Cataract Surgery in Maine — Ravi Shah, MD

Cataract Surgery in Portland, Maine

Cataract surgery is among the most common procedures performed in the United States. An estimated 20.5 million Americans over the age of 40 have cataracts. Dr. Shah performs cataract surgery at Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, Maine, serving patients from across the state — including South Portland, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Brunswick, Lewiston, and Augusta.

Cataracts develop when proteins in the eye begin to clump together, progressively clouding the eye's natural lens and blocking light from entering the eye.

Vision loss from cataracts can inhibit daily life — making it difficult to drive, enjoy hobbies like crafting or reading, work, and perform everyday tasks.

Cataract Surgery with Dr. Shah

Dr. Shah is one of the most experienced cataract surgeons in the region, with over a decade of laser-assisted cataract surgery experience and thousands of procedures performed. He brings that expertise to every patient at Eyecare Medical Group.

Surgery involves removal of the clouded lens, which is then replaced with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Dr. Shah will help you choose the IOL best suited to your vision goals and lifestyle.

What to Expect

Outpatient procedure — typically under 30 minutes
Advanced imaging to plan your surgery
Precise, gentle small-incision technique
Premium IOL options to reduce dependence on glasses
Options for astigmatism correction during surgery

Laser cataract surgery is coming to Maine.

Eyecare Medical Group will be adding laser-assisted cataract technology in the near future. Dr. Shah brings over a decade of laser cataract experience from prior practice — contact the office to learn more.

Lens Implant (IOL) Options

One of the greatest advantages of modern cataract surgery is the ability to choose an IOL that matches your lifestyle and vision goals.

Single-distance correction lenses. Most patients choose distance correction and use reading glasses for near tasks. Highly proven and covered by most insurance plans.

Designed to provide vision at multiple distances — near, intermediate, and far — reducing or eliminating the need for glasses after surgery. Premium upgrade option.

Specially designed lenses that correct astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery, available in both monofocal and multifocal designs.

Schedule a Consultation

The Day of Your Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. Most patients are at the surgery center for about 90 minutes, though the procedure itself typically takes under 30 minutes per eye.

After check-in, the eye is numbed with anesthetic drops and a mild sedative is given for relaxation. Dr. Shah uses a precise small-incision technique (phacoemulsification) to gently remove the clouded lens and replace it with the intraocular lens chosen during your consultation. You'll feel pressure but no pain.

A friend or family member drives you home. Most patients rest the remainder of the day and notice clearer vision the same evening or the following morning. The second eye is typically operated on one to two weeks later.

What to Bring on Surgery Day

A driver — you cannot drive yourself home
Sunglasses for the ride home
Loose, comfortable clothing
No eye makeup, perfume, or cologne
A list of all current medications
Your insurance card and identification

Cataract Surgery Recovery Timeline

Recovery from modern cataract surgery is typically rapid. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days.

The First 24 Hours

Mild blurring, watering, and light sensitivity are normal. Most patients rest after surgery and wake up with substantially clearer vision. A protective shield is worn at night for the first week.

The First Week

Most patients return to normal daily activities — work, light exercise, reading, screen time — within a few days. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are used as directed to support healing.

Weeks Four to Six

Vision continues to sharpen as the eye heals. Final visual results stabilize over four to six weeks, after which a final glasses prescription, if needed, can be measured. Follow-up visits track healing.

Cataract Surgery in Maine — Common Questions

Where can I get cataract surgery in Maine?

Dr. Ravi Shah performs cataract surgery at Eyecare Medical Group, located at 53 Sewall Street in Portland, Maine. The practice serves patients from across the state, including South Portland, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Brunswick, Lewiston, and Augusta.

How much does cataract surgery cost in Maine?

Standard cataract surgery is typically covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Premium intraocular lens (IOL) upgrades — multifocal lenses or astigmatism-correcting lenses — are usually an out-of-pocket expense. Dr. Shah's office reviews costs, IOL options, and insurance coverage during your consultation.

How do I choose a cataract surgeon in Maine?

Look for a board-certified ophthalmologist with significant cataract surgery volume, fellowship training in a related subspecialty such as cornea, and experience with the full range of intraocular lens options. Dr. Shah is fellowship-trained in cornea at the Cleveland Clinic and has performed thousands of cataract procedures over more than 20 years.

How long is recovery from cataract surgery?

Most patients notice clearer vision within 24 to 48 hours after cataract surgery and return to normal activities the same week. Eye drops are used for several weeks, and final visual results stabilize over four to six weeks. Each eye is typically operated on separately, with about one to two weeks between procedures.

Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?

Yes — standard cataract surgery is considered medically necessary and is covered by Medicare and most commercial insurance plans. Premium IOL upgrades and laser-assisted technology, when elected, are typically not covered. The office can verify your specific coverage before surgery.

Does Dr. Shah offer laser cataract surgery in Maine?

Laser-assisted cataract surgery is coming to Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, Maine in the near future. Dr. Shah brings more than a decade of laser-assisted cataract surgery experience from his prior practice — making him one of the most experienced laser cataract surgeons in the region. Contact the office to learn more about timing and to plan your procedure.