A cataract is a clouding of the natural focusing lens inside the eye. It is derived from the Greek word for waterfall.
Cataract surgery is the most common type of eye operation performed around the world. With modern techniques, the recovery is far more rapid than it used to be, and long-term results are excellent in the majority of cases.
If you experience symptoms of cataract, then surgery may help to improve the quality of your vision. You should ensure that you have had a thorough eye examination with an experienced cataract surgeon.
Cataract surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic. Precision microsurgery is performed to carefully remove the cataract and insert a customised artificial lens. The lens is selected to give clear vision at distance, near, or both. There are several makes and models of artificial intraocular lenses (IOL). Not all lenses work for all patients.
Post-operative care involves eye drops for 3-4 weeks.
I am an experienced ophthalmologist with special interests and skills in cataract surgery, eye muscle surgery and paediatric ophthalmology.
My goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for all of my patients through evidence-based practice, cutting-edge technology and a commitment to continuous surgical audit and improvement.
I grew up and studied in Sydney before undertaking prestigious surgical fellowships in the U.K. and the U.S.A.. I have worked with world leading ophthalmologists and refined my surgical skills.
I have a passion for teaching and service provision to disadvantaged communities.
Dr Parth Shah is a leading ophthalmologist in Canberra, specialising in cataract surgery. With extensive training and experience, he is renowned for his expertise in the field. Dr Shah is dedicated not only to performing successful surgeries but also to patient education. His compassionate approach, combined with technical proficiency, has earned him the trust and gratitude of countless patients. He is a true advocate for eye health and a trusted name in the Canberra ophthalmology community.
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After cataract surgery, your vision may be improved immediately but not stable. Additionally, you may have received twilight anesthesia (sedation) prior to surgery, that may not have worn off completely. This makes it dangerous to operate a vehicle on your own.
After your cataract surgery, you should have someone take you home. It’s important that you have someone with you even if you’re taking public transportation or a taxi, just to ensure you get home safely and are able to rest.
Most patients are able to resume driving 24 hours or 48 hours after cataract surgery. However, this completely depends on the individual patient. The day after your surgery, you may return to your ophthalmologist clinic for a follow-up appointment. They will evaluate your vision and determine when it’s safe for you to drive and resume other normal activities.
It is very important that you wait for clearance from your doctor, as some patients heal more quickly than others. It could be that your doctor recommends waiting a little while longer before driving again, just to be safe. For this reason, you should also plan on having someone drive you to and from your follow-up appointment. Keep in mind that you may be required to wear an eye shield for a few days after surgery to aid your healing. It may also take about a week for your vision to completely stabilise. Your eye surgeon will discuss these factors, and how they may affect your ability to drive, during your post operative consultation.
Cataract surgery recovery can sometimes feel overwhelming however, it does not necessarily stop you from doing most of your daily activities and tasks.
In fact, doing light housework is totally okay, however, you should refrain from heavy lifting and bending over for up to a week after surgery. You should put aside any intense physical activities until your eye has fully recovered.
After surgery, your eyes will need time to heal. They might be more sensitive than normal. We advise all of our patients to avoid heat, steam and moisture for the first few days after cataract surgery.
Most patients can return to normal activities in terms of watching television, using a computer and mobile phone in the first day or two following cataract surgery.
After cataract surgery, you may be concerned about how you will sleep.
Wearing an eye shield is very important while sleeping. This will reduce the chances of infection and you rubbing your eye inadvertently.
You should try not to sleep on the side with the recovering eye in addition to wearing your eye shield. You can sleep on the opposite side of the eye that was operated to decrease risk of infection and irritation.
Each patient is different, so it is important to find a position that is comfortable for you.
One thing that can help with your recovery is the eye drops that are provided along with instructions on how to use them.
If you experience any of the following symptoms post cataract surgery you should consult eye doctor on emergency basis
You can take showers or bath after 24 hours of your cataract surgery.
Be careful not to get water or soap in your eye in the first week.
Clear any debris or mucus from your eyes with a wet cloth soaked in cooled boiled water.
Make sure you use a gentle eye cleanser and avoid using harsh soap.
Wait at least two days after surgery before you begin washing your hair with mild or baby shampoo or soap.
Try not to get water or soap in your eye.
After cataract surgery, you may feel tired and want to do more rest for the remaining day. This is very common.
Plenty of rest after your cataract surgery will speed up your recovery time.
Many people report that they feel sand in their eyes following eye cataract surgery, and it is a normal sensation. Most patients do not have a suture (stitch) in their eye, however the process of the surgery and antiseptic used to clean the eye can make the surface of eye dry and irritated. These symptoms settle down very quickly for most patients.
Generally, stairs are safe after cataract surgery. However, it can be different for each person. Make sure to talk to your eye doctor if you have any concerns.
After 1 week, you can usually stop wearing an eye shield or not while sleeping. Make sure to consult an eye doctor before doing anything.
You can now comfortably watch TV, computer / laptop, mobile and can read newspapers without any strain in your eyes.
Your vision may not be perfect yet, but should be improving over time.
After a month mark your vision should be much clearer than before cataract surgery. The eye should have almost healed completely.
Colours may look brighter and objects will look sharper.
You should avoid swimming for at least 4 weeks after cataract surgery.
With extensive experience in cataract diagnosis and advanced surgical care, Dr Parth Shah, a highly trusted ophthalmologist in Canberra, has
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