Would appreciate if anyone can recommendation any good ophthalmologist / cataract surgeons for my dad. As one Human writer wrote, you only get one stab at your eyes. Your dad’s medical history is complex, which always increases the risk for any procedures. It’s therefore crucial to have a proper consult and comprehensive examination with an ophthalmologist. I’d usually suggest for readers to do a little bit of their own research (ask around with friends/family etc), but I recognise that not every one has a friend/relative with an eye doctor contact.

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 treat...

Between the two methods, the most common cataract surgery remains the standard phacoemulsification cataract surgery. This is because after the advent of femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery, many studies have been performed to show that there is no improvement of visual outcome or success rate with the use of femtosecond laser. Hence, given its higher cost to the patient and no added benefit to the patient’s visual outcome, most surgeons choose to use phacoemulsification and only opt for femtosecond laser if patient’s eye condition truly requires it.

There is no dedicated cataract eye surgery clinic in Singapore because all eye doctors in Singapore can treat cataracts as well as other eye conditions. In fact, I would be worried about an eye clinic that only treats cataracts and not anything else. We must remember to treat the eye as a ‘whole’ and not treat only the cataract while neglecting the other parts of the eye. If you had glaucoma or retinal problems but only had your cataract treated, that would not improve your vision.

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.

Briefly, the various types of lenses available include: 1. Monofocal lens — targets good vision at a chosen distance 2. Toric lens — corrects astigmatism 3. Multifocal lens — targets far and near vision 4. Trifocal lens — targets far, intermediate and near vision 5. Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lens — gives an extended range of vision It is true that there is NO such thing as a best lens when comparing all of the above.

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.

Cataract surgery is not always an elective procedure. Occasionally, a cataract may progress very rapidly to cause severe visual impairment, as well as acute glaucoma. In these situations, the cataract needs to be removed urgently. In most other cases, cataract surgery is elective because cataract progression is usually very gradual. You should choose to have your cataracts removed when your vision deteriorates to a stage that it affects your quality of life. This is very dependent on each individual, your occupation and activities you like to do.

While many can tolerate mild cataracts, moderate to dense cataracts are effectively treated by surgical management. The success rate of cataract removal surgery in Singapore is very high nowadays, and it is a worthwhile treatment for those whose eyesight and lifestyle had been affected by it. Depending on your type of cataract and also eye power, treatment options can be either with a conventional ultrasound-based surgery called phacoemulsification, or a combination of femtolaser and phacoemulsification.

The most common causes of cataracts are: Age – We will all develop a cataract when we get older. It’s a matter of how severe the cataract is and whether our vision is impaired by it, that determines whether or not we need surgery. Excessive sunlight exposure – We know that ultraviolet rays from sunlight exposure is a major risk factor for cataract formation. Hence, with cumulative exposure to sunlight without proper UV protection, we will need cataract surgery sooner than most.

The current gold standard of cataract surgery is done via phacoemulsification with micro-incisions as small as 1. 8mm to 2. 2mm. In recent years, the use of femtosecond lasers in cataract surgery has been introduced for the hope of improved precision in certain steps of cataract surgery. For many surgeons, the view is that femtosecond surgery, though it may be applied to most cases of cataract surgery, has a comparative advantage to non-laser techniques only for specific types of cataracts (e. g. mature dense cataracts).

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.

Yes, cataract surgery is covered by Medishield and other insurance policies in Singapore. In fact, many of my patients have managed to claim the entire cost of their bill from Medishield and other personal or company insurance policies. Clinics that are Medisave accredited will be able to check your mother’s extent of coverage very easily using her full name and NRIC number through a nation-wide electronic registry which holds all the information about every citizens insurance coverage. Simply ask your eye clinic to assist you to check your exact coverage.

As with the cost of everything else, it is not surprising to pay double the amount for a similar service or product in Singapore compared to in Malaysia. This is largely due to the currency exchange rate. The other factors that could lower cost of cataract surgery in Malaysia would be the lower cost of surgical supplies, medical staff, rental or facility fee and medication in Malaysia. It is generally not recommended to have surgery done overseas as you may need unforeseen close monitoring or post-surgery care which would not be convenient if you need to travel for long hours so frequently.

Yes, cataract surgery is a procedure that can be claimed in Singapore. The most common claim made is through Medisave. Every Singaporean and Permanent Resident can claim up to $2450 for cataract surgery from their Medisave account or an account of their next-of-kin, be it spouse or child. What’s more, if you have a Medishield plan, depending on your coverage, you could claim your cataract surgery cost in full, for both private and public hospitals.