Eye Surgeons @ Novena 38 Irrawaddy Road
#09-28
Singapore 329563
Bladeless Cataract Surgery in Singapore
MBBS (Singapore), FRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Ophth), FAMS (Ophth)
Cataracts are a very common eye condition in Singapore, affecting around 80% of people aged 60 and above.
As this condition can worsen over time, it is crucial to know what to look out for and get treated before severe vision loss occurs.
What is a
Cataract?
A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, making it harder for light to pass through clearly. This can cause vision to become increasingly blurred, hazy or less sharp over time. Cataracts can vary in severity, from mild changes that have little effect on vision to more advanced clouding that interferes with daily activities.
What Causes
Cataracts?
The primary cause of cataracts is ageing, as the proteins in the lens break down over time.
However, other factors can contribute, including:
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Prolonged UV exposure
- Family history of cataracts
- Eye trauma
- Steroid use
What are the Symptoms
of Cataract?
- A progressive and painless blurring of vision
- Glares, particularly at night or in dim settings
- A need for frequent spectacle prescription changes
- A change in colour perception
- Doubling of the image in the affected eye (less common)
Be careful! Sometimes, cataracts may cause an improvement in one’s near vision (thus reducing one’s reliance on reading glasses), giving a false impression that one’s vision is improving.
If you notice yourself or a loved one experiencing the above symptoms, visit an ophthalmologist for a detailed cataract assessment today.
When Is
Cataract Surgery Needed?
While early cataracts can sometimes be managed with updated prescriptions or lifestyle changes, surgery remains the only effective solution when vision loss starts to interfere with daily life. This may include difficulty reading, driving, recognising faces or seeing clearly in dim lighting.
Surgery may also be advised before a cataract becomes very dense or mature, as advanced cataracts can make treatment more complex. Our clinic offers cataract surgery in Singapore, performed by our experienced eye surgeon, Dr Cordelia Chan. Dr Chan tailors her treatment plans to your eye health, lifestyle and care requirements, helping you move towards a smooth recovery.
How Does
Cataract Surgery Work?
Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with a clear artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL). The new lens helps focus light onto the retina, improving the clarity of your vision after the cataract has been removed.
These include monofocal lenses for clear vision at a selected distance, multifocal and extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses designed to provide a broader range of vision and toric lenses for patients with astigmatism.
Your ophthalmologist will assess your eyes and discuss the appropriate lens options with you as part of planning your cataract surgery.
Cataract Surgery Options
at Cordelia Chan Eye Centre
There are several different surgical techniques that can be used to remove a cataract:
Phacoemulsification (Phaco)
Phacoemulsification is a commonly used technique for cataract surgery. A small incision is made in the eye before ultrasound energy is used to break the cloudy lens into smaller pieces for removal. A clear artificial lens is then inserted to replace the natural lens.
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia and takes less than 30 minutes. As the incision is small and typically does not require stitches, recovery is generally straightforward, with vision gradually becoming clearer as the eye heals.
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)
At our clinic, we focus on femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), commonly known as bladeless cataract surgery. This technique involves using a laser to perform key steps of the procedure, including creating an incision and preparing the cataract for removal. Ultrasound is then used to remove the cloudy lens before an artificial lens is inserted.
This approach allows certain parts of cataract surgery to be performed with greater precision and reduces the need for manual blade incisions.
Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE)
Extracapsular cataract extraction is generally used for cataracts that are particularly dense or advanced and may not be suitable for removal using standard phacoemulsification.
A larger incision is made so that the cloudy lens can be removed, after which an artificial lens is inserted. Because the incision is larger, stitches are usually required and recovery tends to take longer than with newer cataract surgery techniques.
Am I a Good Candidate for
Bladeless Cataract Surgery?
You may be suitable for bladeless cataract surgery in Singapore if you:
- Have cataracts affecting your daily vision
- Prefer a precise, laser-assisted approach
- Are considering premium IOLs like multifocal or toric lenses
- Have healthy eye structures, especially the cornea and retina
- Do not have conditions such as severe dry eye, uncontrolled glaucoma, or corneal scarring
- Are in overall good health and not pregnant or breastfeeding
A thorough consultation with our cataract surgeon will help determine if this approach is right for you. Schedule your evaluation to explore the best options for your vision needs.
A thorough consultation with our cataract surgeon can help determine if this approach is right for you. Schedule your evaluation to explore the best options for your unique needs.
What Are the
Benefits of Cataract Surgery?
By removing the cloudy lens that is affecting your vision, cataract surgery can help you see more clearly and make everyday activities easier. Depending on your eye health and the type of intraocular lens (IOL) selected, benefits may include:
- Clearer vision: Removing the cataract can reduce the blurred or hazy vision caused by a cloudy lens.
