Hi Folks
The good doctor said that everybody "develops cataract", eventually, as they aged. Some sooner, some later.
I have early stage cataract in my right eye. I ought to be
having surgery. I have been “researching” on the internet, as well as attended “cataract
seminar” to gather information.
I have heard the eye doctors’ opinions. BUT I PREFER to hear
from the cataract ops patients. Can you help?
If you have had cataract surgery recently, I’d like to hear
from you.
Particularly, I am interested to know –
What type of intra ocular lens did you opt for: monofocal, multifocal, “Toric multifocal”?
Do you have any issues with your choice of lens? If yes,
what are your issues?
I was informed that the post surgery "down time" was minimal. But, I’d like to hear from you – How long was the recovery process? That is – how many hours/days does it take before you can see clearly?
If you are happy with your doctor’s services, please give me
his/her name and contact detail (via email to jacqhan@gmail.com.)
If you are shy to discuss your cataract surgery on an open
forum, please also email me at jacqhan@gmail.com
I’d really appreciate your input. I look forward to hear
from you.
With kind regards,
Jacqueline
Jacqueline
This is interesting. I have the same problem as you. The doctor says my cataract is not ripe yet. …Sounds like he was looking at cherries.
But I have to change my spectacle every year and on the last change 2 months ago, the optician gave me lenses with multiple everything and it cost all my savings. But I have to go back to him because I cannot see properly. Eventually he changed the lenses and it has the same degree as my old one. My eyesight and pocket are both poorer.
This can be a bit dangerous for older men. When we strain to look clearer, we may get a slap. I think I better get a cataract operation done. Then no need to strain lah.
Hi Tian Soo
Long time no see. How are you?
I trust you are well. (Except for your cataract…)
About your “cherries not ripe yet” – you may seek a second opinion. I mean – a second opinion from another doctor.
The first doctor said my cataract is not ready to be extracted. When I asked why, she said, when the cataract is hardened, it is easy to extract. I did some “research”, and attended a “cataract talk” – and learned that cataract can be operated on, anytime. There is new procedure to cut up and suck out the cataract.
That is all well and good.
I then learned that, it is important to choose the correct lens to be inserted. Mono focal meant that you choose to insert near or far sighted lens. If you choose “near sighted lens”, you will then need to wear “long sighted specs”. Vice versa.
If you choose multi focal lens – then, you can see far and see near, see intermediate…. (you will then NOT need to “strain to look clearer”.
Toric multi-focal – is for higher degree of astigmatism.
Your doctor will assist you to choose the correct lens, depending on your life-style (as well as the state of your eyeballs).
That is all I know for the time being. Which isn’t much. I need to know what happens AFTER the surgery. I hope to hear from others who have had the cataract surgery.
Then, people like you and I, will be able to make informed decisions.
Tian Soo, all the best.
I’ve not had the cataract op but my dad had it done a few years ago. His main concern after the surgery was that everywhere is very bright and glaring and therefore he needs to wear sunglasses/shades to cut down the glare wherever he is – both indoors and outdoors. A friend’s husband also has the same experience – even lighting in the room/office is too bright for comfort. It takes a while to adjust and my dad doesn’t complained about it now. He says that his vision for both near and far has improved, but i have no idea what type of lens was inserted. I’d have to look for his medical records if you are interested.
Hahaha! No, I don’t mean to laugh at your situation… I, too, have early signs of cataract… but I want to resist the surgeon’s knife or laser for as long as I can. Never ask a surgeon what he thinks of surgery!
Please take preventive steps to prolong your eye op and I can suggest some ways:
Wear sunglasses outdoors, get a good pair which covers all round the eyes. The AA shop at River Valley has good sunglasses which are UV protected and also fit over normal glasses.
Take a good supplement for eye health. This would include the basic A, E, C, Zinc, Selenium, as well as Lutein (at least 15-20mg, bilberry, eyebright, gingko biloba, lycopene, rutin, and Zeaxanthin (marigold extract). Of these, Lutein, Bilberry, Eyebright and Zeaxanthin are more important. You can try Mustafa for these, or JB.
I have a more serious eye condition: Age-related Macular Degeneration which is not so easily treatable. But I have found that the above supplement has improved my vision in my better eye substantially.
I have also tried reflexology, read on alternative treatments but think that cataracts are inevitable in our old age. Maybe you can try what Desai (ex-PM of India) did to postpone his operation till the ripe old age of 90: Wash your eyes with your own urine each morning!
I had cataract ops on my left eye done in NUH more than 3 years ago. After the ops I rested awhile and I took a cab home. Only i have to put on a patch for a week and apply medication dutifully.
Get polyclinic to refer you than you get a subsidy.
I requested for a specialist and the ops cost $3000.
I paid by medisave and I claimed back from Medishield and Rider. I did not pay a cent.
