Specialists from the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department, Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), a member of the SingHealth group, give detailed answers to your queries on cataracts.
Cataracts affect 80% of people aged 60 and above in Singapore and is the most common cause of blindness in the world.
THE FIRST SIGN OF A CATARACT IS USUALLY BLURRED VISION.
Cataract is a condition where the natural lens in your eye becomes progressively cloudy, impacting your vision and making it difficult for you to go about performing your daily activities.
Most forms of cataract develop in adult life and cause the lens to harden and become cloudy as you age. Although most cataracts are age-related, there are other types, including congenital (present at birth), drug induced (steroids), and traumatic (injury to the eye).
Cataract is also more common in people who have certain diseases such as diabetes, which tend to occur at an earlier age than those without the disease.
While cataract cannot be prevented, it can be treated by a surgical procedure commonly known as phacoemulsification, where the cloudy cataract lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant.
If the amount of cataract is little and does not disturb your vision or your daily activities (e.g. driving or reading), it can be left alone.
Eyeglasses may help at this stage to allow you to see better. If using eyeglasses does not help, and the cataract interferes with your vision, your eye doctor may suggest doing a cataract surgery.
Dr Melissa Wong, Senior Consultant from the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department, as well as her colleagues, at Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), a member of the SingHealth group, answers your questions on the causes, symptoms and treatment for cataract.
1. Posted by T**
1. Will cataract return years later even when phacoemulsification has been done?
2. If eyesight deteriorates years later, can a new lens be inserted?
Thank you.
Answered by Dr Wong :
Thank you for your questions.
1.Cataract once removed, will not recur. However there is a condition called posterior capsule opacification that can occur post cataract surgery. This condition can cause blurring of vision, somewhat like what a cataract does. Hence giving some people the wrong impression that their cataract has recurred.
2.It depends on what is the cause of your eyesight deterioration. A very small percentage of patients post cataract operation can have lens dislocation or subluxation requiring a lens exchange. However a lens exchange operation has potential complications as well.
2. Posted by L*****
I am a 72 year with a history of Retina Detachment on my left eye. I was told by an eye doctor that I have cataract in my right eye. Is it safe to remove the cataract at my age. I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol but under control through medication. Thank you.
Answered by Dr Wong :
Thank you for your question. Most people who have cataract surgery are within the 60 to 90 year old age group. If your medical conditions are well controlled, they should not be a major concern. However, success of a cataract operation depends on other factors as well, and there will always be potential (but low rate of) complications in any operation.
3. Posted by P*********
Two months ago I had a surgery close up a macular hole and a rectinal tear on my left eye. Doctor also says I have some cateract as well on my right eye and recommended sugery. But I can see well with my right eye and dont see any urgency to do anything for now. My question is generally how long does it take for a cateract to get really bad before a surgery is absolutely necessary? I am age 63 and used to have perfect eye sight.
Answered by Dr Wong :
Thank you for your question. If you can cope well with your current vision, there is no urgency for operation unless the cataract is causing other eye problems such as high eye pressure. Most cataracts take years to become significant. However in certain types of cataracts as well as in certain people eg diabetics or patients on steroid medications, cataracts can develop more quickly.
4. Posted by A******
Is there such a thing as too early to do a cataract surgery? I heard from a friend who did it, she now sees both far and near clearly!! So can I do it if I'm 55 years old but no 'serious' cataract yet? How long does the new lens last? A lifetime?
Answered by Dr Wong :
Thank you for your question. The timing of cataract surgery has to be balanced by a risk benefit ratio. Everyone above 50 years old will start to have some cataract developing but most people will be unaware of it as their vision is still good.
Since you do not have significant cataract yet, it is very reasonable to hold off surgery.
An intraocular lens usually "lasts a lifetime", but in rare occasions, you can have lens dislocation or opacification of the lens, requiring a lens exchange.
5. Posted by P******
Following cataract removal, can the condition recur later in life? If the answer is yes, can a second cataract removal surgery be done? Will I have near perfect eyesight following cataract removal?
