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DR BRENDAN CRONIN OPHTHALMOLOGIST

Cataract Surgery

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.

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 EDOF of multifocal intraocular lenses 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 or no gap cataract surgery but he does offer "access to gap" or "known gap" cataract surgery for monofocal lens options.

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.

Dont' worry, lens selection looks daunting but we make it as easy as possible. Before your appointment Dr Cronin's staff will send you a video about the different types of lenses. You will also receive a brochure at your consultation re-covering all of the details and of course, Dr Cronin will cover them as well.

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 / Blended vision

Provide intermediate vision and reduce dependence on wearing glasses. Also known as lifestyle lenses.

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.

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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 through advanced phacoemulsification techniques

  • Inserting a new intra ocular lens , restoring clear vision

The entire procedure typically takes about 30 minutes.

A close-up comparison of two green eyes: the left eye shows a cloudy, white pupil indicating cataract, while the right eye is clear and healthy—highlighting the difference cataract surgery Brisbane with Dr Brendan Cronin and premium lens choices can make.

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:

1

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.

2

During Surgery

Under twilight sedation, you will sleep soundly and have no recollection of the procedure.

3

After Surgery

Most patients notice improved vision the next day. The recovery is usually straightforward but we will follow you up to assess and monitor your healing. You will typically need eye drops for 28 days to reduce inflammation.

A smiling younger woman with brown hair wraps her arms around an older, bald man with glasses. Both, possibly patients of Dr Brendan Cronin, are wearing light-colored clothing and looking happily at the camera after cataract surgery Brisbane.

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.

Diagram comparing a normal eye with focused vision (left) and a squint eye with misaligned vision (right), highlighting differences in eye alignment—an area Dr Brendan Cronin specialises in, alongside premium lens choices for cataract surgery Brisbane.

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.

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.

Book Your Cataract Assessment Online Now!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is cataract surgery and what are the symptoms requiring treatment in Brisbane?+

Cataracts cloud the eye's lens, causing blurry vision, glare, a change in your glasses prescription and reduced vision in poor lighting often resulting in difficulty driving at night. They are very common in Australia due to UV exposure. Brisbane cataract specialist Dr. Brendan Cronin restores clear vision with sutureless microsurgical removal and premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) to reduce your need for glasses.

Am I awake during cataract surgery in Brisbane with Dr Cronin?+

No. You'll be comfortably asleep under heavy twilight sedation with our anaesthetist monitoring you. This quick (under 30 minutes) day procedure at South Brisbane Day Hospital uses tiny incisions and phacoemulsification for minimal discomfort.

Can I be asleep for my cataract surgery or lens replacement operation in Brisbane?+

Yes you can be asleep for your cataract surgery or lens replacement operation in Brisbane. You will come into the hospital, meet the anaesthetist, fall asleep and then wakes up in recovery with no memory of the operation at all.

What types of premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) are available for cataract surgery Brisbane?+

Options include monofocal (sharp distance), toric (astigmatism correction), multifocal/extended depth of focus “EDOF” (reduce glasses need), or pinhole for complex cases. Dr. Cronin specialises in ensureing your lens is the best fit for your eye and your lifestyle for glasses free visual freedom.

How much does cataract surgery cost in Brisbane with Dr Brendan Cronin?+

For uninsured or pensioner patients, fixed-price cataract surgery packages with Dr. Cronin start from approximately $3000 AUD per eye (including hospital and surgeon fees) for (medicare item number 42702). For private health fund members with "Gold" or appropriate cover, your out-of-pocket costs are significantly lower, often just the gap for the surgeon and anaesthetist. All patients and pensioners will receive transparent pricing at South Brisbane Day Hospital. Unfortunately bulk billing is not available.

What is recovery time after cataract surgery in Brisbane?+

Most Brisbane patients see clearly next day or sometimes 2 to 4 days after the procedure depending on how severe your cataract is. You will need to use eye drops for 28 days and avoid rubbing. You can go to the gym, play golf, do pilates and go for a brisk walk 48 hours after your cataract surgery.

Can I have both eyes done on the same day?+

Yes, immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery is possible and safe for many patients. This allows for a faster total recovery and means you only need one hospital admission. This is much easier for people travelling to Brisbane for cataract surgery. Dr. Cronin will assess if your specific eye health makes you a suitable candidate for this. Medicare and health fund rules mean that there will generally be a marginally higher fee to have both eyes done on the same day. Most patients choose to have their operations on different days but same day surgery is relatively common.

Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?+

It depends on the lens you choose. With standard "monofocal" lenses, you will likely need glasses for either reading or distance vision. However, Dr. Cronin offers premium "Multifocal" and "Extended Depth of Focus" (EDOF) lenses which can eliminate the need for glasses for both distance and reading in over 90% of patients. Many patients opt for these premium lenses meaning no more reading glasses!

What happens if I blink during the eye surgery?+

You cannot blink. A small, comfortable instrument is used to gently hold your eyelids open. You don't need to worry about keeping your eye open yourself; the instrument does it for you effortlessly and you will be asleep.

How long is the waiting list for cataract surgery?+

Unlike the public system, which can have wait times of 1-2 years, Dr. Cronin can typically schedule your surgery within 2–4 weeks of your consultation.

When can I drive after cataract surgery?+

Most patients meet the legal driving standard within 24 to 48 hours after surgery. However, you must not drive yourself home from the hospital. You should wait until you feel confident and your vision is clear, usually 2 days after your surgert.

Can I bend over or lift things after cataract surgery?+

Yes you can bend over and lift heavy things after cataract surgery. The idea that you can’t bend over or avoid heavy lifting was outdated decades ago.