What was it like to have a Cataract operation in Thailand

[webfact]

 

By Mike Bridge

 

Over the past twelve months, I started to have problems seeing the text on the TV, and reading a book was also becoming hard work.

I am 72 years old, and I had been wearing glasses for over 40 years and was only using them for long distances, but now my vision worsened.

There was no point going to an regular optician this time, as I now needed to see an eye specialist.

I Googled eye clinics and hospitals in the region, (I live in Pattaya) and soon realised that I would need to stay away from private hospitals as they were quite expensive, and my health insurance apparently did not cover eyes.

Eventually, a friend suggested checking out the Pattaya Eye Center, where Dr Nattawat had been practicing there for over 12 years. 

In fact, before he set up his clinic near Big C Extra, he told me he had worked at several hospitals including Bangkok Pattaya.

I booked an appointment and he carefully check out both eyes. 

Initially, he said I should take some eye drops and some capsules to stop any infection, although he did explain that my right eye may have a cataract problem.

After a month I returned, and he confirmed that my right eye did need a cataract operation although the left eye was OK.

The options were to either use a Monofocal lens costing THB55,000 or a Multifocal lens costing THB85,000. 
As I was on a tight budget, I settled for a Monofocal lens which would give me long-distance vision, but he said I may need reading glasses.

I thought it over and living on a retirement pension felt to wait another few months to raise the money for the more expensive lens, was just too long.

Therefore, the Doctor took various measurements and with his equipment was able to work out what lens to order.

I paid the deposit of THB10,000 in December and the operation was scheduled for January. 
Then with the spike in Omicron, I decided to delay it for a few weeks and then they rescheduled the operation for March 1st.

 

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The actual procedure

I must admit I am not a great patient and therefore was fairly tense when I arrived on the day of the operation. 

The first step was to have drops put into my eye every ten minutes which went on for an hour.

Then one of his nurses took me upstairs to a fairly large operating room that had a flatbed and various pieces of equipment.

They told me to put on a surgical gown and told me to lie down. There were two nurses in attendance.

They put a round pillow around my head and covered my face leaving a hole over my right eye.

Then the Doctor gave me an injection just below my eye into my cheek which was a bit uncomfortable, but I assumed would numb my eye.

After about 5 minutes they started to stretch the eye with tape and put a gauze over the eye.

During the operation which takes about 20 minutes, they shine a bright light and all you see is a number of coloured lights, like going to a Pink Floyd concert.

It was difficult to tell what was going on and you do not really feel much pain.

In the end, they put a cotton eye patch over the right eye and told me to not touch it for 24 hours.

A friend drove me home and I spent the time resting.

The next day the Doctor took off the eye patch, checked my eyes, and gave me some drops which I should use every 2 hours during the day. 

My long vision seemed fine and although I could read, he showed me what new lenses for reading would be like and it did improve the vision.

So after a couple of days I then went to an optician and ordered some reading glasses.

Also, I had to wear UV sunglasses to protect the eye for a couple of weeks. 

No water on the eyes, no swimming or saunas, and no washing hair for a few weeks as well.

After the operation, I did get a great black eye so wearing the sunglasses helped.

Gradually my right eye settled although I did feel a bit itchy, however after a week that was getting better.
A week after the operation I went back to see the Doctor for a checkup, and he told me that everything was healing as per schedule.

Conclusion

It is a very strange and wonderful feeling to get into the car and drive off without the need of wearing glasses.

The bottom line is everyone especially over fifty should have regular checkups with a qualified eye specialist, as they can detect earlier enough if you do need a cataract operation. 

If you leave it too late, it may be impossible to remove your cataract and add a new lens.

Other friends had had super sight procedures at local private hospitals which were successful, however at THB200,000 that was way over my budget.

I hope my personal experience has given some of you hope that it is worth the stress and money to regain your sight.

See you all soon! Pardon the pun.

 

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[Bowring]

This is how cataract operations happen in any decent eye clinic

[bedbugy]

had mine done at ko yor gov hospital songkhla

19000 bhat  each eye top lens 1 month between op 

2 nights stay each time

10/10

[JoePai]

had been practicing there for over 12 years

 

I'm always a little worried when I read the word 'practicing' - does that mean they are not perfect ?

 

[CM Dad]

I have had both eyes done here in Chiang Mai at the main government hospital in the city.  The doctor that many of my Thai friends consider to be the best in Chiang Mai did both surgeries a few years apart.  Both were out-patient procedures.  I went to the hospital in the morning and was back home by noon.  Total cost for each surgery was less than 50,000 baht.  Although I did have to get new glasses after each operation, my vision is now improved to the point that I could read without glasses if I wanted.  However, I rarely do that simply to avoid straining my eyes.  I have worn glasses most of my life, so it feels natural to wear them.  I had absolutely no complications with either of the surgeries.  Many of my Thai friends are doctors and all of them tell me to avoid the over-priced private hospitals,

[Expat68]

14 minutes ago, CM Dad said:

