Cataract

2025/07/03

What is Cataract

Cataract refers to the clouding of the native lens of the human eye. While it usually occurs with ageing, certain individuals, such as those with diabetes and those on long-term steroid use, may experience its onset earlier.

Cataract Occurs Here

Symptoms and Causes

What Are The Symptoms?

Patients most commonly experience a gradual and painless blurring of vision, with one eye potentially being more affected than the other.

Common signs of cataract include:

Cloudy, blurry or foggy vision
Dimming of vision
Increased glare
Loss of colour vibrancy

Cataract Vision

What Causes Cataract?

Ageing is the most common cause of cataract, with most forms developing in adulthood. As we age, the protein in our lens undergoes gradual changes, causing it to clump together to cloud the lens. This results in increased thickness, reduced transparency and a yellowish tint.

Other Risk Factors Include:

Diabetes
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Genetic disorders
Smoking
Prolonged use of drugs
Previous eye injury or trauma

What Can I Do To Prevent Cataract?

Currently, there is no established method for preventing cataracts. However, adopting standard precautions such as minimising sunlight exposure (ultraviolet rays) may slow down its progression.

Treatment Options for Cataract

What Treatment Is Available For Cataract?

Early cataract is managed conservatively, and patients are usually prescribed glasses to aid their vision. When cataract affects one’s vision significantly, or in some individuals who may have other eye problems, cataract is managed by the surgical removal of the lens (cataract extraction surgery).

When Do I Have To Remove My Cataract(s)?

Cataract surgery is recommended when visual impairment affects daily activities such as dressing, navigating, cooking, showering, etc., or when the severity of cataract becomes more severe. There is no absolute cut-off age for cataract surgery.

What Happens If I Leave My Cataract(s) Untreated?

If left untreated, cataract(s) may lead to progressive loss of vision and eventually reversible blindness. In rare circumstances, it may cause acute angle closure.

What Are Some Important Pre-operative Information Required?

You MUST inform your surgeon if you have undergone laser refractive surgery (e.g. LASIK, PRK, epi-LASIK, SMILE) previously. Please bring along records of your previous treatment as the information is important in ensuring accurate IOL calculation.
You will need to stop wearing contact lens (at least one week for soft lens and at least two weeks for hard lens) prior to undergoing intraocular lens (IOL) calculation for surgical planning.

Cataract Surgery

What Are The Types Of Cataract Surgery?

The most common forms of cataract surgery are:
1. Phacoemulsification
A 20-minute procedure often performed under local anaesthesia as a day surgery.

2. Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE)
Lasting about 30 minutes, this surgery requires a larger incision and visual rehabilitation will take longer. Sutures may need to be removed one to two months after surgery.

3. Femtoseond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)
FLACS is the latest type of cataract extraction surgery, where a precise laser is used to replace certain steps of standard phacoemulsification. A laser creates an opening in the anterior lens capsule and softens the lens nucleus.

Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery: Is It Right For You?

What Is Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery?

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) is the latest type of cataract extraction surgery, where a precise laser is used to replace certain steps of standard phacoemulsification. A laser creates an opening in the anterior lens capsule and soften the lens nucleus. It aims to reduce damage to the inner surface of the cornea while increasing precision of intraocular lens placement.

The laser procedure is first performed on a separate machine before the patient is transferred to the surgical bed for completion of the cataract surgery. The surgeon evaluate an individual's suitability for this procedure.

Will I benefit from femtosecond laser surgery

Would I See Better After FLACS Compared To Phacoemulsification?

There are many factors affecting the visual outcome after cataract surgery, such as the extent of spectacle power correction, inflammation degree and the wound healing process. It is advisable to discuss this with your eye doctor.

What Are The Additional Risks Of FLACS?

The complications associated with FLACS are similar to those of standard phacoemulsification, as evidenced by major clinical trials (Abell et al, 2014; Daya et al, 2014). The risks include anterior capsule tear and tags, increasing the likelihood of posterior capsule rupture. After the surgery, there may be swelling of the back of the eye (macula oedema) or elevated intraoperative pressure.

Who Should Consider FLACS?

FLACS may be beneficial for patients with less healthy corneas; however, it is not currently recommended as a standard procedure for all cataract surgeries (Day AC et al, 2016). The decision for FLACS should be discussed with your eye doctor.

