GLAUCOMA CONSULTATION FEE REDUCED

glaucoma plateau iris

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye diseases where vision is lost due to damage to the optic nerve. It causes irreversible vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve. The loss of sight is usually gradual and a considerable amount of peripheral (side) vision may be lost before there is an awareness of any problem. Unfortunately the disease cannot be no cured, but in vast majority of cases can be successfully managed.

We strongly recommend you have an eye test with your local optometrist if you are concerned of any visual changes to your eye, and especially so if you have a family history of Glaucoma, as you are 10x more likely to also be affected by the disease.

A referral from your optometrist will be sent to an Ophthalmologist if they would like a specialist opinion regarding your eye health.

Our initial Glaucoma consultation fee is $150.00 (Medicare rebate $ 81.30) including all relevant tests and scans. This fee is offered only for appointment in our specialised Glaucoma clinic which is available once a month on a Thursday afternoon.

DRY EYE TREATMENT AVAILABLE NOW!!

Are you tired of constantly battling with the discomfort of dry, itchy eyes? Say goodbye to irritating eye drops and temporary solutions, because LipiFlow is here to revolutionise your eye care routine!

LipiFlow is designed to provide long-lasting relief from the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. It targets the root cause of the problem by addressing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a leading contributor to dry eyes.

Here’s how LipiFlow works its magic:

  1. Precise Thermal Pulsation: LipiFlow utilises advanced technology to gently apply controlled heat and pulsatile pressure to the inner eyelids. This combination stimulates the meibomian glands, liquefying and releasing blockages in the glands responsible for the vital oil layer of your tears.
  2. Clear Blockages and Restores Balance: LipiFlow helps restore the natural oil flow, improving the quality and quantity of your tears. This ensures your eyes stay comfortably lubricated throughout the day.
  3. Long-Lasting Relief: Unlike temporary fixes, LipiFlow offers long-lasting results. By addressing the underlying cause of your dry eyes, it provides significant relief that can extend for months, reducing the need for constant eye drops and uncomfortable symptoms.

The benefits of choosing LipiFlow are numerous:

  1. Enhanced Comfort: Experience the soothing sensation of properly lubricated eyes, be free from constant dryness, grittiness, and burning sensations.
  2. Improved Visual Clarity: Dry eyes can compromise your vision, making it difficult to focus and see clearly. LipiFlow helps restore the tear film’s balance, providing you with improved visual clarity and overall eye health.
  3. Convenience and Efficiency: LipiFlow takes less than 15 minutes to complete. With no downtime required, you can resume to usual daily activities immediately.
  4. Long-Term Savings: By reducing your dependence on expensive eye drops and other temporary solutions, LipiFlow can help save you money in the long run. Invest in your eye health and experience lasting relief.
  5. Regain Quality of Life: You can once again enjoy everyday activities, such as reading, working on the computer, or spending time outdoors, without constant irritation and discomfort.

Don’t let dry eye syndrome dictate your life. Choose LipiFlow for lasting relief and rediscover the joy of comfortable, well-lubricated eyes. Schedule a consultation today, and say goodbye to dry eyes and hello to a brighter, more vibrant world!

Covid Vaccination Protocol

  • MCES has a responsibility to protect our vulnerable patients.
  • We will implement steps to protect patients from exposure to COVID. These safety measures will be rolled out in stages.
  • MCES respect that you have a choice to accept or refuse the COVID vaccine, we ask that you respect our decision to prioritise patient safety.

STAGE 1: PATIENTS ACCESSING WEDNESDAY BULK-BILLED INJECTION CLINIC

From 1st October 2021 – patients attending the injection clinic, must have had their first COVID injection.*

STAGE 2: PATIENTS UNDERTAKING ELECTIVE SURGERY IN HOSPITAL

From 1st November 2021 – all patients having surgery or a procedure, must have had their first COVID injection or provide a negative test within the last 48 hours.

STAGE 3: ALL PATIENTS AND VISITORS VISITING MCES

From 1st December 2021 – all patients/visitors must have had both COVID injections or provide a negative test within the last 48 hours.

