Cataract Care for Seniors
 at Parkway East Hospital

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which sits just behind the iris and helps focus light onto the retina. As the lens becomes cloudy, vision may appear blurred, hazy, or dim. Colours can look faded, glare from lights becomes more noticeable, and night driving may feel more difficult. Cataracts often develop gradually with age, but they can also result from eye injuries, certain medications, or medical conditions such as diabetes.

Currently, the only proven and effective treatment for cataract is surgery. During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). At The Straits Eye Centre for Kids & Adults, cataract surgery is performed in Parkway East Hospital’s accredited operating theatre, using precise, modern surgical techniques for safe and reliable outcomes.

Cataract surgery is generally not painful. In Singapore, the procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia with mild sedation, so you remain comfortable and relaxed throughout. You may feel gentle pressure or fluid movement in the eye, but no sharp pain. Most patients describe the experience as quick and tolerable, often noticing brighter and sharper vision within days.

Initial vision improvement is often noticeable within the first few days. However, complete healing takes around 4 to 6 weeks, as the eye gradually adjusts to the new lens implant. During this time, your doctor may advise you to avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, and strenuous exercise. Most patients can return to light daily activities, such as reading or walking, within 1–2 days, depending on their doctor’s advice.

For eligible cataract procedures, Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents can use Medisave to offset part of the surgical costs, within Ministry of Health (MOH) claim limits. According to MOH guidelines, the withdrawal limit per eye depends on the type of intraocular lens used. Many Integrated Shield Plans and corporate insurance policies also provide coverage. Please refer to our Medisave & Insurance Guide for the latest information.

Cataract surgery offers several intraocular lens (IOL) options:

• Monofocal lenses – Clear vision at a single set distance, usually for distance vision, with glasses for near work.

• Multifocal lenses – Designed to provide both distance and near vision, reducing dependence on glasses.

• Toric lenses – Correct astigmatism for sharper vision.

Your eye specialist will recommend the most suitable IOL based on your lifestyle needs, visual goals, and overall eye health.

You may be advised to have cataract surgery when:

• Vision changes begin to interfere with daily activities such as reading, driving, or recognising faces.

• You experience significant glare, halos, or reduced contrast in dim light.

• The cataract is affecting the monitoring or treatment of other eye conditions, such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.

Timely surgery not only restores vision but can also help prevent further eye strain and improve quality of life.

Once a cataract is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant, it does not grow back. However, some patients may develop a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) months or years later. This happens when the thin membrane behind the new lens becomes cloudy, causing symptoms similar to the original cataract, such as blurred or hazy vision. PCO is not a recurrence of cataract and can be treated quickly with a YAG laser capsulotomy, a safe, painless procedure performed in the clinic, with vision improvement often noticeable immediately.