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  5. Cataract

Cataract

  • What is a Cataract?

    A cataract is clouding of the lens in the eye. The lens is normally clear and allows light to pass through from the front of the eye to the retina at the back of the eye. If the lens becomes cloudy, light cannot pass through and vision becomes blurred. Most cataracts develop slowly and it is only in the later stages when vision becomes cloudy, such that activities like reading and driving can become difficult. Developing cataracts is a natural process of ageing that cannot be avoided or prevented with medicine.

    There are several types of cataract:

    • Cortical cataract is an opaque area on the outer edge of the lens
    • Nuclear cataract is clouding in the centre of the lens
    • Subcapsular cataract is an opaque area at the back of the lens

  • The most common cause of cataract is ageing. As we age, some proteins in the lens may group together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. Over time, the area may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see. Other causes of cataract include:

    • Congenital cataract – a baby may be born with a cataract or develop cataracts during childhood
    • Exposure to some types of radiation, which can form cataracts
    • Secondary cataract:
      1. After surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma
      2. In people who have other health problems, such as diabetes
      3. After taking certain medications, such as steroids, for a long period of time
    • Traumatic cataract can develop after an eye injury

  • The first sign of a cataract is usually blurred vision. Other signs may include:

    • Colours appearing dull
    • Difficulty driving at night
    • Difficulty reading or watching television
    • Double vision in one eye only
    • Frequent change of glasses or contact lenses
    • Sensitivity to glare / bright light
    • Halos around lights (rings of light)
    • Poor vision in bright light

  • When your vision becomes impaired, you may need surgery to replace the lens. Not all people with cataracts need surgery. For some, changing their glasses or using a magnifying glass may be sufficient to improve their vision.

    If you do require surgery, cataract surgery is usually done asa  day surgery under local anaesthetic. Latest technology has allowed us to offer bladeless cataract surgery. In this procedure, the cuts are made by a laser instead of a surgical blade, increasing the accuracy of the surgery.

  • Cataract surgery is usually safe and most patients heal well to regain good vision. Infection may sometimes occur and can result in poor vision. Warning signs of infection include:

    • Discharge from the eye
    • Increasing pain and redness of the eye
    • Sudden blurring of vision
    • Swelling of the eye

    Other complications include retinal tear or detachment, and bleeding.

    If you notice any of these signs or complications, you should consult your eye doctor immediately.

  • What are the Procedures Available?

    Phacoemulsification

    Cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness among the elderly. Cataract refers to the clouding of the natural clear lens in the eye. If you have a cataract, you may notice your vision becoming cloudy, blur or dim. Other symptoms include:

    • Sensitivity to light and glare
    • Halos around lights
    • Difficulty seeing in dim light
    • Increasing myopia or frequent change of spectacles power

    There are many causes of cataract and the most common is ageing. As the ageing population continues to increase, the number of cataract cases will also increase. Other risk factors include diabetes, severe myopia, trauma and the use of certain medications such as steroids. Cataracts can also be present at birth.

    Vision loss can adversely impact a person’s overall health and quality of life. Cataracts can impair your vision to the point of affecting your daily activities. Removing cataracts can be done through cataract surgery.

    One of the latest techniques of cataract removal is called phacoemulsification or 'phaco', where a small incision is made and an ultrasound device is passed into the eye to break up the cataract before suctioning it out. Suturing is not required and the faster recovery time allows most patients to return to their daily activities much earlier. After removal of the cataract, the next essential step is inserting an artificial intra-ocular lens implant to replace the originally cloudy lens.

    Parkway East Hospital offers cataract surgery with a normal intra-ocular lens implant to correct this eye condition.

    Procedure Price Medisave claimable amount
    Cataract surgery with normal intraocular lens implant 1,876 2,450

    *All prices in SGD, inclusive of 7% GST. Prices exclude doctor's professional fees.

    Call our 24-hour helpline at +65 6377 3737 to enquire or to make an appointment.


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