The most common age-related eye disease affecting vision is a cataract. If you or your loved one would like to get rid of eyeglasses, or would like to improve the quality of vision, then cataract surgery may be the solution. Surgery to remove cataracts is one of the most frequently performed, one of the most successful, and one of the safest procedures in medicine today.

RIPE OR MATURE CATARACTS

Gone are the days of waiting until one’s cataracts are “ripe” or “mature”. Back in the 70’s and early 80’s, cataract surgery was usually delayed for as long as possible because it was considered risky and required an extended stay in the hospital. Nowadays, cataract surgery is performed using topical anesthesia on an outpatient basis and the procedure itself takes an average of 15 minutes. With proper screening, the risks are much lower and the recovery is much faster for most patients. Today, patients have their surgeries done much earlier.

LIFESTYLE

Most cataract surgeries are elective surgeries and that is good news for the patient. There is no need to wait until your eyesight is very poor. We advise our patients to consider cataract surgery when the cataract begins to affect their life styles; driving, sports, or reading. The cataract will typically not damage your eye while it is growing, so there is also no need to rush into the surgery. You can decide when the time is right for you!

SURGICAL CENTERS

Dr. Manolette Roque will perform the procedure at hospital-based operating suites (St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City, Asian Hospital and Medical Center). You will arrive about an hour before your actual surgery. You may be given a mild sedative to help you relax. The area around your eye will be cleansed and a sterile drape will be applied around your eye. The surgery only takes around 15 minutes but plan to spend 2 to 3 hours at the hospital for the pre-operative procedures and recovery.

ANESTHESIA

Dr. Roque uses a powerful anesthetic eye drop to completely numb the eye. Using only a topical anesthetic avoids the risks and pain associate with needle injections and provides a much quicker return of vision. There is no need for shots or injections.

QUICK CATARACT LINKS

• Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) Package
• Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery Package
• Refractive Cataract Surgery Suitability Screening
• Book your Suitability Screening

PHACOEMULSIFICATION CATARACT SURGERY

Phacoemulsification is a machine-assisted cataract surgery technique allowing small sutureless corneal incisions with foldable intraocular lens implantations. Click on the eMedicine link below to read up on a manuscript on phacoemulsification which Dr. Roque prepared for eMedicine Medscape.

RECOVERY

You will be released soon after the procedure to go home and relax for the rest of the day. Your eye will not be patched and most patients are able to see well after surgery.Visual recovery varies from patient to patient but most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two. If you have cataracts in both eyes, the second procedure will usually be scheduled within a week or two.

COMPLICATIONS

Serious complications are extremely rare, but it is surgery and there are some risks involved. One of our counselors will provide you with additional information about the risks associated with cataract surgery. Choosing an experienced surgeon for your procedure can significantly minimize the risks involved with your cataract procedure.