Answered by Dr Wong :
Thank you for your question. Cataracts once removed, will not recur. However there is a condition called posterior capsule opacification that can occur post cataract surgery. This condition can cause blurring of vision, somewhat like what a cataract does. Hence giving some people the wrong impression that their cataract has recurred.
Perfect eyesight following cataract removal depends as well on other eye conditions that you may have, eg glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, retinal problems etc. If you have no other associated eye problems, and the cataract surgery went smoothly, you should be able to see well.
Near perfect eye sight can be achieved with reading glasses if you implant a monofocal lens. If you implant a multifocal lens, it can reduce your spectacle dependence on near, but some patients still rely on reading glasses when light conditions are dim or when the font size is small.
The choice of lens is best discussed with your ophthalmologist.
6. Posted by m*********
What is the difference between cataracts and pterygium? Is the treatment the same for both? Which specialist should I see if I have pterygium?
Answered by Dr Wong :
Thank you for your question.
Cataract comes about from the aging of our natural lens. Pterygium is a fleshy growth on the cornea. The treatment is different in both situations.
If your pterygium is uncomplicated, you can see a general Ophthalmologist. In certain situations when you have had recurrent pterygium from previous pterygium surgery, or a very large pterygium, we may refer you to the cornea team.
7. Posted by c*****
Hi Dr,
I am wearing glasses and have both myopia & hypermetropia.
Recently, I have experienced slight blurr vision during night driving.
I am not sure if it is due to the potential cataract problem or my current astigmatism detoriation.
Please advise. Thanks.
Answered by Dr Wong :
Thank you for your question. You likely have myopia and presbyopia (lao hua). Hypermetropia is long sightedness, so it is unlikely to be both long and short sighted (myopic) at the same time.
It is difficult to ascertain if you have cataract or astigmatism that is causing your symptoms as both, as you rightly mentioned, can cause blurring of vision. May I suggest you make an appointment to see an Ophthalmologist?
8. Posted by H**********
Hi, my mother-in-law is 86 yo and she's afraid to go through the cataract surgery. Her friend told her that cataract can be "washed away" ... is there such treatment?
Answered by Dr Wong :
Dear *******, Thank you for your question.
Cataract surgery is relatively painless, and as the surgery is performed under local sedation, the patients are usually awake during the surgery. We use irrigation as well as aspiration to remove the fragments of the cataract. Hence throughout the surgery patients may feel the water from the irrigation and have the impression that the cataract is being "washed away". In actual fact, we use ultrasound energy to break up the cataract into pieces first and then aspirate them away.
9. Posted by j*********@gmail.com
My mother is required to go for cataract surgery. She has Parkinson's disease and has tremors in her lower jaw sometimes. Is it safe for her to go for the surgery? Would GA be able to stop her tremors should they happen? Thank you.
Answered by Dr Wong :
Thank you for your question. We have performed many cataract surgeries on patients with Parkinson’s disease. It would be advisable to optimize her medications first.
GA is usually not advisable as there are higher risks associated with GA.
10. Posted by C********
Hi Dr, drug induced cataract anything we can do to slow down the progression besides tapering the dosage of drug?
Answered by Dr Wong :
Dear C********, Thank you for your question. Often, tapering the drug or stopping it can retard the progression. However, if you are above 50 years old, you may have age-related cataract forming as well.
11. Posted by L********
I had sort of a sudden increased in my shortsighted degree - from sub 100 to 500+.
The specialist said I had cataract. Is this possible as my believe and understanding had all along been the vision will be blurred rather than having shortsightness and can be corrected with glasses.
Answered by Dr Wong :
Dear L*****,
Thank you for the question. Cataract itself can cause a jump in your myopia. Your vision need not be blur if it can be corrected with glasses. As the cataract progresses, blur vision may set in even with glasses.
12. Posted by s*******
I was diganosed with cataract recently. As I have a very high degree of astigmatism, my specialist recommended that implanting monofocal is more suitable than multifocal as there is less complexity. Also, for monofocal lens, is it recommended to correct for distance vison than near?
