What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is the main treatment for cataracts and can help improve vision when the cloudy natural lens begins to affect daily activities. It is usually performed as a day surgery procedure, so an overnight hospital stay is generally not required.
Cataract surgery is generally safe and effective, and most people experience improved vision after surgery. As with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications, although serious complications are uncommon.
Standard cataract surgery
Standard cataract surgery usually involves phacoemulsification, a technique that uses ultrasound energy to break up and remove the cloudy lens. It is generally performed under local or topical anaesthesia.
During surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision of about 2 mm to access the eye. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant. The back portion of the lens capsule is usually left in place to support the lens implant. The small incision usually does not require stitches and can heal naturally.
Cataract surgery in progress.
Modern cataract surgery is so advanced that the eye can regain its normal state within a very short time. This patient underwent cataract surgery only the day before.Cataract surgery in progress.
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) uses a femtosecond laser to perform certain surgical steps that are traditionally carried out manually. It can improve the precision and repeatability of some steps of surgery and may be useful in selected cases.
FLACS is not suitable or necessary for every patient. Whether femtosecond laser technology is appropriate depends on the patient’s eye condition, the type and complexity of the cataract, and the surgical requirements.
Lens Implant Options
Artificial lens implants help the eye refocus light after the cloudy natural lens is removed. Different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) are available and can be selected based on your eye health, vision requirements and lifestyle.
Some IOLs can also correct astigmatism or presbyopia, which may reduce the need for glasses after surgery.
A standard monofocal lens is a good choice for crisp vision at a pre-determined distance. If a monofocal lens was used to target good distance vision, reading glasses would usually be necessary to focus clearly on near objects. Conversely, if a monofocal lens was used to target reading distance, glasses would be required to view distance objects.
Some people may also opt for “monovision”, which is to target a slight difference between the 2 eyes so that 1 eye is targeted for distance while the other eye is for near. When used together, each eye complements the other so one can see a range of distances.
Artificial lens implanted in the eye to help focus light.Multifocal lenses are designed to allow for a range of distances without the need for glasses. These implants are popular with those who want to eliminate or reduce the need for glasses. However, not everyone is suitable for multifocal lens implantation.
More recently, there are extended depth of focus (EDOF) lens implants which have properties of both the monofocal as well as multifocal lens implants. EDOF lens implants may be considered in some people who are unsuitable for multifocal lenses.
A multifocal lens has multiple built-in rings for focussing on different distances.“Toric” lens implants can be used in people with high astigmatism to eliminate the need for astigmatic glasses after surgery.
A toric lens implant cancels out pre-existing astigmatism.Cataract Surgery with Dr Nikolle Tan
Dr Nikolle Tan has over 20 years of experience in cataract surgery and manages both routine and complex cataract cases. Her approach considers each patient’s eye health, visual needs and suitability for different surgical and lens implant options.
Asia Eye Centre Cataract & Retina Specialist is equipped with diagnostic and surgical technologies to support detailed assessment and cataract surgery planning. These technologies help the surgical team evaluate the eye and select an appropriate treatment approach based on each patient’s needs.
Benefits of Cataract Surgery
FAQs
There is a bewildering array of lens implant choices but implant selection must be based on one’s needs, lifestyle, and most importantly, pre-existing eye condition. Therefore just because a friend or relative had a good outcome with a certain lens implant does not mean the same implant would be suitable for you.
It is very important that you discuss the pros and cons of each implant with your eye surgeon before deciding on a lens implant.
Yes, you can go back to most daily activities like reading, watching TV, cooking, and light physical activities the day following your surgery. These will not harm your operated eye. However, it’s important to avoid swimming for the initial few weeks post-surgery to prevent any risk of infection in the operated eye, and you should also avoid putting pressure on your eye.
If you’re unsure about when it’s safe to start a particular activity again, it’s best to consult with your eye surgeon.
Post-cataract surgery, there aren’t any specific dietary restrictions you need to follow, so you can eat as you normally would. Regular medications for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart issues should be resumed after cataract surgery unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
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| Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) developing behind the lens implant a few years surgery. |
The PCO is removed after “Yag laser” treatment and vision is restored again.No, cataracts do not re-grow after they have been removed. However, the “posterior capsule” (a transparent partition in the eye that supports the lens implant) can become cloudy with time. This condition is known as “posterior capsule opacification” (PCO) and is expected to happen in about 20% of patients within 3 years of cataract surgery.
PCO can obscure vision again but it can be easily treated with a straightforward laser procedure.