Bladeless Cataract Surgery

• What Are Cataracts?

  A cataract is a condition where the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, and most people get them as they age. This prevents light from entering the eye completely, impairing vision and potentially leading to blindness.

  Some of the condition’s symptoms include blurry vision, glares or halos, seeing colours that appear to be faded, double vision, and poor night vision.

  Cataracts are incredibly common, affecting more than 80% of Singaporeans aged 60 and above. This is why cataract surgery in Singapore is one of the most commonly performed elective procedures in the country.

• What Are Some Common Types of Cataracts?

  • Nuclear Cataracts: This type of cataract occurs when the lens nucleus starts to harden and becomes clouded. This can lead to glares, blurry vision, and more. When this happens, the nucleus becomes darker and changes from clear to yellow and even brown. Some of the causes of nuclear cataracts are old age and prolonged exposure to UV light.
  • Cortical Cataracts: This is a type of cataract that starts as streaks on the edges of the lens and progresses towards the centre, hence interfering with the light that passes through the centre of the lens. Eye injury, age, and a family history of cataracts are some of the major causes of this condition.
  • Posterior subcapsular cataracts: Characterised by the opacity of the rear or back portion of the lens, posterior subcapsular cataracts can develop on their own or with other kinds of cataracts. People who have diabetes or use steroids are more vulnerable to developing this form of cataract.
  • Congenital cataracts: This is a birth defect whereby the baby’s lens is cloudy, and it can affect either one or both of the baby’s eyes. The primary cause of this condition is the shifting of protein in the eye’s lens due to DNA changes, infection, or chemical imbalance.
  • Secondary cataracts: This type of cataract is also known as an after-cataract and happens when the posterior capsule of the lens experiences opacification after a cataract surgery.
  • Traumatic cataracts: When a penetrating injury or ocular trauma damages the lens of the fibres, a traumatic cataract may occur, leading to the clouding of the lens.

• What Are the Causes of Cataracts?

  Some of the leading causes of cataracts are ageing and damage to the tissues of the lens of the eye. Certain medical conditions like diabetes can also increase the risk of developing the condition.

  Furthermore, people with other eye conditions or have had previous eye surgeries are at higher risk of developing cataracts. Smoking, excessive alcohol, using steroid medications, obesity, and prolonged exposure to sunlight are major contributors as well.

• Is Cataract Surgery the Only Way?

  The only effective and long-lasting way to cure cataracts is through cataract surgery. Doctors can choose between traditional surgical techniques and bladeless laser surgery. Regardless of the technique used, it will do the same thing—remove the natural cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial clear one.

  There are various types of replacement intraocular lenses (IOLs):monofocal, multifocal, and trifocal. The type of lens used will depend on the needs and preferences of the patient.

• Conventional Cataract Surgery

  Most cataract surgeries performed today uses the technique of phacoemulsification. This involves opening the cloudy lens with a hand-held blade and replacing it with an IOL. The cataract surgeon will make an incision in the cornea to create an opening to reach the lens. A circular opening is created through forceps at the top of the cataract lens bag. The cataract is then emulsified with high-frequency ultrasound energy before being suctioned out of the eye through a small tube, and an IOL is inserted.

  Though safe and effective in the hands of an experienced cataract surgeon, it is not without its human limitations – the inability to make a truly precise cut. A precisely circular cut is ideal in order to hold the IOL well.

• When Should I Undergo Cataract Surgery?

  Although cataracts are not painful or life-threatening, they do result in worsening vision loss, which can be a significant loss of quality of life for many people.

  There are times when patients with cataracts are not asked to immediately undergo cataract surgery. This is because some cataracts do not present any noticeable symptoms yet, and do not affect everyday activities.

  However, the moment your cataract hinders your ability to drive safely, especially at night, or makes it difficult to read or see clearly, even with your glasses, you should see a cataract doctor promptly.

• What Will Affect The Results of Cataract Surgery?

  • The skill and experience of the cataract surgeon
  • The type of IOL used
  • The type of equipment and techniques used
  • Existing eye conditions
  • Natural healing process of the eye

• Financing Options

  Though the bladeless femtosecond laser cataract surgery is better than conventional cataract surgery in terms of precision and gentleness, the cost is no doubt higher due to it being a newer technology.

  However, at our clinic, we ensure that our prices are kept competitive and in line with industry standards. Not only that, our staff will also assist you in your insurance filing with the hospital. To determine your level of coverage, please check with your insurance company first for your policy details. We can then assist with the rest.

  

  On 1st June 2009, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan announced the changes the Medisave Scheme in Parliament. This change will now allow patients to draw up to $2,450 from their Medisave account to pay for their Cataract Surgery.

Dr Leo Adult & Paediatric Eye Specialist provides a wide range of diagnostic and treatment services for all types of eye conditions.
For more information on cataracts or other eye conditions, please feel free to contact us here or call us at +65 6737 8366.