CATARACT SURGERY IN SINGAPORE

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Cataracts affect over 78% of Singaporeans over the age of 60, making them extremely prevalent across the nation. As the population continues to age rapidly, more and more individuals will grapple with this vision-impairing condition. The good news? Modern cataract surgery provides a safe and proven way to remove cataracts and restore clear sight.

When symptoms like cloudy vision, difficulty driving at night, and problems reading small print arise, it becomes crucial to act quickly. Catching cataracts early and opting for timely surgery before significant vision loss sets in can improve outcomes significantly. Choosing an experienced surgeon utilizing current technology further optimizes the procedure and aftercare.

What is a Cataract?

Cataracts refer to the progressive clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which focuses incoming light onto the retina to enable clear sight. As cataracts develop, the lens grows increasingly opaque and obstructed, preventing the sharp transmission of images. The result? Gradual vision deterioration is possible if left untreated.

Causes and Symptoms of Cataracts

While cataracts typically form slowly over many years, several factors can contribute to or hasten their onset:

• Aging: Age-related changes to lens proteins remain the most common cause of cataracts. Around 94% of people aged 75 and older develop cataracts.
• UV Exposure: Cumulative lifetime exposure to ultraviolet light places individuals at higher risk.
• Medical Conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, eye injuries, and more influence susceptibility.

Early cataract symptoms include needing to change glasses prescriptions frequently, blurred vision, faded colour perception, glare, and halos around lights at night. Such visual interference worsens progressively, eventually impacting everyday tasks like reading, driving, recognizing faces, and watching TV.

Fortunately, modern cataract eye operations in Singapore offer a definitive solution to remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens. Together with prescription eye drops post-surgery, vision can be restored once more.

Why Choose an Experienced Specialist Like Dr. Jimmy Lim?

Cataracts and surgery may sound straightforward. Remove the clouded lens and insert a replacement. However, experience and surgical skill remain paramount to achieving optimal visual outcomes.

Ophthalmic surgeon Dr. Jimmy Lim, providing quality eye care to both local and foreign patients for over 20 years. Focuses on cataract and refractive lens procedures, having performed a lot of successful surgeries. Known for his professionalism, honesty, and patience in explaining options, he creates personalized treatment plans for each cataract patient’s unique needs and lifestyle goals.

The team at JL Eye Specialists adopts a holistic, transparent approach; they educate patients on selecting the most suitable type of cataract surgery and intraocular lens type based on their eye condition, occupation needs, and preferences. Their comprehensive facility houses the industry’s current examination, measurement, and imaging equipment, like the Galilei G4 and IOLMaster 700. Such technology allows high-accuracy mapping of the eye’s specific anatomical characteristics, which guides surgical decisions.

Ready to regain clear vision? Schedule a comprehensive eye examination and consultation to determine if cataract treatment in Singapore might be right for you.

Two Main Types of Cataract Surgery

Phacoemulsification utilizes high-frequency ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens before suctioning out the fragments through a tiny incision. The surgeon then inserts the artificial replacement lens.

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery harnesses laser energy in an accurately targeted manner. First, the patient’s head stabilizes within the laser apparatus. An image-mapping system photographs microscopic views of the front and back of the cornea.

The femtosecond laser then creates a perfectly sized, shaped, and positioned incision based on the patient’s specific eye anatomy. It also softens and segments the lens for easier removal. Finally, ultrasound breaks up and vacuums any remaining lens fragments before IOL insertion.

Phacoemulsification Vs. Femtosecond Laser

While both modern surgical approaches are great options, the femtosecond laser’s imaging capabilities and precision can improve outcomes for more complex cataract cases, like severe astigmatism. Patients with such needs would benefit most from laser cataract surgery. The technique also reduces inflammation and speeds up visual recovery.

However, the vast majority of cataract patients still undergo traditional phacoemulsification with great success. Ultrasound technology and techniques have improved vastly over decades of refinement. For appropriate candidates, it remains a gold standard.

Want to learn more about the types of cataract surgery? You can read our article about it or watch this video:

In the end, the choice of procedures still depends on the patient’s specific conditions and goals. After a comprehensive eye exam, the surgeon will suggest the best approach.

Lens Technology: Correcting Vision After Cataract Surgery

After the removal of cataracts, intraocular lens (IOL) implantation restores focusing power to the eye. Cataract lenses now come in advanced designs to treat pre-existing vision conditions simultaneously, reducing future reliance on glasses or contacts.

JL Eye Specialists Menu of Artificial Lenses for Cataracts

These are what lens technologies address:

Any discomfort or visual issues you experienced prior to cataract surgery—nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, astigmatism—an IOL can eliminate. IOL power calculations derive from exact preoperative eye measurements.

During the consultation, Dr. Lim will discuss your lifestyle needs and suggest an appropriate artificial lens type for cataracts. There are no right or wrong options—just clarity for your daily life.

During Cataract Eye Operation: Step-By-Step Process

On surgery day, specialized nurses will escort you into the procedure room and position you comfortably before anesthesia takes effect. The entire surgery takes around 15 minutes, with vision blacked out temporarily. Here is what you can expect:

1. Sterile surgical drapes position around the eye area.
2. Dr. Lim makes a tiny incision into the cornea’s surface where the new lens will be inserted.
3. He then utilizes a specialized ultrasound probe in the eye to break apart the cloudy natural lens into tiny fragments.
4. Tiny vacuum tubes remove the microscopic pieces safely.
5. After fully clearing residual lens matter, Dr. Lim implants the artificial replacement intraocular lens in the vacant space.
6. He carefully repositions the lens and incision site using microscopic instruments. Keyhole stitches may be placed.
7. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eyedrops are deployed to prevent infection and speed healing.

Finally, a patch is gently placed over the eye to shield it after surgery. Patients then recover under observation before heading home to start the cataract operation restoration process.

While momentarily unsettling, remember that cataract surgery focuses only on a small portion of the eye—the natural lens—without impacting the precious retina or optic nerve. The latest ultrasound and femtosecond laser technologies afford immense surgical control over incisions and lens fragmentation, making cataract removal a safe, proven effective, and common outpatient procedure.

Do you want to see clearly again without bothersome cataract symptoms? Book your cataract eye operation evaluation today!

Pre-Surgery: What to Expect Before Your Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery does not require extensive pre-procedure preparation. However, understanding what to expect at each step often eases patient nerves. Here is a general timeline:

1. Initial Consultation: A comprehensive exam determines if cataracts require surgery. The needed imagery and measurements will also be obtained to guide later lens calculations.
2. Surgery Scheduling Call: The coordinator contacts you to select surgery date and time and reviews care instructions.
3. Pre-Op Exam: Final scans and tests 1-2 weeks before surgery ensure proper IOL selection and fit. Review medication restrictions.
4. Night Before Surgery: Begin prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eyedrops. Limit food or drinks as instructed.
5. Morning of Surgery: Arrive on time. Staff will check you in, answer last-minute questions, and prepare you before entering OR.

Do you need cataract surgery? Here’s how to know if you need one.

Read it here on: Do You Need Cataract Surgery? | Your Comprehensive Guide

Compassionate Care from Start to Finish

Our patient-focused team provides personalized, compassionate care throughout your entire cataract surgery experience in Atlanta. From your initial consultation through your recovery, we’ll answer your questions, address your concerns, and ensure you feel comfortable every step of the way.

Don’t let cataracts rob you of your vision and independence any longer. Contact J.L. Eye Specialists today to schedule a cataract evaluation and discover which advanced treatment is right for you. Regain your clear sight and get back to enjoying life!