Answered by Dr Wong :
Thank you for your question.
Usually if the patient has any ocular problems, we do not implant multifocal lenses. Your high degree of astigmatism may be due to an eye problem perhaps, hence your doctor did not recommend multifocal lenses. For monofocal lens, you can choose to either correct for distance or near, depending on your lifestyle requirements.
13. Posted by E***
1. Will the artificial lens easily shift position if I rub my eye after cataract surgery?
2. If both byes need cataract surgery, is it better to have both eyes use the same degree of long distance artificial lens or one eye for long distance and the other one for short distance?
3. Is it necessary to wear sunglass for life after cataract surgery?
4. What are the major causes of the lens fragment be left behind in cataract surgery? Is it rare in happening?
Answered by Dr Wong :
Dear E***, Thank you for your question.
1. No, it should not change position after two weeks and with gentle occasional rubbing. However it may dislocate if you constantly rub your eyes a lot or encounter severe trauma to your eye.
2. This will depend on your visual requirements and occupation. Most people choose to correct for distance in both eyes. However some do choose monovision (one eye for distance, one eye for near), still.
3. No it is not necessary.
4. The main technique used to remove Cataract is phacoemulsification which uses ultrasound energy to break down the cataract into tiny pieces to be aspirated. However these tiny pieces can sometimes hide under the iris or parts of the eye during the entire operation. Some people with small pupils, high myopia may be at risk. It is not that uncommon, but can usually be easily dealt with by a shorter duration operation to aspirate the tiny fragment.
14. Posted by s*******
I'm only 45 but I have some cataract in my right eye and it does affect my vision. Currently relying more on my left eye vision. If I choose to do surgery now, is there a chance that the cataract will recur? And if it does, will another cataract procedure be possible? will it affect my eye in the long term?
Answered by Dr Wong :
Thank you for your question.
Cataract will not recur, but a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) can occur in 20 percent of the patients within 3 years. If you have significant PCO, we can do a YAG laser to improve your vision.
15. Posted by j*********
Dear Dr, when is the right time to go for operation?
Answered by Dr Wong :
Thank you for your question.
The right time varies between individuals. Your vision should be significantly affecting your lifestyle, quality of life and work before you consider surgery. You should also have exhausted wearing glasses as an option first before thinking of surgery.
We generally do not recommend surgery if you have mild cataracts.
16. Posted by F****
Dear Dr Wong, would appreciate if you could address my questions below:
Medical problem:
Tearing in the eyes regularly. Prescribed eye drop but did not improve my problem. Tends to have "misty" vision. With bright lighting vision is acceptable. When lighting is low/dim, hard to visualise wording like road signs even within 5-10m away.
In 2013, I was diagnosed with Cataract onset in my right eye. In a 2021 yearly review, the Medical Officer informed me my cataract had become "smaller" and do not need surgery.
I was then referred to see a Retina Specialist which later proof to be not the cause of my eyes problem in 2021 but was ask to replace my spectacles which I did in March 2021: R-14.25, Cyl-0.50, Axis 155, Progressive 125 and L-14.00, Cyl-1.75, Axis 145, Progressive 125.
Recently I again encounter "misty" vision, had apply "Refresh eye drops" but it does not help for night vision.
Questions:
1.If only one eye has cataract, can both eyes be operated and replaced by artificial lens?
2.Can I request to change my appointment date and time, and choose to be reviewed by a specific doctor?
Answered by Dr Wong :
Dear F****, thank you for your question.
1.We usually do not operate on both eyes so soon unless the patient has high myopia, and after cataract surgery is intolerable to contact lens in the fellow eye. In the event that you do not wear contact lens, the difference between the two eyes after one eye operation will be very great. In such special situations do we then offer cataract surgery for the fellow eye.
