Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery in Singapore

Cataracts occur when the natural crystalline lens in the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, typically worsening with age. It is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, with around 80% of individuals over the age of 60 at risk of developing this condition.

Fortunately, cataract surgery is a safe, effective, and established treatment option for cataracts. In Singapore, there is an average of 25,000 cataract removal operations performed each year, making it an incredibly common type of surgery.

What Is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens inside the eye and replaces it with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL), to correct vision loss. This artificial lens is made of medical-grade silicone, acrylic, or other plastic compositions and is coated with a special substance to protect the eyes from UV rays.

An eye doctor may recommend cataract removal surgery when vision loss is starting to interfere with daily activities like reading or driving at night. Surgery is also advised when corrective measures like glasses no longer improve vision.

In some cases, surgery may also be recommended if the cataract interferes with the treatment of other eye conditions, such as glaucoma.

Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) for Cataract Surgery

Different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) are available for cataract surgery. Our ophthalmologists will help you in selecting the most suitable option for you. Common types of IOLs include:

• Monofocal IOLs – These lenses provide corrective power at a single focal length (typically set for distance vision). However, patients may continue to use spectacles for reading or near-focus tasks.
• Multifocal IOLs – These lenses are designed with different corrective zones built into the lens to provide clear vision at both near and far distances.
• Trifocal IOLs – These advanced multifocal IOLs offer clear vision at three specific focal points: close-up, intermediate, and distance vision.
• Toric IOLs – These lenses can correct both cataracts and pre-existing astigmatism, a common refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens.
• Accommodative IOLs – Compared to standard IOLs, these lenses have flexible arms called haptics, which use the movements of the eye’s muscles to adjust the level of focus.

Cataract Surgery Procedure in Singapore

Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure itself usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes to complete, although the duration may vary depending on the complexity of the case.

Before surgery, the cataract surgeon administers local anaesthesia using eye drops and small injections. They may also provide sedation to keep the patient relaxed. Some patients may feel a slight sensation of coldness and pressure on the eye and around the eyelids during surgery.

Generally, there are two methods for cataract removal, including:

• Micro-incisional Cataract Surgery – This procedure uses ultrasound energy to liquify the cataract and remove it from the eye through a wound less than 3 mm in size. An artificial lens will then be implanted to restore vision. No stitches (sutures) are required, as the wound often heals on its own, allowing faster recovery and less pain and trauma.
• Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery – This procedure uses the same technology as LASIK, called a femtosecond laser, to create the surgical wounds and fragment the cataract before using ultrasound to liquify the fragments. It is best for complex cataracts, is not painful, and offers several benefits, such as highly precise lens positioning.

Recovery After Cataract Surgery

After cataract surgery, patients may notice changes in their vision as the eyes heal and adjust, but this improves within a few days. You must continue wearing a protective shield or patch and taking prescribed medications and eye drops to prevent infection and irritation.

Patients can resume work the week following surgery, although it will take around a month for their vision to fully stabilise. Attend follow-up consultations with your cataract surgeon as advised to ensure you are recovering properly as intended.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the safest surgical procedures with a risk of complications in 1:1000 patients

Consult Our Cataract Surgeons

Choosing an experienced ophthalmologist for cataract surgery is crucial to ensure optimal surgical and vision outcomes. Our team of ophthalmologists in Singapore, Dr Don Pek and Dr Clarissa Cheng, specialises in comprehensive cataract assessments and tailored surgical treatments.

FAQs about Cataract Surgery