** See our Cataract Check Package & Cataract Surgery Packages **

What is cataract?

Cataract is a condition where the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy and blocks out light from entering the eye. It is one of the top 5 causes of blindness in Singapore and occurs due to ageing, sun exposure and/or chronic diseases like diabetes.

When you have cataract, the symptoms you can experience include:

• blurred vision;
• require bright lighting during daytime;
• feel that sunlight or car headlights are glaring;
• vision worse at night;
• seeing double vision;
• having to change glasses frequently;
• vision blur even after getting glasses changed or checked by the optician.

Why do I need to check for cataract? How can I check if I have cataract? 

Doing a check with an eye specialist allows any signs of cataract to be detected and treated early.

With our Cataract Check package, Dr Loh can assess your cataract and advise you on:

• how serious is your cataract(s);
• if and how you can delay progression of the cataract(s);
• when and how your cataracts can be treated.

Dr Loh will also advise if you also need your pupils dilated to check your retina. Such charges are additional to the Basic Cataract Check package.

Why see Dr Loh for cataracts?

Dr Loh is an experienced cataract surgeon and has a wealth of experience in managing standard and complex cataract cases, from his experience in private practice and at SNEC’s Department of General Cataract and Comprehensive Service.

With his qualification and experience as a cataract eye specialist and retina surgeon, he can better assess and manage complicated cataract cases during, before and post surgery. This is especially important for patients who have retina conditions, or at risk of retina tear or detachment, or have family history of retina detachment.

Dr Loh can perform the surgery at various different hospitals, depending on your personal preference and financial/ insurance requirements:

• Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
• Farrer Park Hospital
• Mount Elizabeth Orchard Hospital
• Gleneagles Hospital

See our affordable CATARACT SURGERY PACKAGES.

When is cataract surgery necessary?

With the latest techniques of cataract removal and the new generations of premium lens implants, you now don’t have to wait until your cataract is “ripe” or very thick. Cataract surgery is now recommended if the extent of the cataract in your eye(s) affects the quality of vision which you need for your daily activities and work.

How is cataract surgery done?

Dr Loh uses advanced and safe techniques for the cataract surgery.  The surgery is done by Dr Loh as a day surgery procedure in operating theatre with the surgery lasting typically about 45 minutes. The patient is placed under local anaesthesia mild sedation under constant monitoring by an Anaesthetist doctor so the patient will not feel any anxiety, pain or discomfort during surgery.

The surgery involves 2 steps:

1. Removal of the cataract; and
2. Insertion of intraocular lens implant.

Step 1: Removal of cataract

The preferred method of removing a cataract is by phacoemulsification (using ultrasound to break up the cataract), as it is established to be safer and have lower risks of complications. Dr Loh uses the latest phacoemulsification technology from leading companies such as Alcon (Infiniti/ Centurion/ Constellation) or Bausch & Lomb (Stellaris).

Q: Does Dr Loh use bladeless/ femtosecond laser-assisted surgery to remove cataracts?

A: Cataract surgery can be also be done with the assistance of femtosecond laser.

For most cataract cases, cataract surgery by phacoemulsification can be a safer and/or more cost-effective option. Dr Loh will evaluate in detail with each patient to determine if cataract surgery by phacoemulsification or femtosecond laser-assisted surgery is more suitable.

Step 2: Insertion of intraocular lens implant

Although our lens implants are reasonably priced and affordable, Dr Loh uses only intraocular lens from premium brands to tailor to each patient’s individual needs and achieve best possible sharpness and quality of vision :

– Aspheric monofocal lens: Johnson & Johnson (Abbott Medical Optics/ AMO), Alcon

– Aspheric monofocal toric lens which can also correct astigmatism: Alcon

–  Multifocal and Multifocal lens: Zeiss