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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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LASIK
How does LASIK correct vision?
The procedure involves creating a corneal flap which is lifted to allow the
underlying tissue to be sculpted by the Excimer Laser. The flap is then
re-positioned.
What can LASIK correct?
LASIK can be used to correct :
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Myopia.short-sightedness 1.50 - 15.00 dioptres
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Hyperopis/long-sightedness less than 5.00 dioptres
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Astigmatism between 1.00 - 8.00 dioptres
Who is suitable for LASIK?
The person should be :
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18 years or older
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have had stable vision for at least 1 year
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not have any current or previous serious eye diseases
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not be pregnant - your spectacle power may vary during pregnancy
How successful is LASIK?
90% of patients with moderate myopia (below 0.7 dioptres) enjoy 6/12 vision
after the procedure. However, as each patient respond differently to the
Excimer Laser, over or under correction may occur in some cases. If this
occurs, it is usually minor. Perfect result cannot be guaranteed.
Is LASIK done in the clinic or in the
hospital?
It is done in the clinic; you need not go to the hospital.
How long is the surgery?
The procedure itself takes about 5 minutes per eye. Both eyes can be done at
the same time.
What happens after the laser treatment?
There is usually a bit of discomfort in the first 12 hours but no pain;
vision stabilizes usually within 2 - 4 weeks. You may able to go back to
work the very next day if you vision is good enough and you are comfortable.
What are the possible side effects?
Common side effects include glare, light sensitivity, and sensation of
foreign body in the eye. These are usually temporary.
Can I pay for my laser treatment through
Medisave?
No, because LASIK is considered a cosmetic surgery. But if you do it for
medical reasons, eg., if the power difference between your two eyes is
greater than 3.00 dioptres or you have medical problems relating to
spectacle or contact lenses usage, you may be able to claim from Medisave.
Cataract
What is cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of all or part of the normally clear lens of the
eye, causing blurred vision. It is usually the result of diabetes ie your
body's inability to use and store sugar causing your blood sugar levels to
be uncontrolled. When this happens, the eye lens swells and loses its
clarity, impairing vision. Fortunately, this is reversible if the diabetes
is controlled and remains stable. if however, diabetes is not detected and
treated early, irreversible cataracts may develop and worsen rapidly.
What are the symptoms of diabetic eye
disease?
The symptoms of diabetic eye disease are:
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Worsening of vision
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Sudden, painless loss of vision
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Seeing dark spots (floaters) or light flashes
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Painful red eye
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Fluctuating vision and frequent changes in spectacle prescription
** It is important to be aware that diabetic
retinopathy may be present even if you do not have any symptoms. All
diabetics should have their eyes assessed by a specialist eye doctor
(ophthalmologist) regularly.
What to expect during your appointment?
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with cataracts, you should see
an eye care professional. He or she can make a diagnosis and help guide you
in determining which treatment or combination of therapies will work best
for you.
To detect a cataract, your eye care professional will examine the lens,
using the following tests:
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Visual acuity test, which measures how well you see at various
distances
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Pupil dilation, in which the pupil is widened with eye drops to
reveal more of the lens and retina
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Tonometry, which measures fluid pressure inside the eye
Cataract surgery : Is hospitalisation
required?
Hospitalisation is not required for cataract surgery as it can be performed
under local anaesthetic on a day surgery basis.
What happens after the cataract surgery?
In the first day or two after the operation, you may experience mild
discomfort and tearing. Vision may be slightly blurred or hazy but this
improves steadily with time. With small incision surgery you should have
clear vision within a week although complete healing may take about a month.
You will be given eyedrops to be used for up to a month. A list of
post-operative instructions will also be provided. It is important that you
used your eyedrops and follow all instructions as advised.
Problems after cataract surgery are rare, but they can occur. You should
call your eye doctor immediately if you have unusual pain, severe swelling
and redness, loss or sudden deterioration of vision.
Can I pay for my cataract surgery through
Medisave?
Generally, yes. Please check with our staffs on the application procedures.
General
Will sunglasses without UV protection
increase the risk of eye damage?
Yes, sunglasses without UV protection can cause damage to your eye as the UV
rays go directly to the retina and macula.
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