This policy is in part to protect our vulnerable patients who cannot have a COVID vaccination. If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, please advise staff.

*Patients who choose not to be vaccinated, are able to attend an appointment outside of the bulk billed injection clinic (full fees apply).These clinics have less patients, therefore, lower risk of potential transmission.

VACCINATION STANCE ON COVID-19

eyelid surgery complications

MCES will be taking no risks when it comes to the Health and Safety of our patients.

Our main capture of patients fall within the high risk category with many being over the age of 65 and immune compromised.  For this reason we strongly urge all  patients, their family members and/or care givers to get vaccinated.

We are passionate and determined to continue to provide medical care to the community without putting patients at risk.

Healthcare services are deemed essential, therefore MCES will offer their medical services during any future lockdowns. Government guidelines will be followed and amended as they are due.  Facial masks are mandatory at all times during your visit until directed otherwise by the Government and check-in is compulsory.

We continue to request that patients with impending appointments reschedule if you have been to any medium or high risk areas, been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, or are experiencing any of the following symptoms; fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and difficultly breathing. If you attend an appointment with any of the above symptoms, or if you have had possible exposure, you will be asked to leave.

STAY SAFE AND LETS BEAT COVID TOGETHER!

Patient Appointment Update: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The World Health organisation (WHO) has announced that COVID-19 is a Pandemic.

MCES will be taking no risks when it comes to the Health and Safety of our patients. Although it may seem as an overreaction for some, our main capture of patients are over the age of 65. For this reason we ask patients with impending appointments to reschedule if you have recently travelled overseas, particularly to high risk countries. Been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, or are experiencing any of the following symptoms; fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and difficultly breathing. If you attend an appointment with any of the above symptoms, or if you have had possible exposure, you will be asked to leave.

Patients who feel their condition can not wait should be referred to Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH) and should advise staff about their travel history on presentation.

Ultimate Guide To Glaucoma Surgery

glaucoma treatment australia

There has been a rapid proliferation in the number of surgical options for the treatment of glaucoma. Surgical options can be broadly divided into traditional incision surgery that includes trabeculectomy, deep sclerectomy and glaucoma drainage device surgery. The traditional surgeries share the characteristics of strong efficacy with a moderate risk of complications.

Modern surgeries are often referred to as MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery) these surgeries all share the common characteristic of being somewhat less effective than traditional surgery but are safer. MIGS can be characterised into procedures that augment the eye’s natural internal drainage pathways and those that create a small controlled flow to the external surface of the eye. The internal augmentation surgeries are generally undertaken in conjunction with cataract surgery.

Before I go any further, I need to make a very important point. Cataract surgery is probably the best glaucoma surgery. At the recent European Glaucoma Society conference in Florence the room was asked to vote on the best glaucoma surgery and cataract surgery was the hands down winner. If you have a cataract and someone is suggesting traditional surgery, you need to ask why not cataract surgery first?

What makes cataract surgery so good? It is very safe, improves your vision, gets you out of glasses. 98 or 99% of people end up with perfect vision and there is little in the way of post-operative discomfort. Cataract surgery in Australia can currently be combined with an iStent or a Hydrus to provide increased efficacy without noticeably increasing the risk or discomfort from the surgery.

Cataract surgery is the treatment of choice for angle closure glaucoma, which is one of the major sub-types of glaucoma. Patients with the other sub-type of glaucoma, open angle glaucoma, can also benefit from cataract surgery. The mechanism by which cataract surgery lowers the eye pressure is not completely understood but most studies suggest that on average patients’ pressure will drop by 5 after cataract surgery and an additional 2 or 3 if a stent or hydrus is also used. In many cases the pressure drop will be enough for patients to stop one eye-drop.

