If advised to seek treatment for cataracts, seeing a top cataract specialist in Singapore is crucial because they have advanced expertise in treating this condition. The best specialists are skilled in accurate diagnosis and up-to-date treatments. They ensure personalized care, addressing specific needs. Opting for the finest treatment options matters as it directly influences your vision improvement and overall well-being. The top treatments offered by experts promise better outcomes, reduced risks, and faster recovery.
What are the Different Types of Cataracts?
To begin, knowing the exact cataract type is vital for correct diagnosis and surgery planning. When seeing a top cataract specialist in Singapore, they’ll evaluate your situation before advising on surgery. An experienced eye doctor can precisely identify your cataract type. After diagnosis, they’ll suggest the best treatment approach for you. Here are the different methods of classifying cataracts;
Classification Based on the Affected Part of Lens:
- Nuclear Cataract: When cataracts emerge at the center of the lens, around its nucleus, they are called nuclear cataracts. These are often connected with aging. The result can be a slow decline in near vision and a need for a new prescription as things become blurrier up close.
- Cortical Cataract: Cortical cataracts start at the edges of the lens and then move toward the center in a wedge-like pattern. They create streaks resembling spokes of a wheel. These streaks can scatter light, leading to glare and difficulties in perceiving contrasts.
- Posterior Capsular Cataract: This type forms at the back of the lens and can progress more swiftly compared to other types. Vision deteriorates significantly, and issues with glare and light sensitivity can arise.
Classification Based on the Cause of Cataract:
- Congenital Cataract: Some people are born with cataracts or develop them shortly after birth. These are congenital cataracts. They might affect one or both eyes and could hinder a child’s visual development if not treated early.
- Secondary Cataract: Medical conditions like diabetes or the use of medications such as steroids can lead to secondary cataracts. These might appear months or even years after the original condition or treatment.
- Traumatic Cataract: As the name suggests, these cataracts result from eye injuries. They can emerge immediately after the injury or take time to develop. Blunt force or eye penetration can damage the lens, causing it to become cloudy.
- Radiation Cataract: Exposure to certain types of radiation, like that from cancer treatments or prolonged sunlight exposure, can lead to radiation cataracts. These might take years to manifest and can gradually affect vision.
- Age-Related Cataract: The most common type, age-related cataracts, naturally occur with aging. Proteins in the lens break down and clump, leading to cloudiness. Blurred vision, glare, and nighttime visibility issues are typical symptoms.
- Drug-Induced Cataract: Prolonged use of certain medications, can also contribute to cataract formation. Corticosteroids are a good example of the group of medications that may lead to cataract formation. It’s crucial to discuss potential medication side effects with your healthcare provider.
What Technique is used in Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery has evolved with scientific and technological advancements. Today, top cataract specialists offer various techniques for effective treatment. These surgical methods include;
- Micro-incision Cataract Surgery (MICS): In this technique, a tiny incision, around 2.2 mm in size, is made on the cornea. Through this small opening, the surgeon accesses the affected lens. The process of emulsification breaks down the cataract, which is then removed. A foldable Intraocular Lens (IOL) is inserted to replace the natural lens. This procedure is swift, painless, and stitch-less, resulting in rapid healing. The smaller incision reduces astigmatism after surgery, leading to improved vision. MICS has gained popularity due to its minimally invasive nature and enhanced recovery.
- Phacoemulsification: Phacoemulsification is a widely used technique where a 2.8 mm incision is made. An ultrasonic phacoemulsification probe is employed to break down the cataract into tiny fragments, which are then gently suctioned out. The surgical incision is small, resulting in faster healing without the need for stitches. Following cataract removal, a flexible IOL is implanted. Phacoemulsification offers precise and controlled cataract removal, making it a favored choice among surgeons.
- Small Incision Suture-less Cataract Surgery: This technique involves a larger incision, around 6 mm, created in the sclera (white part of the eye) rather than the cornea. It is particularly useful for advanced or hypermature cataracts that may not be suitable for phacoemulsification due to increased risk. This method prevents damage to the cornea. Cataract removal is carried out manually, and an IOL is implanted afterward. Although the incision is larger compared to other methods, this technique remains a valuable option for complex cases.
What are the three types of Lenses for Cataract Surgery?
When seeing a cataract specialist, it does also help to understand your options for intraocular lenses (IOLs). A top cataract specialist in Singapore will guide you through these choices to find what suits you best. Here are the three types of lenses for cataract surgery;
- Monofocal Lenses: These lenses offer clear vision either for distance or up-close tasks. You decide which focus is more important. For example, you might choose distant vision clarity for activities like driving, using glasses only for close-up work. On the other hand, if you’re an artist or a dentist, you might prioritize near vision, wearing glasses for distance.
- Toric Lenses: These lenses address astigmatism, a common condition that blurs vision. By reducing astigmatism, toric lenses improve overall vision quality, enhancing both distant and nearby vision.
- Presbyopia-Correcting Lenses: Also known as multi-focal or extended depth-of-focus lenses, these correct vision for both near and far distances. This option can decrease your reliance on reading glasses and distance glasses post-surgery, providing more comprehensive visual improvement.
A Final Word on Cataract Surgery Techniques
If you have an appointment with a top cataract specialist in Singapore, you may also wonder, which IOL is best for cataract surgery? Now, the answer hinges on your preferences. If post-surgery glasses don’t bother you, a monofocal lens could suffice.
To tackle astigmatism without needing distance glasses, a toric lens might fit the bill. Opt for a presbyopia-correcting lens if you do not fancy both distance and reading glasses post-surgery.
It’s truly about refining your vision and lifestyle to your liking. So, be sure to discuss your needs and desires with your cataract specialist for a pleasant experience following a cataract surgery.
If you’re yet to find a top cataract specialist in Singapore, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with us to have all your concerns addressed, and get a tailored treatment for your needs. Call or visit us at;
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Glaucoma | Cataract Surgery | Retina Specialist | Ophthalmologist Singapore
38 Irrawaddy Road Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre,
#06-25,
Singapore 329563
+65 6334 2282
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