Cataracts

First and foremost, there must always be an indication for cataract surgery. Cataract surgery should be performed when the patient’s vision is being affected by cataract, and/or when the cataract is dense and affecting the patient’s daily living activities. Surgery should also be performed in instances where poor vision poses danger, such as an elderly patient with the risk of falling and/or patients who drive frequently and have difficulty seeing street signs and other cars when they are on the road.

D2D. Yes. Over the years, many different surgical techniques have been employed to correct astigmatism during cataract surgery. Current intraocular lens technology corrects low to high astigmatism with much precision using Toric (astigmatic) intraocular lenses. In order to place these lenses accurately, we use advanced technologies and the latest equipment at our centre to map out the curvature of the cornea and measure the astigmatism of the eye. These measurements enable the precise placement of the lens in the correct axis and thus reduces the astigmatic power of the eye.

Thanks for the D2D. Floaters are very common symptoms in many people’s eyes. The most common cause of floaters is degeneration of the vitreous gel and posterior vitreous detachment. As patients with cataracts have poorer vision, it is common that they are unable to detect floaters in their field of view. However, after the patient undergoes cataract surgery, his vision improves and floaters in his eyes become more visible. It is very important to let your eye surgeon know about your symptoms.

Hi Chee Meng, D2D. Using advanced biometric technologies and the latest equipment at our centre, my objective is for every patient to be independent of spectacles after they undergo cataract surgery. At my clinic, our team goes through a very stringent and meticulous process of measuring the biometry of each patient’s eye. We use multiple different types of formulae to choose the most appropriate lens for the patient’s needs.

Thanks for D2D. Yes, this is true although the likelihood is uncommon in a developed country like Singapore where healthcare is accessible to the population. If cataracts become “hard” or dense, it can block the patient’s vision resulting in poor vision or “blindness”, but this condition can potentially be corrected with cataract surgery. However, when the cataract becomes “intumescent”, “swollen” or “hypermature”, it may result in inflammation or very high eye pressure.

Hi Hwee Leng, Thank you for your D2D. Yes, there are some scientific discussions on the prevention of cataract through the use of anti-oxidants and ultraviolet (UV) protection. Close up of cataract during eye examination Other preventive measures include wearing protective eye wear when playing racquet games such as squash and badminton to shield your eyes from any accidental injuries. I often advise my patients to wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors to decrease exposure to the harmful UV rays and protective eyewear at work where they are exposed to heat and particles.

Thanks for the D2D. Indeed, there are many different types of cataracts. Some cataracts are related to genetics (congenital cataracts) while some are brought about by trauma and injury. Other cataracts may be associated with the use of medication such as steroids. However, the most common cataracts that we see are related to degeneration from aging.