Dr Ross MacIntyre
Cataract, Corneal and Refractive Surgeon
Latest Articles

Eye Health Blog

Articles and updates on corneal disease, cataract surgery, refractive procedures and eye health.

Cataract Surgery2026-09-09

Pupil Size and IOL Selection: The Overlooked Factor in Cataract Surgery Outcomes

An evidence-based guide to how pupil size affects intraocular lens performance, covering mesopic pupil measurement, Pentacam 3D assessment, dysphotopsia risk with trifocal and EDOF lenses, and IOL selection by pupil size band.

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Cataract Surgery2026-09-08

Macular Oedema After Cataract Surgery: Causes, Risk Factors, Treatment and Outcomes

A detailed evidence-based guide to pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema (Irvine-Gass syndrome) after cataract surgery, covering incidence, pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, stepwise treatment, prognosis, and prevention.

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Cataract Surgery2026-09-04

Age-Related Nuclear Sclerosis: What It Is, How It Progresses, and When Cataract Surgery Is Needed

Nuclear sclerosis is the most common age-related cataract. Covers its causes, symptoms including second sight, LOCS III grading, how it differs from other cataract types, and when surgery is needed.

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Glaucoma2026-08-14

SLT Laser and iStent for Glaucoma: A Comparison of Minimally Invasive Drop-Free Treatment Options

An honest evidence-based comparison of SLT laser and iStent as minimally invasive, drop-free first-line options for managing open angle glaucoma, including IOP reduction data, success rates, and how each compares with and without cataract surgery.

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Cataract Surgery2026-08-14

Managing Dry Eye Before Cataract Surgery: A Complete Guide to Treatment Options

Treating dry eye before cataract surgery improves biometry accuracy and surgical outcomes. Covers hot compresses, lid scrubs, preservative-free artificial tears, omega-3 supplementation, in-office meibomian gland expression, and when to consider LLLT and IPL.

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Cataract Surgery2026-08-13

The Light Adjustable Lens for Cataract Surgery: How It Works, What the Evidence Shows, and When It Will Be Available in Australia

The Light Adjustable Lens allows fine-tuning of your vision after cataract surgery using UV light treatments in the clinic. Covers the technology, FDA trial evidence, UV glasses requirement, Australian availability, TGA and Prostheses List status, and who is most likely to benefit.

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Cataract Surgery2026-08-11

LLLT and IPL for Dry Eye Before Cataract Surgery: Why It Matters and When to Do It

A detailed evidence-based guide to LLLT and IPL treatment for dry eye before cataract surgery, covering why cataract surgery worsens dry eye, how dry eye compromises biometry and IOL calculations, treatment timing, and when to repeat therapy.

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Cataract Surgery2026-08-10

Cataract Surgery with Macular Degeneration: What to Expect and How Decisions Are Made

A detailed guide to cataract surgery in patients with age-related macular degeneration, covering visual expectations by AMD severity, IOL selection, effects of surgery on the macula, and recommendations for optimising outcomes.

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Cataract Surgery2026-08-10

Cataract Surgery in Patients with Glaucoma: Open Angle, Narrow Angles, and What to Expect

A detailed evidence-based guide to cataract surgery in patients with glaucoma, covering IOP-lowering outcomes by glaucoma subtype, IOL selection, the effect of long-term drops on biometry, occludable angles, and primary angle closure disease.

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Cataract Surgery2026-08-10

Cataract Surgery in Patients with Diabetes: Preoperative Planning, Risks, and What to Expect

A detailed evidence-based guide to cataract surgery in patients with diabetes, covering glycaemic management on the day of surgery, visual outcomes by retinopathy stage, diabetic macular oedema, proliferative retinopathy, IOL selection, and postoperative monitoring.

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Cataract Surgery2026-08-07

Activities After Cataract Surgery: First Eye vs Second Eye

An evidence-based guide to driving, sport, swimming, and exertion after cataract surgery, including why the period between first and second eye surgery needs extra care.

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Cataract Surgery2026-08-04

RayOne Galaxy vs PanOptix: Comparing Full Range of Vision IOLs (2026)

A comparison of the Rayner RayOne Galaxy non-diffractive spiral IOL and Alcon PanOptix trifocal IOL, covering optical design differences, evidence maturity, implantation scale, and dysphotopsia profiles as of mid-2026.

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Refractive Surgery2026-07-31

LASIK Eye Surgery: What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure

A complete patient guide to LASIK covering preparation, what happens during the procedure, postoperative drops, vision recovery timeline, time off work, and risks.