The iStent inject is the world’s smallest medical prosthesis at about 0.3 mm in size. It is approved for us in conjunction with cataract surgery. At the end of the cataract operation after the cataract has been removed and the artificial lens has been correctly positioned a special contact lens is used to allow the surgeon to visualise the internal drainage pathway, called the trabecular meshwork. The surgeon then injects the stent. through the trabecular meshwork, a structure that is about 0.3 mm wide. The stent should end in a natural drainage pathway called Schlem’s canal and facilitate the egress of fluid from the eye to Schlems canal and thus aid in the reduction of eye pressure.

istent glaucoma surgery
iStent inject is inserted into Schlem’s canal

 

glaucoma surgery istent
iStent correctly positioned in the eye

The hydrus is a much larger device, at 12 mm, than the iStent. Similar to the iStent it is injected into Schlem’s canal with the surgeon utilising a special contact lens to visualise the trabecular meshwork. The canal is entered with a canula and the stent is slowly progressed into the canal with a small section remaining in the eye. The stent keeps the canal open and allows fluid to flow into the canal, again facilitating drainage of fluid and helping to reduce eye pressure.

hydrus glaucoma
Hydrus

 

hydrus glaucoma surgery
Hydrus being inserted into Schlem’s canal

Xen is considered a MIG but rather than enhancing the internal drainage pathway it creates a path from inside the eye to a bleb, or blister, of fluid under the conjunctiva, or clear skin over the white of the eye. Xan can be done in conjunction with cataract surgery but is more commonly performed as a stand-alone procedure.

It is probably not as effective as traditional drainage surgery but is probably much safer. The Xen is a small polymer tube that is inserted from the inside of the eye so that it lies just under the conjunctiva and sits under the upper lid. Fluid passes from inside the eye to the small bleb where it is absorbed by the body.

The Xen is most commonly used in patients who have previously had cataract surgery and who either don’t need as much pressure reduction as would be obtained with traditional surgery or in whom the risk of traditional surgery is considered too high.

xen glaucoma

Xen gel implant is used to create a pathway for fluid to travel from inside the eye to a small bleb under the conjunctiva.

Traditional surgery involves making a pathway for fluid to travel from the inside of the eye to the outside of the eye. The two main types of traditional or incisional surgery are trabeculectomy or tube surgery. The majority of traditional surgery is still trabeculectomy but there has been a trend towards more tube surgery as this may be a safer option that may provide better long-term success.

Trabeculectomy involves creating a flap in the sclera that allows fluid to pass out from the inside of the eye. The flap is carefully secured to allow a controlled amount of fluid to leave the eye, otherwise the pressure can drop too low. The fluid then pools within a bleb, or blister, under the conjunctiva and is absorbed by the body. Trabeculectomy is the best method to obtain very low pressures.

However, it often requires a lot of work in the post-operative period to adjust the rate of flow through the drainage flap. The bleb is prone to scarring and this will stop the fluid flowing into it and reduce the effectiveness of the procedure. In order to prevent scarring and medication is used at the time of surgery that prevent scarring.

Sometimes further injection must be injected next to the bleb after surgery if the bleb looks like it is scarring too much. If the flap is too loose and too much fluid leaves the eye, then the pressure can go too low and the vision becomes quite blurry. If the situation is not rectified, then permanent damage to the vision can occur.

Trabeculectomy is a delicate balance between allowing enough fluid but not too much to pass through the flap and into the bleb. This requires as much surgical skill after the procedure as it does during the surgery itself.

trabeculectomy for glaucoma

A flap is created in the sclera allowing fluid to egress from the eye. A bleb or blister of fluid is created overlying the scleral flap.

Tube surgery or glaucoma drainage device requires the insertion of a small tube into the eye. This can either sit just in front of the iris, or in patients who have had cataract surgery behind the iris. Fluid flows though the tube to a plate that is situated on the surface of the eye under the upper eyelid. The plate is covered by conjunctiva the clear skin overlying the white of the eye. The fluid forms a reservoir between the plate and the overlying skin and fluid is slowly absorbed from the reservoir. The size of the plate has been calculated so that the reservoir allows enough fluid to be drained to create a low pressure inside the eye.

