How Glaucoma almost took away my vision

“One day, I just woke up to cloudy vision,” says 39-year-old banker, Charlie Mendoza. Since then, he would experience frequent headaches and dizziness. “Once, I was driving along EDSA, but I couldn’t see a thing! Good thing it was traffic, so I just followed the tail lights to get to my destination,” he recalls, “I thought of changing my diet, but it didn’t work either.” Mendoza didn’t get his eyes checked right away. But while he was taking was taking some tests at Hi-Precision Diagnostics in Power Plant Mall, he spotted EyeScan. EyeScan is an eye disease pre-screening service that can detect signs for potentially blinding eye diseases like cataract, glaucoma, retinal problems and corneal and external disease.

“My EyeScan test results recommended me to immediately seek consult with a glaucoma specialist,” he says. During the consult, he found out that he had abnormally high eye pressure, a telltale sign of glaucoma. “My doctor insisted that I undergo the tests. It felt urgent. It turns out, I have glaucoma.”

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that is often linked to an increase in eye pressure. Asian Eye Institute Glaucoma Specialist Dr. Edgar Leuenberger explains, “Normally, there’s fluid that flows in and out of the eye through a mesh-like channel. When this channel gets blocked, the fluid can’t flow out at its normal rate. The pressure then builds up and damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries information from the eye to the brain, so any damage will be permanent and can lead to blindness.”

Glaucoma doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort at the onset. “That is why it is tagged as the silent thief of sight,” says Dr. Leuenberger, “Like Charlie, most glaucoma patients don’t have any idea they have glaucoma. It has no early warning signs, but as it progresses, they may suffer from loss of peripheral or side vision. They can also experience severe headaches, blurry vision, eye pain, eye redness or nausea. They may also see halos around lights.”

Anyone can get glaucoma. It’s more common in people over 60, but it can also develop in children or teenagers. Factors include having eye conditions like nearsightedness and farsightedness, suffering from an eye injury or surgery or taking medications, especially steroid eye drops, longer than the prescribed time.

In Mendoza’s case, he used a certain eye drop medication for years. Mendoza shares, “Before, I would suffer from chronic dry eyes and redness. I was prescribed with eye drops by another doctor, and using it comforted me. It felt like my eyes were better. I probably used it for 4 to 5 years. I didn’t know that I was only supposed to use it for a week.”

Dr. Leuenberger urges patients to check with their doctors about their eye condition and any prescribed medicine to be very particular. Most importantly, he encourages patients to monitor their eye condition regularly through an eye exam. “It pays to get an eye exam every year. The earlier we detect glaucoma, the higher the chances that we can limit vision loss or slow down its progression. There are different treatments available, such as eyedrops, lasers and other surgeries, to manage the condition.”

“It also helps to know your family’s eye health history. Glaucoma tends to run in families, so if any of your family member has it, you can develop it, too.”

Today, Mendoza goes to regular eye checkups and uses prescription eyedrops to maintain his eye pressure. “My vision is now better. I no longer have difficulty driving and when I go down the stairs, I’m not afraid that I’ll fall because I can’t see where I’m going.”

Find out if you’re at risk for glaucoma in 10 to 15 minutes through EyeScan. EyeScan is available in 8 sites: Asian Eye Vision Centers in U.P. Town Center and Legaspi Towers 200; EyeSite clinics at Ayala Fairview Terraces and St. Frances Cabrini Medical Center (SFCMC); and Hi-Precision Diagnostic Clinics at Powerplant Mall – Rockwell, V. Luna, Del Monte and Taft. Or get a complete eye exam at Asian Eye at Phinma Plaza in Rockwell Center, Makati or at its satellite clinics in TriNoma, Mall of Asia and Commercenter Alabang. For inquiries or appointments, you may call 898-2020 or email us at [email protected].

Asian Eye’s Dr. Robert Ang Wins Gold Medal at Cataract Olympics

At the recent American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting on April 8, 2024, Dr. Robert Ang of Asian Eye was awarded a prestigious Gold medal in the Cataract Olympics for his video presentation titled “Cataract Technology Hurdles.”

Held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA from April 05 to 08, 2024, the annual meeting featured the participation of outstanding ophthalmologists and eye care professionals from across the globe. The Cataract Olympics symposium provided a platform for teams from leading organizations such as ASCRS, APACRS, ESCRS, and LASCRS to showcase their expertise and compete in various cataract categories making Dr. Ang’s achievement even more remarkable.

Dr. Ang’s award-winning video focused on the critical aspect of astigmatism correction during cataract surgery and offered valuable insights into using Toric (astigmatism) IOLs. His impressive win coincides with Cataract Awareness Month this June, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cataracts and educating the public about available treatment options.

