Dr Ross MacIntyre
Cataract, Corneal and Refractive Surgeon
Services

Cataract Surgery Melbourne

Restoring clear, natural vision through modern small-incision cataract surgery with premium lens implant options.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye, which sits behind the iris and pupil. The lens focuses light onto the retina, and when it becomes cloudy, vision becomes blurred, hazy, or less vibrant.

Cataracts are extremely common, affecting most people over 65. They typically develop slowly and painlessly. The only effective treatment is surgical removal and replacement with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

Common Symptoms

  • Blurred or hazy vision
  • Glare and halos around lights at night
  • Faded or yellowed colours
  • Frequent changes in glasses prescription
  • Difficulty reading fine print
  • Double vision in one eye

The Procedure

1
Anaesthetic drops
Surgery is performed under topical anaesthetic eye drops — no injections, no general anaesthetic required in most cases.
2
Phacoemulsification
A tiny 2–3 mm incision is made. Ultrasound energy breaks up the cloudy lens into small fragments that are gently removed.
3
Lens implantation
A foldable artificial intraocular lens is inserted through the same small incision and unfolds inside the eye.
4
Recovery
Surgery takes around 15–30 minutes. Vision often improves within hours. Most patients return to normal activities within days.

Intraocular Lens (IOL) Types

Monofocal IOL

Standard lens providing excellent vision at one distance. Most patients still need reading glasses.

Best for: Budget-conscious patients, straightforward cataracts

Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF)

Provides a continuous range of vision from distance to intermediate with fewer halos than multifocals.

Best for: Active patients wanting reduced spectacle dependence

Multifocal IOL

Multiple focal points for distance, intermediate and near vision. Highest spectacle independence.

Best for: Patients highly motivated to be glasses-free

Toric IOL

Corrects astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery for sharper, glasses-free distance vision.

Best for: Patients with pre-existing astigmatism
FAQ

Cataract Surgery Melbourne — FAQ

Ready to Discuss Your Options?

Dr MacIntyre will assess your eyes and recommend the most suitable IOL for your lifestyle and visual needs.

Book an Appointment