2.Appointments are managed by our Appointments Department and you will need to contact our Appointments hotline at 6227 7266 or email: appointments@snec.com.sg
Follow-up question posted by F****
I went to SNEC@CGH on 31st March and upon investigation, there is excess fluid in my retina and I am further referred to see Retina Specialist on 24th June.
In the event if the retina requires surgery they may review to see if it should be performed together with cataract surgery.
Lastly my last question is if Retina is ok and my cataract is Mild to Moderate but with each year replacing my spectacles (S$1000), + High Mypia, am I suitable to proceed with cataract surgery?
Answered by Dr Wong :
Dear F****, Thank you for your question.
1) I will not be able to determine your diagnosis of fluid in the retina. Sometimes this does not require surgery. However if you have a retina issue that requires operation and a cataract at the same time, both can be dealt with usually in one operation. This is at the doctor’s discretion.
2) If you have little cataract with good vision, we do not advise cataract surgery as there are complications that can be related with it.
17. Posted by s******
Hi doctor,
I have cataract for years. I consulted the ophthalmologist at SGH for many years. They discharged me but I still have my cataract. The question: Is there any risk of going blind or being unoperable with time? Thank you for your answer.
Answered by Dr Wong :
Dear s******,
Thank you for the question. Everyone above 50 years old may have a little cataract. If your vision is good, you do not need to have regular follow up as cataracts usually progress quite slowly. We usually advise glasses to cope with the poorer vision in the early stages of cataract. If you find that glasses do not improve your vision, please seek advice from an Ophthalmologist. If you are vigilant about your vision, you will unlikely reach a stage that the cataract develops until it is very dense. Cataract itself should not cause blindness unless there are complications associated with a very dense cataract, which can cause poor vision.
18. Posted by M******
Hello,
I have been diagnosed with the cataracts due to my age (mid 50s) a few years ago. However the eye doctor discharged me saying it is slow growing and said I need only go back the hospital if it gets worse.
Currently my left eye has some cloudiness around the periphery but doesn’t interfere with my daily work when I read or use the computer nor if I drive.
Are there specific symptoms that might require me to see a doctor again? How might I know when a certain "threshold" is crossed that requires medical attention? Should I also do an eye check annually? Thank you.
Answered by Dr Wong :
Dear M******, Thank you for your question. Your doctor is correct. If you can cope with your vision, annual check-up is not necessary as cataracts are usually slow growing.
If you experience blurring of vision that affects your daily work; if you have any family member with a history of eye problems or are concerned about new issues with your eye, please see an eye doctor again.
19. Question posted by C*****
Hi Dr Melissa, I have blurred vision on left eye and I suspect it is cataract.
1.Anyway to confirm it without seeing a doctor?
2.If I required a cataract surgery, is it claimable via health insurance?
Answered by Dr Wong :
Hi C*****, Thank you for the question.
1.A slit lamp is required to check for diagnosis, and this is done at the eye clinic. Some Opticians/Optometrists may have slit lamps as well.
2.This depends on your health insurance policy and the best person to ask is your insurance agent.
20. Posted by t*******
Hi Dr,
1.I am told I have 10-20% cataract. At what point should I consider cataract surgery?
2.I also have myopia, presbyopia and astigmatism. I am unable to manage my vision using a single pair of multifocal lenses, and instead I have multiple multifocal lens (focused at infinity and 1.2m) and fixed focal length reading lenses to cater to different situations, such as reading, computer work, driving etc. Will cataract surgery make it even more difficult to manage my vision?
Thank you.
Answered by Dr Wong :
Thank you for your question.
1.If your cataract is still mild and you are coping well with your vision, you do not need cataract surgery. If at a stage you find that your vision is deteriorating and it affects your daily life, you may consider cataract surgery.
2.Cataract surgery involves implantation of intraocular lenses. These lenses are implanted into your eye and are different from the spectacle lenses that you are currently using.
21. Posted by s*******
Dear Dr, these are the questions which I wish to be addressed:
1.What is the estimated duration of a cataract surgery/procedure?
