Cataract surgery is a medical procedure that is done to restore clear vision that is impaired by cloudy eye lenses. So, the procedure may be recommended if the natural lenses of your eyes have become cloudy due to cataracts.
There are multiple approaches for cataract surgery in Singapore, but the key focus is to remove the cloudy lens and have it replaced with a clear intraocular lens. See the comparison between traditional cataract surgery and laser surgery in Singapore on this page: https://www.drchelvinsng.com/cataract-treatment-in-singapore/.
Provided that the surgery goes smoothly, you can expect improved vision and reduced dependency on contacts or glasses. On this page, we clarify how long cataract surgeries take.
How long does Cataract Surgery Take from Start to Finish?
Cataract surgery involves the surgical removal of the lenses of the eye and then they’re replaced with intraocular lenses. Because of this, the procedure may sound a little complex which is why many patients frequently ask; how long does cataract surgery take from start to finish? Here’s a good answer;
Cataract surgery normally takes between 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish depending on the severity of your issue. However, it is advisable to budget for up to 4 hours following the procedure to allow you to recover from the effects of the sedatives used during the procedure.
It is also worth pointing out that cataract surgery in Singapore is generally a day procedure. This means that in the vast majority of cases, there is no need for overnight stays unless very medically necessary.
If you’re wondering about the total amount of time you’ll spend in the facility on the day of the procedure, you can budget for about four hours including pre-op operations, the surgery itself and post-op monitoring. Also, after treatment, there may be a few weeks’ wait before you can experience the full results of the surgery.
Does Cataract Surgery Correct Vision Immediately?
If you have been living with cataracts and it has begun to impact your day-to-day life including making reading or driving difficult, it is natural to want to have your vision improved first. So, many patients who visit our clinic for cataract removal surgery mostly ask; does cataract surgery correct vision immediately?
The answer is a resounding yes! Following cataract surgery, you should typically experience an immediate improvement in vision. Keep in mind though that the pupils may stay dilated for a short period. Also worth noting is the fact that even though some individuals may enjoy clear vision as early as the day after the procedure, others may experience temporary blurriness as their eyes heal and adapt.
This blurriness is a normal part of the healing process. Also, it usually resolves within a few days. Nonetheless, it’s essential to remain vigilant for any prolonged issues and promptly contact your eye doctor if blurred vision persists beyond the expected timeframe.
Also, keep in mind that cataract surgery is a fairly invasive procedure so there is a small risk of side effects. The good thing is that most of the side effects are generally mild and resolve within very few days following the procedure.
Just so you know nonetheless, the typical side affects you may get following your cataract surgery in Singapore may include, light irritation which is a sensation of having a foreign object in the eye, and heightened sensitivity to light.
To help with the side effects, you may be given dark glasses to wear immediately after the surgery. These glasses are carefully designed to help shield the eyes and facilitate quick adjustment of your pupils back to their normal size.
Also, while you may experience post-surgery inflammation, pain is usually minimal and sometimes even absent. This means that there is a huge possibility of being able to resume your normal activities depending on how you respond to the procedure.
What cannot you do after Cataract Surgery?
Just like other medical procedures, cataract surgeries also do come with risks of complications which may be made worse depending on how you care for yourself following the procedure. So to ensure speedy recovery and that you get the best results as soon as possible, there are a few things your ophthalmologist will want you to observe following your cataract surgery in Singapore. You will be advised to:
- Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: You will want to avoid rubbing your eyes following a cataract surgery as the rubbing can disrupt the healing process. With this disruption, there is an increased risk of infection. So, be gentle when touching your eyes after a cataract removal surgery.
- Protect Your Eyes from Soap or Shampoo: When showering, take care to ensure that no soap or shampoos get into your eyes. To significantly, reduce the risks, you can use a washcloth to gently cleanse around the eyes.
- Wait Before Driving: You will also want to avoid driving until you’re given the green light to begin by your doctor confirming it’s safe. This is important as your vision may be temporarily impaired immediately after surgery. It is important to ensure full clarity before operating a vehicle.
- Limit Strenuous Activities: Also avoid vigorous exercises or heavy lifting for a while. This is important because the strain from intense physical activities can disrupt the healing process and increase the risks of complications.
- Skip Eye Makeup for Four Weeks: Post-surgery, it’s crucial to avoid any potential contaminants near the eyes. With this in mind, just refrain from using eye makeup for at least four weeks. This will be key in helping you significantly reduce the risks of infection or irritation.
- Consult Before Flying: Other than driving, you will also want to consult with your doctor before scheduling any flights. Changes in air pressure during flights might affect the eyes. So, it’s best to ensure it’s safe to travel.
- No Swimming for Four to Six Weeks: Chlorinated water in pools or bacteria in natural bodies of water can lead to infection. So, you will also want to avoid swimming until your doctor gives the go-ahead.
- Avoid Positions with Head Below Waist: Bending over or engaging in activities where your head is below your waist can increase pressure within the eyes. This can potentially disrupt the healing process and increase discomfort.
It’s a Wrap!
Cataract surgery itself takes between 15 and 30 minutes from start to finish. However, on the day of the surgery, you may want to budget for up to four hours to account for pre-op, the operation itself and post-op monitoring. A good ophthalmologist should give you a good estimate of what to exactly expect on the day of the procedure.
Are you contemplating cataract surgery in Singapore? Please, schedule an appointment with our lead ophthalmologist Dr. Chelvin Sng for a thorough assessment and guidance on how to prepare and what to expect etc. To schedule your appointment, you can call or visit Dr. Chelvin Sng at;
Dr Chelvin Sng
Adjunct Associate Professor
Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist
38 Irrawaddy Road Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, #06-25, Singapore 329563
+65 6334 2282
Hi, I’m the Founder and Developer of Paramedics World, a blog truly devoted to Paramedics. I am a Medical Lab Tech, a Web Developer and Bibliophiliac. My greatest hobby is to teach and motivate other peoples to do whatever they wanna do in life.
Very informative article about cataract surgery.