Question 1

How much does glare bother you?

Accepted Answer

Glare sensitivity is a common symptom of cataract, particularly cortical and posterior subcapsular cataracts. If glare from headlights, sunlight, or bright lights is affecting your daily life or ability to drive safely, this may indicate a visually significant cataract warranting an ophthalmology assessment.

Question 2

What are the symptoms of pterygium?

Accepted Answer

Common pterygium symptoms include redness and inflammation of the eye, a gritty or foreign body sensation, sensitivity to wind, dust, and sunlight, and in more advanced cases, blurred or distorted vision as the growth encroaches on the cornea. Dr. Rylan Hayes at The Vision Surgeon, Maroochydore, offers no-stitch pterygium surgery using conjunctival autograft and fibrin glue.

Question 3

Are glasses and contact lenses bothersome enough to consider laser vision correction?

Accepted Answer

If glasses or contact lenses are significantly affecting your lifestyle — particularly during sport, swimming, exercise, or everyday activities — laser vision correction (LASIK, SMILE, or PRK/Trans-PRK) or refractive lens exchange may be appropriate options. A free eligibility assessment is available at The Vision Surgeon.

Question 4

Which intraocular lens (IOL) is best after cataract or lens surgery?

Accepted Answer

The best IOL depends on your lifestyle priorities and visual goals. Options include precision monofocal IOLs for maximum optical clarity with glasses for reading, extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs such as Alcon Vivity for distance and intermediate vision, and multifocal IOLs such as Alcon PanOptix Pro, Bausch and Lomb Envy, and Rayner Galaxy for the widest range of glasses-free vision. Dr. Rylan Hayes provides personalised IOL recommendations at The Vision Surgeon, Maroochydore.

Question 5

When should I see an ophthalmologist about cataract symptoms?

Accepted Answer

You should seek an ophthalmology assessment if you notice gradual blurring of vision not corrected by a new glasses prescription, increasing glare or halos around lights, difficulty driving at night, or colours appearing less vivid. Cataract surgery is considered when symptoms meaningfully affect quality of life — not based on a fixed visual acuity threshold. Dr. Rylan Hayes at The Vision Surgeon in Maroochydore offers cataract assessments and premium lens surgery on the Sunshine Coast.

Question 6

What is the best treatment for pterygium on the Sunshine Coast?

Accepted Answer

The gold standard treatment for symptomatic pterygium is surgical excision with conjunctival autograft, which carries recurrence rates well under 10% in experienced hands. Dr. Rylan Hayes performs Signature No-Stitch Pterygium Surgery at The Vision Surgeon in Maroochydore, using fibrin glue rather than sutures for a more comfortable recovery.

Eye Health Self-Assessment

CATARACT SYMPTOMS SELF-ASSESSMENT

What to Expect

Cataract Symptoms Quiz

Your Results

Your Score

PTERYGIUM SYMPTOMS SELF-ASSESSMENT

What to Expect

Pterygium Symptoms Quiz

Your Results

Your Score

GLASSES & CONTACTS SELF-ASSESSMENT

What to Expect

Glasses & Contacts Quiz

Your Results

Summary

Laser Vision Correction (18–40)

In-Between Zone (40–50)

Over 50: Lens Surgery Pathway

WHICH IS THE BEST IOL FOR ME?

About This Quiz

IOL Self-Assessment

Your IOL Match