Ophthalmology (Eye Care)
About 1.2 billion people worldwide have eye problems. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness, somewhat less often – retinal diseases (age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy). In connection with the diabetes pandemic, interdisciplinary cooperation comes to the fore. So, if a patient is diagnosed with diabetes for the first time, he should be immediately examined by an ophthalmologist. Dry eye disease is also attracting the medical community's attention today because disorders of the front surface of the eyeball occur in approximately 80% of ophthalmic patients.
Therefore, ophthalmology is an important and relevant medical field. A critical stage is the timely diagnosis and prevention of the progression of eye conditions. Unfortunately, local hospitals often lack the capacity and equipment to provide quality screening and effective treatment. Another problematic issue is the need for high-precision microsurgery of the eye. That is why most patients seek ophthalmological help abroad.
To date, foreign clinics are successfully treating various eye diseases, particularly those that could not be corrected 10-15 years ago. About 80% of cases of visual impairment are reversible. Eye treatment abroad is based on a comprehensive approach, using innovative therapeutic methods and the latest generation of equipment. Laser eye surgeries, corneal transplants, artificial retina, and optic nerve atrophy treatment are nowadays possible in eye clinics abroad.
To draw widespread public attention to eye problems, WHO organised a holiday celebrated on the second Thursday of October - "World Sight Day".
Best hospitals for Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Worldwide
University Hospital Charite Berlin
Department of ophthalmology
University Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich
Department of ophthalmology
University Hospital Frankfurt am Main of Goethe-University
Department of ophthalmology
Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch
Department of ophthalmology
Teknon Medical Centre Barcelona
Department of oculofacial, ophthalmic plastic, and reconstructive surgery
Department of ophthalmology
Best doctors for Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Worldwide
Common eye symptoms
Signs of ophthalmological disorders begin with different strengths in various ways and stages. Nevertheless, here are the most common ophthalmological symptoms, meaning the need to have an appointment with an ophthalmologist:
- Pain in the eye area.
- Decreased eyesight.
- Narrowing of the usual field of lateral vision.
- Intense redness of the sclera or eyelids.
- Large secretions from the lacrimal ducts.
- Prolonged itching of the eyes.
- Light sensitivity.
- Dry eyes.
- Eye injury, in particular and especially after stabbing.
- Feeling the presence of a foreign body in the eye.
- Inability to lift the upper eyelid.
- Neoplasm.
Suppose the patient has signs of an acute attack of glaucoma (sudden blurring of vision, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, pain in the eye) or an eye injury. In that case, he should immediately contact an ophthalmologist in the emergency department. At the same time, visiting a reputable ophthalmologist abroad might be an option for chronic issues or eye surgery planning.
A standard doctor recommendation is to undergo a preventive examination by an ophthalmologist once a year. But it is especially needed by those who have hypertension, diabetes or hyperthyroidism, people over 50, as well as those who work in conditions of high load on the visual apparatus. In addition, ophthalmological clinics abroad have special eye screening programs embedded in regular check-ups.
Diagnosis for eye problems
A precise and timely diagnosis is key to the successful treatment of ophthalmic diseases. Therefore, foreign clinics use state-of-the-art equipment, which makes it possible to visualize the most delicate structures of the eye. In addition, it makes it possible to identify various disorders in the eye nerves.
Today, early diagnosis of eye diseases is a reality, which is carried out with the help of special ultrasound devices, microscopes, analyzers, tomographs and computer programs:
- Visometry is a visual acuity check using special tables and additional equipment;
- Refractometry is a determination of exact parameters of visual acuity and refraction anomalies;
- Tonometry measures intraocular pressure;
- The colour vision test detects deviations in colour perception by the eye;
- Biomicroscopy is an examination of the cornea, lens, iris and other tissues of the eye using a lamp;
- Perimetry examines peripheral vision to detect glaucoma or optic nerve atrophy.
Ultrasound is also possible for the eye. It uses high-frequency sound waves to exemine the orbital structures. Typically, the lens and vitreous body are not visible, but their changes are always visible. An example of such a study is corneal thickness pachymetry. A special probe touches the cornea's surface and measures its thickness with the help of ultrasound.
Modern examinations are carried out using the latest computer programs. It allows the ophthalmologist maximum study accuracy and simplifies the examination procedure. Laser diagnostic methods are widely popular in eye clinics abroad. Computer keratotopography is a non-invasive technique that identifies changes in the cornea's structure and sphericity. OCT scan allows doctors to identify structural changes in the optic nerve and retina.
New ophthalmological treatment
After the examination, the ophthalmologist prescribes treatment based on international standards and evidence-based medicine.