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Refractive Surgery2026-07-31

PRK Eye Surgery: What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure

A complete patient guide to PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) covering preparation, what happens during the procedure, mitomycin-C, pain management, postoperative drops, vision recovery, and risks.

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Corneal Disease2026-07-31

Corneal Crosslinking: What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure

A complete patient guide to corneal crosslinking (CXL) covering preparation, what happens during the procedure, postoperative pain management, antibiotic and steroid drops, vision recovery timeline, and risks.

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Cataract Surgery2026-07-24

Clareon PanOptix Pro — How the New Trifocal IOL Compares to the Original PanOptix

The Clareon PanOptix Pro replaces the original PanOptix with ENLIGHTEN NXT technology, improving light utilisation from 88 to 94 percent. Dr Ross MacIntyre compares the two platforms, grades the current evidence honestly, and explains patient selection.

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Cataract Surgery2026-07-23

YAG Capsulotomy and Posterior Capsule Opacification

Blurry vision returning months or years after cataract surgery is usually caused by posterior capsule opacification. Learn what it is, how it is treated with YAG laser capsulotomy, and what to expect.

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Cataract Surgery2026-07-20

Full Range of Vision IOLs in Australia: Clinical Outcomes, Contrast Sensitivity, and How They Work

A detailed clinical analysis of full range of vision intraocular lenses available in Australia in 2026, comparing trifocal and hybrid multifocal-EDOF lenses on visual acuity outcomes, contrast sensitivity, and dysphotopsia profiles.

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Cataract Surgery2026-07-16

Premium IOL Guide Australia 2026: Multifocal, EDOF and Enhanced Monofocal Lenses

A complete guide to premium intraocular lenses available in Australia in 2026, including multifocal, EDOF, enhanced monofocal, and trifocal IOLs. For patients and optometrists.

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Cataract Surgery2026-07-11

Cataract Surgery in Melbourne: What to Expect and How to Choose the Right Surgeon

A guide to cataract surgery in Melbourne covering what the procedure involves, how to evaluate a surgeon, what questions to ask at your consultation, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

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Cataract Surgery2026-07-10

Medicare Rebate for Cataract Surgery: What Does It Cover and What Will You Pay?

Medicare pays a rebate toward the surgeon's fee for cataract surgery in Australia but does not cover the hospital facility fee, anaesthetist's fee, or premium intraocular lenses. This guide explains what each component costs and how to get a clear picture before committing.

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Cataract Surgery2026-07-09

Cataract Surgery Anaesthesia: What Are Your Options and What Should You Expect?

Most cataract surgery is performed under topical and intracameral anaesthesia with intravenous sedation. This guide covers all three anaesthesia options, what to expect during the procedure, how comorbidities affect the choice, and recovery.

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Refractive Surgery2026-07-09

Refractive Lens Exchange Melbourne: RLE Surgery

Refractive lens exchange replaces the eye's natural lens to correct vision and eliminate the need for glasses. Learn who is suitable, how it differs from cataract surgery, and what lens options are available.

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Refractive Surgery2026-07-07

Laser Refractive Surgery and Refractive Lens Exchange: Outcomes, Success Rates, and Who is Suitable

A detailed evidence-based guide to LASIK, PRK, and refractive lens exchange outcomes, success rates, suitable refractive errors, and how to choose between procedures. With referenced population data.

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Corneal Disease2026-07-07

Corneal Crosslinking for Keratoconus: Procedure, Evidence, and Recovery

Corneal crosslinking is the only treatment proven to halt keratoconus progression. This guide covers accelerated epi-off CXL, how it compares to the Dresden protocol, clinical outcomes, what the procedure involves, and recovery.

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Corneal Disease2026-07-07

Refractive and Surgical Management of Keratoconus: Contact Lenses, CAIRS, DALK, and PKP

Crosslinking stabilises keratoconus but does not correct vision. This guide covers the full management spectrum: contact lens options and the importance of trialling multiple types, CAIRS, DALK, and PKP, with referenced evidence.

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Medical Retina2026-07-05

Geographic Atrophy Treatment Australia: Dry AMD and New TGA-Approved Therapies

Geographic atrophy is the advanced form of dry AMD. Two new TGA-approved treatments are now available in Australia: pegcetacoplan (Syfovre) and avacincaptad pegol (Izervay). Learn about eligibility, evidence, and what to expect.