I tried to look up the good doctor but I have misplaced my documents. I will contact NUH eye Hospital to get the doctor’s name tomorrow.
Jimmy Tsin
capt_tsin@yahoo.com.sg
Hello Jacqueline,
It is good of you to have started this discussion on cataract. This is everybody’s or most elders’ concern due to degeneration/ageing.
I have learned alot from the discussions and these will prepare me when I meet up with my Doctor. My eyes are ripe for their picking, like cherry picking.Hahaha.
My Sis-in-law who is 81 just had her cataract op done at SGH. She had rested well in son’s house for last 3 weeks and is doing fine, she claims. Most of all she said if she cooked, no smoke to get into operated eye.
I have not been briefed by my Doc yet. I have had laser treatment to relieve pressure in my rt eye last friday,procedure lasted maybe 15mins. I asked Doc how many shots did he fire and the reply, 19 shots, then the next machine, another 2shots. Think 2nd machine, the red flare was more intense and I felt the shots like ant bites.
Given eye drops then see him in 1 month.
So much for now folks.
Geok Suan.
Hi Jimmy,
I had deleted your mobile# as we do not encouraged mobile# 2b listed in here as this website is also open for public. All members are encouraged to liaise with each other via emails for further contact. Cheers.. Dolly
Inez at #3 – Hi Inez,
Thank you. Thank you for sharing your dad’s cataract surgery experience, and that of your friend’s husband’s.
Your description re their sensitivity to the glare of lights –
yes – you are right, many patients have that “side effect”.
No – please do not trouble yourself to look up your dad’s old medical records. Thank you for your help.
Kenneth at #4 –
Kenneth- Hi! Long time no see. How are you?
NO – I will NOT “wash my eyes with my urine each morning”!
But – I will take up your suggestion to wear a good pair of sunglasses. Supplements? I don’t take supplements, at all. Somehow, supplements don’t agree with my stomach. They tend to make me feel sick.
It is good that supplements work well for you, and that the vision in your better seeing eye, has improved. Keep it up!
Indeed, I heard that AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration” is not easy to treat. Please take good care of yourself. Thank you for sharing.
Jimmy Tsin at #5
Hello Jimmy Tsin –
Thank you for sharing your cataract ops experience. The info that you have provided, is very useful, for all the seniors in SHC.
You will pardon me for asking –
You have had “cataract ops on your left eye” – what type of lens did you choose? Mono focal? Or multi focal?
Do you now, still need to wear spectacles for better vision?
Example – to read?
Did you experience the discomfort of “glaring lights”?
Thank you for sharing. I look forward to hear from you.
Hi Jacq,
Believe it or not, I had 3 cataract operations for 2 eyes.
I’ve the answers to most of yr questions.
I shall let you know more details tru yr email.
You may also email me at jamestancl@gmail.com as I’m busy
at this moment to write in details.
james
Hi Geok Suan at #6 –
You have had “laser treatment to relieve pressure” in your right eye –
From what you have described, I am guessing that you were treated for narrow/acute/closed angle glaucoma. This condition need prompt medical attention, and “cannot wait”, as in the case of cataract patients.
Please take care. Thank you for sharing.
James Tan at #11 –
You have had “three cataract ops for two eyes”?
This is really interesting!
Please share your cataract surgery experiences. I look forward to hear from you, via email, or via this post.
If you decide to share via this post, more SHCians will benefit from your experience. If you wish to share with me privately – I respect your wish.
Thank you for your help.
Hi Jacqueline,
I had a cataract operation done on my right eye in May, 2005 and another done on my left eye in January, 2006. Both operations were done by Dr H. T. Wong of Tan Tock Seng Hospital. He is now the HOD, so it will cost you more.
If you’re working, you’ll be given 1 month MC. After the operation, you cannot cook for a few days because you don’t want the smoke to get into your eyes. For the first 2 days, you should just wipe your face with a wet towel. You should not bend down as you’re not supposed to let the blood rush to your head. This is because you do not want to increase the pressure in the eyes. I don’t know about the different kinds of lens because it was just chosen for me. I still use glasses for reading, so that my eyesight will not deteriorate. I now use “progressive lenses” and I have not changed my glasses since my operation.
I suggest that you go to the Polyclinic for a referral, otherwise the operation will cost you a lot. Just be prepared for the long queues at Clinic 1A of Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Good luck!
Cheers,
Angela.
Some comments by members have highlighted another common eye disease called glaucoma. This condition is due to a high eye pressure which can damage the eye nerves permanently. usual treatment is with eye drops initially and if not successful, a glaucoma surgery wd be required. wonder if this condition is experienced by members.
Hi Jacqueline,
I came across this very informative website on everything we need to know about cataracts, including choice of lenses.
