Experienced Cataract Surgeon in Singapore
Take control of your vision by addressing cataracts with advanced surgical solutions that restore clarity and quality of life. Our cataract surgeon in Singapore, Dr Roy brings years of expertise in cataract surgery, offering personalised care to help you see clearly again.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and pupil. This clouding occurs when proteins in the lens begin to clump together, reducing the amount of light that reaches the retina and leading to blurry or dim vision. Cataracts can develop due to aging, genetics, injury, or other medical conditions like diabetes, and they tend to worsen over time if left untreated.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
Cataracts often develop slowly, and early symptoms may be mild, but as the condition progresses, the symptoms can significantly affect daily life. Common symptoms include:
- Blurry or Foggy Vision: Vision may appear hazy, as though looking through a cloudy window.
- Difficulty with Night Vision: Driving or seeing in low light becomes more challenging.
- Sensitivity to Light and Glare: Bright lights may seem too intense, and halos may appear around lights.
- Faded or Yellowed Colors: Colors may seem dull or less vibrant than before.
- Frequent Prescription Changes: You may find yourself needing new glasses or contact lenses more often.
If left untreated, cataracts can lead to significant vision impairment, interfering with daily activities like reading, driving, or recognising faces.
Treatment Options for Cataract
When cataracts begin to interfere with daily activities or significantly impair vision, surgery is the only effective treatment. While there are no medications or lifestyle changes that can reverse cataracts, the good news is that cataract surgery is a safe and highly effective procedure. Below are the main treatment options for cataracts:
Traditional Cataract Surgery (Phacoemulsification)
In this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea and uses ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens (cataract) into smaller pieces. These pieces are then carefully removed, and a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL), is inserted in its place. This method is widely used and provides excellent visual outcomes.
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
Laser-assisted cataract surgery uses femtosecond laser technology to assist in making incisions and breaking up the cloudy lens. This approach allows for greater precision in certain aspects of the surgery, such as correcting astigmatism or precisely positioning the IOL. For some patients, laser-assisted surgery may lead to quicker recovery times and more predictable visual outcomes.
Intraocular Lens (IOL) Options
In cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens. There are several types of IOLs available, and your choice will depend on your vision needs and lifestyle:
- Monofocal IOLs: These lenses provide clear vision at a single distance, either near or far, and may still require the use of glasses for certain tasks.
- Multifocal IOLs: These lenses are designed to provide clear vision at multiple distances, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses after surgery.
- Toric IOLs: These lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism, providing sharper vision for patients with this refractive error.
Recovery and Benefits
Following cataract surgery, eye drops are prescribed to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and assist in the healing process. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and protect their eyes from injury during the recovery period, which typically lasts a few weeks. Follow-up appointments ensure that the eyes are healing well and the vision is stabilising.
Most patients notice a significant improvement in vision within days of the surgery. Full recovery typically takes a few weeks, and patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities during this time. Cataract surgery not only restores clarity of vision but can also enhance quality of life by improving the ability to perform everyday tasks.
At Cornerstone Eye Centre (Novena) in Singapore, we offer both traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgeries. As an experienced cataract surgeon in Singapore, Dr Roy Tan provides personalised care from diagnosis to post-operative follow-up, ensuring that each patient receives suitable treatment to restore clear vision.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you are experiencing any symptoms of cataracts, schedule a consultation today with our cataract surgeon in Singapore to learn more about the options available for cataract surgery and take the first step toward clearer, healthier vision.