What are the latest advancements in cataract surgery in Singapore?

The most recent advancement in cataract surgery is the use of a femtosecond-laser to assist in the cataract surgery. This is called Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS).

To understand what FLACS is, you first need to understand the 3 essential steps of cataract surgery:

1. Create a 2mm incisional wound for the insertion of instruments
2. Create an opening at the top of the capsule or bag which holds the lens
3. Use phacoemulsification energy to break up the lens

Normally, these steps are performed manually in standard phacoemulsification, however with the advent of femtosecond laser, these steps can be aided with the use of laser energy instead. This allows for the wound opening and capsule opening to be done more precisely.

In the last few years, many large studies have been done to compare the success rates between the standard phacoemulsification and the FLACS and the results have been unanimous. There is NO significant difference in visual outcome and success rates between either method.

In the light of those findings, many surgeons see no benefit at this point in time in opting for FLACS which turns out to be more costly and yet NOT more beneficial to the patient.

As there are pros and cons of each method, the ultimate choice between the two methods is still debatable and largely dependent on the surgeon after assessment of the patient’s eye condition.

The key advancements in cataract surgery now is in the field of multifocal lens implants. This lens has been instrumental in allowing patients, in their later years, gain spectacles-independence for both far and near distances.

The other significant advancement is in the practice of introducing antibiotics into the eye during cataract surgery thereby significantly reducing the risk of post-cataract surgery infection.

Advances in technology now allow for 100% bladeless cataract surgery where a Femtosecond Laser (CATALYS) replaces the human hand to make the cuts into the eye without any sharp knives or blades, all in less than 60 seconds.

It performs many of the important and most challenging steps in cataract surgery which enables the surgeon to remove the cataract more gently by using much less energy and surgical time inside the eye, thus enabling faster post-op visual recovery for patients.

The biggest advantage of Bladeless Femtosecond (FS) Laser Cataract Surgery is that it allows perfect centration of the intraocular lens implant (IOL) to the centre of the visual axis. 3D optical coherence tomography scans and laser precision create perfectly sized and circular capsule openings for IOLs.

FS laser capsulotomies attain reproducible, uniformly circular and precise diameter compared to manual capsulotomies, improving refractive outcomes of multifocal / EDOF (extended depth of focus ) IOLs and maximising patients’ chances of achieving total spectacle independence.

There are few options for CATARACT SURGERY at our eye centre and the different costs are listed as follow ( per eye ):

(1) Manual phaco-emulsification surgery and mono-focal lens implant: S$4850

(2) 100% Bladeless Femtosecond Laser surgery & Computer-Guided mono-focal lens implant: S$4850 + S$1500 = S$6350

(3) Manual phaco-emulsification surgery and multi-focal lens implant: S$6300

(4) 100% Bladeless Femtosecond Laser surgery and Computer-Guided multi-focal lens implant: S$6300 +S$1500 = S$7800

Currently, Bladeless Femtosecond Laser surgery is the latest technology available in treating Cataract.

The above-quoted prices are for patients without astigmatism.

For patients who have astigmatism and want astigmatism to be corrected in order to maximise their chances of not having to wear glasses after surgery, mono-focal TORIC implant or multi-focal TORIC implants, which correct astigmatism, cost approximately S$700 - S$1000 extra per eye.

The most modern method of cataract surgery can get rid of the need to wear glasses post-operatively if a patient desires. It would come with total correction of not only myopia but also astigmatism and presbyopia.

If the patient does not mind wearing glasses post-op, then option (1) is enough.

If the patient wants to achieve spectacle freedom at the same time, they will have to consider astigmatism correction if the patient has any astigmatism.

Our Eye Centre will do e-filing for you to Medishield and Medisave to claim the cost of your surgery. If you hold on to a very good Medishield Policy, you will not have to utilize your Medisave account.

If you hold on to only a basic Medishield Policy, then you can use up to S$2450.00 of your Medisave account per eye. This applies to PR as well. You can use either your own or your children's, or his spouse's Medisave.

When you come for your consultation, our eye centre's Medinet computer system will be able to check what type of Policy you have and give you financial counselling ( a close breakdown of the amounts from Medishield +/- Medisave).

Pre and post-op consultations, medications and reviews can also be claimed with Medishield and Medisave.

The above costs (options 1 - 4 ) quoted includes lens implant, surgeons' fees and hospital facility fees.

Please do not hesitate to call us at +65 6560 2220 to schedule an appointment for your assessment, or otherwise, just let us know your preferred date and time through this email.

**
NOVENA Bladeless Cataract Surgery & Eye Specialist Centre**
in association with

Dr Natasha Lim Eye Centre

Tel: +65 6560 2220