2.Is there hope for elderly dementia patients who are overweight to undergo cataract surgery? Can they be offered LA (local anaesthesia) instead of GA?
3.Will LA effect last till the surgery is over, or will it end before surgery is completed?
Answered by Dr Wong :
Dear s*******, Thank you for your question.
1.Estimated duration of an uncomplicated cataract surgery is about 15 to 20mins.
2.This depends on the severity of the dementia and more importantly how cooperative the patient is. We generally try not to use GA for cataract surgeries, as it carries a higher mortality risk.
3.We have an anesthetist who is in the eye operating theatre to top up the anesthesia if needed. The LA effect usually lasts till the surgery is over but sometimes, the patients may require more sedation if they are found to be uncooperative during surgery.
22. Posted by L***
Dear Dr Melissa,
I am suspected to diagnose with cataract when I went for check up at the polyclinic.
May I check what symptom to look out for when require for surgery?
I could not see well without sufficient light even when I wear glasses (is this symptom of cataract as well)?
Answered by Dr Wong :
Dear L***, Thank you for your question.
1. Blurring of vision is the main complaint of a patient with cataract. If the blurring of vision cannot be corrected with glasses and if it affects your daily work, you may consider surgery.
2. There can be other conditions that can cause your symptom. Cataract can be one of the conditions. It is best to see an eye doctor to make sure your blurring of vision is not caused by other problems first.
23. Posted by j******
Dr Wong,
I am a 53-year-old male in good health. I have done PRK surgery around 25 years ago, but now back to wearing glasses due to short-sightedness recurring.
My mother has done cataract removal surgery + implant lens few years ago, and she has been happy with the results.
Am I a suitable candidate to do similar cataract surgery + implant lens to correct my short & long sightedness? If I am keen, what is the next step I can do? Thank you very much.
Answered by Dr Wong :
Dear j******, Thank you for your question.
As you had refractive surgery previously, you will very unlikely be a suitable candidate for multifocal intraocular lens. However, you can still go ahead with cataract removal with a monofocal lens. Do have a chat with your Ophthalmologist to see what are the available options, as this also depend on your job, hobbies and visual requirements.
24. Posted by D******
Hello Dr,
Recently, I was advised by my optician to get a referral letter to check my eye (cataract). Appt given at for August.
(Fundus photo taken)
RE: small 'drusen' like deposit near macula
LE: unable to see photos due cloudy lens
I just need to know whether is there an urgency for me to arrange for an earlier appt based on above comment. I just wonder is this just a general medical term used? If surgery required, can it be done on the appointment date given?
Answered by Dr Wong :
Dear D******,
Thank you for your question. Drusen findings are not urgent unless you experience very poor vision. If you do experience a sudden drop in vision, please go straight to the accident and emergency department for further evaluation.
25. Posted by A******
Hello Dr Melissa,
Over the past three(?) years, I have had (still having!) frequent episodes where my vision blurs up as if there is a lot of mucus covering my eyes. During these times, I have to squint my eyes in order to read. Putting on my reading glasses does not seem to work. These episodes happen at various times of the day : can be after I woke up in the morning, or can suddenly happen during the afternoon or evening. Curiously, once it passes, my vision returns to normal and I can read normally.
Is this a sign of cataract, or something else? I once had a scare when an MO at a roadshow said I had glaucoma., But after seeing a specialist at SNEC, it was deemed not. Specialist said, probably, that at that time, the MO felt my retina was reddish and thought I had early glaucoma. Please advise. Thank you.
Answered by Dr Wong :
Dear A******, Thank you for your question.
Bad vision from cataract doesn’t improve and vary throughout the day. Unfortunately I will not be able to comment if you have glaucoma unless I have examined you. If you are concerned, please make an appointment to see an eye specialist.
26. Posted by J******
Hi Dr,
How to secure the best artificial lens?
What are the factors that we should take into account ?
What can happen if we have chosen the wrong lens to implant?
Thank you.
Answered by Dr Wong :
Dear J******, Thank you for your question.
