Cataract surgery
and treatment

Cataract surgeries are among our most frequently performed procedures at ERS Suntec City. These surgeries are designed to address cataracts and restore patients’ clear vision.

What is a cataract

The cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, whether due to age or some other factor. When this happens, light cannot pass through the lens as it normally would. 

This obstruction of light leads to blurry or reduced vision. Cataracts are the second-leading cause of both moderate and severe visual impairment.

Types of cataracts

There are different types of cataracts, with different causes and risk factors.

Nuclear Cataracts

Nuclear cataracts affect the central part or nucleus of the eye’s lens. They are the most common type of cataract and are generally caused by ageing. They can also sometimes be caused by sustained exposure to risk factors like sunlight. 

These cataracts also have the unusual feature of occasionally leading a person to think their near vision has improved. However, this is a temporary effect of the cataract’s progression that is eventually replaced by the usual cataract symptoms, such as blurry vision.

Cortical Cataracts

Cortical cataracts are similar to nuclear ones, being found most often in older patients. Instead of forming in the nucleus of the lens, however, they form in the cortex. This is the part of the lens around the centre.

These cataracts often begin as opaque white wedges at the outer edge of the lens. Over time, these wedges march towards the centre. Their rate of progression can be highly variable across individuals.

Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts

Posterior subcapsular cataracts are often associated with the use of steroids, but are also linked to conditions like diabetes. They develop in the rear (posterior) part of the lens and tend to cause glare or halos.

These are among the types of cataracts with the fastest rates of progression. One of the most common symptoms for these is a rapid degradation of reading vision.

Congenital Cataracts

Congenital cataracts appear to be linked to genetics and maternal infections during pregnancy. While called “congenital”, they can also appear only during infancy. 

The pool of knowledge on congenital cataracts is still being built up. However, it has been remarked by researchers that they appear to be related to ailments like rubella and galactosemia.

Traumatic Cataracts

These cataracts are formed after an eye injury. Injuries to the eye are capable of causing the lens proteins to clump together or deteriorate. Both can lead to cataract formation.

Traumatic cataracts rarely form immediately after the blow. Some have been found to take months after the injury to develop.

Secondary Cataracts

Secondary cataracts are so-called because they develop as effects of other conditions or medications. Glaucoma and diabetes, for example, may cause eventual cataract development. 

This means that secondary cataracts are ones that arise as complications of other conditions. 

Radiation Cataracts

Radiation cataracts are caused by ionising radiation. As a result, they tend to appear in patients receiving some form of radiation therapy.

These cataracts also tend to be located in the posterior part of the lens. They can take years to develop after radiation exposure, in some cases.

Schedule consultation with us if you suspect you have cataracts

If you believe that you have cataracts, talk to our eye doctors. We can provide a personal consultation to diagnose and identify your next steps to protect your vision.
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The causes of cataracts

Cataracts can be caused by many things, from ageing to other diseases. 

The health of our eyes’ proteins is affected by a variety of factors. When these proteins start to deteriorate, they break away from their usual structure and start to clump together. These are the cloudlike impurities in the otherwise clear lens that we call cataracts. 

Below are some known risk factors for cataracts:
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The symptoms of cataracts

Cataract symptoms can vary in some ways but generally include blurry vision. Reduced colour perception is also a common symptom due to the obstruction of light in the lens.

Symptoms generally progress along with the cataract. Hence, a mild blurriness to vision may turn into a pronounced one as the cataract gets bigger or worsens.

Below are some known symptoms of cataracts:
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Diagnosing cataracts

To diagnose cataracts, eye doctors use specific tests and a comprehensive eye check. This helps them pinpoint the issue and exclude other potential abnormalities.

Slit lamp

A doctor will use special eye drops to dilate your pupils. A slit-lamp microscope is then used to study your eye

Tonometry

Doctors perform this test to check your intraocular pressure. This can help identify other risks like glaucoma.

Manifest refraction

This is designed to find your eye’s prescriptive power. If your eyesight appears to be on a progressive decline, it could indicate a cataract.
The only way to truly diagnose a cataract is to have an eye doctor examine you. 

Arrange for an appointment with a doctor if you suspect that you have cataracts. This will also give you a chance to prevent the issue from worsening as your doctor can provide plans for early cataract treatment. 
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Cataract surgery and cataract treatment

Cataracts are a natural part of ageing. They can only be delayed with lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, use of UV protection for the eyes, and having a healthy lifestyle.

Fortunately, there are treatments for cataracts once they do appear. Specifically, cataract surgery can remove a clouded lens and replace it with an artificial one. This is often a day procedure under local anaesthesia and may come in two forms.
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Phacoemulsification

Phacoemulsification uses ultrasound to break up the cloudy lens, which is then suctioned out and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is the more affordable and more common procedure between the two and has a high success rate, but is also less precise than laser.

Laser-assisted cataract surgery

This procedure makes an incision in the lens and softens the cloudy area with a femtosecond laser instead before the IOL insertion. It is more expensive and sometimes not covered by insurers, but it is also a more precise procedure with lower complication risks.

Expected recovery time

Most patients recover from the procedure in 4 to 8 weeks. Your cataract eye surgeon should give you an idea of what to expect during the recovery period.

Surgery risks and side effects

While cataract surgery is largely considered safe, it has possible complications like infection and retinal detachment. Bleeding is also a concern, as is the possibility of increased pressure in the eye post-operation. 

A treatable side effect where the lens capsule turns cloudy after the procedure is also possible.

Cataract surgery cost

Cataract surgery in Singapore can have different costs. Public hospitals offer the lowest rates, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Private clinics cost more at about $5,000 and up.

The procedure is MediSave claimable, so you can use your MediSave to pay for a part of it.

Arrange for an appointment for eye screening

Our eye doctors can help diagnose cataracts and identify your next steps in tackling them before they seriously impede your vision.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

FAQs on Cataract Treatment and Cataract Surgery

Cataracts cannot be treated with eye drops alone at the moment. Surgery is currently the only effective treatment.

Cataract surgery is widely considered a safe and largely successful procedure.

These procedures conducted by eye surgeons have successfully treated millions of patients, with high patient satisfaction rates. However, as with any surgery, it has potential complications. It is important for you to weigh the benefits and risks before choosing to go ahead with surgery.

There are two types of cataract surgery, phacoemulsification and laser-assisted cataract surgery. During your consultation, your eye doctor will determine the recommended surgery based on your specific needs and eye condition.

Yes, most patients are kept awake during cataract surgery, with local anaesthesia to numb the eye area.

Most people will still need their prescription or reading glasses after cataract surgery.

No, cataracts typically do not return after surgery. 
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You may develop something called a secondary cataract from the lens capsule implant used in same cataract surgeries. Fortunately, this is treatable with a laser procedure.

 Contact us for a consultation and eye screening

Whether you’re concerned about cataracts or some other eye problem, our eye doctors can provide a personal consultation.
ARRANGE FOR A CONSULTATION
3 Temasek Boulevard
Suntec City (near Tower 5)
#01-402 Singapore 038983
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