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Cataract Surgery2026-07-04

Choosing the Right Lens for Your Lifestyle: IOL Selection and Cataract Surgery

The IOL you choose for cataract surgery affects how well you see for golf, tennis, reading, sewing, driving, and screen work. Learn how lifestyle and ocular health guide lens selection.

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Medical Retina2026-07-02

Macular Degeneration Melbourne: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in Australians over 50. Learn about symptoms, the difference between dry and wet AMD, and current treatment options including intravitreal injections.

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Cataract Surgery2026-06-27

How Do I Know If I Need Cataract Surgery?

Blurred vision, glare at night, faded colours are common signs of cataracts. Learn when cataract surgery is recommended and what the assessment involves.

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Cataract Surgery2026-06-27

Cataract Surgery Recovery: What to Expect

Most patients notice improved vision within 24 hours of cataract surgery. Learn what to expect in the days, weeks, and months after your procedure.

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Cataract Surgery2026-06-22

Types of Cataracts: A Clinical Overview

A clinical overview of cataract types, including nuclear, cortical, posterior subcapsular, traumatic, congenital, and Morgagnian cataracts, and how each affects vision and surgical planning.

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Cataract Surgery2026-06-22

Optimising Outcomes from Cataract Surgery: A Patient Guide

How to prepare for cataract surgery and what to do after. Contact lens removal, eye drop protocols, follow-up appointments, and when to call your surgeon.

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Cataract Surgery2026-06-17

June is Cataract Awareness Month: When Should You Have Your Cataracts Assessed?

June is Cataract Awareness Month. If you have noticed changes in your vision, including blurring, glare, or difficulty in low light, here is when to seek a cataract assessment in Melbourne.

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Cataract Surgery2026-06-16

Phacoemulsification: How Modern Cataract Surgery Works

A clinical explanation of phacoemulsification, the ultrasound technique used in modern cataract surgery in Melbourne. How the procedure works, what happens in theatre, and what patients can expect.

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Cataract Surgery2026-06-16

Intraocular Lens Options for Cataract Surgery: Monofocal, Toric and Premium IOLs

A clinical guide to intraocular lens options for cataract surgery in Melbourne. Monofocal, toric, EDOF, and multifocal IOLs explained with guidance on patient selection.

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Corneal Surgery2026-06-07

Pterygium Surgery Melbourne: What to Expect

Pterygium surgery with conjunctival autograft offers low recurrence and a reliable recovery. Dr MacIntyre explains the procedure, recovery, and how to reduce the risk of the pterygium coming back.

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Cataract Surgery2026-06-07

Intraocular Lenses: A Complete Guide to IOL Types

Understanding the difference between monofocal, toric, multifocal, and EDOF IOLs helps patients have a more informed conversation with their surgeon before cataract surgery.

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Corneal Disease2026-05-19

Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy: Stages, Symptoms and Treatment

Fuchs dystrophy follows a predictable course through early, intermediate, and advanced stages. Dr MacIntyre explains how each stage is recognised, diagnosed with Pentacam, and when DMEK surgery is the right choice.

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Corneal Disease2026-05-14

Dry Eye and Cataract Surgery: What You Need to Know Before Your Operation

Dry eye disease is the most common reason for poor vision after cataract surgery. Dr Ross MacIntyre explains how dry eye is assessed, treated, and managed before and after your operation.

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Refractive Surgery2026-05-01

Am I a Candidate for LASIK? What the Assessment Involves

Not everyone is suitable for LASIK. Dr Ross MacIntyre explains the key factors assessed during a laser vision correction consultation: corneal thickness, topography, prescription stability, and conditions that may exclude LASIK but allow PRK.

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Cataract Surgery2026-05-01

Premium IOLs for Cataract Surgery: Are They Worth It?

Multifocal, EDOF and toric intraocular lenses offer the possibility of spectacle independence after cataract surgery, but they come with trade-offs and additional cost. Dr Ross MacIntyre explains who benefits most.

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Refractive Surgery2026-04-28

LASIK vs PRK vs SMILE in 2026: Which Laser Eye Surgery Is Best for You?

Three laser vision correction procedures — LASIK, PRK, and SMILE — each with different approaches, recovery profiles, and ideal candidates. Dr Ross MacIntyre explains how to choose in 2026.

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Cataract Surgery2026-04-28

Medicare Rebate for Cataract Surgery in Australia 2026: What Is Covered and What Will You Pay?

A 2026 guide to cataract surgery costs in Melbourne: what Medicare covers under MBS 42702, what private health insurance pays for the hospital, and the out-of-pocket cost for standard and premium IOLs.

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