Tube surgery was long thought to be riskier than trabeculectomy, however, with modern techniques it has actually been shown to be safer in several recent large studies. While tube surgery probably provides better long-term pressure control than trabeculectomy it is generally not able to achieve the very low pressures that some patients might need and may be better obtained with trabeculectomy.

tube surgery for glaucoma

Fluid exits the eye through a tube and is spread over a plate. The skin overlying the plate absorbs the fluid.

What should I expect after my surgery?

The post-operative course that you will expect after glaucoma surgery depends on the type of operation. If you have a hydrus or iStent inject performed at the time of cataract surgery you will have a similar post-operative course to a routine cataract. Most patients will expect to have not pain during surgery and only minimal discomfort after the operation. The eye may feel gritty for a few weeks to a few months and vision should be excellent on the morning after surgery, or within a week or two. Most surgeons advise patients to take it easy for the first week and refrain from strenuous exercise for a month after surgery.

The iStent and hydrus are placed within the eye and patient are unaware that they are there. They do not cause any sensation and cannot be seen except with the use of a microscope and special contact lens. Both products are safe for MRI scanning and will too small to raise concerns at airport security.

Patients who have a Xen gel implant should also experience no pain or discomfort during surgery. The eye may be a little irritated for a few days to a week after surgery and there can sometimes be some bleeding at the surgical site that will make the eye look red. The Xen Gel implants relies on the formation of a bleb, blister of fluid under the skin of the eye. Your surgeon will want to review you regularly to monitor the bleb and you may need to take a prolonged course of post-operative drops to help the bleb form correctly.

In as many as 50% of cases the surgeon may need to modify the bleb by using a small needle to enlarge it, this procedure is often done in the rooms but sometimes may require a trip back to the operating theatre.

Patient who have a trabeculectomy should experience no discomfort during surgery, but the eye is often quite uncomfortable for a few weeks to months after surgery. The post-operative course following trabeculectomy is notoriously turbulent during the first few months and it often takes 3 months to settle down. The eye can be painful if the pressure goes too high and can become blurry, often with a dull ache if the pressure is too low.

Many patients will need some sort of manipulation of the bleb to get it the right size so that the pressure in the eye reaches the appropriate target. Because the bleb is an external to the eye to will need long term monitoring by your surgeon and the life span of the operation is often 5- 10 years. Patients who have not had cataract surgery prior to having a trabeculectomy are likely to develop a cataract within a few years of the surgery.

Unfortunately, having cataract surgery after successful trabeculectomy is a common cause for the bleb to fail and the pressure in the eye to increase. This is one of the reasons that most surgeons will elect for a cataract-based operation if cataract surgery has not already been done.

Tube surgery is mainly done on patients who have already had cataract surgery but can be done on patients who have their natural lens in place, however, this is generally reserved for extreme cases of secondary glaucoma. Patients who have tube surgery should not experience any discomfort during surgery.

The post-operative course depends on if the conjunctiva is closed using glue or sutures. If sutures are used the eye can be quite painful for up to a month. If the surgeon uses glue to close the conjunctiva there is normally minimal pain. The tube is generally tied off with a suture so that the skin over the plate can heal. About 6 or 7 weeks after the surgery the suture is either removed, cut with a laser or dissolves allowing fluid to flow through the tube. The skin having healed over the plate will form a reservoir that should control the flow of fluid so that it does not go too low. There is much less post-operative work required in tube surgery than with trabeculectomy.

In summary, there are a growing number of surgical options to help lower your eye pressure and protect you from glaucoma. The decision as to which surgery is best for you will take into account a lot of factors and you should make sure you take the time to discuss what might be the best surgery for you with your surgeon.

If you wish to have glaucoma surgery, please contact our team on 03 9455 1714.

How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost in Australia? 2021

cataract surgery cost melbourne

Cataract formation is part of the natural ageing process and eventually most people require surgery. Mostly cataract occurs later in life, but it can form at any time particularly if there is other disease, medication use, or eye trauma. Left untreated, cataracts can cause significant visual impairment and may interfere with your ability to perform everyday tasks.