Specialists in eye clinics abroad are constantly developing and implementing new methods of treatment of ophthalmic diseases. Today, the most popular techniques include:
- Vitrectomy is one of the methods of eye microsurgery for eliminating changes in the vitreous body and retina. Such an intervention aims to prevent the inevitable deterioration of vision and improve or completely restore the eye anatomy.
- Laser capsulotomy is cataract removal using laser beams while preserving the lens capsule. During the operation, parts of the overgrown epithelium are removed from the field of vision, and visual acuity is fully restored.
- Trabeculoplasty is aimed at treating glaucoma by improving the outflow of intraocular fluid and reducing intraocular pressure. Foreign doctors perform it using modern Argón laser.
- Cataract surgery with IOL (intraocular lens) implantation is a lens made of a biocompatible material necessary to replace the eye's natural organ, which cannot perform its functions.
- Corneal transplantation (keratoplasty) - is a surgical intervention during which the damaged part of the cornea is replaced by a donor one. This method improves the transparency of the cornea and restores visual acuity.
Today, the most modern method of surgical treatment of cataracts is laser-assisted intervention using the CATALYS femtosecond laser. It generates ultra-short pulses making precise, minimal holes in the anterior eyeball's tissues to reach the location of the lens. Thus, the cataract-affected lens is crushed for more accessible and less traumatic removal.
Finally, according to experts from leading eye clinics, eye treatment is performed with the highest accuracy thanks to the latest generations of lenses. Such excellent results cannot be achieved with the usual manual operation technique.
Benefits of ophthalmology abroad
Patients searching for eye treatment note significant progress in eye centres abroad. The best ophthalmological clinics in Europe, Israel, Turkey and the USA deal with vision problems using progressive surgical tactics and drugs. In addition, diagnostic services are developed at a high level: medical centres are equipped with devices for obtaining digital images of the fundus, corneal topography and ultrasound.
New devices allow intervention with constant stabilised intraocular pressure, which is vital because fluctuations cause complications. Furthermore, ophthalmic surgery abroad impresses with 3D visualisation technologies. New laser installations and recent models of artificial lenses also appeared.
Modern lenses are close to natural ones in terms of their properties. In addition, due to the use of high-tech technologies, the recovery period is significantly reduced, so many patients have the opportunity to return home after eye surgery almost immediately.
Presented ophthalmologists abroad are experienced specialists who have devoted many years to their professional activities. By improving their qualifications, doctors can guarantee the best treatment results in each case. Moreover, this approach gives maximum confidence in the final result.
FAQ
How fast can I have an appointment with an ophthalmologist abroad?
One of the significant advantages of medical tourism is the absence of a long wait time to visit an eye doctor. After all, now there is a real opportunity for the patient to receive the necessary procedure or consultation in the shortest possible time.
What is new ophthalmological treatment available?
Nowadays, the latest technologies and devices for microsurgery of the eye are available. Laser treatment of pathology and vision correction (CATALYS® femtosecond laser and iQ-LASIK Oxygen 3D) is the most convenient, non-traumatic modern method. The effectiveness of corneal transplant and implantation of the closest to natural lenses is also worth noting.
Why do patients travel abroad for eye problems?
Treating eye diseases, especially surgical operations, requires microscopic precision, which leading eye clinics deliver. That is why clinics and doctors abroad have gained authority and trust among patients worldwide. Therefore, the desire of each patient to receive a competent approach and preserve vision is apparent.
Is it expensive to visit an ophthalmologist in foreign countries?
The price is individual and depends on many factors: diagnosis and necessary treatment, country, clinic, and a number of diagnostic procedures. Treatment abroad is often more expensive but can be lower in some countries due to special programs and packages. It is worth noting that many clinics abroad offer discounts for patients seeking help from AiroMedical.
What are the advantages of ophthalmological centres abroad?
High-precision laser and 3D equipment, the latest generations of lenses and transplants, as well as the professionalism of foreign ophthalmologists are the most common advantages of eye centres abroad.
What are the leading countries for Ophthalmology (Eye Care)?
What are the best clinics for Ophthalmology (Eye Care)?
Who are the best doctors for Ophthalmology (Eye Care)?
Prof. Dr. med. Mathias Maier from University Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich
Dr. med. Detlef Deiermann from Academic Hospital Bundeswehr Berlin
Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Kohnen from University Hospital Frankfurt am Main of Goethe-University
Prof. Dr. med. Siegfried Priglinger from University Hospital Ludwig-Maximilians Munich
PD. Dr. med. Ira Seibel from Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch