How can I best prepare for the cataract surgery to get optimal outcomes?

Doctor's Answers 1

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Dr Claudine Pang

Ophthalmologist

Firstly, it is preferable for you to be completely well when going for surgery. Hence, take more vitamin C-rich foods or supplements to boost your immune system. Vitamin C is also known to help tissue healing. If you have any flu, viral-like illness or fever, it may be advisable to postpone the surgery till you are well. This is to prevent any spread of infection to your eye.

Secondly, avoid taking any foods or medication that are known to cause blood-thinning as this may cause more excessive or easy bleeding during surgery. Examples of such foods include cordyceps, lingzhi and gingko; and medications would include Aspirin, Plavix, Warfarin and Ticlopidine.

Thirdly, we know that how dry your eyes are will affect how good your vision is after cataract surgery. This is especially so if you are getting a premium intraocular lens (toric or multifocal). So, in order to optimize your visual outcome, it is important to keep your eyes well lubricated with natural tears or to treat any underlying pathological dry eyes. Your eye doctor will be able to assess whether you need any special dry eye treatment.

Similar Questions

How safe is a cataract surgery, and what are the main risks of going for cataract removal in Singapore?

The answer to whether one can go blind from cataract surgery in a word is yes. However, the likelihood of losing sight is very low. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed elective surgery with success rates in excess of 95%. Serious complications include infections with rates as low as 0. 01%. Once done successfully, patients have their vision restored and their cataract problem permanently sorted. Occasionally, a layer of cells may grow on the back surface of the lens implant months or years after the surgery.

How can I find the best doctor for cataract surgery in Singapore?

When choosing an eye surgeon, you will want to know the following: Surgeon’s qualifications – In Singapore ALL eye doctors or ophthalmologists are certified to perform cataract surgery. There is no additional training needed to perform cataract removal. Although additional training or subspecialization in certain surgical fields such as retina, glaucoma and anterior segment surgery may put the surgeon in a better position to perform more complicated cataract cases.

Photo of Dr Claudine Pang

Answered By

Dr Claudine Pang

Ophthalmologist

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