There is no correct time to have surgery. For most, this is a personal decision that considers the speed of vision loss, the impact on lifestyle, and an assessment of the small risk involved with surgery. Modern cataract surgery is normally performed in a day surgery unit with minimal discomfort and inconvenience. Most patients experience good vision the following day and mild or no discomfort overnight.

At MCES, we use leading technologies and advanced surgical procedures to deliver a comprehensive and affordable cataract surgery. Our surgeons have the experience and training required to perform cataract surgeries on all patients with ease. To help you make your decision, we have responded to frequently asked questions.

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery involves treating the affected eye in which a cataract (usually a yellowish cloudy substance) has formed on the lens. The cataract distorts or blocks light entering the eye causing imperfect focussing of light and hence blurred vision. The surgery takes 15 minutes and involves making tiny incisions in the cornea to allow access to the lens. A phacoemulsification probe is used to remove the cataract formation.

An artificial lens is inserted into the eye. For those who wish to be glasses free, there is the possibility of implanting a multi-focal lens. If you would like to consider becoming glasses free, please discuss this with us so we can determine if you can receive a multi-focal intra-ocular lens with your cataract surgery. Following the insertion of the lens, the tiny incision wounds in the cornea do not require sutures. The eye is treated with prophylactic antibiotics to decrease the risk of infection.

While the surgery usually takes 15 minutes, the entire operation must not be rushed. You should generally expect to spend about 3 hours at our day surgery centre for your cataract operation. This allows time for you to be: checked in, have your eye prepared for cataract surgery, have your anaesthetic, have cataract surgery, and for you to recover from the anaesthetic.

Cataract surgery recovery time depends on the individual. There are certain things you need to do following the surgery including using the eye drops you have obtained from the pharmacist, not bending over or doing strenuous exercise, wearing glasses outside to prevent sun and debris infiltration and much more. We will explain the post-operative procedures to you following surgery, and you can read about them generally on our website.

What are the types of cataract surgery?

There are many types of cataract surgery that achieve a similar outcome including laser surgery, micro surgery and ultrasound techniques. At MCES, we perform micro surgery because of its benefits over the other types of surgery. Modern small incision cataract surgery is essentially painless. Most surgeons now perform the cataract operation with anaesthetic drops and twilight anaesthetic to create minimal or no discomfort.

What is the average cost of cataract surgery?

The average cost of cataract surgery depends on the condition of the eye. As a guide, at MCES our cataract surgery package is very affordable starting from $1,600 per eye out-of-pocket for uninsured patients. However, prior to the surgery, an initial consultation of $170.00 will apply.

Initial consultation

The initial consultation to assess the eye costs $170. With a Medicare rebate, the out-of-pocket expense is just under $100. This includes the initial consultation test, free colour photo of your retina, free OCT (laser scan) and biometry (which is bulk billed).

Surgery

As explained above, the starting from $1,600 surgery package includes the surgeon fee, theatre fee, standard lens fee (please discuss with us the cost for non-standard lens fees), post-surgery refreshments and free travel to and from the day surgery. Anaesthetic costs are extra depending on your condition and circumstances.

All accounts must be settled on the day of your consultation. Once the fee is fully paid, and if you have a Medicare card, we can electronically submit your claim to Medicare for you to receive a small refund. Usually the refund is in your account within 24 hours.

Cost without insurance

If you are uninsured, we can offer you cataract surgery at a low affordable price starting from $1,600 per eye. This includes surgeon fee, theatre fee, standard lens fee, post-surgery follow up care and anaesthetic costs.

Cost with insurance

At MCES, we have a set fee for cataract surgery (see above). All health insurance funds pay a different amount to the operating surgeon. If your fund pays less than our set fee, you will have to pay the difference as a gap. For some funds there is no gap, for most funds there is a small gap ranging from $200-$500 per eye. Unfortunately, some of the budget health funds pay low fees and most of the surgeon fee ends up being paid by the patient. There may be an excess payable depending on your health fund.