I have had both eyes done here in Chiang Mai at the main government hospital in the city.  The doctor that many of my Thai friends consider to be the best in Chiang Mai did both surgeries a few years apart.  Both were out-patient procedures.  I went to the hospital in the morning and was back home by noon.  Total cost for each surgery was less than 50,000 baht.  Although I did have to get new glasses after each operation, my vision is now improved to the point that I could read without glasses if I wanted.  However, I rarely do that simply to avoid straining my eyes.  I have worn glasses most of my life, so it feels natural to wear them.  I had absolutely no complications with either of the surgeries.  Many of my Thai friends are doctors and all of them tell me to avoid the over-priced private hospitals,

I had my cataract operation in Chiang Mai just over a month ago at Sripat Hospital, the doctor quoted me 47,000 bhat each eye, the bill came to 44,700 which I found quite refreshing ????. Excellent service and follow up, thoroughly recommend this hospital. My doctor told me I could get it cheaper in Chiang Mai but the quality of lens are not the same

[Tropposurfer]

I can't see how this is a story hahahahaha ???????????? See  ... ya get it it ? Man I'm soooo funny

[sanuk711]

I had both eyes same day--replacement lens (which would have been the same op as Cat )  lens flown in from Texas--- well into the 70s now top vision over 10 years ago , never needed glasses even for small print. Had it done in Pattaya--the operation was simple about 30 minutes an eye, mostly done by computer-- their only worry is you may get an infection in the first 24 hours---so that comes with a night in hospital.

 

Woke up with the doctor at the end of my Bed waving my specs around as saying..." wellics---wellicks  (relics) your never need these again" . So far he's 100% correct.

 

** you have to be over 50 to have the opp (unless its changed in those years.)

[lopburi3]

Just remember cataracts are very common and in most cases there is no need to remove if not causing real world issues.  This is one area where the patient makes the decision to remove.  That said it is a very common and safe operation in its basic form and for awhile (your brain deadens it) everything will be much more vibrant.  But do your research on plus/minus of lens types and the equipment/people making the measurements for replacement lens.  Private hospitals are often not that expensive so would not rule them out without asking prices.  Government hospitals would be even less expensive (but remember the lens will cost a bit).

[Nojohndoe]

If only a corneal transplant was as inexpensive and available !????

[Henryford]

Health insurance doesn't cover eyes !!  Another reason to avoid these scams.

[wwest5829]

Had worn glasses since 5the grade. 2017 had both eyes natural lens removed and replaced with prescription lens. At the time $1800 USD for each eye. Rutnin Eye Hospital, Bangkok. All they do is eye related. Excellent care. Unfortunately, increasing “floaters” are now causing issues. That, I am told is a natural process of aging (now 75). 

[wwest5829]

5 minutes ago, Henryford said:

Health insurance doesn't cover eyes !!  Another reason to avoid these scams.

I actually have a U.S., Medicare supplement policy that covered the cost of both eye lens replacement so coverage evidently varies.

[sandyf]

2 hours ago, Bowring said:

This is how cataract operations happen in any decent eye clinic

No it is not. In a decent eye hospital the procedure would be quicker, more comfortable and less post op discomfort, and significantly cheaper.

[sandyf]

23 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

Just remember cataracts are very common and in most cases there is no need to remove if not causing real world issues.  This is one area where the patient makes the decision to remove.  That said it is a very common and safe operation in its basic form and for awhile (your brain deadens it) everything will be much more vibrant.  But do your research on plus/minus of lens types and the equipment/people making the measurements for replacement lens.  Private hospitals are often not that expensive so would not rule them out without asking prices.  Government hospitals would be even less expensive (but remember the lens will cost a bit).

The older you get the less effective the operation. My DiL's grandfather, about same age as me, had his done on the NHS and post op they took his driving licence away. A serious blow as his wife had MS. Another friend of  mine had his done a bit younger and is still driving at 88.

 

As for cost,  I was quoted 6K, 9K or 13K for monofocal and about double that for variofocal, I opted for the 13K and total came to 18K/eye.

I wore variofocal glasses for decades and they are notoriously problematic, the rhetoric sounds good but a bit of a risk having them put in your eye, you can always go back to the shop with glasses.

[ignis]

Eye test at the Eye/ear Hospital 12 years ago = have cataract in both eyes, Dr said only have the Opp if they cause a problem.  then went every 6 months to the Eye Hospital at the Red Cross, the Dr said the same...

 

Now they are getting worse, but in my 70's is it worth having done ?  with Covid still about will wait for 6 months or so...

 

At that time the estimate was 10.000 baht per eye [Opp] + around 15.000 per eye for the lenses .. guess prices have gone up ?  worn glasses since a kid

[doctormann]

I'm just in the middle of having my cataracts done.

Last month I had a lens replacement done at Jomtien hospital, Pattaya, and am scheduled to have my second eye seen to this Friday.  So far, things have gone well and the vision in my right eye is now excellent - and hopefully my left eye will be OK as well.

 

I have opted for standard lenses, having read that multi-focal lenses can give problems.  I will need reading glasses but that doesn't bother me, having worn glasses for 30+ years anyway.  Judging from how the first eye has turned out, I may not not need to wear glasses for computer use.

 

The cost per eye at Jomtien is 39,000 Baht - they currently have a special offer on cataract surgery.

