Cataract Surgery Brisbane
Dr Brendan Cronin is a highly experienced cataract surgeon having performed over 15000 cataract operations. He performs cataract surgery in Brisbane, including cases involving multifocal intraocular lenses, monofocal artificial lens implants, and toric lenses, extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses all other types of premium lenses.
Patients receive tailored private cataract surgery with the latest technology. Whether it’s lens replacement surgery, refractive lens exchange or age-related cataracts, Dr Cronin ensures safe and effective results. Cataract surgery is day procedure performed under local anaesthesia or heavy twilight sedation, ensuring comfort throughout. Yes - you will be asleep for your surgery.
By removing a clouded lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens, patients often achieve excellent distance vision, improved intermediate vision, near vision, and relief from dim vision and blurred vision, enhancing quality of life.
Cataract Surgery Prices start at $2500 AUD
Cataract surgery cost starts at $2500 AUD. Costs depend on the type of artificial lens selected, complexity of surgery, and hospital fee. Additional fees may include the surgeon fee and anaesthetist fee. Some costs are partially covered by a health fund, though you should check your waiting period and coverage details. The day procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes per eye and you will often have clear sight the next day.
Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
During surgery, your eye's natural lens is replaced with a new intraocular lens designed to provide the best possible vision outcome. Modern lens technology provides patients with a range of options, tailored to their lifestyle and vision goals:
Monofocal lenses – Correct vision at one distance (usually distance vision). Provides excellent distance vision but you will require reading glasses.
Toric lenses – Correct astigmatism along with distance vision.
Pinhole lenses – Special lenses for complex eye diseases or refractive errors.
Secondary lenses – Used in certain complex cases or as enhancements.
Extended depth or blended vision/ lifestyle lenses – Provide intermediate vision and reduce dependence on wear glasses.
Multifocal lenses - These provide the greatest freedom from glasses possible.
Dr Cronin participates in global trials of premium intraocular lenses, ensuring patients in Brisbane benefit from the most advanced cataract treatment options.
How Cataracts Are Treated
Once a cataract occurs and significantly affects your visual acuity, the only effective cataract treatment is surgery. Non-surgical options such as vitamins, supplements, or special eye drops have not been shown to prevent cataracts.
Cataract eye surgery is a safe and routine day procedure performed under very heavy twilight sedation. The surgery involves:
Making tiny incisions in the eye that are less then 3mm wide
Removing the clouded lens capsule through advanced phacoemulsification techniques
Inserting a new intra ocular lens , restoring clear vision
The entire procedure typically takes about 30 minutes.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
From the initial consultation to recovery, cataract surgery with Dr Cronin is designed to be smooth and stress-free:
Before Surgery: Patients undergo initial assessment and detailed eye scans of the cornea, macula, nerves, and retina. A video guide and brochure are provided to explain the process, symptoms of cataracts, and intraocular lens options.
During Surgery: Under twilight sedation, you will sleep soundly and have no recollection of the procedure.
After Surgery: Most patients notice improved vision the next day. The recovery is usually straightforward but we will follow you up to asses and monitor your healing. You will typically need eye drops for 28 days to reduce inflammation..
Cataract Forms: Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Cataracts can form in different parts of the eye's lens, such as nuclear cataracts in the center, cortical cataracts at the edges, posterior subcapsular cataracts at the back, or congenital cataract in children. An eye examination, including a visual acuity test, helps detect cataracts early and monitor changes in your vision.
Delaying cataract surgery does not typically cause any harm apart from blurred vision, however if the cataracts because very dense or severe there the rate of surgical complications can increase. Replacing the cloudy lens with a clear lens implant such as a multifocal lens restores clarity.
According to the World Health Organization, early diagnosis and timely treatment are key to protecting eye health, maintaining independence, and minimizing refractive errors.
Preventing Cataracts and Protecting Eye Health
Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent cataracts, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can reduce your risk of developing age-related cataracts. Recommendations include:
Wear sunglasses with anti-UV coating to protect against ultraviolet light
Eat a nutrient-rich diet with antioxidants to support eye health
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
Schedule regular eye exams with your optometrist to detect cataracts early
By following these steps, you can protect your eyes and reduce the chances of cataract development.
Costs and Insurance Options
For uninsured patients, the out of pocket cost of cataract surgery depends on the type of artificial lens selected and complexity of surgery. Premium lenses such as multifocal intraocular lenses or toric IOLs may have additional costs but can significantly reduce dependence on wear glasses or reading glasses.
Patients with private health insurance or health fund coverage may have partially covered private cataract surgery, though it is always best to confirm your policy’s waiting period and coverage for hospital fee, surgeon fee, and anaesthetist fee. Always check the very fine print for inclusions and exclusions. The Medicare item number for cataract surgery is 42702. Dr Cronin does not participate in bulk billing.
Why Choose Dr Brendan Cronin in Brisbane
Dr Brendan Cronin is a highly experienced ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon in Brisbane, specialising in advanced cataract treatment. His meticulous approach, involvement in international lens trials, and commitment to patient education distinguish him. the South Brisbane Day Hospital is onsite at 87 Ipswich Road Woolloongabba so you can enjoy an efficient, 5 star seamless surgical experience.
Patients benefit from cutting-edge technology, premium intraocular lenses, and world-class care designed to restore clear vision safely and effectively, addressing both near vision and intermediate vision, improving overall quality of life, and reducing dependence on reading glasses. All procedures are performed with an anaesthetist to ensure patient comfort throughout.