Clearsight Cataracts
Has your vision progressively became cloudy and blurry, and have colours seem less vivid than before? Are you experiencing disturbing glare and halos around lights, especially at night? Or, do you have increased difficulty in seeing at night, and need to frequently change your eyeglasses prescriptions? If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, you may have developed cataracts.
@ Clearvision Singapore
Pre-Cataract Operation Evaluation Fee
$299.60
Cataract Operation Fee
Standard Lens
$6,206
Multifocal Lens
$7,276
Prices are inclusive of GST.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a condition where the clear human crystalline lens of the eye become cloudy or opaque. Early cataracts may be asymptomatic and not detectable through the naked eye. It may be however, as the cataracts developed and “ripen” into mature cataracts, the clouding of the pupils become noticeable, along with gradual decrease in clarity of vision.
What causes a cataract?
The most common type of cataract is age-related. Age-related cataracts develops when the crystalline lens is less able to maintain its transparency. While most cataracts are usually age-related, cataracts can also be caused by diabetes, excessive sunlight exposure, consumption of long-term medications (such as steroids) and severe myopia. In a minority of cases, babies may also be born with congenital cataracts.
How do I find out if I have a cataract?
If you suspect that you are suffering from cataract, you should undergo an eye examination with the ophthalmologist (eye doctor). You will be subjected to series of comprehensive eye exams to detect cataracts, such as visual acuity test, tonometry, keratometry, refraction test, Dilated Fundus Examination, as well as slit lamp examination. He will then advise you for a suitable treatment method for your condition.
When do I know to go for cataract surgery?
Cataract operation should be considered when vision impairment hampers the performance of daily activities such as reading, writing, driving, computer work and hobbies. In the early stages, some patients may find that a change in spectacles prescription may be all that is necessary to relieve the vision complaints. However, when this fails, cataract surgery is the only means to restore clear vision.
It is a myth that the cataract should be mature or “ripe” enough before surgery can be done. This commonly held folklore may have some truth when applied to the old way of doing cataract surgery but it no longer holds true with the advent of modern cataract surgery. On the contrary, earlier intervention is often recommended nowadays for earlier and faster visual rehabilitation and safer surgery.
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and safest operations with success rates of over 98% in the hands of a competent surgeon, and in the absence of other pre-existing eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and retinal degeneration.
How can cataracts be treated?
Early cataracts could be controlled by eye drops to slow down its progression. If you are diagnosed with mature cataracts, the ophthalmologist may advise a cataract surgery for you. Fortunately, with modern technology, cataract surgery is a safe surgical procedures, usually taking about 15 minutes per eye by a capable surgeon. A successful cataract treatment will restore your vision, giving you a clear vision.
The only treatment available for cataract is to replace the eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens. There are no eye drops, pills or diets that are proven in curing cataracts. Lasers too cannot be used to remove cataracts.
The principles of cataract surgery are simple. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intra-ocular lens implant made of biocompatible material such as acrylic, silicone or plastic materials. As every person’s eye power is different, the implanted lens has to be customized in terms of the lens power to neutralize most of any pre-existing refractive errors. This means that after cataract surgery, all patients can look forward to better vision without glasses!
What should I expect if I wish to have cataract surgery?
If you wish to have cataract surgery, our doctor will perform a Biometry eye test to determine the type of Intra-Ocular Lens to be inserted into the eye (to replace the natural lens of the eye). Thereafter, our friendly staff will help you to book a suitable timing for the surgery. You will need to arrange for about 4 to 5 days for recovery time.
Modern cataract surgery is done as an outpatient procedure, meaning that no hospital stay is required. In the hands of a competent eye surgeon, it is a fast surgery done in 15 minutes without stitches and under just eye drops anaesthesia. As it is a delicate surgery done under magnification using an operating microscope and micro-surgical instruments. Patient co-operation is required – they should not move their heads unnecessarily or squeeze their eyes hard throughout the procedure. If the patient is unduly apprehensive or tense or unlikely to co-operate, then a regional block anaesthesia or general anaesthesia may be recommended.
Currently, there are two main types of cataract surgery. These are Phaco-emulsification Cataract Surgery and Extra-Capsular Cataract Extraction Surgery.
What can I expect after cataract surgery?
You should be fit to go home an hour or two after cataract surgery. Once the numbing effects of the eyedrops wear off, your eye may feel a scratchy or gritty sensation but this is normal. Your eye may or may not be padded depending on the doctor’s preference.
A great majority of patients may resume normal activities on the day or following day after surgery, such as moving around, bending down, and doing light work. However, there are some important things to remember while recovering from cataract surgery:
Be careful not to bump, rub, or touch your eyes. Wear the eye shield you have been given for 2 full days and at night for one week. When outdoors, wear sunglasses to provide comfort from bright light. Avoid crowded or dusty places. If washing your hair or face, avoid getting soap or water into the eye. Avoid using unclean tissues or handkerchiefs near the operated eye. Instead make use of sterile disposable lid care wipes. Wash your hands before and after instilling eye drops. Continue applying antibiotic eye drops as prescribed by your doctor. Avoid strenuous physical activities including contact sports, gardening, swimming for two weeks. Refrain from using cosmetic products or eye make-up for at least one week.
Increased tearing and slight discharge are also common and should not cause alarm. Patients often notice that colours appear brighter and more brilliant. While improvements in vision is usually noticed within a few days, complete healing may take several weeks. See you eye doctor immediately if you experience any pain, unusual redness or excessive eye discharges.
Can I use Medisave or private insurance for cataract surgery in Singapore?
Yes! Our staff will be able to assist your Medisave claim for your cataract surgery, with the maximum amount claimable of up to $2,150 per eye. You will be able to claim from either your own, spouse’s, or children’s Medisave account. You can check with your private insurance providers regarding the eligibility for cataract surgery claim.
If you suspect that you or your loved ones are suffering from cataracts, contact us today at 6733 5188 or email us at doctor@eyecare.com.sg to book an appointment with our professional eye ophthalmologist. Early diagnosis and treatment could help to save your eyesight!
Book an eye evaluation!
If you would like to know more about Cataract Surgery at Clearvision and see if you are suitable, simply fill out this form and we will get in touch with you shortly! Or you can also call us at 6733 3316, WhatsApp us at 8383 7989 or email us at doctor@clearvision.com.sg.