References:

Chen X, Xiao W, Ye S, et al. Efficacy and safety of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus conventional phacoemulsification for cataract: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Sci Rep. 2015 Aug;13;5:13123.

Conrad-Hengerer I, Al Juburi M, Schultz T, et al. Corneal endothelial cell loss and corneal thickness in conventional compared with femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery: three-month follow-up. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2013 Sep;39(9):1307-13.

What To Expect During Cataract Surgery Recovery?

Cataract surgery is a common and generally safe procedure, but proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery. Knowing what to expect during the healing process can help you avoid complications and get the best results from your treatment.

1. Immediately after surgery:

You will rest in a recovery area for 15–30 minutes before going home.
A protective eye shield will be placed over your eye.
Vision may be blurry for a few days as your eye heals.

2. In the days or weeks after surgery:

Use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce swelling.
Avoid rubbing or pressing on the eye.
Keep soap and water out of the eye while showering.
Wear protective eyewear while sleeping.
Follow your doctor’s advice on when to resume driving, exercising, or other activities.

Full recovery usually takes a few weeks, and most people notice improved vision within days.

What Are Potential Risks Associated with Cataract Surgery?

While cataract surgery is generally safe, complications can still occur:

Eye infection or inflammation
Bleeding inside the eye
Swelling of the cornea or retina
Retinal detachment
Blurred vision or visual disturbances (halos, glare)
Vision loss in rare cases
Persistent eye pain despite medication

What Intraocular Lenses Are Suitable For Me

What Are Intraocular Lenses?

Intraocular lens (IOL) focuses light beams onto the retina, enabling distant objects to appear sharp without the need for glasses. The lens is placed into the capsular bag at the end of cataract surgery.

What are intraocular lens

What Are The Different Types Of Intraocular Lenses?

Monofocal IOL

Standard monofocal lens corrects for distance vision; however, reading glasses will still be required for near vision.

Monovision is a form of presbyopic correction whereby one eye is corrected for distance and the fellow eye is corrected for near vision. This allows for spectacle independence in selected patients. However, fine depth perception may be compromised.

Multifocal IOL

Multifocal IOL reduces spectacle dependence by correcting for both distance and near vision in both eyes. However, these IOLs may be associated with increased glare and haloes, and a reduction in contrast. In rare instances, a second procedure may be necessary to refine refractive correction. Multifocal IOLs are generally not recommended for individuals who have undergone previous refractive surgery.

Toric IOL

Some patients may have high corneal astigmatism that requires correction. Standard IOLs do not correct for astigmatism. Residual astigmatism can be corrected with the use of glasses post-operatively, corneal incisions or with toric IOL. Toric IOL aims to reduce residual astigmatism, but in some rare instances, repeat surgery may be required to adjust the IOL rotation.

What Are Some Questions To Consider In Deciding My Preferred Choice Of IOL?

Do you mind wearing glasses (for distance and/or near)?
Do you hope to be spectacle-free?
Are you very sensitive to glare and haloes?
Do you do a lot of reading or computer work?
Would I be suitable for monovision?
What are my hobbies?

For More Information:

Book an appointment with the NUH Eye Surgery Centre for a comprehensive eye check-up and recommendations for your individualised treatment plan.

Doctors

Professor Paul Chew
A/Prof Clement Tan
A/Prof Caroline Chee
A/Prof Victor Koh
A/Prof Ray Manotosh
A/Prof Su Xinyi
Adj A/Prof Gangadhara Sundar
Adj A/Prof Loon Seng Chee
Dr Charmaine Chai
Dr Chan Hwei Wuen
Dr Lai Yien
Dr Janice Lam
Dr Blanche Lim
Dr Dawn Lim
Dr Laurence Lim
Dr Vivien Lim
Dr Katherine Lun
Dr Sun Chen-Hsin
Dr Marcus Tan Chun Jin
Dr George Thomas
Dr Yuen Yew Sen
Associate Professor Lingam Gopal (Visiting Senior Consultant)
Associate Professor Chelvin Sng (Visiting Senior Consultant)
Dr Lennard Thean (Visiting Senior Consultant)
Dr Paul Zhao (Visiting Senior Consultant)
Dr Anna Tan (Visiting Senior Consultant)