Cataract Surgery
Modern cataract surgery with a focus on precision, safety and excellent visual outcomes
Cataract surgery is one of the most successful operations performed in medicine, restoring clearer vision and improving quality of life for millions of people each year.
Graeme performs modern small-incision cataract surgery using advanced microsurgical techniques, with an emphasis on excellent visual outcomes, patient safety, and rapid recovery.
While many cataracts can be treated routinely, some eyes require more specialised care. Graeme has particular expertise in managing complex cataracts and cataract surgery in patients with retinal disease, previous eye surgery, or other challenging eye conditions.
Graeme has particular expertise in:
Complex cataracts
Combined cataract-vitreorectomy surgery
Cataracts associated with retinal disease
Secondary intraocular lens fixation
Management of complications from previous cataract surgery
A Personalised Approach
Every eye is different.
Before surgery, your eyes are carefully assessed using advanced measurements and imaging to determine the most appropriate intraocular lens and surgical plan.
The aim is not only to remove the cataract but also to achieve the best possible visual outcome for your individual eye.
Commonly
Asked
Questions
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is the gradual clouding of the eye's natural lens.As the lens becomes less transparent, vision may become blurred, colours less vibrant, and glare from bright lights more noticeable.Cataracts most commonly develop with age but can also occur following trauma, certain medications, diabetes, or previous eye surgery.What are the symptoms of a Cataract?
Common symptoms include:Blurred or cloudy visionDifficulty readingGlare from sunlight or headlightsPoor night visionColours appearing faded or yellowFrequent changes in glasses prescriptionDifficulty recognising faces
If these symptoms begin affecting your daily activities, cataract surgery may be recommended.What is the surgery like?
Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens through a tiny 1-2mm incisions and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL).The operation is usually performed under no-needle local anaesthetic, with or without light sedation, and is completed as a day procedure.Modern techniques allow:Small self-sealing incisionsMinimal discomfortRapid visual recoveryExcellent long-term outcomesNo stitches in most cases
Areas of Expertise
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Some cataracts are more challenging than others.
Factors such as dense cataracts, previous eye injury, small pupils, weak lens support, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, or previous eye surgery can make surgery more technically demanding.
Graeme has extensive experience managing complex cataracts using specialised surgical techniques designed to maximise safety while achieving excellent visual outcomes.
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One operation, one recovery
Some patients require both cataract surgery and retinal surgery.
Rather than performing two separate operations, these procedures can often be combined into a single surgery.
Combined cataract-vitrectomy surgery may be recommended for conditions such as:
Epiretinal membrane
Macular hole
Vitreous haemorrhage
Retinal detachment
Complicated diabetic eye disease
Retained lens fragments after cataract surgery
Combining procedures can reduce the number of operations, shorten overall recovery, and allow earlier visual rehabilitation.
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Retinal conditions can influence both the timing of cataract surgery and the expected visual outcome.
Graeme Loh has particular expertise in managing cataracts in patients with:
Age-related macular degeneration
Diabetic retinopathy
Epiretinal membrane
Macular hole
Retinal vein occlusion
Previous retinal detachment
High myopia
Other vitreoretinal disorders
Careful planning helps ensure cataract surgery complements the management of the underlying retinal condition and provides realistic expectations for vision after surgery.
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Some eyes do not have enough natural support to hold a standard cataract lens securely.
This may occur because of trauma, previous surgery, inherited conditions, or complications during cataract surgery.
Graeme Loh specialises in secondary intraocular lens fixation using modern techniques, including:
Scleral-fixated intraocular lenses
Gore-Tex® sutured fixation
Carlevale® sutureless scleral fixation
Anterior chamber intraocular lenses for selected patients
Intraocular lens exchange and repositioning
These advanced procedures are designed to restore stable, long-term vision in complex eyes.
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Occasionally, complications can occur during or after cataract surgery.
As both a cataract and vitreoretinal surgeon, Graeme regularly manages complex cases referred from other ophthalmologists.
These include:
Dropped lens fragments
Dislocated or unstable intraocular lenses
Retained cataract material
Vitreous prolapse
Lens repositioning or exchange
Secondary lens fixation
Complex anterior and posterior segment reconstruction
Many of these problems can be successfully treated, helping to restore vision and improve long-term outcomes.
Whether you have a routine cataract or a more complex eye condition, a thorough assessment can help determine the most appropriate treatment for your vision.
Book a consultation with Graeme to discuss your cataract surgery options and receive a personalised treatment plan.
What to Expect
Before Surgery
Your consultation includes:
A comprehensive eye examination
Precise measurements with the latest equipment to calculate the most appropriate type and power of intraocular lens
Retinal assessment and imaging
Discussion of expected outcomes
Planning of your personalised surgical approach
During Surgery
Cataract surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic, with or without light sedation.
The procedure generally takes 10–20 minutes, although more complex cases may require additional time.
Recovery
Most patients notice gradual improvement in vision over the first few days, with continued healing over several weeks.
You will use prescription eye drops during recovery and attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
Many everyday activities can be resumed within a few days, although recovery varies depending on the complexity of the surgery.
FAQs
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. The eye is numbed with no-needle anaesthetic, and most patients experience little or no discomfort during surgery.
How long does recovery take?
Many patients notice improved vision within a few days, although the eye continues to heal over several weeks.
Will I still need glasses?
Many patients enjoy reduced dependence on glasses after surgery, but some may still require glasses for reading, distance, or certain activities. This depends on your eye health, the type of lens implanted, and your visual goals.
Can cataract surgery improve vision if I have retinal disease?
Removing the cataract often improves the clarity of vision, but the final result also depends on the health of the retina.
Graeme will explain how any underlying retinal condition may influence your expected outcome.
Why Choose Graeme?
Graeme combines expertise in cataract surgery and vitreoretinal surgery, allowing him to manage both routine and highly complex cases with a comprehensive approach.
His practice focuses on:
Modern small-incision cataract surgery
Excellent visual outcomes
Rapid recovery
Complex cataract surgery
Cataracts associated with retinal disease
Combined cataract-vitrectomy surgery
Secondary intraocular lens fixation
Management of complications from previous cataract surgery
Patients benefit from an individualised treatment plan that considers the whole eye—not just the cataract—with the aim of achieving the safest procedure and the best possible long-term visual outcome.
Helping you make informed decisions about your eye health.
Early assessment can make a difference. If you have concerns about your vision or have been referred for specialist retinal care, we're here to help.