Do you need cataract surgery? Here’s what you need to know

Published on: June 17, 2022

Cataracts remain to be the leading cause of blindness in both eyes in the Philippines.

According to the Philippine Eye Research Institute’s (PERI) Philippine National Survey of Blindness and Eye Disease Study, cataract affected a population of over one million, with 333,639 of them needing surgery. But what is cataract and how does it affect vision?

Imagine looking through a fogged-up eyeglasses or window – that is how people with cataract normally sees. It happens when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes clouded. Initially, it causes blurred vision; but as it advances, it grows bigger, blocks passage of light and interferes with vision.

Dr. Emerson Cruz, a Cornea and Refractive Surgeon and Cataract Specialist at Asian Eye Institute, explains that only surgery may be done to remove cataracts. “At first, wearing eyeglasses and stronger lighting can help a cataract patient to see well. But they may be recommended to undergo cataract surgery once their cataract grows big enough that it prevents them from doing simple activities like reading and driving at night.”

“Cataract surgery is one the most commonly done procedures in the country,” he adds, “What we do is we create an incision on the eye’s cornea, break down the lens with cataract, suction the cataract, and replace it with an artificial lens which is referred to as an intraocular lens (IOLs).”

Types of Cataract Surgery

There are two types of surgery done at Asian Eye – the conventional cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) and the Victus Femtolaser Cataract Surgery.

“In phacoemulsification, we use manually create an incision and create an opening in the cataract. We will also make use of ultrasound waves to break the lens apart,” Dr. Cruz explains, “The Victus Femtolaser Cataract Surgery is laser-assisted. This means that the laser will do all these three steps.”

Is Laser Cataract Surgery Safe?

Both are proven safe and effective. “The difference is that the Victus Femtolaser makes the surgery easy and fast. Patients will also experience faster healing with reduced risk for eye infections or inflammations. And since the laser creates a perfectly round opening in the capsule, there is a more stable position for the IOL, allowing the patient to have better and clearer vision.”

Do patients need still need to wear eyeglasses after cataract surgery?

The short answer is that it depends. Dr. Cruz says that there are different types of IOLs – monofocals, toric, accommodative and multifocals. “IOLs are like prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Each comes with a focusing power or eye grade. Monofocal IOLs are for near or distance only; toric IOLs are for those with astigmatism. Meanwhile, accommodative and multifocal IOLs work like progressive lenses, so patients can see clearly at all distances, near, far and intermediate.”

Patients can choose which type of surgery they prefer to undergo, but your eye doctor may recommend which type of IOL will be appropriate for you or your eye condition. “These are dependent on factors and conditions, such as the kind of lifestyle you have, your priories after the surgery and the existence of other eye conditions like glaucoma or retinal problems. All these will be considered when deciding on the IOL.”

What to do before and after cataract surgery

“That is why it is important to undergo Cataract Screening and to talk to your eye doctor. Discuss the questions you may have about the surgery, IOLs and other requirements you will be needing. Normally, patients are asked to get clearances from their heart doctors and some laboratory tests done prior to surgery,” he says.

It will also help to plan your surgery. “Vision may be blurry a few days or weeks after surgery, but it will gradually improve. Patients will also have to come back a day, a week and month after surgery. These post-operative checkups are crucial as these will allow us to monitor the healing of their eyes and the improvement in their vision.”

June is Cataract Awareness Month. Undergo cataract screening or surgery, and enjoy special discounts. Get 40% off on one (1) cataract screening or 50% off on two (2) cataract screenings. Plus, you can enjoy up to 30% off on selected cataract surgeries when you undergo surgery within a week after screening. Learn more about our ongoing promos here.

Want to set an appointment? Asian Eye has clinics in Rockwell Makati, Trinoma, Mall of Asia, and Commercenter Alabang. Call us at 8-898-2020 or 0918-898-2020; email us at [email protected]; or visit www.asianeyeinstitute.com.

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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