What to expect from cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery involves removal of a patient’s clouded natural crystalline lens and implantation of a permanent artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is generally a brief, painless procedure performed on an outpatient basis and most patients are back to their normal activities the next day after surgery. If both eyes have cataracts, usually they are removed one at a time, with a few days to weeks between each surgery to allow the first eye to heal and be evaluated in a follow-up exam for any possible problems.
Prior to surgery, the patient’s eye is thoroughly examined to determine the proper power of the intraocular lens to be implanted and patients will discuss with their surgeon the various IOL options available. Some may choose regular Monofocal lenses, while others opt for “premium” multifocal, or accommodating lenses, which can potentially restore a patient’s ability to see without glasses at all distances post-surgery
In the procedure itself, the eye is first dilated with eye drops and patients may be given a sedative to help them relax during the surgery. Local or topical anesthetic is applied to the eye to make the surgery painless. The skin around the eye is thoroughly cleansed, and sterile draping is placed around the patient’s eye and head. Using an operating microscope, the surgeon makes at least one small incision into the eye at the edge of the cornea, through which the cloudy lens (the cataract) is then removed.
Usually the procedure is performed using an ultrasound-driven instrument that “sonically” breaks up the cataract (phacoemulsification), which is then suctioned (aspirated) out of the eye. This method is used most widely in modern cataract surgery today.
Special instruments may be used in another surgical method to mechanically break up the cloudy lens into small pieces (phacofracture), which are then removed directly from the eye through a small incision.
After the cataract has been removed, the surgeon will insert a new clear permanent artificial intraocular lens implant through the same tiny incision at the edge of the cornea. The lens Implant is inserted folded up initially and then allowed to unfold so it can be set in the correct position.
The tiny incision made at the edge of the cornea is usually self-healing, though in cases where micro-sutures may be used to close the incision they rarely need to be removed.
Recovery from cataract surgery is very brief, with patients often spending no more than 90 minutes from prep to release and most people return to their normal activities within a day after surgery.
Are you the ideal candidate for Cataract Surgery at MedicalMex?
In general, the decision to proceed with cataract surgery is a function of determining a patient’s visual acuity and finding out if the cataract itself is responsible for the decline in visual function, or is it secondary to a systemic or ocular condition?
The surgeon will perform a thorough pre-operative exam to determine the source of a patient’s difficulty with seeing and recommend surgery for patients with symptoms that disrupt their daily activities.
Symptoms of a cataract can include a gradual decline in visual acuity over years, though in some cases a decline may appear over a matter of days. Often a decline in the ability to see clearly near (reading) is greater than the decline in far visual acuity (driving). Other sight issues impacted by the presence of cataracts include:
Glare — in which patients experience night driving problems or see halos around light sources at night.
Myopic shift — in which patient’s experience “second sight”, especially in the case of a nuclear sclerotic cataract.
Diplopia — in which patients experience monocular vision (lack depth of field vision).
In rare cases, cataract surgery may be appropriate for patients with lens induced disease such as phacomorphic glaucoma, or if there is a medical need to visualize the fundus to help examine for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy.
The appropriate cataract surgery candidate must be able to lie on their back for 30 — 60 minutes, which makes the procedure more complicated for patients with back pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or Congestive Heart Failure. In addition, the cataract patient must be able to remain still throughout the procedure, which can raise issues for surgery on young children, patients who experience tremor and those with claustrophobia.
Patients taking certain anti-coagulant drugs such as coumadin, Plavix, or aspirin should discuss with their surgeon the advisability of reducing or stopping such medication prior to surgery and those taking FLOMAX for prostate issues should understand that FLOMAX has been associated with intraoperative floppy iris syndrome.
Benefits and risks of cataract surgery?
Benefits of Cataract Surgery
Depending on a patient’s symptoms, removal of cataract(s) offers the prospect of:
Improved clarity of vision
Improved vision in dim light
Reduced glare in bright light or during night driving
Colors may seem richer
Improved vision may enable some patients to continue driving
Studies have shown patients enjoy improved quality of life after cataract surgery. Activities such as reading, sports, cooking, driving, using a computer and sewing become easier after the operation. Even in patients who suffer from other problems such as retinal disease, remaining vision is usually improved by cataract surgery.
Modern improvements in the development of intraocular lenses have allowed some patients to stop wearing glasses for distance vision after cataract surgery. Some patients also become less dependent on reading glasses, even when they have previously worn them for many years.
Cataract surgery is usually fast, safe and gentle to the eye — and the recovery period is very short, allowing patients to enjoy the benefits of cataract surgery almost immediately.
Possible Complications
Cataract surgery is the most common eye surgery performed today. It is successful and uncomplicated in up to 95% cases. However, a small percentage of patients experience events which lead to poor results. Most of these events are known risks of the surgery itself and can occur even when the operation is performed well by an experienced surgeon. These events are often unpredictable and patients should be aware of such possibilities before they decide to proceed with surgery.
Why choose MedicalMex for your cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery in a U.S. hospital can cost, on average $3,000 – $5,000 per eye, depending on the location and the experience of the surgeon performing the procedure. Your cost at the MedicalMex Vision Center — including travel costs — is about half what you would pay to a U.S. doctor.
Cost should never be the only consideration when deciding about your sight of course. We offer the support and expertise of a multidisciplinary team of vision specialists who help patients understand and manage all the challenges they face in reclaiming optimum vision. Our Vision Center facilities and equipment represent healthcare value that is second to none.
Patients at MedicalMex receive the expert care of physicians, nurses and ophthalmologists dedicated to making the medical travel experience as comfortable, supported and secure as possible. Everyone at our Vision Center works to see that patients get the treatment necessary for surgical success and that they leave the hospital with the results they had hoped for and more.
What’s included in Angeles Tijuana cataract surgery package?
All cataract surgery patients at Angeles Health Mexico are assigned a Patient Facilitator, who handles all arrangements free of charge. Your Patient Facilitator will provide you with a full itinerary with what to expect every step of the way on your medical travel trip.
The Monofocal Cataract Surgery for one eye is $2,300.
The Monofocal Cataract Surgery Package (both eyes) is $4,600.
The Multifocal Cataract Surgery Package is $6,995.
All include:
All pre-surgery tests and examinations.
All related surgical costs: Ophthalmologist, surgeon, anesthesia, equipment, nursing care.
A dedicated Case Management team to guide your pre- and post-surgery experience.
Pre-surgery consult set-up if needed.
Shuttle service to and from the San Diego area.
Full travel coordination and all necessary itinerary.