Surgery & Equipment

We are fully equipped to perform injections of drugs into the eye (intravitreal injections). This is commonly performed for the treatment of some types of age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions, swelling of the retina and uveitis (eye inflammation). Although this may initially sound frightening, the injections are painless since anaesthesia (numbing) is given beforehand. Patients are often reassured following their first injection. Eye drops and/or an eye patch are not routinely required following an eye injection.

Our clinic is fully equipped with state of the art argon (“hot”) laser for treatment of retinal tears, diabetic retinopathy, some vascular occlusions and central serous chorioretinopathy. Patients should not drive on the day of their laser surgery, but by the next day in most cases their vision will return to the level it was before the laser.

We are also one of the few clinics in Sydney to have Photodynamic Therapy (“cold”) laser. This is used to treat central serous chorioretinopathy and certain types of AMD (e.g. polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy).

We have a number of different lasers available for the treatment of glaucoma, including SLT, YAG and Argon lasers. SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty) laser is a well-tolerated painless procedure that is used in patients who are not responding well to eye drops but is also increasingly being used as a first line treatment for glaucoma to prevent the need for regular eye drops. YAG laser is used in patients with a specific type of glaucoma caused by narrowing of the drainage pathway of the eye (angle closure glaucoma).

Our YAG laser can also be used to polish membranes of the back of intra-ocular lenses following cataract surgery (“capsulotomy”). This may be useful if you are noticing your vision becoming blurry again following cataract surgery.

Our doctors are experts in the surgical management of retinal diseases including epiretinal membrane, macular hole, retinal detachment and vitreous haemorrhage.

The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery. This is usually performed as a day procedure under local anaesthetic. The cataract, or cloudy lens, is removed with ultrasound, and a clear synthetic lens is put in its place, thereby improving vision to the treated eye.

Do I need to have cataract surgery?

Not all cataracts need to be removed immediately. Whilst cataract surgery is safe and effective, it is still a surgical procedure and not without risks. It is important that your ophthalmologist discusses possible risks and benefits of surgery specific to your individual circumstances, and helps you to weigh up your options. Ultimately our goal is to improve your quality of life by improving and optimising your vision.

Are there different types of intraocular lenses?

Several different types of highly refined synthetic intraocular lenses can be placed in your eye, each with advantages and disadvantages. Our ophthalmologists will take the time to discuss your treatment options and work with you to determine the best choice for your individual circumstances.

What is laser cataract surgery?

Laser cataract surgery is a new technology, and there is currently debate as to whether this produces better outcomes, and whether the extra cost is justified. We are very happy to discuss this option with you.

In a minority of patients medications and laser treatment are unable to adequately lower the eye pressure to prevent progression of glaucoma. In these circumstances our doctors may recommend glaucoma surgery. We are able to offer the full range of glaucoma surgery to our patients including:

• Microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) e.g. istent
• Trabculectomy
• Glaucoma Drainage Implant Surgery
  
  

Cataract Surgery and Glaucoma

Cataract surgery is often associated with a lower intraocular pressure (IOP) after surgery. It can be especially useful in lowering the intraocular pressure in particular forms of glaucoma. Cataract surgery in patients with glaucoma may require special techniques, with specific management before and after your operation. Our surgeons will always take the time to ensure you are well cared for and are aware of all of your treatment options.

Surgery is performed at the following hospitals across Sydney:

Private

• Waratah Private Hospital (Hurstville)
• Sight Foundation Theatre (Sydney Eye Hospital Campus)
• East Sydney Private Hospital
• Macquarie University Hospital
• Kareena Private Hospital
• Sydney Private Hospital (Ashfield)
• Liverpool Eye Surgery
  
  

Public

• Sydney Eye Hospital
• Concord Repatriation General Hospital
• Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
• Westmead Hospital
• Sutherland Hospital