Cataract surgery is a procedure used to treat cataracts that are affecting your daily activities. It is the main performed at the Singapore National Eye Centre.
How is cataract surgery performed?
In cataract surgery, the cloudy cataract lens is removed and then replaced with an artificial lens implant. Cataract surgery is the main surgery performed at the Singapore National Eye Centre. The main technique used to remove a cataract is phacoemulsification. In phacoemulsification:
- A small opening between 1.8mm and 2.75mm is first created on the cornea.
- An ultrasonic device is then introduced through this opening into the eye. This device breaks the cloudy lens up into small pieces and facilitates removal from the eye.
- After the cataract lens is entirely removed, an artificial lens implant is inserted to the same position.
- Most of the time, the wound does not require any stitching.
- This method of cataract surgery takes less than 30 minutes.
- This is a day surgery procedure hence there is no need to stay overnight in the hospital.
- An anaesthetist is with you during surgery to provide sedation to make you feel comfortable and relaxed during the surgery. Depending on the individual, you may not be totally asleep during surgery, however, you will remain comfortable. Anaesthetic eye drops and injections will be given to keep pain to a minimum. It isimportant to cooperate by not talking or moving your head and body during the surgery.
Which type of intraocular lens is right for me?
If you are considering cataract surgery to replace the lens in your eye, you may discuss with your ophthalmologist regarding the type of intraocular lens that works best for you. Your intraocular lens will determine how well you can see after cataract surgery, which can dramatically impact your quality of life.
Types of intraocular lenses (IOLs):
Standard Monofocal Lenses
- Most commonly implanted lenses, with equal power in all regions of the lens.
- Provide good overall vision at a specific distance.
- Reading glasses will most likely be required.
Monofocal lenses are suitable for people who are comfortable wearing reading glasses.
Advanced Monofocal Lenses
- Aspheric lenses – Provide sharper, better quality vision than standard monofocal lenses.
- Toric lenses – Reduce astigmatism for people with high astigmatism.
Advanced monofocal lenses are suitable for people who:
- Desire better quality vision.
- Do not mind wearing reading glasses for near tasks like reading or writing.
Multifocal Lenses
- Provide good distance and near vision without glasses.
- Highly convenient as both near and intermediate vision for fixed distances can be clearer using these lenses.
- However, some people may find it difficult to read fine print, especially in dim light and may experience glare and haloes.
- For best results, this lens should be used in both eyes.
Multifocal lenses are suitable for people who want to reduce their dependence on glasses for far and near vision. People with high astigmatism will need multifocal toric lenses which are effective in reducing astigmatism.
Why should I have my cataract surgery done in SNEC?
We emphasize Quality and Quantity
- Our opthalmologists are well-trained and have gone through strict and lengthy guided training.
- We also handle complicated cataract surgery encountered in children, after trauma and in a variety of congenital and medical conditions.
- We have experienced paramedical staff to perform eye measurements which are crucial in obtaining good outcomes after cataract surgery.
We emphasize Safety
- We ensure safety through strict training of opthalmologists.
- We keep ourselves updated by constantly carrying out research and trials to evaluate what is suitable for our patients.
- We are strict and diligent in preventing infection.
- We keep track of our performances and results.
Intraocular Lenses (Properties and benefits)
| Monofocal IOL | Multifocal IOL | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance vision | Excellent (if refractive error fully corrected) | Good |
| Intermediate vision | Poor | Good in bright light |
| Near vision | Poor without reading glasses | Good in bright light |
| Benefits | Excellent quality distance vision | ● Good distance and near vision ● Less spectable dependence |
| Who may be suitable | ● All ● Spectacle independence is not a priority ● Do not mind wearing reading glasses | ● Spectable independence for distance and reading is important ● Night driving visual quality is less a priority |
