What You Need to Know about Cataracts

Cataract is among the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 94 million people globally have cataracts. But what happens when you have cataract, how does it lead to blindness, and how can we prevent the blindness it causes?

“Cataract is the clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye,” says Asian Eye institute Glaucoma and Cataract Specialist Dr. Edgar Leuenberger. “It progresses very slowly, so you won’t notice it at first. As it grows or advances, it will start to block the light that passes through the lens in your eye. Your vision will start to get blurry and you may find it a difficult to read, see a person’s face clearly or drive at night.”

“Some patients may also be sensitive to light, see halos around lights, see faded colors, and have to change their eyeglasses a bit more frequently,” he adds.

An age-related eye condition, it is common in people over 60 years old. However, young adults, and even infants and children can have it, too! He shares, “You are at higher risk of developing cataracts if you have a family member who have or have had it, have diabetes, are always exposed to sunlight, have had an eye injury or surgery, have high blood pressure and have used corticosteroid medications.”

Only cataract surgery can remove cataracts. The procedure involves removing the natural lens with cataract and replacing it with an artificial lens called intraocular lens (IOL). At present, there are two types of cataract surgeries – the conventional cataract surgery and the Victus Femtolaser Cataract Surgery.

Dr. Leuenberger explains, “With the conventional cataract surgery, we use instruments to manually create an incision on the cornea, create an opening on the capsule to access the cataract, and break the cataract into small pieces. The Victus Femtolaser Cataract Surgery, on the other hand, is laser-assisted. The laser will do these three critical steps.”

Since the Victus Femtolaser technology makes the procedure easier and faster, patients experience fast healing and reduced risk in getting eye inflammation. They can also have improved vision since the laser creates an almost perfectly round opening in the capsule of the cataract. This provides a more stable position to place the IOL.

Asian Eye is the only eye care facility in the Philippines with the Victus Femtolaser by German brand Bausch + Lomb Technolas.

Cataract surgeries are one of the most commonly performed procedures worldwide. “The choice as to whether they will undergo conventional or laser-assisted cataract surgery is really up to the patient. Both types of surgeries are outpatient proven safe and effective. These are also outpatient, which means they can go home after the surgery.”

A cataract screening is needed before undergoing the surgery. Dr. Leuenberger explains, “We consider a lot factors before doing the surgery. First, we need to determine the type and extent of the cataract, so we can recommend the intraocular lens (IOL) that is appropriate for the patient’s eye condition and their lifestyle. We also need to examine their overall eye condition and see if they have other eye problems that may be interfering their vision.”

There are different types of IOLs available. These include the monofocal IOLs that provide the best possible vision at one distance, multifocal and accommodative IOLs that can correct vision at all distances, and toric IOLs to correct significant astigmatism.

Asian Eye Institute has clinics in Rockwell Makati, Trinoma, Mall of Asia and Commercenter Alabang. For inquiries or appointment, or to learn more about cataracts and IOLs, call us at 8-898-2020 or email [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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