When we think about the usual cause of cataract, we will most likely associate it with ageing. Many cataract awareness campaigns usually use photos of the elderly, which is rightly so as this condition normally occurs as our eyes experience wear and tear over the years of our existence. However, cataracts do not only affect people who are advanced in age. Younger folks may also develop this during an untimely and unexpected circumstance, caused by an injury or accident. This article talks about traumatic cataracts, when to get screened, and the cataract screening costs in Singapore.
Intro to Traumatic Cataract
Without any congenital issues, your eyes should have a naturally clear lens. The lens, which is located at the back of the iris and pupil, acts as a way for light to pass through sharply and reach the retina. A cataract forms when one or both lenses of your eyes become cloudy, which blurs or dims your sight.
Traumatic cataract occurs when the cloud formation in your lens is due to a direct injury to your eye. The trauma can mess up or break down the fibres and proteins in your lens, leading them to fuse together and cause your lens to become hazy.
Traumatic cataracts are classified according to different types and based on their severity:
- Blunt Trauma
- Chemical Trauma
- Electric Shock
- Penetrating Trauma
- Radiation Trauma
Blunt Trauma. The most frequent cause of many traumatic cataract cases is blunt trauma. This happens when an object hits your eye or the area around it without piercing the globe. The strength of the impact can cause a cataract concussion. This cloudiness in the lens is usually shaped like a star or a flower. Your eye may get this injury from being hit hard by a fist, a ball, or from a fall.
Chemical Trauma. Being exposed to corrosive chemicals can bring severe damage to your eye’s ocular tissues, such as the lens, which can result in cataract growth.
Electric Shock. While this is rare, electric shock can disturb the fibre and proteins in your eye’s lens, leading to cataracts.
Penetrating Trauma. A cataract may form when your eye’s lens is directly penetrated and injured by any sharp object like a nail, a sharp piece of glass, or a thorn. Cataract formation following a penetrating trauma can happen immediately and be very serious.
Radiation Trauma. Exposure to even a low dose of radiation can cause cataracts. Oftentimes the formation can be slow to progress. You may be at high risk of developing cataracts if you are consistently exposed to X-rays, UV light, or if you are undergoing a therapy for cancer which requires radiation.
How fast a cataract can develop differs between traumatic causes. Accidents that cause direct piercing to the eye can allow cataracts to form almost instantly. Others, such as cataracts that develop following blunt trauma, may show symptoms that slowly develop. Your eye’s lens may be disturbed by opacity weeks, months, or even years after the injury was done. Regular eye screenings can help in monitoring your eyes during delayed onset of symptoms.
Symptoms and Impact of Traumatic Cataract
Traumatic cataract and age-related cataract symptoms have the same characteristics. The only distinction is that an injury due to a trauma normally comes with discomfort and pain. Here are the common signs of traumatic cataracts:
- Vision that is blurry, cloudy, or hazy: This will feel like you are looking through a dirty window.
- Vision that is less sharp: Objects may appear less defined or vibrant while you are looking at them.
- Difficulty in seeing at night or when the light is low: You struggle to see things clearly during night time or in places where the light is not bright. You may also see striking glares when looking at streetlights or headlights.
- Discomfort or pain in the eyes: Cataracts do not cause pain when it develops, unless the damage is caused by trauma to your eye, which can be identified by swelling, pain, or redness in or surrounding the eyes.
- Double vision in one of your eyes: This symptom often occurs when only one eye is affected by a small growth of cataract.
- Light and glare sensitivity. Your eyes become sensitive to lights that are bright and may see halos around these lights.
As traumatic cataracts may exhibit delayed onset of symptoms, it is crucial that you undergo a cataract screening following an injury to get assessment and timely intervention. Deferring screening to a later date may lead to visual impairments that can be harder to manage and treat.
Screening for Traumatic Cataracts
Immediate and regular screening is important if you encounter any injury to your eye or the area around it. Even if the damage may seem minor, you should not put off a consultation with your ophthalmologist. Your eye doctor can determine whether your lens shows any onset of cataract symptoms. Follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions, especially when you have been diagnosed with traumatic cataracts. Do not miss any succeeding appointments, so that your eyes can be monitored and the progression of your condition can be properly managed.
If your eyes do not show any damage from an injury, it is still advised that you get them screened annually as some symptoms may have developed over time. In case there are significant changes to your vision, visit your ophthalmologist sooner rather than later as this could be an alarm that a cataract is developing.
Cataract Screening Costs in Singapore
Typically, cataract screenings are included in comprehensive eye examinations in Singapore and its costs vary due to several factors, such as where you are getting your eyes checked, the type of eye exam package you are availing, and if your procedures are covered by insurance or subsidies.
- Where to get your eyes checked. Cataract screenings can be done at private eye clinics or specialist centres. The cost of your initial consultation in these clinics may be around S$160 to S$220 and follow-up appointments between S$120 to S$160. Cataract screenings done at community clinics, polyclinics, or public hospitals are more affordable. These clinics may charge around S$50 for a basic screening and the overall cost will be considerably lower than private institutions as they can be covered by government subsidies.
- Comprehensive packages. Undergoing a comprehensive eye examination package can cost you around S$200 to S$600 or even more. The overall cost will be based on the type of tests you need and the number of times you are required to take them.
- Insurance and subsidies. Having insurance can lessen your cataract screening costs in Singapore. A lot of private medical insurance covers consultations and diagnostic tests costs, but be sure to check your plan first to better plan your budget. If you are a citizen or a permanent resident, you can avail certain subsidies at public specialist centres when you have a referral from a general practitioner or a polyclinic. Medisave does not cover consultations or cataract screenings, but it is worthwhile to know that it can cut the cost of cataract surgery for up to S$2,450 per eye.
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Dr Chelvin Sng
38 Irrawaddy Road
Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialty Centre #06-25
Singapore 329563
Tel: +65 6334 2282
Whatsapp: +65 8129 6328