There is no “ best artificial lens”. Each intraocular lens has its own advantages and disadvantages. Factors that you should consider include: occupation, any existing eye condition, cost, hobbies and willingness to wear glasses.
27. Posted by E**
Dear Dr,
If I don't want to spend money seeing a doctor for a pre-surgery check, how do I tell when the cataract is "ripe" and ready for surgery? What are the three top signs I should be looking for?
Answered by Dr Wong :
Dear E**, Thank you for your question.
If your vision is still good with glasses, and you have no problems coping with your daily activities, it is unlikely you will need cataract surgery.
You do not need to wait for the cataract to be very significant and the decision to go for operation is based on the individual.
28. Posted by L****
Dear Dr,
I am male, 73 years old, wearing glasses for about 50 yrs. Reasonably fit and active. I used to change my glasses, always with higher power, every 3-5 yrs. Recently, just 6 months after getting new glasses giving me at least 6/9 acuity, it became not sharp!
But my main concern is: the sharpness loss is inconsistent. Some days, it's sharp. Some days, quite blur, I estimate 6/12 - 6/18. It also varies from left/right eye over different days. Is this the signal that cataracts are causing it? My glasses: R: +2.25 -5.50 x 82degrees. L: +1.50 -4.25 x 93 degrees. Yes, I have high astigmatism. Please advise. Thank you.
Answered by Dr Wong :
Dear L****, Thank you for your question.
Cataract should not cause intermittent blurring of vision. You may have some dry eyes as well. With cataract changes, you may also find that you may need to change your glasses quite often. When you are unable to get good vision with glasses, you may wish to come for an eye check. The cataracts may be also causing your high astigmatism.
29. Question by d***
Can I go for cataract surgery even if my cataract is minor?
I heard that with a new lens, it will also cure my myopia and presbyopia. Sounds like a good deal.Possible ?
Im already almost 60 years old.;
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
With current technology, we can achieve very good results in cataract surgery. As such, the indications for surgery has shifted from just severity of the cataracts to visual requirements. If your cataract is affecting your vision, such that it affects your daily activities, cataract surgery may be indicated even if your cataract is mild.
Yes, there are intraocular lenses which can correct myopia and presbyopia.
30. Question by c******
Hi Doctor,
Are there any foods to prevent cataracts? I read from iherb that lutein is good for eyes and so is omega 3. Just wondering if these claims are legit and what I should eat now to prevent cataracts. thanks.
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
Currently, there are no evidence (based on research) to show that certain food or supplements can prevent cataract.
Lutein and omega 3 do not prevent cataract, but they can be beneficial for patients with age related macular degeneration and dry eyes respectively.
31. Question by s******
what are the first signs of cataract? What do I ask my grandfather to check? Thank you
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
There several early signs of cataracts. But the most common is a gradual blurring of vision even with the correct spectacle power. If your grandfather notices some blurring of vision, I would advise him to see an optician or optometrist first to determine whether he will need glasses or a change in glasses. If glasses do not help, he will need to eye an ophthalmologist.
32. Question by a****
Hi Dr, my mum (in her 60s) is showing signs of poorer eyesight. She complains of bad vision at night and sensitivity to light in the day, and her eyes are turning bluish around the pupils. Does she have cataracts?
Im concerned because my granny has cataracts and am afraid I may have it later on when I’m old. As is now sometimes I see floaters. My work is desk-bound and computer-intensive. Hope you can advise what to do for my mum and myself. Thanks.
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
Your mum’s symptoms may be due to cataracts. However, it is best that she goes for an eye examination to confirm this.
Cataracts is an age-related condition. Therefore, almost everyone will develop cataracts as they grow older. The good news is that cataracts can be treated with surgery and the results of cataract surgery in Singapore are very good.
33. Question by c*****
Hi Dr, My father had surgery to remove cataracts about 3 months ago. Recently, he has been experiencing stabbing pain and redness in his eyes. He was given eye drops and pain killers during his follow-up visit. Just wondering what could be causing the pain. Even bright light hurts his eyes. Thank you in advance.
