Cataract Surgery
For Cataract Surgery, cataract is a common, painless, non-contagious eye disorder in which the lens in the eye becomes clouded affecting the ability to see properly. The lens, a transparent and flexible part of the eye responsible for focusing light rays as they enter the eye, develops cataract breaking up light rays as they pass to the retina. Blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, monocular double vision, reduction in seeing colour (usually there is a yellow or brown tint) as well as finding a need to frequently change prescription glasses are some of the symptoms experienced by people with this disorder.
One of the main factors contributing to developing cataracts is related to aging though it is not uncommon for cataracts to develop at any age. Other factors include chronic exposure to UV rays, family history, diabetes, injury to the eye, genetic illness (such as galactosemia, homocystinuria and down syndrome), certain medications (such as prolonged use of statins), other eye conditions (such as retinitis pigmentosa) as well as smoking and chronic alcohol intake.
There are a number of different types of cataracts with nuclear sceloric catract most frequently diagnosed. It is a slow developing conditions that begins in the nucleus of the lens and is associated with aging. Cortical cataract, forms at the outer parts of the lens spreading slowly to the center and is most prevalent in people with diabetes. Posterior subcapsular cataract develops in the back of the lens and is also associated with people suffering from diabetes as well as Retinitis Pigmentosa, excessive use of medications such as steroids and people who have extreme nearsightedness. The rarest type of this disorder is congenital contract which is present at birth or during early childhood. It is often not clear as to why cataracts develop in children though it is thought to be associated with an infection a mother contacts during pregnancy, genetic diseases such as down syndrome or infectious diseases such rubella or herpes simplex.
TREATMENT:
When cataracts affect daily life or when the condition interferes with the treatment of other eye disorders, eye surgery is usually recommended. Cataract surgery is one of the most common, effective and safest surgery to restore vision.
Cuba offers two options for cataract surgeries: With or without an implementation of an Intraocular Lens (IOL). Both surgeries undergo similar procedure and are performed by making an incision in order to remove the clouded lens. Both surgeries can be as outpatient or with hospitalization.
Surgery with IOL:
IOL, a clear and flexible lens, is positioned securely in place of the clouded lens and works in the same way as the natural lens by focusing light rays into the retina. IOL are non-intrusive and usually help to improve vision.
The program includes the following:
- Specialized Ophthalmology consultation
- Hemoglobin test
- Hematocrit test
- Glycemia test
- Differential white blood cell count
- HIV test
- Erology test
- Chest X-Rays test
- Electrocardiogram test
- Refraction and autorefraction checkup
- Biomicroscopy checkup
- Keratometry checkup
- Tonometry checkup
- Biometrics checkup
- Ocular diagnostic ultrasound
- Local anesthesia applied by anesthesiology specialist
- Cataract Surgery with Implantation of an Intraocular Lens (IOL) in one eye
- Right to Operating Room
- Recovery after surgery
- Skilled nursing service
Surgery without IOL:
Due to other eye conditions or problems during surgery intraocular lens may be advised against.
The program includes the following:
- Specialized Ophthalmology consultation
- Hemoglobin test
- Hematocrit test
- Glycemia test
- Differential white blood cell count
- HIV test
- Erology test
- Chest X-Rays test
- Electrocardiogram test
- Refraction and autorefraction checkup
- Biomicroscopy checkup
- Keratometry checkup
- Tonometry checkup
- Biometrics checkup
- Ocular diagnostic ultrasound
- Local anesthesia applied by anesthesiology specialist
- Cataract Surgery without Implantation of an Intraocular Lens (IOL) in one eye
- Right to Operating Room
- Recovery after surgery
- Skilled nursing service
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- The above program does not include medications for certain conditions such as depression, blood coagulation, etc.
- Medicaments, fluids, blood and derivatives to be used, as well as additional procedure(s) performed not included in the exact treatment would be invoiced separately on upon the conclusion of said treatment / procedure(s)
ACCOMMODATION:
Private room with the following features:
- Electronic patient bed
- Equipment for disabled patient
- Oxygen hookup
- Three à la carte meals taking into account the patient’s preferences and / or special diets prescribed by physician
- Fully equipped private bathroom
- Infirmary and nursing care
- Colour TV with national and international channels
- Local and international phone services (extra cost will apply)
- Safe box
- Internet service on every floor
- Laundry services
ADDITIONAL SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM:
- Assistance in visa issuance and extension (If needs be)
- Each patient/ companion will be assigned a multi-lingual field member with the mandate of attending to all of our patients’ translation and personal needs;
- 20 hours internet service;
- Local airport pickup and drop off; and
- Hospital pickup and drop off (if needed)