How is a Cataract Diagnosed?

How is a Cataract Diagnosed?

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Wondering if your regressing vision is caused by cataract?

Having receding vision is one thing, knowing its cause is another. If you’re aging and aching to know if you have a cataract, it’s always best to know sooner rather than later.

But how exactly is a cataract detected?

Should you observe signs and symptoms of cataract, particularly having a hazy and cloudy vision, it is ideal for you to go to a trusted eye center like Shinagawa right away. Ophthalmologists and/or optometrists then diagnose a cataract by doing a comprehensive medical eye examination.

Cataract Doctor

The eye examination includes these key components:

  • Medical History
  • Visual History
  • Visual or Refraction Acuity Testing
  • Eye Health Evaluation
  • Visual Field Testing

You yourself must be prepared upon going to the doctor for your eye check. Here are what you can prepare to help the process:

  • List all the signs and symptoms you’re experiencing
  • List questions you may have for clarification
  • List all your medications

A big key to a successful cataract treatment is timely diagnosis. It’s always better to detect a cataract earlier as it can progress further if left undetected and untreated for a prolonged period of time.

To effectively monitor visual health, individuals over 40 years old, who struggle with their vision, are advised to have a dilated eye examination every two years, at the very least.

Eye Screening for Cataract

It is also important to note that while both an ophthalmologist and an optometrist can diagnose a cataract, only an ophthalmologist is qualified and certified to perform cataract surgery, accordingly.

Upon diagnosis, if indeed you have a cataract, an action plan in terms of the appropriate treatment will then be provided by the ophthalmologist and/or optometrist. The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery to have them removed.

Our eye doctors at Shinagawa are equipped and capable of both diagnosing cataract and removing it via surgery as well. Make an appointment once deemed necessary upon noticing gradual changes in your vision.

Seek help for a possible cataract, contact our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 and schedule a consultation and a comprehensive eye examination to know.

Knowing your Eyes Deeper: Parts & Functions of the Eye

Knowing your Eyes Deeper: Parts & Functions of the Eye

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How much do you care about your eyes?

Sometimes we tend to take them for granted when we shouldn’t in the first place. Our eyes give us the gift of vision and the luxury of seeing the beauty of the world and life in our everyday lives.

That’s more than enough reason to care about your eyes enough and know more about them and how they deliver you one of the most important senses in seeing.

The different parts of the eye work together and complement each other provide the vision that you so enjoy and need.

Know the different parts of your eyes and their specific functions. Here are the different parts that are responsible for producing the vision that you enjoy:

  1. Sclera – The white part of the eye that protects the eyeball and surrounds the pupil and iris.
  2. Pupil – The black dot at the center of the eye. It is a hole where the light enters the eye.
  3. Iris – The colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil. Its main function is to control the volume of light that enters the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil. Through its sphincter muscle, the iris expands or contracts, making the pupil smaller or larger.
  4. Cornea – It is the clear window right at the front of the eye that covers the pupil and iris. The journey of the light actually starts in the cornea as it passes there first. It also helps in focusing light to enable production of a clear image on the retina.
  5. Lens – The lens is right behind the pupil and it focuses light onto the retina located at the back of the eye. It performs the final focusing of the light inside the eye.
  6. Conjunctiva – This clear and protective membrane covers the surface of the eye and the inner eyelids. It is also responsible in keeping the eye in good working order.
  7. Retina – It is the inner lining at the back of the eye. Its different layers of cells work together to detect light and convert it into electrical impulses. The retina is comprised of life-sensitive cells that have the ability to determine, light, dark and color to assemble images. It then translates color into neural information and sends it to the brain for processing.
  8. Optic Nerve – It is a package of neural fibers that are transported from the retina to the brain.

We can’t stress further enough the importance of our eyes as without them, the gift of sight would not be possible. That’s why it is likewise that important for you to know more about your eyes and most especially, take good care of them.

For more information on how you can seek help with your eyes or any problems they may have, contact our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517

CATALYS: Allowing the Most Precise Cataract Surgery

CATALYS: Allowing the Most Precise Cataract Surgery

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A surgery is the only treatment for cataract. The cloudy natural lens of the patient is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens implant which will restore fully the patient’s vision. This must be done in a safe, painless and accurate manner.

In traditional cataract surgery, the surgeon uses hand-held metal instruments to create the incisions, access the cataract, and break up the cataract into smaller pieces which can be vacuumed out through a procedure called phacoemulsification. Even in the hands of the most experienced eye surgeon, sometimes these steps can be challenging.

However, at Shinagawa, we offer Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Premium Cataract Surgery) which uses the CATALYS Laser Precision System.

The CATALYS has several advantages over Traditional Cataract Surgery:

  • Accurate incision placement for a better outcome
  • Precision laser technology
  • Safer access to the cataract via pre-cut opening
  • Laser softens the cataract, making the removal more efficient and simpler
  • The laser can also address the small amount of astigmatism
  • Customized treatment with 3D imaging (enables the Surgeon to create a precise treatment plan uniquely tailored for the eye/s)
  • A gentle approach to surgery (with very little to no discomfort at all)
  • Using less energy, it allows a much faster recovery and restores vision in no time

The CATALYS Laser Precision System allows for safer, efficient, highly reproducible cataract surgery which leads to better visual outcomes.

