Offering high-precision cataract surgery to Melbourne
Cataracts are a common occurrence among Australia’s ageing population. We are fortunate to have access to a number of accomplished cataract surgeons across Melbourne, including Dr Roufail and his associates. Dr Roufail has undergone extensive training in managing both simple and complex cataract operations and is passionate about achieving the best possible outcome for you and your lifestyle.
What is a Cataract?
The crystalline lens is a transparent structure that sits behind the coloured iris inside your eye. As we age, or due to other factors, this lens can become cloudy or develop opacities. Other causes of opacities can include certain medications, some systemic diseases, trauma, or infection. This is what is then termed a cataract.
Melbourne patients can easily access cataract surgery Melbourne to address the resultant visual issues. Though cataracts may not be bothersome in their early stages, they eventually lead to poor clarity of sight, glare sensitivity, reduced contrast sensitivity, and altered colour perception.
About Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery in Melbourne is a relatively simple and straightforward operation, thanks to our healthcare system and access to cutting-edge technologies.
Cataract surgeons in Melbourne operate via the public system, private system, or typically, both. Though the public system is free, wait times are extensive, and you don’t have a choice of surgeon or intraocular lens implant. Conversely, having cataract surgery privately offers much more freedom of choice and can be a significantly better experience overall.
To remove a cataract, a small incision is made in the cornea under topical anaesthesia. The cataract is fragmented into smaller pieces that are then removed from the eye. This leaves space for an intraocular lens to be inserted in its place. Often, this implant can be calculated to correct your eye’s prescription. This means you can be significantly less dependent on your glasses after your cataract surgery.
After your cataract surgery, you will go through a recovery period. This typically lasts for about four to six weeks as the eye heals and the implant settles.
Cataract surgery in Melbourne is considered to be a very safe, effective procedure with a low rate of complications.
Book your appointment with Dr Roufail for all your comprehensive eyecare needs.
With years of experience in managing cataract for Melbourne residents, both simple and complex cases, Dr Roufail is more than capable of addressing your cataract concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Dr Roufail perform cataract surgery?
Dr Edward Roufail offers cataract surgery across Melbourne in a number of clinics. These include private practices with other renowned cataract surgeons of Melbourne in Mornington, Armadale, East Melbourne, and Mount Waverley. He also performs cataract surgery in the public system at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.
How do I know if I’m ready for cataract surgery?
Most people decide they’re ready for surgery when their sight is limited by their cataracts to the point they can no longer function comfortably. This point will vary from individual to individual depending on hobbies, vocation, and sensitivity to blur. At your initial consultation with Dr Roufail, he will assess your cataract and discuss with you whether surgery is indicated at that point.
Do I need a referral to see Dr Roufail for cataract surgery?
As with all cataract surgeons in Melbourne, you will need a valid referral if you wish to claim any part of your consultation from Medicare. This referral can come from either your GP or your optometrist. Note that there is no Medicare rebate for the actual cataract surgery. Melbourne patients with private health insurance should check their level of coverage ahead of their procedure if they wish to make a claim for the surgery itself.
What types of intraocular lenses can I choose from?
During your pre-operative consultations, Dr Roufail will have a discussion about what you hope to achieve from your vision after your operation. The standard implant is a single-vision one, which is usually calculated to correct your long-distance sight. This means you will need to wear reading glasses after your surgery. However, you may choose to have an implant that leaves you short-sighted so that you can read easily without glasses, and instead, you wear glasses for long-distance viewing. Premium intraocular lenses can also correct your astigmatism (toric lenses) or both distance and near sight (multifocal or extended depth of focus lenses).
Can I have a general anaesthetic for my surgery?
Surgery to remove cataract in Melbourne is not typically performed with general anaesthetic. This is because general anaesthesia comes with unnecessary risks and may further complicate the cataract operation. Your eye will be well-numbed with topical or local numbing agents, and it is rare to report the sensation of pain during the surgery. If you’re feeling anxious or restless, our aneesthatist can provide sedation to help you relax.
How much does cataract surgery cost?
The cost of your cataract operation will vary depending on a few factors, including which type of intraocular lens implant you opt for. The total cost of your procedure will be quoted and finalised before you go ahead with the surgery.
What is involved with cataract surgery recovery?
After your surgery, Dr Roufail will provide you with instructions on how to make your healing process as uneventful as possible. You’ll also be given a prescription for a steroid eye drop for one month, which you should endeavour to use exactly as directed. During your recovery period, you’ll need to take a break from some of your usual activities, particularly if they expose your eyes to a risk of infection or injury or other contamination. Recovery from cataract surgery is very fast, you should expect good vision the next day, and to return to work immediately. Usually, no time off is required.
What is cataract surgery, and how does it help?
Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove a clouded lens from the eye and replace it with a clear artificial lens. It helps restore clear vision, reduce glare, and improve overall eye health, allowing patients to see more sharply and comfortably.
What is the cataract treatment process?
The cataract treatment process starts with a thorough eye examination to assess vision impairment. If surgery is needed, the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, typically taking about 15-30 minutes. After surgery, patients follow a recovery plan, including eye drops and follow-up visits to ensure proper healing and vision improvement.
Note: Surgical or invasive procedures carry inherent risks. As part of our standard practice, we thoroughly discuss these risks during the consent process before any surgical procedure. Your understanding and comfort are our utmost priority.
Contact Dr Edward now for your eye surgery needs
A doctor that brings a combined 40 years of eye surgery experience in Armadale, Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne
Call now to discuss how we can change your day to day life.