If vision loss from cataract is interfering with your daily tasks, it will be best to ask your eye doctor if you can undergo a cataract surgery. In the cataract surgery, the ophthalmologist will remove the cataract or the clouded lens of your eye to better your vision and help you fulfill your daily tasks with ease. The cost of a cataract surgery in each eye is roughly SGD4,602 or USD3,429, and only takes 30 minutes to an hour. Doctors will be using numbing eye drops to ensure your comfort the whole procedure. Sedatives may be provided to patients to help them relax.
To set for a cataract surgery, a patient will need to:
• Undergo certain eye tests – 1 week before the surgery, the eye doctor will perform a painless ultrasound test. This process is needed in order to measure the size as well as length of the patient’s eye. It also helps to see the right type of intraocular lens that fits the patient’s eyes.
• Stop taking specific medications – inform the doctor of the medicines that you are currently taking so that they can tell you whether you have to stop taking it. Your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop taking the medication if it could increase the risks of bleeding in the procedure.
• Use some eye drops to help reduce any risks of infection – eye drops may be advised for use a day or two before the surgery to be sure that your eyes are free of anything that could cause infection.
• Fast before surgery – you may be told not to drink or eat anything before the procedure. Most of the time, patients are needed to fast six hours before their surgery begins.
Prepare for their eyes’ recovery – as the method takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, you may be allowed home on the similar day as the surgery. Driving is not allowed as you might still be drowsy from the sedatives. Some people may experience blurry vision after the surgery, hence it would be best if you can prepare for a ride home. You might need to make some arrangements for assistance at home and take time off work to recover. During the first few weeks after procedure, it is important to avoid lifting heavy items as well as certain daily activities such as swimming will need to be ceased.
On the day of the surgery, you can prepare by not drinking or eating anything in the morning. Dress comfortably and avoid wearing any cosmetics that could get in the way of the procedure. Make sure you are already in the hospital or surgical center two hours prior to the agreed schedule just to give yourself enough time to settle documents or fill out forms. You also need to prepare financially for the cataract surgery cost. Ask a family member or a friend to accompany you before and after the surgery. Remember that your vision may still be blurry after the operation so someone has to be there to guide you or to drive you home. He or she can also assist you at home if necessary.
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