Are You A Candidate For Cataract Surgery?
(A Self-Assessment Guide)

Think about how much we rely on our eyes every single day – reading, driving, enjoying hobbies, seeing the faces of friends and family. As we move through our 50s and beyond, keeping healthy and active becomes really important, and clear vision plays a big part in that.

Clear eyesight helps us stay independent and continue enjoying all the things we love. But as part of the natural ageing process, our vision changes, becoming less sharp with time. One common change is cataracts, where the lens of the eye gradually becomes cloudy.

With this blog, we’d like to help you explore the possibilities of cataract treatments, including cataract surgery in Singapore. Understanding what happens during a cataract screening can also give you a better picture of the process. 

Meet our Medical Director: Dr Lim Wei Kheong Jimmy

MBBS, MMed (Ophth), MRCSEd (Ophth), FRCSEd (Ophth), FAMS

Clarity in Our Golden Years

Key symptoms that might indicate the presence of cataracts:

1. Increased Difficulty with Daily Tasks: Do you find it harder to read your favourite books, see the numbers on your phone, or prepare meals safely? Cataract-related vision changes can significantly impact these everyday activities, affecting your independence.
2. Challenges with Mobility and Safety: Have you noticed difficulty navigating stairs, judging distances, or fearing falling? Reduced vision due to cataracts can increase the risk of trips and falls, which are a significant concern for seniors.
3. Impact on Hobbies and Social Engagement: Are you less able to enjoy hobbies like gardening, knitting, or participating in social activities due to blurry vision? Cataracts can inadvertently lead to isolation and a diminished sense of well-being.
4. Night Driving Concerns: Do you feel unsafe driving at night due to increased headlight glare or poor visibility? It’s a common symptom of cataracts that can limit mobility severely.

Seniors are most likely to attribute gradual vision changes to normal ageing and, as such, delay seeking help. However, any noticeable decline in vision, even if subtle, should be addressed. If any of the questions above resonate, schedule an eye screening with your ophthalmologist.

Why Cataract Screening is Crucial

Early detection and timely intervention of cataracts can be achieved through proactive eye screenings, especially for senior citizens. In Singapore, a substantial percentage of the population over 60 is affected by cataracts, making regular eye checkups ever so important.

A basic cataract screening typically includes several non-invasive tests:

• Visual Acuity Test: This standard eye chart test measures how well you can see at different distances. It is a means to quantify any vision loss.
• Slit-Lamp Examination: Using a special microscope with a bright light, the eye doctor examines the front structures of your eye, including the lens, to look for signs of cataracts.
• Retinal/Dilated Eye Exam: Eye drops are used to dilate your pupils, allowing the doctor to get a clear view of the back of your eye (retina) and the lens to assess the extent of cataract development.

These screenings are readily available at various healthcare facilities in Singapore, including public hospitals, polyclinics, and private eye clinics. 

Why Cataract Surgery is a Sound Option For Seniors

• Minimally Invasive Procedure: The surgery typically involves small incisions and precision techniques, reducing the risk of complications and promoting faster healing.

• Local Anaesthesia: In most cases, cataract surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, meaning you’ll be awake, but your eye will be numb. It avoids the risks associated with general anaesthesia, which can be a concern for some seniors with underlying health conditions.

• High Success Rate: Most patients experience significant improvement in their vision after cataract surgery.

• Improved Quality of Life: Restored clear vision can lead to increased independence, reduced risk of falls, and a greater ability to enjoy hobbies and social interactions, all of which contribute to a better quality of life for seniors.
• Correction of Other Vision Problems: In many cases, cataract surgery can also correct other vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, potentially removing the need for eyeglasses.

Utilising Insurance For Cataract Surgery

Navigating healthcare costs can be a concern for seniors, especially those who have retired. Fortunately, Singapore offers several avenues for financing cataract surgery. The process for claiming from MediSave and Integrated Shield Plans is usually straightforward. 

The clinic or hospital arranging your surgery will typically assist you with the necessary paperwork and claims process. You will likely need to complete a medical claims authorisation form. The clinic will then help to deduct the claimable amount from your bill, and you will only need to pay the remaining balance.

• MediSave: You can claim up to $3,210 per eye for cataract surgery from your immediate family members (spouse, parents, children, siblings, or grandparents) MediSave account — subject to the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP) code for the surgery.

• Integrated Shield Plans: Private insurance plans called Integrated Shield Plans can supplement MediShield Life to cover more medical expenses, especially in private hospitals. Coverage depends on specific policy terms; some riders may eliminate out-of-pocket costs.

• MediShield Life: This basic health insurance includes coverage for cataract surgery, but it may not cover the full cost of the procedure, particularly in private hospitals, due to set claim limits. Integrated Shield Plans frequently incorporate the MediShield Life portion into their coverage.

• Payment: The final bill, showing any amount owed after MediSave and IP claims, can be paid by cash or credit card.

Important Cataract Insurance Considerations

• Pre-authorisation: Check with your insurer, as some may require pre-authorisation for cataract surgery under an Integrated Shield Plan.
• Panel Doctors: Some insurance companies may only cover expenses from preferred doctors or medical institutions.
• Policy Details: Check your Integrated Shield Plan policy for details on cataract surgery coverage.
• Waiting Periods: Some insurance policies have a waiting period before you can claim for specific procedures.
• Direct Claim vs. Reimbursement: Hospitals usually handle insurance claims directly, except for overseas treatment or pre/post-hospitalisation, where you may need to submit claims yourself after paying.
• Cost Transparency: Discuss estimated surgery costs and potential claims with your doctor and the hospital’s financial counsellor beforehand.

Experienced Cataract Surgery in Singapore

At JL Eye Specialists, we understand our senior patients’ unique needs and concerns. Our medical director, Dr. Jimmy Lim, has extensive experience managing cataracts and providing personalised care. Our team is committed to ensuring a comfortable and reassuring experience throughout the screening and treatment process.

Dr. Jimmy Lim is a senior consultant with over 25 years of experience at the National Healthcare Group Eye Institute. He completed fellowships at Baylor College of Medicine in the USA and IROC in Switzerland, where he trained under the supervision of renowned ophthalmologists.

If you are experiencing vision changes and eyesight challenges, don’t just ignore it. Schedule a comprehensive eye examination to determine the best course of action. Please whatsapp contact us at 6258-8966 or Whatsapp us at 81632807 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jimmy Lim.