More benefits than meet the eye
When considering cataract day surgery, most people focus on how their vision will improve. While that is a key benefit, the advantages of a cataract procedure extend far beyond the eye to general health, mental wellbeing, independence and quality of life.
Potential benefits of cataract day surgery1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,
Better vision and less need for glasses
Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy, cataract-affected lens in the eye with a clear, intraocular lens (IOL). Not only can cataract day surgery improve your vision – including colour and night vision – but there are a variety of IOLs available that can help correct the eye’s ability to focus. Many patients who wore glasses before their cataract procedure need glasses less or not at all afterwards.
Greater independence
With better vision, many patients can take back parts of their lives previously limited by their sight. After a cataract day procedure, patients may experience an increased feeling of safety and confidence in completing their day-to-day activities, especially driving. Whether visiting the local shops or driving further afield to spend time with friends and family, cataract surgery can give patients the freedom to live more independently. By the same token, a cataract procedure can reduce the need for nursing home or personal care services.
Lower risk of falls
Cataract day surgery also reduces the risk of falls, fractures and surgical complications. Patients with cataracts are 2–3 times more likely to have a fall, which can lead to significant disability in the elderly.
Continued ability to work
Having your cataracts removed can help you remain in the workforce. Working with cataracts can be challenging as they may limit your ability to drive to work or perform your job. However, with better vision after a cataract day procedure, patients may be able to continue working.
Increased physical activity
Cataract surgery can increase confidence and preserve mobility by improving vision, making it easier for older adults to stay active. Many patients report enjoying the freedom to explore the great outdoors and be more physically active after a cataract day procedure.
Improved mental wellbeing
Navigating the world with suboptimal vision can be difficult and may require substantial planning and mental energy. By improving vision and overall quality of life, a cataract procedure can lower the risk of anxiety and depression and increase confidence.
Potential benefits of private cataract day surgery
Did you know that 76% of cataract surgeries are performed in private hospitals or day surgeries?13
This is often attributed to the significantly shorter wait times, convenience, and choice of surgeon, day surgery and lens options through the private system.
Patients who access a cataract day procedure privately can expect:
Minimal wait times for consultations and surgery
The wait time for public cataract day surgery can be long – in some cases, up to a year.14 There are three separate waiting periods before cataract surgery can be accessed within the public system. Patients will usually need to wait for:
- an appointment and diagnosis by an ophthalmologist in a clinic
- an operation on the first eye
- an operation on the second eye (if both eyes have cataracts).
During these waiting periods, patients can experience substantial reductions in their quality of life and safety. Around a third of people waiting for a cataract day procedure have a fall during the waiting period.8
Within the private system, however, cataract surgery can usually be scheduled within a few weeks of your initial consultation.14
Your choice of surgeon and location
When you choose private cataract day surgery, you can book a consultation and schedule the day procedure with your preferred cataract surgeon.
Private cataract surgery also allows you to attend a clinic and day surgery of your choice. You can choose locations that are more convenient to you, and you can also select boutique facilities that offer state-of-the-art technologies.
Your choice of surgery date
In many cases, there is flexibility to choose a surgery date to suit your schedule and commitments. This means you can opt for a surgery time and day that is best for you to attend.
Access to a range of IOLs to suit your lifestyle goals
Patients undergoing cataract surgery through the private hospital system can access a wide range of IOLs. In consultation with their surgeon, private patients can select the IOL that best meets their visual and lifestyle needs – they are not limited to standard replacement lenses.
If you are considering private cataract day surgery, the first step is to contact your private health insurer. Confirm that your level of cover includes cataract surgery and whether there are any required waiting periods and gap payments (for example, co-payments or excess).
Note: you do not need to have private health insurance to access private cataract surgery. You can self-fund your surgery using your own funds, or sometimes by accessing your superannuation early (visit the Australian Taxation Office for details).
A network of cataract surgery specialists across Australia
At Vision Hospital Group, we are committed to offering exceptional care to our cataract patients. Private cataract day surgery is performed using state-of-the-art technologies in a boutique setting across our network of day surgeries in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.
Learn more about our team of highly experienced cataract surgeons.
References
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health care. Cataract Clinical Care Standard. Consultation Draft. Sydney: ACSQHC 2019. ↩︎
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Elective surgery waiting times 2017–18. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/73b686ab-32e9-48b1-86f2-cd264b3cf073/aihw-hse-215.pdf.aspx?inline=true>. ↩︎
- Mahroo O. Rapid Response to Cut useless medical treatments, says Audit Commission: Delaying cataract surgery may be short-sighted. BMJ 2011;342:d2438 ↩︎
- Gimbel H, Dardzhikova A. The consequences of waiting for cataract surgery: a systematic review. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2011;22(1):28–30 ↩︎
- Wittenborn JS, Zhang X, Feagan CW et al. The economic burden of vision loss and eye disorders among the United States population younger than 40 years. Ophthalmology 2013;120(9):1728-35 ↩︎
- Feng YR, Meuleners LB, Fraser ML et al. The impact of first and second eye cataract surgeries on falls: a prospective cohort study. Clin Interv Aging 2018;13:1457–1464 ↩︎
- Palagyi A, McCluskey P, White A et al. While We Waited: Incidence and Predictors of Falls in Older Adults With Cataract. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2016;57(14):6003–6010 ↩︎
- Palagyi A, Morlet N, McCluskey P et al. Visual and refractive associations with falls after first-eye cataract surgery. J Cataract Refract Surg 2017;43(10):1313–1321 ↩︎
- Keay L, Palagyi A. Preventing falls in older people with cataract – it is not just about surgery. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2018;38(2):117–118 ↩︎
- Mennemeyer ST, Owsley C, McGwin G Jr. Reducing older driver motor vehicle collisions via earlier cataract surgery. Accid Anal Prev 2013;61:203-11 ↩︎
- Agramunt S, Meuleners LB, Fraser ML et al. First and second eye cataract surgery and driver self-regulation among older drivers with bilateral cataract: a prospective cohort study. BMC Geriatr 2018;18(1):51 ↩︎
- McCarty CA, Nanjan MB, Taylor HR. Vision impairment predicts 5 year mortality. Br J Ophthalmol 2001;85(3):322–6 ↩︎
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Admitted patient activity. AIHW, 2023. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/myhospitals/intersection/activity/apc> [Accessed 25 November 2024]. ↩︎
- Huang-Lung J, Angell, B, Palagyi, A et al. The true cost of hidden waiting times for cataract surgery in Australia. Public Health Res Pract. 2021. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.17061/phrp31342116> ↩︎