We recommend you understand your health insurance policy and direct any questions in relation to the policy to your insurance provider.

Cataract surgery cost for pensioners in Australia 2021

For pensioners, no discounts apply for packages. However, pensioners receive discounted fees for any investigations and procedures at MCES that are not included within a package. We do not offer discounts, because our package fees are already heavily discounted compared to market rates. While our fees are comparatively low, we do not compromise our services. We continue to provide leading high-quality services delivered by qualified, experienced and friendly surgeons who care about your eyes as much as you do.

Is cataract surgery covered by Medicare?

Many, but not all, costs incurred for cataract surgery are covered by Australia’s Medicare system. The Medicare safety net only applies to items that attract a Medicare benefit, and only to medical care provided in the clinic. The safety net does not apply to procedures formed in our day surgery centres.

If you do not have a Medicare card you will not receive subsidies from Medicare to assist with the cost of surgery and you will have to pay an increased day surgery fee. Please give us a call for an accurate quote if you would like to consider cataract surgery.

Where to get Affordable Cataract Surgery in Australia?

At MCES, we provide affordable cataract surgery in Australia. We understand your eyes are important to you and we make sure you can access the eye care you need. At MCES we have a purpose built state-of-the-art facility that has been designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere from the moment you walk in the front door. Our surgeons are highly trained, experienced and qualified to provide comprehensive ophthalmic care. You can book a consultation online or contact us on (03) 9455 1714.

Top 5 Tips to Minimize Cataract Surgery Recovery Time

What is Cataract

Micro-incisional cataract surgery generally takes less than 10 minutes if performed by a qualified and experienced eye specialist and cataract surgeon. At MCES, we have cataract surgeons who are trained to deliver quality results and a pleasant and relaxing experience for the patients.

We will not only take care of your cataract but will also take a holistic approach to the health of your eye and any ongoing care that is required. Following the surgery, most people have little to no pain and experience good vision almost immediately.

To ensure that your eye recovers properly following the surgery, there are a few things to consider. Here are our top five tips to minimise cataract surgery recovery time.

1. Do Not Rub, Touch or Aggravate the Eye

Avoid rubbing the eye, touching the eye or aggravating the eye. Following the surgery, you might feel grittiness in the eye or even a feeling like there is a grain of sand in the eye. This can result from the very small incisions that have been made. Avoid touching the eye because that sensation will eventually stop and do not use soap near or in the eye. It is advisable to wear sunglasses and a hat to protect the eye from the sun and any foreign substances entering the eye.

2. Avoid Strenuous Activities and Tasks

The eye needs to rest and not be under pressure. This involves not swimming for two weeks, not engaging in any heavy lifting for two weeks and not undertaking any strenuous exercise for 1 month. Also, limit the number of times you bend over to minimise any strain on the eye. If possible, avoid sneezing or vomiting right after cataract surgery.

3. Follow Instructions from Your Eye Surgeon

Your surgeon understands eyes best and will have understood your circumstances well throughout the surgery process. It is recommended that you follow your surgeon’s instructions with regard to any post-surgery eye care, medication, eye drops, use of the shield and any other important factors. If you are unsure about what to do, feel free to contact the clinic to speak to the surgeon about any of your concerns.

4. Attend Any Post-Surgery Checks

Usually, you do not need to attend the clinic the day after your cataract surgery. However, if we feel that you need to attend a post-operative review, for various reasons, we will ensure that we see you a day or two after your surgery to ensure that the recovery of your eye is not delayed. We will generally check on your eye at the clinic about 1 week after your surgery.

5. Relax and Stay Healthy

Cataract surgery can be daunting and stressful. Following the surgery, you should not feel significant pain. However, your vision might be blurred temporarily, and things might feel a little different. It is essential during this time that you try to relax so that your eye recovers safely. If you have any concerns, please contact our friendly surgeons and staff.

What Can I Do After Cataract Surgery?

