The Bladeless Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are a common eye condition affecting over 80% of people over the age of 60 in Singapore. This condition occurs due to a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that hinders light from passing through. While cataracts are typically associated with ageing, they can also be caused by injuries, excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure, medication, and underlying health conditions such as diabetes.

If left untreated, cataracts can lead to vision problems that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. These include blurred vision, reduced contrast and colour perception, halos and glares, and finally, blindness. Fortunately, there are treatment options available to restore clear vision, such as the bladeless cataract surgery.

What is Bladeless Cataract Surgery?

Bladeless cataract surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves using a femtosecond laser system to remove the cloudy natural lens of the eye. This laser system enables the eye surgeon to create a precise, computer-guided corneal incision to break the natural cloudy lens into pieces. It also has an advanced imaging system to facilitate real-time, three-dimensional visualisation to tailor the procedure to each patient’s needs. The level of precision ensures that each patient receives the most accurate and optimal outcome from the procedure.

Who are Suitable Candidates for Bladeless Cataract Surgery?

In Singapore, bladeless cataract surgery is recommended for individuals with cataracts experiencing cloudy vision, glare, or night vision problems, which may affect their daily activities and overall visual acuity. However, those with diabetes, advanced retinopathy, and glaucoma may not be suitable for the procedure, as these conditions may hinder proper wound healing.

What Is the Difference Between Bladeless Cataract Surgery and Traditional Cataract Surgery?

Bladeless cataract surgery utilises a beam of laser to achieve accurate and precise incisions, as well as gentle fragmentation and removal of the cataract. On the other hand, traditional cataract surgery relies on a manual hand and surgical blade to make incisions, which tend to be less precise than laser in terms of the depth and circumference of the cut. 

What are the Benefits of Bladeless Cataract Surgery?

• Enhanced Safety – Using a laser system reduces manual manipulation, eliminating the risk of human errors during the procedure.
• Greater Accuracy – The femtosecond laser allows controlled incisions for cataract removal to ensure increased accuracy and minimise complications.
• Visual Results – The automated laser enables more accurate focusing and positioning of the intraocular lens (IOL) to improve a patient’s visual outcome.
• Customisation – Bladeless cataract surgery offers personalised treatment plans based on each patient’s eye characteristics. Thorough scanning and detailed measurements are conducted to determine the course of treatment.
• Faster Recovery – This advanced laser technology used in bladeless cataract surgery allows for quicker healing in order to allow patients to return to their daily activities sooner.