Everyone will get cataract at some point in time – that is if you’re blessed with long life. Cataract usually starts to develop when we reach around the age of 50 and above. In fact cataract surgery is the most common eye surgery in the world! However, there are still questions when it comes to cataract surgery, here are the most commonly asked questions about cataract surgery in Singapore!
Is cataract surgery safe?
Although the risk of complications from cataract surgery are considered low, nevertheless, there is still riskinvolved in cataract surgery such as inflammation, retinal detachment, secondary cataract, bleeding, infection, or swelling. The risk of such complications can usually be lowered if you followed the post-surgery instructions given to your doctor.
How do I go for a cataract surgery?
First thing first, you have to consult your doctor and undergo eye examinations to assess your eye condition and also to decide which lens implants best for you. You might be given a prescribed eye drops to prep your eyes for surgery to reduce potential infection risk. You might also need to fast 12 hours before surgery and stop consuming certain medications that could disturb the surgery.
On the day of the surgery, ask someone to drive you to the hospital since you are not allowed to drive right after the surgery. Wear comfortable clothes but don’t wear your contact lenses, makeup or perfumes as they are not allowed during your surgery
How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?
Usually, you will get discharged on the same day. The soreness and discomfort post-surgery usually will go away within a few days. Usually, you will be fully recovered within 4-6 weeks.
Can I Work after Cataract Surgery?
Depending on the type of work, you can do computer work after cataracts surgery. However, if your work requires strenuous activities such as heavy lifting, you may want to take a few days or even weeks to rest. It’s because those heavy activities might put pressure on your eye and will affect your recovery process.
How Much Does a Cataract Surgery Cost in Singapore?
Depending on which hospital you choose to do the procedure, the cost for cataract surgery in Singapore can be different. For Subsidized-public hospitals, it can cost SGD$800- SGD$1,200 per eye, for Private-public hospitals it costs around SGD$4000 – SGD$6000 per eye, and for Private hospitals, it costs SGD$4000 – SGD$8000 per eye. Those are the prices only for the surgery. You also need to pay for eye tests and consultation fees prior to surgery.
In Singapore, you can use your Medisave or private health insurance to cover some, if not all the cost of your cataract surgery. The amount covered can be different depending on the clinic and your insurance policy. The best way to make sure is by asking your eye clinic and insurance company to check your coverage policy.
We hope that these will help you to understand better about cataract and cataract surgery in Singapore. Before you go, you might want to book an appointment with a doctor to check your eye condition. You might think that there is nothing wrong with your eyes yet let alone any cataract symptoms. But cataract develops over time. That is why checking up on your eyes not only able to detect early development of cataracts but also to keeping an eye on your eyes health to reduce the risk of cataracts in the future.
