the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic or topical anaesthetic drops, ensuring your eye is completely numb. Some patients may experience mild pressure or discomfort, but most report the surgery as quick and comfortable.

How long does cataract surgery take?

A standard cataract surgery in Melbourne usually takes 10–20 minutes per eye. While the operation itself is brief, you should allow 2–3 hours at the day surgery centre for preparation, sedation, and recovery monitoring.

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common procedures worldwide. However, rare risks include infection, retinal detachment, swelling, or posterior capsule opacification (secondary cataract). Choosing an experienced cataract surgeon in Melbourne greatly reduces these risks.

What is the difference between cataract surgery and laser eye surgery?

Cataract surgery involves removing a cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). Laser eye surgery (such as LASIK or SMILE) reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors like short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. If you have cataracts, laser eye surgery is not suitable, cataract extraction with IOL implantation is the gold standard.

For an appointment with Dr van Heerden and his cataract surgery team, call us now.
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Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.