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
The symptoms you father is experiencing is likely to be due to dry eyes. Dry eyes can occur affect cataract surgery and may take time to resolve. Treatment will include the use of lubricating eyedrops to reduce the symptoms.
34. Question by K*****
Hi Dr,
My father needs cataract surgery. Femtolaser Cataract was recommended by the doctor and I'm worried that this surgery has a one-in-1000 risk of permanent sight loss. Would this be the best surgery option for my father?
Thank you for your advice.
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
The risks of surgery for Femtolaser cataract surgery or conventional cataract surgery is quite similar. Both have very low risk of permanent sight loss. However, femtolaser cataract surgery may be beneficial in certain types of cataracts. You may want to check with your doctor on why Femtolaser cataract surgery was recommended for your father.
35. Question by R*****
My mother in law had a catarct surgery elsewhere. But I think it was not a good job. Can cataract surgery be re-done again?
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
In such cases, we will have to examine her eyes to determine what was done and whether there are any issues with the surgery. I suggest you seek another opinion with regards to her current condition and let the ophthalmologist advise you.
36. Question by P*********
Hi Dr,
How do we apply as private patient for cataract surgery and can we choose eye surgeon at snec?
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
You can contact our Appointments Department directly at +65 6227 7266 or email appointments@snec.com.sg to schedule an appointment to see an eye specialist at Singapore National Eye Centre as a private patient. Yes, you can choose your preferred eye surgeon for consultation and surgery.
37. Question by L**********
Hi Dr,
My optician told me I got cataract in my right eye and giving me blur vision. How do I know when should I have to have surery (in terms of vision 10/12 or 8 /12 or 6/12 or what degesss of blurness) .
Thanks.
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
Due to advancements in cataract surgery, we not do not wait until a patient’s vision is very poor before cataract surgery. We will normally advise cataract surgery if it has affected your vision such that it impairs your day to day activities. In general, most patients with vision of worse than 6/12 will notice that their vision may not be good enough for daily activities.
38. Question by C*******
Hi,
I have been seeing the eye doctor at SNEC since last year and it was confirmed that I had mild cataract on my left eye and more severe cataract on my right eye that required surgery first. I was then given an appointment on the 13th of June this year. However, I wasn't prepared as my myopia was quite high (the power is about 800 for both eyes) and I am very worried. Hence I called up in May to cancel my appointment. An elderly lady I know told me Peperomia pellucida can help to remove cataract. Currently I am trying this out. May I know if I opt for surgery, with my high power, what kind of surgery is recommended and how safe is it? If my left eye is operated, can I still put on spectacle or do I need to wear contact lens since my left eye is not operated yet.
Thank you very much.
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
The current gold standard for cataract surgery is phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. It is generally very safe and effective operation. In patients with high myopia in both eyes, but only cataract in one eye (ie in your situation), they will need to use contact lens in the normal eye after cataract surgery in the other eye. Else, you may have difficulty adapting due to the great difference in spectacle power between the two eyes.
39. Question by T****
I am 50 years old and I have cataract on both eyes. The condition on my left eye is more severe than the right one. Previously my shortsighted power are 800 and 600 for left and right respectively. My left vision is not as good as my right eye now. I did an eye check recently and my left eye is at 1300 and right eye at 700 because of cataract.
- Will I see better immediately after the cataract surgery?
- Within how long should I go for the other eye ops?
- What happened to the other eye if i need to wait for the ops? Do I need to have a new pair of glasses while waiting for the ops?
- What are the lens used?
- Does the type of lens affect the corrected vision?
- What are the factors I need to consider or the suggested types for lens?
- What are the discomfort after the ops?
- What are the things I can’t do after the ops?
- How long should I wait to travel after the ops because my current job requires me to travel at short notices?
Thank you for sharing the useful information to us.
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
- In normal cases, patients should see quite well with a few days after cataract surgery.