Following cataract surgery, most people experience little or no pain. Their vision is restored almost immediately. If there is a degree of discomfort or even mild pain, this is normal and the sensation is often relieved with paracetamol and the eye drops that have been supplied by the pharmacist.

Vision may be blurry for the first few days if the cornea swells. This normally clears quickly within a few days to a week. If blurred vision persists beyond a week, please contact us or see your optometrist for a check.

To help you recover on your first day after cataract surgery, here are some quick tips.

  1. Remove the pad and shield.
  2. Gently clean the eye if there is any blood or discharge.
  3. Apply 1 drop from each bottle that has been supplied by the pharmacist. Leave 5 minutes between each drop. Then, close your eye for two minutes after putting in the drop.
  4. Await your phone call from us.
  5. If necessary, attend a post-operation review.
  6. Replace the shield and wear at night only for 1 week.

What is the Typical Cataract Surgery Recovery Time?

The recovery time after cataract operation will vary depending on the individual’s circumstances. Do not be alarmed if your recovery time differs to a family member or friend’s recovery time.

Common post-operative symptoms include:

  1. Most patients will experience black spots. These were present prior to surgery but are now more visible due to the greater amount of light entering the eye. You will get used to them and will learn to ignore them. If they do bother you, please discuss with your surgeon as in some instances they can be removed with laser treatment.
  2. There will be halos around lights for the first week or two as the cornea recovers from surgery.
  3. If a block was used, you may notice double vision or drooping of the eyelid in the first 48 hours.
  4. Grittiness in the eye or even a feeling like there is a grain of sand in the eye can result from the very small incisions that have been made. This may take 3 or even 6 months to resolve but can be relieved with regular use of lubricants.

How Long After Cataract Surgery Can I Bend Over?

Try not to be bend over for at least 2 weeks following cataract surgery. Whilst there are some tasks that require bending, such as putting on shoes or pants, try to avoid bending your back. In addition, try not to sneeze or vomit following cataract surgery, and avoid excessive coughing.

Things to Avoid After Cataract Surgery

Following your first day after cataract surgery, remember the following.

  1. Take your eye drops as advised. Call us if you need any clarification.
  2. Avoid touching, pushing or rubbing the eye.
  3. Avoid facial makeup, especially around the eye.
  4. Avoid being in windy conditions where debris might enter the eye.
  5. No swimming for 2 weeks, no heavy lifting for 2 weeks and no strenuous exercise for 1 month.
  6. Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect the eye from the sun.
  7. While we place a lens in your eye that is calculated to give you good distance vision without glasses, a slight variation may mean you need new glasses to achieve the sharpest possible distance vision. Delay sourcing new glasses for up to 6 weeks after surgery.
  8. In relation to driving, this depends on the condition of the other eye. The best advice about driving is that you can drive when you feel able to drive in a safe and responsible manner. This may take 1-4 weeks.

When is the Right Time to Have Cataract Surgery?

There is no correct time to have surgery. For most, this is a personal decision that considers the speed of vision loss, the impact on lifestyle, and an assessment of the small risk involved with surgery.

Cataract surgery is generally required for 4 reasons:

  1. Generally, cataract surgery is considered when you are not able to do the things you want to do because your vision has reduced due to a cataract.
  2. Some patients who have strong glasses and have cataract in one eye will need to have cataract surgery on the fellow eye, even if no cataract is present, to balance the eyes.
  3. Many patients with glaucoma, particularly the angle closure form, have early cataract surgery, often with a stent inserted, to help control their glaucoma and reduce the need for drops or more invasive cataract surgery.
  4. For some patients who need very strong glasses, refractive lens exchange is a good option to decrease their need for glasses, particularly if they cannot tolerate contact lenses. This type of cataract surgery is entirely self-funded with no access to Medicare or private health fund rebates.

What Happens if You Bend Over After Cataract Surgery?

You should not bend over after cataract surgery for at least 2 weeks. Bending over will place pressure on the eye and this may cause unnecessary complications to your eye. The main complication will be a delay in the healing process.

Avoid bending over by following these rules.

