How is cataract surgery performed in Singapore, and what is it like to undergo cataract removal surgery?

Doctor's Answers 1

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Dr Claudine Pang

Ophthalmologist

Before your cataract surgery, your eye doctor would have discussed with you at length the type of intraocular lens that will be implanted in your eye.

In addition, your eye doctor would have made detailed measurements and calculations of your eye in order to determine the best power for your lens implant.

Leading up to cataract surgery, your eye doctor will prescribe some eyedrops for you to put in your operated eye 2-3 days before surgery. These eyedrops include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eyedrops to prep your eye before surgery.

Cataract surgery in Singapore is performed as a day surgery procedure. You would need to fast for 6 hours before the procedure and you should arrive to the day surgery ward about 3 hours before the surgery time to prepare. You would need to get changed and receive eyedrops to dilate your pupils in that time.

If you are my patient, you would be having a good nap and sweet dreams during the entire surgery and by the time you are awake, the surgery would be over.

After the surgery is over, you will be kept in observation for 1-2 hours. Depending on well you feel, you may start eating your meal as per normal and you will be ready to go home soon after. That makes the entire duration of your stay in the day surgery ward approximately 6 hours from the time you arrive to the time you leave.

Similar Questions

Is it best for the cataract surgery to be done with or without anesthesia?

I prefer to perform cataract surgery with my patients under monitored sedation (this is different from general anaesthesia or GA). Monitored sedation is when patients are completely asleep (without the need for GA) and under the close monitoring of an anaesthetist. Monitored sedation (unlike GA) is very safe, even for patients who have pre-existing medical conditions. I believe that patients have the best experience and are most comfortable when they are completely unaware of the ongoings of the surgery.

Photo of Dr Claudine Pang

Answered By

Dr Claudine Pang

Ophthalmologist

When should a cataract surgery be avoided?

Cataract surgery has evolved in recent years into a highly successful eye surgery, capable of removing a hardened lens and even improving one's eyesight free of power like myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and even presbyopia. For that, it is really a type of refractive surgery, when a customized lens implant is chosen. When there is minimal cataract, one should weigh the pros and cons of the surgery before deciding for or against it. There may be benefit in a cataract surgery even when there is no cataract, such as when there is a threat of narrow angle glaucoma.

Photo of Dr Daphne Han

Answered By

Dr Daphne Han

Ophthalmologist

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