Low Cost Cataract Surgery Abroad
Cataract Surgery Cost Package:
{Cost covers all medical & logistics costs at destination}
International Destinations: India, Jordan, Mexico, South Korea, Turkey
Cataract is a condition, in which the natural crystalline lens of the eye
becomes opaque. This results in vision impairment or even a complete loss of
vision. The causes of cataract include, age related metabolic changes of the
lens fibre (i.e. senile cataract), traumatic cataract (i.e. cataract due to
trauma or injury), and congenital cataract (i.e. born with cataract) or occur
secondary to an underlying medical condition like diabetes, excessive exposure
to sunlight or abuse of alcohol and smoking.
The most common type of cataract in the United States is the senile cataract,
which has an incidence of as high as 42% among the age group of 52 to 64 years
and up to 91% among age group of 75 to 85. The procedure is a simple daycare
surgery, which is most preferably performed under local anesthesia and has a
high success rate of 90% and low incidence of surgical complications. The surgery
may require the replacement of the natural lens by an artificial lens which
improves and restores the patient's vision after the surgery. International
medical tourism destinations like India, Jordan, Turkey, Mexico and South Korea
have medical infrastructure comparable to the United States, and provide low
cost cataract eye surgery. Most of the institutions abroad are accredited
by international standard accreditation agencies which ensure high quality of
medical and surgical care.
Preoperative evaluation for cataract surgery
- A preliminary assessment of the eye by an ophthalmologist is mandated, to
evaluate the presence of cataract and review the patients medical condition
to determine the candidates fitness to undertake the surgery
- Common symptoms of cataract include blurring of vision, fading of colors,
poor night vision, halo around lights, double vision or multiple visions or
frequent changes in the visual acuity.
- The patient is subjected to a series of diagnostic tests which include visual
acuity tests, dilated eye examination (a magnifying lens is used to view the
retina and the optic nerve after dilatation of the pupils) and tonometry (to
measure intra ocular pressure).
- The patient's eyesight is evaluated for the presence of other conditions
like macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal detachment, etc. The presence
of these conditions, considerably limits the recovery of sight after the surgery.
- The drug history and medical history of the patient are reviewed to evaluate
the fitness of the patient, and capability to undertake the surgery. Though
the surgery is a simple procedure, a thorough clinical and medical evaluation
is a requisite.
Cataract Surgery Procedure:
Surgical removal of the cataract is a simple day care procedure which is conducted
on out patient basis. It is a short procedure which may last between half an
hour to an hour and is conducted under general anesthesia, with minimal complications
to the patient. Prior to the surgery, eye drops are used to dilate the pupil
and the area around the eye is cleansed and washed adequately.
There are three basic types of procedures,
- Phacoemulsification: It is an extra capsular extraction procedure,
where the natural lens is removed completely, while maintaining the lens capsule
for implantation of the artificial intraocular lens. The procedure involves
the use of an ultrasonic probe, with a vibrating tip which emulsifies (softens)
the lens tissue. After the emulsification of the lens tissue, the material
is aspirated using a dual irrigation- aspiration probe.
- Conventional procedure for cataract extraction: It is a conventional
procedure, which is used for cataracts that can't be removed using the phacoemulsification
technique. A large incision is made on the cornea, and the opaque lens tissue
is removed manually. The wound is subsequently sealed with stitches.
- Intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE): This procedure is rarely
used due to the possibility of a higher incidence of post operative complications.
Cryoextraction is a type of intra capsular extraction procedure, in which
lens tissue is frozen with the tip of the probe and the lens tissue is extracted.
After the extraction of the cataract, an artificial lens (as referred to as
intraocular lens). There are different types of intraocular lens which include
foldable IOL (which require a smaller incision) or PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate)
lens (which require a larger incision).
After the procedure, a patch of dressing is placed over the operated eye whilst
the medical team observes the patient for post operative problems like bleeding.
The patient is discharged on the same day after the surgery.
Post Operative Care after cataract surgery
- The patient may experience itching, discomfort or fluid discharge after
the surgery which are temporary problems and resolve within a few days.
- Antibiotic eye drops may be required for few days after the surgery to
promote healing and to reduce the risk of developing secondary infections.
- The patient is requested to avoid bending or any heavy or strenuous work
for a few weeks after the surgery to prevent a rise in the intraocular pressure.
Light household chores are allowed.
Post operative complications after cataract surgery:
The incidence of post operative complications is very low; however, there are
certain complications which tend to occur after the procedure,
- Posterior capsule opacification: Occasionally, the posterior capsule cells
thicken and result in opacification, after the placement of the artificial
lens. The complication is corrected using a laser device, which is safe and
a painless procedure. Thicker opacities of the posterior capsule require surgical
correction
- Tear of the posterior capsule: The posterior capsule may rupture in some
patients, which may require an alternative procedure for the placement of
intra ocular lens.
- A non infectious inflammatory reaction may occur after a cataract surgery.
It is treated with high dose of steroids and is clinically referred to as
Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome.
- Infection of the intraocular tissue may occur in some cases after cataract
surgery.
- Glaucoma and retinal detachment may occur in some individuals, which are
detected after a few months of the surgery. Surgical management may be required
to prevent visual loss
- Macular edema may occur a few days after the surgery, which involves the
swelling of the central part of the retina. These can be treated successfully
without any surgical intervention.
Cataract Surgery in India:
With rapid advancements in technology and an improved infrastructure, India
is emerging as one of the leading medical tourism destinations across the world.
Affordable cataract surgery coupled with international quality and specialized
and well trained medical professional teams, Indian health infrastructure guarantees
best medical care for American patients.
Cataract Surgery in Mexico:
Mexican healthcare infrastructure is rated as the 61st best healthcare infrastructure
in the world by the World Health Organization. Its proximity to the American
border, lower travel time and strong medical teams, have helped it, become one
of the most preferred destinations for seeking medical
care abroad, especially for American patients.
Cataract Surgery in Turkey:
With a strong image and repute in the Middle East, attributed to international
quality standards and low cost of cataract surgery, Turkey is now poised to
become the new hub for medical tourism
across all continents. The hospitals in Turkey are equipped with the latest
technology and equipments and a team of experienced and well trained physicians,
thus attracting several American patients, every year.
Cataract surgery in Jordan:
Stringent norms to ensure high quality of medical practice and rapid augmentation
of the medical infrastructure have won Jordan the reputation of being one of
the best medical tourism destinations in the Mediterranean region. Though most
of the medical tourists coming to the country are Europeans, the potential ability
to couple medical care travel with leisure travel has prompted an inflow of
patients from the United States.
Cataract Surgery in South Korea:
South Korea is a recent entrant to the medical tourism industry and yet has
gained phenomenal reputation. High quality of medical care with huge savings
of up to 50% on cataract surgery cost, has promoted the growth of medical tourism
industry in the country.
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