For those who missed out on Asian Eye Institute's (AEI) sponsored cataract removal program last April, do not fret.Asian Eye Institute, definitely a world-class ambulatory eye care center in the Philippines, is once again recruiting patients (with cataracts) for their presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens (IOL) study.
A cataract is a natural clouding of the lens that happens to everyone as one grows old. Presbyopia is a condition wherein patients above 40 years old need reading glasses to read small prints. The only treatment for cataracts is surgery wherein the cataract is removed and an IOL is implanted. Standard IOLs improve distance vision but patients would still need reading glasses all the time for computer work and reading small print.
In this study, modern cataract surgery will be performed on all patients and one of three different brands of USFDA-approved presbyopia-correcting IOLs will be implanted in both eyes. The main benefit of presbyopia-correcting IOL is it will lessen the need to wear reading glass after cataract surgery for activities like computer work and reading newspapers.The objective of the study is to compare the clarity and visual performance of patients after implantation of the different kinds of presbyopia-correcting IOLs.
How Do Patients Qualify?
To qualify for the study, patients should:
1. Be at least 40 years old
2. Have cataracts
3. No other eye disease like glaucoma, retina problems
4. No previous eye surgery, laser surgery in any eye
5. Be diligent enough to come for follow-up check ups for the next 6 months
6. Be able to read and understand English (English alphabets will be used for testing)
Are There Any Incentives?Cataract surgery with implantation of standard IOLs cost P75,000 per eye. If a patient wants to lessen their need for reading glasses, they can opt for a presbyopia-correcting IOL. The package cost for these lenses is P125,000-150,000 per eye. For patients who qualify and will join the study, cataract surgery with the presbyopia-correcting lens will be subsidized and the patient will just pay P25,000 per eye.
Free Seminars
Asian Eye Institute will be conducting seminars to explain the mechanics of the study. For patients interested to join the free seminar, please contact Ms. Shiela de Castro through any of the following:
• landline 898-2020 local 510• cellphone 0915-9808458
• email SSDeCastro@asianeyeinstitute.com
The principal investigator for this research study is Dr. Robert Ang, one of the most highly-recognized and multi-awarded refractive surgeon in AEI's arsenal.
The time frame for the study is from July to September 2010. Slots are limited so... HURRY!
