Cataract surgery is needed when the clouding of the natural eye lens affects your vision as you age. Have cataracts are common for people above the age of 60. However, there are possibilities of early onset of cataracts in the 30s and 40s if you had an eye injury, retina eye surgery, overexposure to UV glare, diabetes or any congenital conditions. Here are some of the questions people ask before they undergo cataract surgery in Singapore.

1. How much does a cataract surgery cost in Singapore?

Here are the cost of cataract surgery in Singapore. For public hospitals, cataract surgery ranges from $1,200 to $1,500 per eye for the subsidised route and $4,400 to $5,400 per eye for the unsubsidised route. As for private hospitals and private medical practices, cataract surgery ranges from $5,500 to $8,500 per eye. The cost includes factors such as consultations, eye test and the surgery itself.

2. Can Medisave or Insurance Be Used for Cataract Surgery

Yes, Medisave or Insurance can be used for cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is of the most common surgeries in Singapore and therefore all private health insurance policies provide coverage for the surgery. It is also dependant on the type of policy your insurance offer on whether you can claim the full or partial amount of the surgery. For those without private insurance, you can still claim with Medisave as it is deemed as a treatment for a medical condition by MOH.

3. Is cataract surgery a day procedure?

Cataract surgery is usually a day procedure as it takes an hour or less to perform. It will take longer with the pre-op briefing and preparations but it is still a relatively quick procedure. Patients will be expected to be in the clinic for about 3 to 5 hours. Cataract surgery is not considered a major procedure and thus it is classified as an outpatient procedure. You would not be required to stay in the hospital after surgery. The recovery process can be easily done in the comfort of your own home.

4. How soon can I cook after cataract surgery?

It is advisable to avoid cooking for at least a week after the cataract surgery. The eyes will need time to heal and it is more sensitive than usual. It is important to avoid any activities that could cause them any stress. Adding pressure to the eyes could affect the recovery process. Get advice from your doctor on when you could resume cooking!

5. How long after cataract surgery can I resume normal activities?

You may be able to go back to doing any light activities within a few days after the cataract surgery. It will take a few weeks for you to slowly ease back into your daily routine. However, the eyes will still need special care during this period. After a full recovery, which usually takes about 2 months, you will be able to completely resume normal activities. To speed up the recovery process, it is important to follow the care instructions given to you by the doctor and get plenty of rest.