Cataract

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a common condition where the normally clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision, glare, faded colours, and difficulty with night driving. It usually develops gradually with age but can also be related to diabetes, eye injury, or long-term medication use. Cataracts are not harmful in the early stages, but as they progress, they can significantly affect daily activities. The only effective treatment is cataract surgery, which replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens to restore vision.

What are the symptoms and signs of a cataract?

Common symptoms of a cataract include gradually blurred or cloudy vision, increased glare or halos around lights, and difficulty seeing at night or in bright sunlight. Many people notice colours becoming dull or yellowed, and they may need frequent changes to their glasses prescription. As cataracts progress, everyday tasks such as reading, driving, or recognising faces can become more challenging, prompting the need for assessment and possible treatment.

Experience how cataract affects your vision

Cataract affects your sight during the day

Cataract affects your sight at night

What is the treatment for cataract?

The only effective treatment for a cataract is surgery, as glasses or medications cannot reverse the clouding of the lens. Cataract surgery is a safe and commonly performed procedure where the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens to restore vision. It is usually done as a day procedure with local anaesthetic, and most patients notice a significant improvement in their sight as the eye heals.

What is refractive lens exchange?

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a surgical procedure where the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens to correct vision problems such as long-sightedness, short-sightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia. The surgery itself is essentially the same as cataract surgery, using the same techniques and lens implants, but it is performed for refractive correction rather than because the lens is cloudy. An added benefit of RLE is that it permanently prevents future cataract development.

Your cataract surgery journey

How to choose the right IOL (Lens)?

Choosing the right intraocular lens (IOL) is a personalised decision made between you and your eye surgeon, based on your eyes, lifestyle, and visual goals.

Your eye health comes first
Certain eye conditions (such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, or corneal disease) may limit which IOLs are suitable. In these cases, simpler lenses that prioritise clarity and contrast are often recommended.

Your lifestyle and visual needs matter
Think about how you use your vision day to day—reading, computer work, driving at night, or hobbies like golf or fishing. Some IOLs are best for distance vision, while others provide a range of vision but may involve trade-offs such as glare or halos.

Your tolerance for visual side effects
Premium IOLs (multifocal) can reduce dependence on glasses but may cause glare, halos, or reduced contrast, especially at night. If crisp night vision is a priority, a monofocal or extended-depth lens may be a better fit.

Your expectations and budget
Some advanced IOLs are not publicly funded (or covered by health insurance) and may involve extra cost. Understanding the benefits, limitations, and long-term outcomes helps align expectations with the best choice for you.

Your surgeon will guide you through these options and recommend the lens that offers the safest and most satisfying result for your eyes.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Cost of a cataract surgery

Cataract surgery typically cost between NZD 4,600 and NZD 8,000 per eye. The cost is dependent on the complexity of the case, the choice of IOL (lenses) , and the type of anaesthetic (local or general anaesthetic).

The different types of intraocular lenses (IOL)

There are a few hundred different brands of IOLs. In general, there are 3 types of IOL. Monofocal, Extended depth of field (EDOF), and Multifocal lenses. Monofocal lenses are designed to focus only on one distance. Extended depth of field lenses are designed for distance and intermediate vision. Multifocal lenses are designed for distance, intermediate, and near vision. The cost of the IOL varies from $200 to $2000 per lens.

What is the recovery time?

Cataract surgery is a day procedure. That means you do not have to stay in the hospital for anything longer than a few hours. The discomfort will resolve within 2-3 days. Your sight will be foggy in the first few days, it may take 10 - 14 days to clear up.

Do I still need spectacles after the surgery?

It depends on your choice of intraocular lens (IOL). There are some premium lenses that enables you to see things at various distances (far, intermediate, and near). However, they may not always be the right choice. Speak to your surgeon about your expectations.

Do I need medications after the surgery?

Yes, you will be given a prescription for some anti-inflammatory eye drops. You will have to use them 4 times a day for two weeks, then 2 times a day for the final 2 weeks. If prescribed, your may need a short-course of topical antibiotics.

Can I drive immediately after the surgery?

We strongly advise you to hold off driving for the first week. Sometimes, you may have to be prepared not to drive for up to a month. However, the vast majority of people are able to get back to their routine within the first 2 weeks after surgery. You may be required to conduct a formal eyesight test prior to driving again. This can be done with your local optometrist.

Are there any risks and complications with cataract surgery?

Just like any other surgeries, there are risks. The risks with cataract surgeries are generally less than 1%. Sight threatening complications such as infection (endophthalmitis), and sympathetic ophthalmic are very rare (less than 1: 1000). More common but treatable problems include dry eyes, persistent inflammation, swelling of the macula (cystoid macular edema), and posterior capsular opacification. Refractive accuracy (within +/- 1.0D) is approximately 95%. Prescription glasses may be required to optimize your sight post-surgery.

I cannot afford this surgery, what are my options?

You may not have to pay for this surgery in full price if you have health insurance. Check with your health insurance provider, employer, and union. If you do not have health insurance, you can request your care be transferred to the nearest public hospital. For the Otago region, the Dunedin Public Hospital will be your centre of care. For the Southland region, Kew Hospital (Invercargill) will be your centre of care.

Are there anything I cannot do after the surgery?

Avoid strenuous activities in the first week. Avoid hot tub and swimming in the first week. Do not rub your eyes. You can shower, just do not deliberately run water into your eyes. Avoid working in the dust, or do gardening.

Where is the surgery taking place?

All intraocular surgeries are conducted in clean certified theatre environment at Manaaki day surgery unit (by Mercy) in Dunedin, and Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital in Queenstown.

Page updated

Report abuse