Take care. Best regards, winnie
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cataracts/article_em.htm
Hahaha!!
As we age and reach the significant numbers: 50, 55, 60, 65, etc… there are more and more health issues. We are losing our sight, our muscle, our brain. We no longer look as attractive as before (this is an issue even for men); we can no longer stride up the stairs, take a run for the bus, climb the hill to take in the view, even walk with a swagger!
Jacqueline: You have brought the subject of cataract surgery for discussion. This topic is important as many an aging person may have to face the op.
There are many more issues that we face pertaining to our health but I believe that we should take steps to prevent or delay the onset of these threats to our living a fulfilling and active life. It is worrying that we hear of our relatives and friends who suddenly discover a medical condition which will affect their life, or worse, a dibilitating illness.
What I would like to see is more SHCs coming forward with ideas and programmes that we can take to stave off these age-related issues and keep us fit and glowing.
I applaud the Walking Group which has been the longest and most active of the SHC.
I remember a fellow SHC who spent time with some of us to teach the 312 Chinese excercise.
Yes, can we address more of these issues? Will the SHC programmes and events take some consideration for the problems of the “silver tsumani”?
Hi Kenneth @ #16,
I agree we should applaud the Walking group for being the longest and most active group in SHC. A lot of effort and time is put in by the EOs, to recce the route, check out the eating places, check out the bus and MRT schedules etc.
But I think if anyone wants a good workout, the cycling group provides a very good if not better alternative. Needless to say the EOs also spend a lot of time and effort to recce, routes et al and cycle tirelessly to keep the group together, do minor repairs, negotiate bike rentals etc. Unfortunately all comes to naught with the dinner that follows. But I dare say you will expend more energy cycling from Fort Rd to CV and back, or from Pengarang to Sungei Rengit and back than any route except for the North to South Pipeline Ramble EOd by our very own Jeffrey Lim.
I really enjoyed all these activities. I remember talking to Steven Chan, when I just joined SHC, about the cycling trip from Pengarang to Sg Rengit an back. I did not dare to do it then but bucked up enough courage subsequently. I also remember Douglas Chan encouraging me to ride the 50km route from ECP to CV to Pasir Ris, Tampines, Bedok and back to ECP MacDonald’s. Thanks Douglas, from my heart. I could not have done it without you. Also to Jeffrey Lim when he told me to continue and complete the N-S Pipeline Ramble. Thanks too, Jeff.
Thanks Jac for starting this thread..
Most informative ESP w the sharings from other members.
Nothing beats the personal shadings
Rgds
Another very common eye disease which is known to affect old people is glaucoma. Unlike cataract, it has no symptoms initially until advanced stage when vision becomes tunnel view like looking thru a tube. so, its good for senior citizens to have a thorough eye check past 60 yrs.
wonder any member has such experience to share?
James #11 thanks a lot for your email about your cataract ops experience.
Angela #14 thank you.
Winnie K-Tan #15 the website was informative. Thank you!
And thank you – to several members who had emailed me in private. You have given me lots of information. Now – I need to pluck up the courage to “just do it”.
EVERYONE – THANKS A LOT.
Jacqueline
When you have decided to do your cataract, please let me know what lens you have chosen and why.
I keep looking at my eye doctors and all of them wear glasses, so I am undecided about eye operations. But it is really very inconvenient to wear my thick glasses and still cannot see properly and also I think if I leave it till I get older my chances of good recovery is reduced.
Tian Soo #20
All the comments posted on this thread, indicated that cataract surgery is a fairly safe and simple procedure.
Especially interesting – one of the “private emails” from fellow member Phang Kok Chiew. Besides sharing his surgery experience, he also shares his opinion on “private” and “public” doctors, which I find rather refreshing. He has given me permission to “post his comment”. I think that you, and many other potential cataract patients, will find his comment, useful and insightful.
Hi Everyone –
Fellow member Phang Kok Chiew has given me permission to post his comment, on his behalf:
Start of his comment –
I have had both my eyes operated on for cataract, one about 8 years ago and National Eye Centre and the second about 5 at TTSH.
I was just as nervous as anyone at the first surgery as it was my first surgical experience all my life. And I attended talks and read up quite a bit. So the anxiety expressed in the comments is understandable, but unnecessary. Here are my comments:
– Eye surgeons at SNEC and TTSH are qualified with sufficient experience to perform cataract surgery. I went in the first one at SNEC as private patient paid by company. But I deliberately went for the second as subsidized to dispute the general misconceptions that subsidized patients are used as genie pigs (as I was more than covered by insurance as private patient). I happened to be attended to by Dr. Wong H T, current head of TTSH eye center by chance and have a better opinion of TTSH in general from my first visit to post operation monitoring.
– Both operations were painless and with no fear, I could clearly hear and follow the instructions of the surgeon.