- Better colour and contrast: Colours may appear brighter and details easier to distinguish once the cataract is removed.
- Reduced glare: Surgery can improve problems with glare and halos, particularly when driving or seeing in low-light conditions.
- Greater independence: Improved vision can make activities such as reading, driving, working and moving around more comfortably and confidently.
- Opportunity to correct your vision: The IOL implanted during surgery can be selected according to your visual needs, with some lens options reducing reliance on glasses for certain distances.
How to Prepare for
Cataract Surgery
Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. During your consultation, share any vision changes, medical conditions (such as diabetes or hypertension), medications, and allergies with your doctor. You will also undergo a comprehensive eye exam and precise measurements to select the most suitable intraocular lens (IOL).
Before surgery, you may need to:
- Stop certain medications
- Begin using prescribed eye drops
- Refrain from eating or drinking for 6-8 hours before the procedure
- Avoid wearing makeup or lotion on surgery day
- Arrange for someone to accompany you home
What Happens During
Cataract Removal Surgery?
Cataract surgery is usually performed as a day procedure under local anaesthesia. While the exact process can vary depending on the surgical technique used, it generally involves the following steps:
- Numbing the eye: Local anaesthesia is used to numb the eye and keep you comfortable during the procedure.
- Making a small incision: A small opening is created in the eye to access the cloudy natural lens.
- Removing the cataract: The cloudy lens is broken into smaller pieces and carefully removed from the eye.
- Inserting the new lens: A clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is placed in the eye to replace the natural lens that was removed.
- Monitoring your recovery: After surgery, follow-up appointments allow your ophthalmologist to check that your eye is healing well and monitor your vision.
What to Expect
After Cataract Surgery
It is common to experience mild discomfort, blurred vision or increased light sensitivity shortly after cataract surgery. Vision typically begins to improve within the first few days as the eye heals, although it may take around 4–6 weeks for recovery to stabilise.
Your recovery may vary depending on your overall eye health and the complexity of the procedure.
Post-Surgery
Aftercare
Following your aftercare instructions is important for protecting the eye while it heals. Use prescribed eye drops as directed to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection. You may also be advised to wear an eye shield while sleeping, particularly during the early stages of recovery.
During this period, avoid rubbing your eye and activities that could place unnecessary strain on it, including heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and swimming. You should also avoid driving until your ophthalmologist confirms that it is safe to do so.
Eye makeup and exposure to dusty or smoky environments should be avoided during the initial recovery period. Attend your scheduled follow-up appointments so your ophthalmologist can monitor healing, check your vision and advise when you can gradually return to your usual activities.
Are There Possible Risks or Complications of Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a commonly performed procedure and most patients recover without serious complications. Careful assessment, surgical planning and appropriate aftercare are important in reducing the risk of problems.
As with any surgery, however, complications can sometimes occur. These may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Inflammation
- Increased eye pressure
- Retinal detachment
- Changes or loss of vision
Your surgical team will assess your eye health and discuss any factors that may affect your surgery before proceeding. Follow-up appointments after the procedure also allow your recovery to be monitored closely so that any concerns can be identified and managed promptly.
Why Do Patients Trust Cordelia Chan Eye Centre
for Cataract Surgery
Choosing where to undergo cataract surgery is an important decision. At Cordelia Chan Eye Centre, cataract surgery is planned around each patient’s eye health and lifestyle, giving them the care and attention that they deserve. Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr Cordelia Chan combines extensive surgical experience with current cataract treatment options to provide personalised care throughout your treatment.
Take the first step towards brighter, clearer vision. If cataracts are affecting your vision, contact us today to arrange a consultation with Dr Chan and discuss your cataract surgery options.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Cataracts & Cataract Surgery
Can cataracts come back after surgery?
Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?
How long does cataract surgery take?
Is cataract surgery covered by insurance or MediSave?
Can I have cataract surgery after LASIK or ReLEx SMILE?
Can both eyes have cataract surgery at the same time?
Will cataract surgery improve my eyesight permanently?
When may I need to contact my ophthalmologist after cataract surgery?
MBBS (S’pore), FRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (S’pore), FAMS (Ophth)
Dr Cordelia Chan is a senior consultant ophthalmologist with close to 30 years of experience in eye care. She previously served as Head of the Refractive Surgery Service at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), where she was also involved in teaching and mentoring numerous junior ophthalmologists.
Her longstanding surgical experience and involvement in ophthalmic training have given her a strong foundation in both established and newly developed approaches to eye surgery. At Cordelia Chan Eye Centre, she brings this experience to every cataract procedure, with an emphasis on careful surgical planning, precision and patient safety.
Contact No. : | +65 6690 4154 |
| Email : | novena@eyesurgeons.com.sg |