Health

Cataract Treatment Singapore: Can you cure a Cataract without Surgery?

A cataract can be loosely defined as the clouding of the lens of the eye. This cloudiness on the natural lens inside your eye prevents light from passing through it, which causes vision problems. One of the most common questions we get among patients who get in touch with us at; https://www.drchelvinsng.com/ is that; ‘can you cure cataract without going under the knife?’ 

We explore that issue in detail on this blog post but first; how do you know that you have cataracts? Now, the first symptom people often report is that their vision becomes blurry or cloudy. Other symptoms include:

  • Cloudy or blurry spots in your vision
  • Gradually worsening vision over time
  • Blurry night vision
  • Trouble seeing things up close, such as reading or doing intricate tasks like tying shoelaces

The most common cause of these symptoms is a cataract. A cataract forms when proteins in the clear lens begin to clump together and thicken, causing visible cloudiness (opacity) in the normally transparent lens. 

How is a Cataract treated: Surgery or Medication?

Cataract treatment in Singapore can take various forms depending on the severity of the condition. If you are not experiencing any symptoms, your eye care specialist may recommend that you return for regular exams to monitor the development of cataracts, and they may test your eyesight every year to make sure it remains stable over time. 

Surgery is usually considered when there is clouding in one or both eyes (unilateral) or if vision begins to deteriorate (bilateral). During cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist will remove the cloudy lens in your eyes. They will then replace the lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL provides clear optics similar to those of your original lens. The procedure can improve your vision, but it may need to be repeated several times to achieve the best results.

Cataracts are often age-related. Your risk of developing cataracts increases as you get older, partly due to the normal aging process, which causes our body tissues, including lenses inside of our eyes, to become more rigid and lose some of their elasticity. It is also known that many people develop cataracts due to eye diseases or disorders such as diabetes, Down syndrome, and physical injury to the eye.

Are there any Natural Remedies for Cataracts that can be tried before Resorting to Surgery or Medication?

There are several types of medications that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that slow the progression of cataracts while providing other benefits, such as protecting against harmful ultraviolet light. These treatments may prevent further vision loss for people with early-stage cataract formation. 

There are also surgical options for people who need it. A laser procedure called ‘Phacoemulsification‘ is often used to remove cataracts in conjunction with an IOL implantation 

What are the Risks Associated with Surgery and/or Medication for Cataracts?

As is true with all surgeries, there are general risks of anesthesia or other complications associated with the surgery. Other more specific risks depend on what type of procedure is performed and whether it is performed bilaterally (in both eyes) or unilaterally (in one eye).

Before you undergo cataract surgery, your doctor will discuss all options with you to help you pick out the best option that suits your needs. 

Is there anything People can do to Prevent Cataract Formation?

You might not be able to prevent cataracts, but experts suggest taking good care of your eyes by practicing sun protection, wearing sunglasses, and staying away from ultraviolet light. The damage caused by free radicals in sunlight can contribute to changes in the lens that cause a cataract’s cloudiness. 

Cataracts also tend to run in families, so there may be a genetic link. If you have a family history of cataracts, your doctor will likely recommend having regular eye exams from an early age to look out for any signs of the condition 

The known risk factors for developing cataracts include age, heredity, ultraviolet light exposure, and certain diseases. Our bodies’ tissues tend to become rigid with age which starts around 40 years old. 

Because cataracts are related to this process where our body’s cells lose their flexibility, it is natural that they are linked specifically to aging. Cataracts are also influenced by other things such as smoking so it would be best to avoid smoking to reduce your risks of getting cataracts.

What is the best way to treat Cataract Formation once it has begun?

The most foolproof cataract treatment in Singapore is surgery. If you try to remove a cataract without medical help, you run the risk of damaging your eyes. 

As technology improves, laser eye surgeries are becoming more accurate and precise than ever before, giving ophthalmologists an increasingly valuable tool in their arsenal for treating issues that impact vision. 

Surgery can not only clear up someone’s sight but also improve their quality of life overall by using different kinds of lenses implanted into the eye by surgeons to make it work better. For example, if someone uses reading glasses after they get older, it means their vision is starting to decline. 

A cataract may be affecting how well they can see, so people who would benefit from reading glasses don’t realize it because the problem is with their eye’s lens. This condition can often be fixed through surgery so that they can keep enjoying life without inconveniencing themselves about an issue that was easily treatable all along.

Do note that before proceeding with a surgery, you will need a consultation with your ophthalmologist so you know the essentials about cataract treatment in Singapore including the potential risks. Some health risks that patients need to consider when choosing between different procedures include anesthesia-related complications, short-term blurred or double vision, and discomfort during recovery, among others. These risks depend on what type of procedure a patient chooses and whether either eyes or one eye get treated at a time.

Final Words

Most people may need to get several surgeries if their condition worsens. It is possible that after time, their eyesight can get worse, and they would need a second round of treatment. This isn’t because the procedure was ineffective; it’s simply an unfortunate side effect of dealing with this kind of problem. 

Since we know how common cataracts are, doctors try to advise patients to schedule regular eye exams or use laser technology for less invasive procedures. However, in some cases, when one doesn’t have access to advanced equipment or effective medication, the only option left is going under the knife.

Do you suspect that you could be having cataracts or just want to learn more about cataract treatment in Singapore? Get in touch with us now to schedule your appointment. Call: +65 6334 2282.

 

Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Glaucoma | Cataract Surgery | Eye Specialist

38 IRRAWADDY ROAD MT ELIZABETH NOVENA SPECIALIST CENTRE, #06-25, 329563

+65 6334 2282

https://www.drchelvinsng.com/

 

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