A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye

We can correct this eye condition with standard or premium cataract surgery

Patients inquiring about cataract surgery will need a referral from their optometrist.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye

We can correct this eye condition with standard or premium cataract surgery

Patients inquiring about cataract surgery will need a referral from their optometrist.

As seen in

As seen in

Remove your cataracts and enjoy freedom and clear vision

Quickly discover more about this condition and how we treat it

Cataract incidence / prevalence

  • A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which leads to a decrease in vision.
  • In Australia more than 200,000 cataract operations are performed yearly.1https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cataracts

  • The most important factor in cataract formation is increasing age. However, there are additional contributors, including smoking, diabetes and excessive exposure to sunlight.

Whilst a comprehensive eye examination by an eye care practitioner can determine the presence of a cataract, there are a number of signs and symptoms which may indicate a cataract.

Symptoms include but are not limited to:

  • Blurry vision – some patients will also describe their vision as filmy or hazy, like looking through a dirty window.
  • Glare sensitivity – as light is scattered and bounced off the opacities in a lens with cataract, your eye may perceive this as increased glare and associated discomfort.
  • Difficulty driving at night or in low contrast road conditions – our pupils dilate and open further in dim lighting conditions which cause greater light scatter and poor vision in low light conditions.. This can make people feel unsafe when driving in darker conditions, especially because of glare from street lights and oncoming car headlights.
  • Difficulty reading – the process of reading is complex and involves much more than just the eyes. However, the ability of the eyes to discern the fine detail of text plays a big part. Patients with cataract will often report that they have lost interest in reading and this is due to the degradation of visual quality from cataract. Conversely, when reading off a digital device such as a tablet or phone, if the screen is too bright, the cataract may cause discomfort from glare.

  • Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed in Australia today and it is one of the most safe and successful surgeries available. A number of technological advances over the last decade have not only made the procedure faster but also shortened the recovery time to 24-48 hours. Surgery is usually a day procedure and performed using local anaesthesia.2https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataract-surgery/#:~:text=The%20risk%20of%20serious%20complications,some%20loss%20of%20vision
  • Only two very small incisions are required to perform the entire procedure. Surgically removing the cataract and replacing it with a clear synthetic lens called an IOL (intraocular lens) restores the patient’s vision.
  • The remarkable technology of the latest premium IOLs provides a single platform to correct astigmatism and improve vision at all distances with minimal side effects. Options for IOL implantation can be discussed with Dr. Gupta during consultation.
  • Cataract surgery quickly restores your vision and, at the same time, decreases your dependence on glasses or contacts. Some patients see very well the day after cataract surgery. Other patients see well a few days after surgery, and still others may need a full month to reach their maximum vision improvement.
  • Surgery of any type can be intimidating. Therefore, Dr. Gupta and her team take time to counsel each patient individually on all aspects of cataract surgery, from consideration of and preparation for surgery through to post-operative care.
  • The surgery is performed as a day surgery procedure where you can return home the same day. The procedure itself takes about 10 minutes per eye and is done under local anaesthesia with IV sedation. This will ensure you are most comfortable during the surgery. Only one eye is operated on at a time. The second eye may undergo treatment the following week if necessary. Usually, the most affected eye is treated first. Increasingly, patients elect to have surgery on the second eye the day after the first eye. This reflects the safety and rapid recovery of modern cataract surgery and can have significant advantages. It is vital the first eye be checked before performing surgery on the second eye in these circumstances. Dr Gupta will advise you on this at the time of your initial consultation. The recovery from surgery is about 1-3 days and it’s important not to drive during this time.

Where is the surgery performed?

Dr Gupta performs cataract and lens surgery at Burnside Hospital, Adelaide Day Surgery and Tennyson Day Surgery equipped with the CENTURION®phaco system and the Zeiss Artevo® digital operating microscope with the Callisto® marking system.

Will I be awake?

No. You will be given local anaesthetic and IV sedation so that you will be sleepy and very comfortable during the surgery.

Is it done with a laser?

With modern cataract surgery some parts of the operation can be performed with the laser. However, to remove the cataract, ultrasound energy is required to break up the cataract into fine particles and remove it through a small incision. This process is called phacoemulsification.

Will I have stitches afterwards?

No. The surgery is performed through a very small 2.2mm incision which is self-sealing such that no stitches are required.

Will I need to have it again?

The procedure is permanent with long-lasting results such that the cataract does not occur again.

How much time off will I need?

Generally, recovery is 1-2 days, longer in some patients with advanced cataracts. Dr Gupta offers surgery 1 day apart such that both eyes are done within the week, and you can return to work quickly. Eye drops are required for up to 4 weeks.

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Here at our state-of-the-art eye clinic in Adelaide, we provide the latest in cutting-edge treatments for all of your vision needs. You’ll be able to get back to living your life to the fullest. Free from worry and uncertainty, you’ll be able to enjoy all the things you love without worrying about your vision.

Affiliations and memberships

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Learn more about Cataract eye surgery through these online resources

Expand your knowledge about cataract eye surgery. (These links will take you off our website)

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. The lens is normally clear. Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes. Cataracts develop mostly in older people, but younger people can also get cataracts and, in rare cases, babies are born with a cataract (congenital cataract). Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in adults worldwide. In most cases, cataracts can be successfully treated and vision restored. Click here for more information.

Most cataracts develop as part of the ageing process. Long term and unprotected exposure to UV sunlight, smoking, diabetes and a family history are among increased risk factors for developing cataract. Click here for more information.

This paper inspects how the number of Australians with cataracts is growing by two-thirds and will continue to do so within the next 20 years. Click here for more information.

Hi, I’m Dr Aanchal Gupta, your laser and cataract surgeon in Adelaide

Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the joy of helping thousands of patients of all ages gain clear vision and freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

Laser eye surgery is a skill. Performing vision correction at a world-class standard hinges upon the expertise of your surgeon and their access to state-of-the-art tools.

I understand that getting eye surgery is a serious decision. Your eyes are unique and you should demand a custom solution tailored to your needs, lifestyle and goals. That’s why we offer a free appointment so we can meet and I can take the time to answer your questions and talk through any concerns you have.

I am passionate about helping patients transform their lives. I look forward to spending time with you at our gorgeous eye clinic in the heart of Adelaide to see whether you could gain exceptional vision without the need for glasses or contacts.

Dr Aanchal Gupta

MBBS, M.Med. (Ophth. Sci.), Grad. Dip. (Refract. Surg.), FRANZCO
Expert Laser Eye and Cataract Surgeon