According to the Department of Health, roughly 570,000 Filipinos are blind in both eyes in the Philippines, 62.1% of which is due to cataract.
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Commonly affecting people over 60 years old, cataract occurs when the normally clear lens of the eye gets cloudy, causing blurry vision. It can affect one or both eyes and interferes with vision as it grows larger over time.
According to EyeSite cornea and refractive surgeon and comprehensive ophthalmologist Dr. Albert dela Cruz, the development of cataract cannot be prevented but it is relatively easy to treat.
“Cataract can only be removed through surgery. The lens with cataract is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. It is a common procedure and it can be done in less than 30 minutes.”
However, the real challenge is not treating cataract but eliminating blindness due to cataract.
“Blindness due to cataract can be prevented if the condition is detected early and monitored regularly. Patients are recommended to undergo surgery, especially when they start experiencing poor night vision, difficulty reading or doing other daily tasks. The problem is, many patients today delay their surgery because of the surgery cost,” dela Cruz says.
This year, EyeSite by Asian Eye Institute reaches out to cataract patients in the broader market by offering a cataract surgery package. Senior citizens who are also PhilHealth members can now avail of the package with a minimal cash out of only P2,250. The package includes expert eye care from Asian Eye-trained ophthalmologists, a US-made lens and three free eye checkups after the surgery.
“Previously, cataract surgery rates start at around P20,000. This is why we decided to come up with an affordable but quality cataract package,” dela Cruz explains. “Through this package, we hope to be able to help encourage cataract patients to undergo surgery so they can continue to enjoy their golden years with clear vision.”
EyeSite also offers EyeScan, an eye disease prescreening that can detect if you are at risk of blinding eye diseases like cataract, glaucoma and retinal problems. It also performs cataract screening and surgery. EyeSite is at the Ayala Fairview Terraces, Quezon City and St. Frances Cabrini Medical Center, Sto. Tomas, Batangas. For more info, call 364-3287 or (043) 740-7669. (Story/Photos by: Charizze Henson)
