Published on: December 6, 2021
With age comes wisdom, but it frequently comes with cataract too.
Cataract is the clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. A common cause of vision loss in people age 60 and above, cataract causes blurry vision and makes it difficult for patients to see at night or in low light. Some are sensitive to light and glare or have dimmed vision, so they need brighter light for reading and doing other activities.
However, cataracts do not only affect the elderly. Asian Eye Institute Glaucoma and Cataract Specialist Dr. James Paul Gomez explains, “Some people believe that cataracts only develop in old people, but younger people, children and even infants can have it, too. They are likely to develop early cataracts especially if they have a family history of cataracts, or have diabetes, hypertension, eye trauma or a high level of nearsightedness. Smoking, obesity and too much sun exposure are also risk factors.”
The development of cataract is gradual and painless, that is why many patients are unaware they have it. At first, the cataract may only affect a small part of the eye’s lens. As it grows, that is when they start to notice the signs and symptoms.
Patients do not have to wait for the cataract to be “ripe” before it is removed. “The cataract can be removed if they are already having difficulty doing their daily tasks like reading, cooking or driving,” he says, “The only effective way to remove it is through cataract surgery. We remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial lens called intraocular lens or IOL. Once removed, the cataract does not grow back.”
Contrary to common belief, cataract surgery is among the safest and most common surgical procedures. Asian Eye has been performing cataract surgeries since 2001. At present, it offers conventional cataract surgeries and bladeless cataract surgeries using the Victus Femtolaser technology.
“The Victus Femtolaser technology makes it easier to remove the cataract,” Dr. Gomez explains. It brings a higher level of precision as it uses less energy to break and remove the cataract. He adds, “Less energy means lower chances of getting eye inflammation and promotes faster healing. The laser creates an almost perfectly round opening in the capsule of the cataract, which provides a more stable position to place the IOL. This allows patients to enjoy improved vision.”
Manufactured by German brand Bausch + Lomb, the Victus Femtolaser technology is only available at Asian Eye.
Good news! In celebration of our 20th anniversary, get a special discount when you undergo cataract surgery within 2 weeks after your screening. Open to both senior and non-senior citizen patients, the promo runs from November 11 to December 31, 2021. Schedule a cataract screening by calling 8-898-2020 or 0918-898-2020, or learn more about our other promos and discounts
