Cataract is one of the most common eye conditions characterised by clouding of the eye’s lens, resulting in blurred vision. It is an age-related condition, and the chances of acquiring this condition are very high as we get older. However, thanks to the advancement in medical technology, cataract surgery and bladeless cataract surgery, in particular, is considered a secure and effective means of restoring the clarity of vision. In Singapore, first-class ophthalmologists like Dr. David Goh have been in the frontline to offer this cutting-edge procedure and assure patients of receiving the best care.

Understanding Cataracts

They form because of a clumping together of protein in the lens of the eye, creating opacities across the lens that impede the normal, clear passage of light through the lens. The symptoms associated with cataracts are blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and trouble seeing at night. Unless treated, cataracts can cause severe vision loss.

Cataract may be categorised commonly according to their appearance into three:

• No Cataract: The lens remains clear, allowing for unobstructed vision.
• Yellow Cataract: The lens takes on a yellowish hue, causing a gradual decline in vision quality.
• White Cataract: This would look totally white and opaque, with very poor vision.

Although cataracts are most commonly associated with ageing, they can also be brought on through eye injuries, certain medications, or even health conditions such as diabetes.

The Evolution of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery has undergone many modifications since its commencement. During conventional cataract surgery, a series of tiny incisions is made around an eye to extract the cloudy lens of the eye and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens. As if this technique were not effective enough, the discovery of bladeless cataract surgery has transformed that surgery into one more accurate and safe.

Bladeless Cataract Surgery: A Modern Approach

Bladeless cataract surgery, also called femtosecond bladeless laser cataract surgery, uses advanced laser technology to perform some of the surgical steps. There are no surgical blades involved in this technique. This has numerous advantages:

1. Precision: The femtosecond laser makes very accurate, reproducible incisions and opens the cataract capsule with exceptional preciseness. This preciseness minimises the chance of complications and optimises the overall outcome of the surgery.
2. Safety: FLACS decreases the quantum of ultrasound energy required to break the cataract, hence minimising the risk of damage to the structures surrounding the breakage inside the eye. Of special value in patients with dense or hard cataracts.
3. Efficiency: The fragmenting by the laser into smaller pieces makes removal easier and faster, leading to shorter surgery times and quicker recoveries.
4. Improved Visual Outcomes: With the increased precision of FLACS, improved refractive outcomes commonly eliminate the concern of glasses or contact lenses following surgery. Again, this is very important for those desiring premium IOLs, such as multifocal or toric lenses that correct both distance and near vision.

The Procedure: What to Expect

Bladeless cataract surgery can be performed only after proper consultation and assessment have been done. Dr. David Goh will do an extensive assessment to include the following:

• Pupil Dilation: To assess the density and hardness of the cataract.
• Biometry: Accurate measurements of the eye’s axial length and corneal curvature to determine the most suitable IOL.
• Refractive Assessment: It is done for diagnosing myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia in order to tailor the surgical plan.

Under surgery, the femtosecond laser makes precise incisions and fragments the cataract. The fragmented pieces of the cataract are then removed through a process called phacoemulsification, a process wherein ultrasound energy is applied to emulsify and aspirate the cataract. Finally, an intraocular lens of choice is placed at the site to restore clear vision.

The whole process usually takes about 30 minutes, where the patient is under local anaesthesia. Most patients have very little discomfort and most often report very significant improvement in their vision by the next day.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

There might be some minor irritation or redness following the surgery, which generally settles after a few days. It is crucial to note Dr. Goh’s post-operative care instructions that may include:

• Wearing an Eye Shield: This will protect the eye from being accidentally rubbed in sleep.
• Using Prescribed Eye Drops: These could be used to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
• Avoiding Strenuous Activities: These must be avoided for a few weeks while the eye heals.

Most patients usually attain stable vision within 3-4 weeks following the surgery. By that time, a follow-up visit will determine whether further correction of the vision will be required through eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Choosing the Right Intraocular Lens (IOL)

Choosing the right IOL is one of the most important decisions in cataract surgery. Several types of IOLs are available, each with different benefits:

1. Monofocal IOLs: These lenses are designed to provide clear vision at only one distance-usually distance vision. It may be necessary to wear reading glasses for close-up work.
2. Toric IOLs: These are best suited for patients suffering from astigmatism. The Toric lens corrects the cataract and irregular curvature of the cornea, minimising additional glasses after surgery.
3. Multifocal IOLs: These lenses allow clear vision at multiple distances for the patient, so they can see well without glasses both near and far. Multifocal IOLs are of special help to people who want to minimise their dependence on reading eyeglasses.

Is Bladeless Cataract Surgery Right for You?

However, not everyone will be a good candidate for this because it has some contraindications for certain eye conditions such as severe astigmatism and high degrees of myopia. Dr. David Goh will explain the pros and cons about bladeless cataract surgery during the consultation and make a decision based on your individual needs.

Conclusion

Bladeless cataract surgery in Singapore is the ideal of modern ophthalmology, affording unequalled precision, safety, and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity. In Singapore, Dr. David Goh is dedicated to offering this avant-garde procedure that helps restore vision and improves the quality of life. If you are considering cataract surgery, consult with Dr. Goh to explore whether bladeless cataract surgery is right for you.