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Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery in Singapore

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Hazy view of the retinal shown on the right (due to the presence of the cataract shown on the left)

 

What are cataracts?

Cataracts refer to opacities that develop in the natural lens of the eye. This tends to occur after the age of 50 years, although it can be seen in younger individuals and, rarely, in infants. The lens of the eye functions like the lens in a camera and allows images to be focused on the retina. When the lens opacities form, patients may experience different symptoms depending on the location and pattern of the opacities.

In most cases, blurred vision is the main symptom. Sometimes, the patient may experience blurred vision only in dim light or in bright light. And occasionally, the patient may only experience increasing myopia. Frequent changes of glasses in order to see clearly in the distance may be a sign of cataract formation in the older individual. Consult an eye specialist to find out which cataract treatment is suitable.

When is a good time to consider cataract eye surgery?

Cataract removal is needed when the blurred vision caused by the cataract begins to affect normal functioning or when the thickening lens causes shallowing of the front chamber of the eye, predisposing to angle closure glaucoma. Early surgery simply to eliminate the need for reading glasses should only be contemplated after a comprehensive discussion with a cataract surgeon in Singapore, as the risks may outweigh the benefits.

Ava Eye Clinic is an eye clinic in Singapore run by a highly experienced eye specialist with expertise in cataract surgery. If you or someone you know is suffering from cataracts, get in touch to find out how you can get treatment for cataract.

Should I consider laser cataract surgery?

Several misperceptions abound regarding cataract operations. The most common one concerns the use of the femtosecond laser in cataract surgery. Many have the impression that when a laser is used, the surgeon does not have to enter the eye with micro-instruments and perform microsurgery. There is confusion in this area as another common procedure, laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK surgery), is widely marketed as being laser-assisted and does not require entry into the eye.

To clarify the difference between the 2 types of cataract surgeries, femtosecond laser cataract surgery and non-femtosecond laser cataract surgery differ in whether the femtosecond laser is used in assisting the surgeon in three or fewer steps of the surgery. In non-femtosecond laser cataract surgery, the surgeon uses precision ophthalmic instruments to achieve the same steps. The rest of the surgery is similar. Specifically, ultrasound energy is still employed in the effective removal of the lens. Both approaches have their own sets of benefits and risks. The choice between the two can be made after a good discussion with your eye doctor.

Cataract Surgery Aftercare

The good news about cataract surgery is that the vast majority do well and patients can usually see the improvement as early as the next day. Whether one needs to wear glasses after cataract surgery will depend on whether one has chosen a mono-focal or multifocal lens implant. There are many models available and a good discussion with your eye doctor is crucial in deciding which is the better option for you or your loved one. It is good to understand that not all individuals are suited for multifocal lens implants. Contact us to find out the cataract surgery cost.


How long does recovery from cataract surgery in Singapore take?

Recovery from cataract surgery in Singapore typically takes a few days to a few weeks. Most patients experience improved vision within the first few days post-surgery, but it may take a few weeks for vision to stabilise completely. Your eye doctor will provide specific post-operative instructions to help facilitate a smooth recovery process.

Will cataract treatment improve my vision?

Yes, cataract treatment in Singapore can significantly improve your vision. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens, which restores clarity and sharpness to your vision. Many patients experience a dramatic improvement in their vision after undergoing cataract surgery.

Is cataract surgery in Singapore safe?

Yes, cataract treatment in Singapore is generally considered safe and effective. It is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide, and advancements in technology and surgical techniques have made it even safer over the years. However, like any surgery, there are risks involved, and it’s essential to discuss these risks with your eye surgeon before undergoing the procedure.

How is cataract surgery performed?

Singapore cataract surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia. At Ava Eye Clinic, Dr Looi employs topical (eyedrop) anaesthesia in the vast majority of patients. In the procedure, the cloudy lens is extracted and substituted with an artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL). A small eye incision is made by the surgeon, typically employing ultrasound energy to fragment the cataract and extract it. Following the removal of the cataract, a permanent intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted into the eye.

What are the differences between cataract surgery and Lasik?

Cataract surgery and LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) are two different procedures that address different vision problems. Cataract surgery in Singapore is performed to remove a cloudy lens affected by cataracts and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens to restore vision. LASIK, on the other hand, is a refractive surgery used to correct vision problems such as near sightedness, far sightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea using a laser. While both surgeries aim to improve vision, they target different causes of blurred vision and are vastly different. For patients who have undergone LASIK prior and subsequently require cataract surgery, Dr Looi will take this past surgery into consideration as she selects the most appropriate intraocular lens for her patients.

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