Are cataracts found only in older people?
About half of the population has a cataract by age 65, and nearly everyone over 75 has at least one. But in rare cases, infants can have congenital cataracts. These are usually related to the mother having German measles, chickenpox, or another infectious disease during pregnancy, but sometimes they are inherited.

What causes cataract?
It is part of the aging process. Prolonged UV light exposure, long term use of medication and certain illnesses like diabetes are also risk factors to the development of cataracts. In the young, cataract can be present at birth or develop as a result of injury.

What are the symptoms?
In the early stages, only a doctor can detect a cataract because there may not be any symptoms. When you do start to notice changes in vision, they may include

1. Blurry distance vision, especially outdoors
2. Frequent changes in your glasses prescription (increasing shortsightedness or astigmatism)
3. Problem driving at night, streaks or rays of light seeming to come from headlights and stop lights
4. Problem with glare from lamps or sun
5. Print appearing faded and lacking in contract
6. Colors appearing faded or changed in hue, blue may appear to be green and yellow may look white
7. Double vision

My doctor says l have to wait until it is “mature” for the surgery, is that correct?
Normally, we suggest our patients to remove the cataract once it affects the vision. The longer you wait for the treatment, the higher the operation risk is.

When should I have my cataract surgery done?
If most of the below situations apply to you, it is time to consider cataract removal surgery

1. I need to drive, but there is too much glare from the sun or headlights
2. I do not see well enough to do my best at work
3. I do not see well enough to do the things l need to do at home
4. I do not see well enough to do things l like to do, for example reading, watching TV, sewing)
5. I start to bump into something or fall
6. Because of my cataract, l am not as independent as l would like to be
7. My glasses do not help me see well enough
8. My eyesight bothers me a lot

Do I have to wear patches over my eyes after the procedure?
No you will not need to wear patches or bandages.

Can I travel by airplane after the surgery?
It is not a problem to travel by airplane after the surgery.

What can’t l do after the treatment?
We suggest you take it easy after the treatment for 1 month. There shall be no carrying of heavy things or bending forward, diving, gardening or hectic sports.

What is the after treatment care?
Anti-Inflammation and Anti-Infection eye drops will be prescribed to guard against infection and help your eye heal. For a few days, you may need to wear a clear shield when you sleep to prevent rubbing of your eyes.
After the treatment, doctor needs to see you again within 24 hours for an evaluation.           You will need to come back for a 1 week and 1 month check up.

Can you laser the cataract?
No, we don’t laser the cataract. We have to use a technique call phacoemulsification (phaco) or small incision surgery to remove the cataract.

What are the advantages of phaco?

1. Faster recovery of good vision
2. Faster return to normal activities
3. Good vision in a matter of days instead of weeks or even months
4. Return home within hours of the procedure
5. Reduces the chance of surgically induced astigmatism or ruptured sutures

Small incision surgery not only speeds the healing and recovery process but also reduces the risk of possible complications. In traditional surgery, tying the sutures too tightly may create astigmatism or a distortion of vision. The patient may experience blurred vision until natural healing corrects the astigmatism or the sutures are removed. However, if tied too loosely, the incision may leak or rupture. A small incision can be closed very securely; there is less chance of leakage and ruptured sutures.

My father had cataract surgery a few years ago, and he had to wear thick glasses afterward. Is this still necessary?
Nowadays, cataract patients who have intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted during surgery may need reading glasses for close vision, but that's about it. In fact, with the newer multifocal IOLs, even reading glasses are unnecessary. People who don't receive IOLs wear contact lenses for distance vision, with reading glasses for close up. Or they may wear multifocal contact lenses for all distances. Rarely does anyone have to wear thick eyeglasses now.

What is the difference between monofocal and multifocal IOLs?
Monofocal IOLs enable you to see distance, but might require a pair of reading glasses for near.
In general, Multifocal IOLs allows the ability to see up close activities like reading, and at distance activities without any glasses.

Can a cataract return?
A cataract cannot return because the lens has been removed. However the lens capsule later can become cloudy again. The treatment for this condition is called YAG Capsulotomy. Doctor uses a laser (light) beam to make a tiny hole in the capsule to let light pass. This procedure is painless and only takes 5 mins.

What are the benefits of cataract surgery?
Improvements in Activities

1. Everyday activities
2. Driving
3. Reading
4. Working
5. Moving around
6. Social activities
7. Hobbies
8. Safety
9. Self-confidence
10. Independence

What are the possible side effects of cataract surgery?
Risks; Possible Complications (all rare)

1. High pressure in the eye
2. Artificial lens dislocation
3. Drooping eyelid
4. Infection inside the eye
5. Retinal detachment or swelling
6. Sever bleeding inside the eye
7. Swelling or clouding of the cornea

Will my health insurance cover the Cataract Surgery cost?
Yes. Please refer to the terms and conditions of your health insurance policy.