Cataract surgery in Singapore
What is a Cataract?
Inside the eye is a natural lens that focuses light so we can see clearly at different distances.
With age, the lens gradually becomes cloudy. This condition is called a cataract.
Common symptoms include:
blurred or cloudy vision
glare from headlights at night
difficulty reading or recognising faces
colours appearing dull or yellow
frequent changes in glasses prescription
Many patients first notice symptoms when they begin needing reading glasses.
How is a Cataract treated?
Cataract surgery is performed as a day surgery procedure. You can choose to be sedated or to be awake but with no feeling of pain.
During the operation:
The cloudy natural lens is removed.
A clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted.
Vision becomes clearer once the cloudy lens is replaced.
The surgery typically takes 10–15 minutes per eye, and patients go home the same day.
Many patients return to normal daily activities within a few days.
Cataract Surgery by an Experienced Cataract Surgeon in Singapore
Cataracts are one of the most common causes of blurred vision as we age. When the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, vision may appear blurred, dull, or affected by glare.
At The Eye Clinic by Dr Cheryl Lee, cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed procedures by Dr Cheryl Lee, a senior ophthalmologist in Singapore with extensive surgical experience.
Modern cataract surgery is a safe and highly effective procedure that replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens, restoring clarity and improving quality of life.
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed operation in Dr Cheryl Lee’s clinical practice.
With many years of experience as a senior ophthalmologist, she regularly performs modern cataract surgery using advanced intraocular lens implants.
Patients often seek her expertise for:
careful lens implant selection
personalised surgical planning
clear explanations of treatment options
Every consultation focuses on understanding how you use your eyes in daily life so that the most suitable lens can be chosen.
When Should Cataract Surgery Be Done?
Cataract surgery is recommended when vision begins to interfere with daily activities such as:
driving at night
reading comfortably
recognising faces
using the computer
wearing glasses becoming difficult
In the past, patients were advised to wait until cataracts became very dense.
Today, cataracts can be treated earlier and more safely using modern surgical techniques.
Is Cataract Surgery Safe?
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed operations worldwide.
Advances in surgical techniques and lens implants have greatly improved visual outcomes and safety.
After surgery many patients notice:
clearer, sharper vision
brighter colours
reduced glare
Can Cataracts Come Back?
Once a cataract is removed, it does not grow back.
However, some patients may develop a cloudy membrane behind the lens months or years later. This condition is called posterior capsular opacity (PCO).
It can be easily treated with a quick YAG laser procedure.
Frequently asked questions for cataracts
How long does cataract surgery take?
Cataract surgery usually takes about 10–15 minutes per eye and is performed as a day procedure.
Is cataract surgery painful?
Cataract surgery is painless. You can choose to be sedated or to numb the eye with local anaesthetic. Most patients feel little or no discomfort.
When should cataracts be removed?
Cataract surgery is recommended when vision begins to interfere with daily activities such as reading, driving or recognising faces and glasses is not of help.
How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?
Many patients notice clearer vision within a few days after surgery, although full healing may take several weeks.
Can cataracts come back after surgery?
Once the cataract is removed it does not return. Some patients may develop a cloudy membrane behind the lens which can be easily treated with a YAG laser procedure.
How are cataracts and presbyopia linked?
Inside our eyes, there is a lens that helps us see clearly at different distances, similar to a camera lens. As we age, this lens hardens and becomes less flexible, making it harder to see things up close. The first sign of a cataract is often presbyopia, also known as "Lao Hua" (老花). Later, cataracts can cause glare and blurred vision.
Watch this video on why presbyopia happens
How are cataracts treated?
Eye drops and pills cannot fix cataracts. The only way is cataract surgery. Cataract surgery needs to be done only once in your life time. “ A second cataract is a mis-nomer and not a cataract. This is better explained here. The cataract surgery takes about 15 minutes and does not require staying overnight in hospital. They are called Day surgery or ambulatory surgery. Medisave and insurance cover cataract surgery even without an overnight stay.
With new lenses that fix both near and far vision, many people choose to have surgery earlier, instead of waiting for the cataract to become very thick. When the cataract is too thick, surgery is harder and riskier.
Most patients take light sedation to reduce fear, which I recommend because it helps relax you during surgery. After surgery, no eye patch is needed; you just wear sunglasses and feel comfortable. This is different from the old types of surgery you may have heard about.
You only need this procedure once. The cataract won’t come back, and the lens implant doesn’t have to be replaced. If a clouding called posterior capsular opacity happens later, a one-time YAG laser treatment can fix it.
Watch this Video on treatment to complete the cataract surgery. This is done only months to years after cataract surgery when the vision is blurred after cataract surgery. This needs to be done only ONCE. Yag capsulotomy is the name of the procedure and is covered by medisave and insurance.
Lens options to replace your cataract
How do monofocal lenses and multifocal lenses compare?
Lenses let each eye focus at different distances so you can see near and far. Monovision uses one eye for distance and the other for close work; it can reduce depth perception and may make computer use harder. I don’t favor monovision — try it with glasses or contacts before cataract surgery. Choosing an intraocular lens (IOL) is like picking a car: there are different makes and types. We help you choose the IOL that fits your lifestyle.
One of the most important parts of cataract surgery is selecting the correct lens implant.
Different types of lenses are available depending on your visual needs.
Monofocal lenses
Provide clear distance vision but reading glasses may still be required.
Multifocal lenses
Allow vision for distance, intermediate and reading.
Toric lenses
Correct astigmatism during cataract surgery.