How Affordable and Accessible Is Glaucoma Treatment in the Philippines?

Introduction

Glaucoma is one of the most common eye conditions among Filipinos. It usually develops when excess fluid builds up in the eye, increasing pressure and damaging the optic nerve. Around 300,000 individuals in the country are reported to have the disease, according to a 2021 joint study published by the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology, Philippine Glaucoma Society, and Novartis Healthcare Philippines, Inc.

Dubbed the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma barely shows any symptoms until it is in its advanced stages. It is necessary for individuals to have comprehensive eye checkups regularly to detect the disease in its early stages, preserve vision, and prevent complete blindness.

There is currently no known cure for glaucoma, but medications and other treatment options are readily available in the Philippines. This article explores how financially accessible these treatments are to average Filipino patients. Read through the rest of this article to find out.

The Costs of Glaucoma Treatment in the Philippines

Treatment for glaucoma can be expensive. Several factors drive up the cost, such as the following:

Diagnostic Exams

Detecting glaucoma as early as possible is crucial for retaining your eyesight and avoiding irreversible blindness. Your doctor might recommend undergoing tests to diagnose your condition accurately. Some of the exams are:

Pachymetry – This is done to measure the thickness of your cornea. It is a painless procedure that involves gently placing a pachymeter onto the front part of the eye.
Tonometry – Tonometry assesses the pressure within the patient’s eye. Special eye drops will be used to numb the eye as the doctor uses their tonometer to measure eye pressure.
Ophthalmoscopy – Ophthalmoscopy is done to examine the optic nerves to check for variations in color, shape, and other characteristics. Special eye drops are also used to dilate the pupils and let the doctor peek through the eyes and see the optic nerves.
Perimetry – Perimetry is done to measure your field of vision and check if your peripheral vision is still working fine. This is done several times, especially before and after initiation of glaucoma treatment, to determine if there is worsening in your field of vision.
Gonioscopy – This painless exam is done to check the drainage angle of your eye and see if the fluids are being drained properly. It involves using a special contact lens that allows your doctor to see if the drainage angle is wide open (a sign of open-angle glaucoma) or blocked (a sign of angle-closure glaucoma).
Optical Coherence Tomography – Also known as OCT, this is done to get a clear picture of the back of your eye and measure the thickness of the retina and optic nerve. It is a quick, painless, and non-invasive procedure.

Eye Drops and Other Medication

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, the next course of action is to try to save your remaining vision. To do that, your doctor might prescribe eye drops, often used to decrease eye pressure or help properly drain excess fluid from your eyes.

In many cases, you have to use eye drops multiple times a day. The cost of this glaucoma treatment method varies, depending on the type and brand, so they can be a significant financial burden for many people.

Doctors might also prescribe tablets or laser therapy instead of eye drops. However, these medications and treatment methods can also be expensive, making it hard for many people to afford them.

Follow-Up Appointments

Follow-up visits to your doctor are necessary while taking glaucoma medications or eye drops. This allows them to monitor your condition and determine if the disease is progressing.

Potential Surgery

There are cases where surgery is the best option to preserve a person’s remaining eyesight. As you can imagine, the costs of glaucoma operations are not low, but they are very effective, so patients are encouraged to undergo such procedures if necessary.

Moreover, there are various procedures available, so you and your doctor can discuss which of the following is best for you:

Glaucoma Implant Surgery – This option involves implanting a tiny shunt or tube into the white part of the eye to help drain excess fluid and decrease eye pressure. The procedure usually lasts one to two hours, and the patient will be sedated during the surgery.
Trabeculectomy – Trabeculectomy is done to help with angle-closure and open-angle glaucoma. It involves creating a tiny opening inside the eye as an alternative drainage canal for excess fluid.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery – Also called MIGS, this procedure involves implanting tiny drainage implants inside the eye to increase outflow of excess fluid, thereby lowering pressure. It is an outpatient surgery and is known to have fewer risks and side effects.
Laser Treatment Options – There are several laser-assisted treatment procedures that can also help reduce intraocular pressure. They include:
- Laser Iridotomy (LI) – This procedure helps with angle-closure glaucoma and involves using a laser to create a small opening in the iris to improve the flow of aqueous humor.
- Argon Laser Peripheral Iridoplasty (ALPI) – Also called gonioplasty, this procedure uses low-energy argon lasers to create small burns in the iris. This widens the drainage angle and helps improve the outflow of fluid.
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) – This procedure exposes the drainage tissue with laser energy to enhance the flow of aqueous humor and lower intraocular pressure. It can be used as a primary or supplementary treatment for open-angle glaucoma.

Find a Glaucoma Specialist Today!

Even though glaucoma treatment in the Philippines can be expensive, finding a specialist to help you retain your remaining vision is still best. Asian Eye Institute is more than willing to help you! We have highly skilled doctors who can prescribe the right medications and eye drops to prevent your condition from worsening. If necessary, our ophthalmologists can also perform the needed surgical procedures.

Do not be discouraged by the costs of glaucoma surgery or treatment. After all, there are several ways to lower your expenses. Using your HMO or PhilHealth card can help reduce the costs of the necessary procedures, such as tests or operations. Our facility also accepts different modes of payment, including credit cards and bank installments, so you do not have to shell out a large amount of cash at once. The interest rates will depend on the regulations of your bank.

Conclusion

Glaucoma is a dangerous disease that can lead to blindness if left untreated. Fortunately, there are many treatment options, including eye drops, tablets, laser therapy, and surgery. While available treatments can be costly, glaucoma patients are highly encouraged to take advantage of these methods to preserve the vision they have left and prevent the condition from progressing.

Asian Eye Institute provides you with glaucoma treatment services in the Philippines. Scheduling a consultation with our doctors can help you get an accurate diagnosis, which is needed to determine the suitable treatment for you. Set an appointment today!

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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