- Normally, we will perform surgery on the second eye 1 month later. But in some, patients, we can perform the surgery even earlier.
- You can wear contact lens on the other eye while waiting of the surgery.
- There are monofocal or multifocal intraocular lens options available.
- All lenses aim to correct your vision. Monofocal lenses correct distance vision but you will still require reading glasses. Multifocal lenses aim to provide spectacle independence for both distance and near vision.
- There are main factors to consider are your eye conditions, ie the state of your cataracts, health of your eye and refractive error, your post surgery expectations and the limitations of the different lenses. It is best to discuss with your doctor in detail about this.
- In normal cataract surgery, you will feel some discomfort in the first few days. Most patients will feel like there is something in their eyes and experience some dry eyes in the early stages after surgery.
- You cannot swim or do strenuous activities within the first month.
- It is best that you wait for your eye to recover before travelling. Ideally, travel should be done after one month.
40. Question by V***
I have been experiencing something like lightning flashes in the corner of my right eye. Is this a sign of cataracts?
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
No. This is a not a sign of cataract. This is usually due to degeneration of the jelly within the eyeball (the vitreous) and it is usually due to age. You may want to see an ophthalmologist should it occur together with other symptoms, eg lots of floaters or blurring of vision.
41. Question by s*****
Dear Dr, Please advise if above (Cataract removal by Castor Oil application on eye) can be effected over a period of 6months to clear the ill-effect permanentally.
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
Currently, there is no published evidence to show that castor oil can remove cataracts. As such, hospitals do not prescribe such a treatment for cataracts.
42. Question by C**************
Hi Dr,
My father had surgery to remove cataracts 2 days ago.
Must he wear Sunglasses when he is at home or when he is sitting near windows ?
Thanks
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
Sunglasses can be used after cataract surgery. It serves as a protective shield in the early stages after surgery and helps to reduce glare in the early stages. Your dad can use it whenever he feels there is a need for it.
43. Question by J************
- is it true each eye can only operate once in a lifetime?
- if need to operate and yet keep delaying may result unable to operate in the future?
- why I heard some people after operating need to wear specs for presbyopia even multi lens was performed? Thank you.
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
- Normal cataract surgery is only required once in a lifetime. However, should the surgery be complicated, there may be a requirement for additional surgeries.
- The longer we delay a cataract surgery, the denser the cataract will become. This will mean that in future, the surgery may be more difficult resulting in greater risks of complications and longer time required for recovery.
- Yes, in some individuals, they may still require glasses for certain activities even after using multifocal intraocular lenses. Most patients are spectacle independent after cataract surgery with multifocal intraocular lenses, but not all. This is a known limitation of multifocal intraocular lenses.
44. Question by P********
Hi,
I am in my early thirties and was diagnosed with mild cataract in my right eye. May I know can I book your appointment for second opinion consultation? If yes, how do I go about in making the booking.
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
You can contact our Appointments Department directly at +65 6227 7266 or email appointments@snec.com.sg to schedule an appointment to see an eye specialist at Singapore National Eye Centre.
45. Question by y***********
Is there a greater risk of retinal detachment detachment as I have been having floaters?
Answered by the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department:
Floaters on its own do not increase the risks of retinal detachment. But floaters can be a sign of a retinal tear which may lead to retinal detachment.
ABOUT DR MELISSA WONG
Dr Melissa Wong is a Senior Consultant with the Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology, as well as the Refractive Surgery departments at SNEC.
She obtained her medical degree from the National University of Singapore in 2005; qualified as a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2009; obtained her Master of Medicine (Ophthalmology) qualifications in 2010 and completed a further 3 years of advance surgical training at SNEC.
In 2013, she obtained Fellowships from both The Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and Academy of Medicine (Singapore). Dr Wong completed her subspecialty fellowship training in complex cataract surgery at SNEC in 2015. Her current interests are in cataract surgery including femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery, as well as refractive surgery.
Dr Wong is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School since 2017 as well as Clinical Lecturer with Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore since 2015.