  1. No heavy lifting.
  2. No unnecessary exercise.
  3. No lifting children.
  4. Try not to bump into things.
  5. Avoid falling over.
  6. Stay seated whilst putting on shoes, socks, pants and underpants.
  7. Maintain a straight back.
  8. Between sitting and standing, take your time.

How Can You Achieve the Best Cataract Surgery Recovery?

To achieve the best cataract surgery recovery, ensure you follow the instructions from your operating eye surgeon and read and understand the other sections in this blog. In addition, it is best to stay calm and remain relaxed. For many, it might feel slightly different following the surgery, and this is to be expected. It is important to take time off work and avoid doing tasks that can be delegated to someone else. Your eyes are critical to your health and it is best your recovery progresses well without interruptions or impediments.

We pride ourselves on quality cataract surgery that achieves the best possible outcome for the patient. At MCES, we use proven methods, together with cutting edge equipment to provide a seamless operation. If you wish to have cataract surgery, please contact our team on 03 9455 1714.

Have you recently had cataract surgery? What steps did you take to minimise the recovery time?


First Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) procedure in-rooms

corneal cross-linking procedure

This week, Dr Joanne Goh, MCES Corneal and refractive surgeon, performed the first corneal cross linking procedure in-rooms since purchasing the Avendro. Dr Goh is a highly experienced Ophthalmologist, and has performed this particular procedure many times in the past.

Corneal Cross linking (CXL) is a treatment that strengthens the cornea and stops Keratoconus from getting worse. It is recommended for patients whose Keratoconus is getting worse as demonstrated by corneal curvature scans.

Studies have shown that CXL increases corneal strength by up to 300% and is successful in stopping keratoconus from getting worse in over 90% of patients.

The procedure is painless and takes approximately 30 minutes per eye.

Featured in The Age Newspaper

cataract surgery

We have been privileged to feature in three newspaper articles published by The Age in September and October 2018. Our services have been recognised by the leading Victorian publication with two of our surgeons, Dr Heathcote Wright and Dr Joanne Goh, featuring in the articles and sharing important information about eye care and our services.

At Melbourne Comprehensive Eye Surgeons (MCES), we understand eye care can be a daunting experience and we have a team of surgeons and support staff who will guide you through the process in a clear and transparent manner. Our leading services, explained below, include cataract surgery, laser vision correction surgery and macular degeneration treatment. We also offer glaucoma management, laser for glaucoma, diabetic eye checks, free eye injections, laser surgery for floaters, and corneal and retinal surgery.

Cataract Surgery

To continue driving, going out at night and regaining confidence, treating your cataracts can help you achieve sharp vision. Cataract formation is part of the natural ageing process and eventually most people require surgery. Mostly cataract formations occur later in life, but it can form at any time particularly if there is other disease, medication use, or eye trauma.

Modern cataract surgery is normally performed in a day surgery unit with minimal discomfort and inconvenience. Most patients experience good vision the following day and mild or no discomfort overnight.

Laser Vision Correction Surgery

To save you the hassle of wearing glasses or applying contact lenses, laser vision correction surgery is available. Whilst it is not suited for everyone, this surgery can help you regain spectacle independence. Patients must be over 21 years of age and have not had any major change in their spectacle prescription for at least a year. Patients over 50 years of age may require lens replacement surgery instead.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is very common. It is the leading cause of blindness in Australia. 90% of people with AMD have the dry form. It is slowly progressive and may lead to gradual loss of vision over many years. New treatments are emerging all the time and we strive to deliver them to you. As you age, it is recommended to have your eyes tested regularly to ensure that any signs of degeneration are treated early.

At MCES we believe that everyone should have access to high quality and comprehensive eye care at a fair price. To achieve this, we have designed a purpose-built facility that includes all the latest high tech diagnostic equipment so that we can provide the best possible eye care to the local community at an affordable price.

We help you understand your eye condition so that you can received the most appropriate treatment for your needs. Contact us today on (03) 9455 1714 or book a consultation online.

News Sources:
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