This video competition not only showcases the expertise and skills of specialists like Dr. Ang but also provides a platform for sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas with doctors worldwide regarding new technologies and surgical techniques. By leveraging the power of visual media, these educational resources help advance the field of cataract surgery and benefit patients globally.

Cataracts are an age-related eye condition, where the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Sometimes, it feels like looking at a fogged-up glass. If not treated, it can lead to blindness. Fortunately, surgery can be done to remove it. The ophthalmologist will remove the lens with cataract and replace it with an IOL. There are different kinds of IOLs available, all designed to improve vision.

Asian Eye takes great pride in the exceptional skills and expertise of their esteemed medical team, exemplified by the contributions of Dr. Robert Ang. Dedicated to providing patients with the highest standard of care, patients can have peace of mind when it comes to cataract surgery and other vision-related procedures at Asian Eye.

For more information about Dr. Robert Ang and the advanced ophthalmological services offered at Asian Eye, please visit www.asianeyeinstitute.com.

Cataract Awareness Month: Reclaim Your Freedom, Restore Your Sight

June is Cataract Awareness Month, and as a leading eye center in the Philippines, Asian Eye aims to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of cataract screenings and drive more individuals to seek timely treatment for cataracts. Cataracts are a common concern among older Filipinos and one of the major causes of visual impairment. According to the Philippine Eye Research Institute, there are 1.18 million people suffering from cataracts, with roughly 400,000 needing surgery.

Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which can lead to symptoms such as blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, and increased sensitivity to glare. It can lead to blindness if left untreated, so it’s essential to have them removed when they begin to interfere with your daily activities, such as driving, watching TV, or cooking.

Cataract surgery is a common procedure that involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. Laser cataract surgery offers several advantages over traditional surgery, and Asian Eye is proud to offer patients with cutting-edge solutions for their eye care needs.

Asian Eye utilizes VICTUS Femtolaser technology from the renowned German brand Bausch + Lomb. This advanced technology is able to break up and remove the cloudy lens using significantly less energy, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues and promoting quicker healing.

Regular visits to your eye doctor are paramount, as they can advise you on the timing of the surgery and explain the benefits and risks involved. If you have an elderly loved one who complains of cloudy or blurry vision, consider giving them the gift of sight with the following Cataract Screening and Surgery deals:

40% off for one (1) cataract screening

50% off for two (2) or more cataract screenings

20% off on cataract surgery

*if scheduled within one (1) week after the screening or deposit is given within (2) weeks

It’s important to make informed decisions with a trusted eye care specialist and to book an appointment with Asian Eye to take proactive steps towards better vision and eye health.

Asian Eye Institute is located at Phinma Plaza, Rockwell Center, Makati with satellite offices located in TriNoma, Quezon City, and Mall of Asia, Pasay City. For inquiries and appointments, you may call 8898- 2020 or send an email to [email protected].

Dr. Robert Ang Recognized as one of the Top 100 in “The Power List 2024” by The Ophthalmologist

Dr. Robert Edward Ang, a distinguished specialist in Cataract, Glaucoma, and Cornea and Refractive Surgery (LASIK) at the Asian Eye Institute, has been honored once again by The Ophthalmologist Magazine in its prestigious 2024 Power List as one of the top 100 most influential eye care professionals in the world. Dr. Ang, notably the only Filipino listed, reaffirms his status with this second recognition. The first time he was listed in the top 100 was in 2018, highlighting his sustained contributions and leadership in the global ophthalmology community.

About Dr. Robert Edward Ang

As the Director of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service at the Asian Eye Institute, Dr. Ang is celebrated for his expertise in LASIK surgery and his pioneering research on technologies that enhance the diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions. As the Director for Research and Training, his collaborative work with leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies has led to innovations in cataract intraocular lenses, presbyopic laser treatments, and minimally invasive glaucoma devices.

His accolades include multiple Best Paper of Session Awards from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the Certified Educator Award from the Asia Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (APACRS), the Presidential Recognition Award from the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS), the Geminiano de Ocampo Outstanding Researcher in Ophthalmology Award from the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) and the Senior Achievement Award from the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO).

Dr. Ang’s consistent recognition on such a significant global platform not only underscores his dedication and skill but also serves as an inspiration to current and aspiring ophthalmologists worldwide. His achievements continue to showcase the excellence and innovation present in Philippine medical practices.

Explore and Connect

Dr. Robert Ang has ongoing research projects on cataract, glaucoma, refractive lenses and laser eye surgery. To learn more about Dr. Ang’s impactful work and explore if, as a patient, you would like to be part of the pioneering research and eye care services at the Asian Eye Institute, please visit our website at asianeyeinstitute.com. For appointments, please refer to the contact details below:

ROCKWELL (Main Clinic)

8th, 9th, and 10th Floors, PHINMA Plaza

Rockwell Center, Makati City

LANDLINE (02) 8-898-2020

MOBILE 0918-898-2020

EMAIL [email protected]

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