The expertise of our experienced surgeons along with the power of the CATALYS have already satisfied patients and enabled them to regain a bright vision.

Alicia Gutierrez, Cataract Patient

“I will forever be grateful and thankful for my successful cataract surgery at Shinagawa. I feel like a newborn with a brand new vision. I now have a bright vision to the point that I can still read even the smallest font size on my cell phone,” expressed jubilant patient Alicia Guttierez, 66. “Their cataract surgery is the best ever! Shinagawa and all its doctors, nurses and staff for making this possible.”

Daisy Mijares, Cataract Patient

70-year-old Daisy Mijares shared her own sentiments: “Finally, Shinagawa performed the cataract surgery that restored my failing eyesight into an almost 20/20 vision. Now, I can see far and near objects and read prints with perfect clarity. Goodbye, glasses at last! A job very well done. Here’s one forever grateful patient,” gladly said, Daisy.

For 71-year-old Mercedes Paras, her own journey is both satisfying and sentimental.

Mercedes Paras, Cataract Patient

“This is my happiest trip back to Leyte as I bring with me a bright eyesight after so many years of blurry vision. Big thanks to Shinagawa clinic for my successful cataract surgery. My teary eyes from yesterday are now replaced by tears of joy today!” shared Mercedes.

These are proven and significant reasons for one to opt for the best possible Cataract Surgery available. As we say, don’t settle for less. These are eyes and vision that we’re talking about, two of the most essential parts of our daily lives.

Now in the know of why it should be a priority to have the safest and most precise way to remove the cataract, it is important to have the best options possible. Don’t take unfavorable risks and got for safety and security.

For the safest and most efficient Cataract Surgery, Shinagawa is your way to go. To start your own journey back to a brighter vision, reach us through our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517

Eye With Cataract

Signs and Symptoms of Cataract

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Not sure if you or any of your loved ones have a cataract? You should be in the know of the signs and symptoms of having a cataract.

It is important to immediately identify the problem in terms of your eyes and vision to be able to proceed with a corresponding treatment and avoid further damage or complications.

Initially, cataracts start small and slow and only causes a little effect at the start. However, this drastically develops and causes more impact in daily activities upon progressing to another stage.

That’s why early prevention is indeed a must for you to avoid unfortunate circumstances wherein a cataract can cause further damage along the way.

Cataract Diagnosis

Here are some key signs and symptoms to observe to have an idea if you probably have a cataract or not:

  1. Clouded or blurred vision
  2. Increased sensitivity to light and glare
  3. Increased difficulty in vision during night time
  4. Having the need for a brighter light when reading
  5. Constant changes in prescription of eyeglasses and contact lens
  6. Colors turn yellowish more often

If you happen to feel like you have several or most of these symptoms, there might be a good possibility that you have a cataract.

Despite having these signs and symptoms as a guide to know whether one has a cataract or not, it is still best to consult a doctor

Want to know if you have a cataract or not? Shinagawa is here to solve the problem and help you identify it through advanced examinations for your eyes.

For more information on how you can seek help for a possible cataract, contact our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517

Cataract Surgery

How Exactly is Cataract Treated?

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Cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye. Although there are many causes of cataract, the most common is due to aging. Symptoms of cataract include blurry cloudy vision, glare, halo, frequent change in eyeglasses and if a severe loss of vision.

The only definitive treatment of cataract is through a surgery called phacoemulsification. During phacoemulsification, ultrasound waves are used to break up the cataract into small pieces which are then vacuumed out. An intraocular lens (IOL) is then inserted replacing the old lens, improving the vision.

Cataract Surgery with a Nurse and Doctor

Here at Shinagawa, we have Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS). In traditional Cataract Surgery, it is the surgeon who will divide the cataract into smaller pieces that can be later vacuumed out but in FLACS, this is done by the advanced laser machine producing better outcomes and increasing the safety of the cataract surgery.

How Exactly is Cataract Treated?

Once the natural lens is removed, an IOL must be placed. There are 3 main types of IOL (Monofocal, Multifocal, and Toric). The choice of IOL will be tailored to you depending on your visual needs and this will be discussed with you by your doctor.

 

Comparison of Normal Lens and Lens clouded by Cataract

A comprehensive eye screening will allow the doctor to determine which lens will be the best fit for a particular patient. The examinations will also indicate whether a patient is eligible for the surgery or not.

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure so patients will go home right after surgery. The procedure takes less than 1 hour and only one (1) eye is done at a time. Patients will be given protective eyewear and drops after the surgery.

Representation of Before and After Cataract Surgery

Vision will improve over the first few days while complete healing is expected around 1 to 2 months. Regular check-ups will also be scheduled by the doctor during the entire healing process.

Having problems with cataract or do you know some that are? Shinagawa is here to solve the problem and help fight off cataract for a regained vision.

For more information on how you can seek help for cataract, contact our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517