What is it?
Cataracts are the most common cause of poor vision in the elderly. It is a curable form of blindness.
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. The lens is a clear disc within the eyeball. It is normally transparent and is situated behind the pupil. It focuses incoming light rays to form a sharp, distinct image onto the retina, similar to the way a camera lens focuses an image onto film.
A cataract is like a dirty or cloudy camera lens. It blocks light rays from entering the eye, thus blurring vision.
Surgery is the only effective way to remove a cataract. Most of our cataract surgeries are performed by Phacoemulsification. This procedure is a recent advancement in the technique of cataract surgery. Using ultrasonic power, the cataract can be removed through a smaller wound. Suturing is usually not required and restoration of vision is faster.
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Do I need it?
Your doctor may suggest cataract surgery if a cataract is making it difficult for you to carry out your normal activities. You might also consider surgery to remove a cataract that is causing problems with glare or double vision.
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How do I prepare?
Your doctor will perform a painless ultrasound test to measure the size and shape of your eye. This helps to determine the proper power of the lens implant.
Your doctor will also enquire about your general health and assess your fitness for surgery.
Inform your doctor if:
a. You or your immediate family has had any problems with anesthesia
b. You are taking medication or have used steroids in the past year
c. You have a bleeding disorder
d. You have sickle cell anemia
e. You are pregnant
Selected blood tests and possibly a Chest X-ray and Electrocardiogram (ECG) may be required prior to surgery.
You should not take aspirin, or medications containing aspirin, for at least 2 weeks before the surgery.
If you get an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) or fever during the five days prior to surgery, please inform your doctor. Your doctor may need to reschedule the surgery as an URTI may increase the risk from anesthesia.
Do not eat or drink after midnight before your surgery. This restriction includes water. The contents of the stomach may be vomited during induction of anesthesia and this is dangerous.
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What to expect
The procedure will take usually take less than an hour. Eye drops will be placed in your eyes to dilate the pupils and local anesthetics will numb the area. You will also be given sedation to help you relax. In special instances, general anesthesia may be required.
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Next actions
As you have been administered sedatives, you might feel slightly drowsy for a short time after the procedure. Therefore, an adult must accompany you home. For the next 24 hours, a small amount of sedative may still be present in your body. Hence, you are advised not to carry out the following:
a. Drive a vehicle
b. Drink alcohol
c. Operate machinery
d. Take sedatives unless prescribed by the doctor
e. Sign any legal documents
You will be given an appointment for follow-up at the clinic. If you have been given a prescription, you should then go to the pharmacy to collect your medicine
If you experience significant eye pain not relieved by medication, vision loss, increased eye redness, flashes of light or multiple spots (floaters), please seek treatment at the Emergency Department TTSH.
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