A Quick Price Guide to Cataract Surgery in SG
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A Quick Price Guide to Cataract Surgery in SG

A cataract is a serious issue and should be given much attention. Basically, all things related to eye health care are priorities for most people. 

When left untreated, cataracts can interfere with your vision, which can potentially progress to blindness. So it’s advisable to visit your most trusted eye clinic to get a consultation from an ophthalmologist if you think you have one. 

Once you’ve decided to get cataract surgery, the next thing you need to know is its cost. To help you with that, we provided a price guide below to cataract surgery here in Singapore. 

What is cataract?

Cataracts normally develop as you age. This is a progressive disease where the lens of your eyes become cloudy and is due to a buildup of protein that potentially affects your field of vision.

Aside from that, it can also affect your perception of colour and contrast. Also, this condition needs professional intervention because it can’t be fixed by eyedrops or wearing glasses.

If it’s left untreated, you’ll be prone to blindness on one or both eyes. That’s why other people choose to have cataract surgery in its earlier stages as a form of prevention.  

However, this surgery can be quite expensive. It ranges from a staggering $3,000 to $10,000. 

The good thing is, most health insurance covers this type of surgery. 

What are the causes and symptoms of cataract?

According to studies, approximately 80% of Singaporeans aged 60 and above are diagnosed with cataract. 

On one hand, the causes of cataract may vary. Apart from ageing, the factors below can also trigger cataracts:

  • Family history or genetics (can cause high myopia)
  • Smoking and alcohol
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Radiation (UV from the sun and gamma-rays)
  • Trauma that caused inflammation on the eye

Some people may be unaware that they have cataracts until their vision has already been impaired and daily activities in life become difficult to do.

That said, here are the common symptoms of cataract to watch out for:

  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision
  • Difficulty seeing in dim environments
  • Double vision in either eye
  • Unable to see and identify colours clearly

Cataract is unnoticeable at first because it doesn’t cause any pain to the eye. Once you start feeling painful sensations, it might be an indication of something more alarming.

Estimated Cost of Cataract Surgery Services in Singapore

When it comes to choosing between a public hospital or a private clinic for your cataract surgery, the cost varies depending on several factors. 

Your eye surgeon’s expertise, as well as your medical history and severity of the case are part of those factors. 

Based on Singapore Doctor’s Directory, the average cost of cataract surgery in various hospitals and clinics ranges from $3,000 to $10,000, excluding other service fees:

Type of ServicePublic Hospitals (Subsidised rates)Public Hospitals(Private rates)Private Clinics 
Eye consultation$37 - $56$100 - $300$86 - $300
Eye tests$10 - $50$30 - $100$30 - $250
Cataract surgery (1 eye only)$800 - $1,200$4,000 - $6,000$3,000 - $10,000
Post-operative medication--$100 - $300
Post-operative review--$86 - $200

Luckily, Singapore citizens can claim MediSave and insurance for cataract surgery. 

In fact, you’re allowed to claim with a maximum of $2,450 per eye from MediSave. On the other hand, other insurance policies provide claimable amounts depending on your coverage as well. 

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