– Eye was covered over night after discharge to prevent accidental impact during sleep.
– On removal of protective cover the next morning at hospital, the sight was as good as it could be.
– You need to wear sunglasses in strong sunlight (not at home) to protect from the glare. This goes on till the wound is healed.
– I still wear multi-focal glasses as I have had short sightedness, long sightedness and god knows what? But I now could do with one pair of multi-focal lens and the ‘degree’ remains stable since operations. I used to carry 3-4 pairs of glasses for different purposes and need change them almost yearly.
– Technically, surgery could be safely done at even early stage of cataract development. But doctors would not do it as any operations involves risks no matter how small. Surgery is only done when the cataract affects your daily activity, in my case the shuttle might suddenly disappeared
from sight when I played badminton. Difficulty in reading the computer monitor is another common sight. But this happens it is also the time when doctor will advice it is time to go under the laser beam.
– Ripe, unripe or over-ripe are layman’s terms and the doctor’s advice is the most important. Delaying the operation (over-ripe) could present problem both for the operation and during post operation. Age and other medical conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes) play a part.
– Avoid carrying heavy items or bending in the first few weeks, as they may lead to bursting of blood vessels in the eyes.
– Glaucoma is a different problem and a ‘silent killer’ and needs to be regularly monitored. As sudden surge in eye pressure may damage the optic nerves on retina resulting in blindness over-night.
– All operations, no matter how minor, involves risks (hence the signing of indemnity) but cataract surgery is now as simple as ABC
– It is correct lens may differ in quality. But knowing the high standard of Singapore hospitals, whatever is used is good enough. Eye is such a critical organ and neither the hospital nor surgeons will take the quality aspect lightly. But knowing Singaporeans, people believe you pay more and what you get must be better than those used on the poor cousins. I do not subscribe to that, not in Singapore (though I am a Malaysian)
Sorry for being abrupt, in my first ‘activity’ in the SHC But I thought sharing my own experience may help, especially in dispelling some of the misconceptions that many people may have. If there are other issues which I may have overlooked or which you and other readers may need further clarification, please feel free to contact me. – End of his comment.
TS
Perhaps Boon Liang may wish to share with us. Do check with him.
Hi Jacqueline
Thanks so much for starting this thread and sharing Kok Chiew’s comments on this.
It is indeed really very informative and helpful for all SHC members.
Cheerios
Myra
Transfer from Post under moderation:
Kok Chiew, Angela, Boon Liang, James Tan, Jimmy Tsin, Peggy Tan, Winnie Tan,
KC, Inez Lim, Lim Geok Suan, Kenneth. (NOT IN ANY ORDER OF IMPORTANCE.)
Thank you for responding to my call for help, regarding cataract surgery.
Thank you for taking time to share your experience – by making comments on the forum, and by emails.
All of you have contributed to my decision-making process.
I had cataract surgery done at Tan Tock Seng Hospital – my right eye last week, and my left eye today. The good doctor applied the phaco emulsification technique.
It was indeed a “simple procedure” – painless. Post surgery, after a one-hour rest, I was discharged from the day surgery center. I can see immediately after surgery, albeit a little blur. As the day progressed, the eye’s focus became clearer.
Some of you wrote, asking me to update regarding my cataract surgery. The above update is brief. If you need more detail, please let me know.
I’d like to thank everyone, once again, for responding to my call for help.
Those who missed the discussion on cataract surgery may like to click on this link http://silverhairsclub.com/?p=4100#comments
With best regards,
Jacqueline
Hi Jac,
Wishing you a speedy 100% recovery soon.
Cheers,
Constance
Hi jacqueline Han,
Thanks for writing this post and interesting comments that chip in from members.
Hi Tian Soo @ 1 ,
I like your comment on picking “ripe cherries and get a slap ” Sounds v. humourous.
Hi Kenneth Tan @ 4 ,
I do not have cataract at this moment but I appreciate sharing of your experience of taking supplements besides wearing UV sunglasses to protect the harmful UV rays . And you claim that the supplements has help a lot in your better vision in 1 eye.
The good supplement for eye health include the basic A, E, C, Zinc, Selenium, as well as Lutein (at least 15-20mg, bilberry, eyebright, gingko biloba, lycopene, rutin, and Zeaxanthin (marigold extract). Of these, Lutein, Bilberry, Eyebright and Zeaxanthin are more important. You can try Mustafa for these, or JB.
Mamamia ! You had a long list of eye supplements but it is good that you had hilighted which are the more important ones otherwise my cup board will be stock with the whole range of supplements from A to Z like a GNC store . Ha !ha ! and my pocket also become poorer ( Tian Soo quote)
Hi Jacqueline,
I pray that you a speedy recovery and is able to join us soon for activities.
I remember the last time I met you when you were so kind to offer your condo club for our SHC monthly gathering.