A cataract is a condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, impairing vision and making everyday tasks difficult. It typically develops gradually and is often associated with factors that affect eye health, such as aging. However, trauma or injury to the eye can also contribute to the development of cataracts.
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide among individuals over the age of 40. This condition should not be taken lightly, as it cannot be reversed with eye drops alone. If you experience vision problems, it is crucial to consult your doctor promptly to determine whether cataracts are the cause.
Treatment for cataracts involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens implant, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). Asia Retina offers all types of IOLs, providing a comprehensive range of options tailored to your comfort, medical needs, and lifestyle preferences.
Asia Retina provides both Bladed and Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery, tailored to each patient’s medical condition. Dr Claudine Pang conducts a thorough assessment and offers personalized recommendations to ensure the most suitable approach. The procedure typically takes around 30 minutes, and for maximum patient comfort, Asia Retina opts for full sedation, ensuring you remain completely unaware of the process during surgery.
Cataract removal surgery is among the most common procedures performed today. It is typically done as a day surgery, so an overnight stay is not required. While the recovery process is generally smooth and painless, it is essential to follow aftercare instructions, especially those provided by your eye doctor, to ensure optimal healing.
To begin with, you’ll need someone to pick you up from the hospital, as driving on the first day is not recommended. It’s also important to take a few days off work. While some patients recover so well that they feel ready to return to their normal activities immediately, it’s best to allow yourself time to rest at home before resuming work or daily tasks.
You can inquire about the costs associated with the procedure, as expenses will vary depending on whether you are a private or subsidized patient.
For cataract surgery, charges typically range from $1,300 to $4,500 per eye, depending on whether it is performed in a private or public hospital. If you opt for a premium lens, the cost will increase to between $4,500 and $7,000.
It’s important to note that the final cost may be higher as it will also include additional factors such as hospital or day-surgery facility fees, the anaesthetist’s charges, and any necessary pre- and post-surgery consultations. Therefore, when estimating the total expenses, be sure to account for all these components.
Although medical complications are rare, each individual’s response to surgery can vary. Should any complications arise, treatment may take longer and incur additional costs. The final expense will depend on factors such as the equipment used and duration of surgical theatre used. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to provide an exact price upfront, as unforeseen issues may occur during or after the procedure.
If you’re concerned about the cost of cataract surgery in Singapore, you’ll be pleased to know that Asia Retina offers cataract surgery that is both fully Medisave- and insurance-claimable.
At Asia Retina, we take pride in providing our patients with the most predictable and best visual outcomes at affordable prices. In case you’re worried about the cost of cataract surgery in Singapore, I’m pleased to inform you that cataract surgery at Asia Retina is both Medisave and insurance claimable.
For Medisave, Singaporeans and Permanent Residents can expect to claim $2,450 off surgical costs using either their own Medisave or their immediate family member’s Medisave.
For insurance, depending on your policy and medishield riders, it is possible to claim up to the full amount of cost including pre-surgery and post-surgery visits.
Asia Retina will gladly guide you through the claims process.
Complications from cataract surgery are not very common and most cases are easily treatable. Some cataract surgery complications include:
The duration of a cataract surgery is about 20 minutes. However, the anaesthesia takes about 30 minutes to an hour to wear off.
Cataract surgery is not painful as there will be numbing eye drops applied before the procedure. The effects of the eye drops will wear off a few hours after the surgery.
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Your vision will be very clear after the surgery. This is because the cloudy lens affected by the cataract has been removed and replaced with a much clearer artificial lens. However, most people only have their eyes stabilised about 2-4 months after surgery, after which they will go back to the ophthalmologist to get their eyes checked again.
You may need a new set of prescription eyeglasses depending on the type of artificial lens you have gotten. Your vision may not be perfect but it will definitely be better than before the surgery.
