WHAT IS CATARACT?

Cataract is a condition in which the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, preventing sufficient light rays from entering the eye and impairing vision.

WHAT CAUSES CATARACT?

It is common in the elderly as it normally due to the ageing process. Prolonged UV light exposure, long term use of medication and certain illnesses like diabetes are also risk factors to the development of cataracts. In the young, cataract can be present at birth or develop as a result of injury.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The first sign is usually blurring of vision that cannot be corrected by glasses. Other symptoms may include frequent change of glasses, colours appearing dull, poor vision in bright light, glare, haloes around lights, difficulty reading or watching television or driving at night.

HOW ARE CATARACTS DIAGNOSED?

Your eye doctor will be able to easily diagnose cataract when you come for an eye examination.

CATARACT SURGERY

Cataract surgery will usually be advised by your surgeon when your poor vision cannot be improved well with glasses and when it interferes with your daily activities.

Our surgeons are able to perform cataract surgery using the latest techniques, machines and instruments, making cataract surgery nowadays comfortable, safe and quick to recover from.  

Cataract surgery is performed as a day/ambulatory surgery. 91.5% of our cataract surgeries are performed by phacoemulsification.

Phacoemulsification involves making a small incision of 1.5 to 3.0mm on the cornea. The vibrating phacoemulsification instrument is introduced into the eye through the small wound. It causes emulsification (softening) of the cataract lens which is aspirated out through the instrument at the same time.The capsule of the lens is left behind which then receives the artificial lens implant. The surgery is complete without any need for stitches.

The eye specialists at the Singapore National Eye Centre perform over 8000 cataract surgeries a year. We will continue to be instrumental in bringing advanced microsurgical techniques and lens implant technology to the nation and region.  

* This is a general guide. If in doubt, please consult your doctor.