 

The op on my first eye was carried out as an outpatient, as will be the second op.   I have no complaints at all - everything was done very professionally.  I had some post-op corneal swelling after the first op but this subsided after a few days.

 

I think that cataracts tend to creep up on you and you don't realize just how much your vision has deteriorated.  The comparison between my left and right eyes is quite remarkable - the right eye has full colour vision while the left sees things in shades of murky yellow!  Getting regular eye checks is very important - best to have the cataracts removed before things get really bad.

[Onerak]

41 minutes ago, wwest5829 said:

actually have a U.S., Medicare supplement policy that covered the cost of both eye lens replacement so coverage evidently varies.

Does the medicare supplement cover in Thailand? 

[superal]

Had my left eye done in the UK but never had an injection , only a series of eye drops  . Post op I was given a plastic eye shield cover ( to wear when in bed ) that was taped to my cheek and forehead . It was to protect my eye from me inadvertently rubbing it when sleeping . I was also told no washing hair or water in the eye for 1 week and no air flights for 2 weeks . 6 eye drops a day . Also operation is apparently one of the commonest and straight forward operations performed globally however it still make sense to do a search on the hospital and surgeon IMO . Finally I have been told that cataract operations can cost as little as 22,000 baht in a Thai government hospital with the surgeon being a well qualified Ophthalmologist .  The cataract operation will give you your youthful sight back and improve the quality of your life . 

[pagallim]

I too have been investigating Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) which is for age related declining vision, be it near or far sightedness.   This package from Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok (one of the top hospitals there) might be of interest to some.   Locally for me (Phuket) I believe that Bangkok Hospital here has a similar package which I will investigate.

 

https://www.bumrungrad.com/en/packages/relex-smile

[bert bloggs]

Getting my cataract done soon at Queen Sirakit,satahip 35 k one eye one night in hospital.

[wwest5829]

15 minutes ago, Onerak said:

Does the medicare supplement cover in Thailand? 

I am not sure if the supplemental private insurance is a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Medigap policy. It is provided as a retirement benefit. It covers up to $5000 per year for care outside the US.

[wwest5829]

19 minutes ago, superal said:

Had my left eye done in the UK but never had an injection , only a series of eye drops  . Post op I was given a plastic eye shield cover ( to wear when in bed ) that was taped to my cheek and forehead . It was to protect my eye from me inadvertently rubbing it when sleeping . I was also told no washing hair or water in the eye for 1 week and no air flights for 2 weeks . 6 eye drops a day . Also operation is apparently one of the commonest and straight forward operations performed globally however it still make sense to do a search on the hospital and surgeon IMO . Finally I have been told that cataract operations can cost as little as 22,000 baht in a Thai government hospital with the surgeon being a well qualified Ophthalmologist .  The cataract operation will give you your youthful sight back and improve the quality of your life . 

Agreed

[Kildonan]

1 hour ago, wwest5829 said:

Had worn glasses since 5the grade. 2017 had both eyes natural lens removed and replaced with prescription lens. At the time $1800 USD for each eye. Rutnin Eye Hospital, Bangkok. All they do is eye related. Excellent care. Unfortunately, increasing “floaters” are now causing issues. That, I am told is a natural process of aging (now 75). 

You can get these "floaters" removed by laser. Had that done, now gone. 

[FolkGuitar]

I had both eyes done at Sriphat Hospital in Chiang Mai, two weeks apart, when I was 73.  I went in at 10am, was on the table for 23 minutes for the first eye and 28 minutes for the other eye. Out of the hospital before noon. No pain what so ever, not even any discomfort during the procedure. I opted for the mono-focal lenses, had to wear a plastic eye cover for a couple of weeks at night for sleep just to insure I didn't rub my eye in my sleep, and eye drops to be sure of no infection. I choose to wear reading glasses just to reduce eye strain when reading a book, but don't use them otherwise.  Best decision I've made in years. What a delight to see colors so vibrantly again!

 

[Expat68]

43 minutes ago, doctormann said:

I'm just in the middle of having my cataracts done.

Last month I had a lens replacement done at Jomtien hospital, Pattaya, and am scheduled to have my second eye seen to this Friday.  So far, things have gone well and the vision in my right eye is now excellent - and hopefully my left eye will be OK as well.

 

I have opted for standard lenses, having read that multi-focal lenses can give problems.  I will need reading glasses but that doesn't bother me, having worn glasses for 30+ years anyway.  Judging from how the first eye has turned out, I may not not need to wear glasses for computer use.

 

The cost per eye at Jomtien is 39,000 Baht - they currently have a special offer on cataract surgery.

 

The op on my first eye was carried out as an outpatient, as will be the second op.   I have no complaints at all - everything was done very professionally.  I had some post-op corneal swelling after the first op but this subsided after a few days.

 

I think that cataracts tend to creep up on you and you don't realize just how much your vision has deteriorated.  The comparison between my left and right eyes is quite remarkable - the right eye has full colour vision while the left sees things in shades of murky yellow!  Getting regular eye checks is very important - best to have the cataracts removed before things get really bad.

My doctor in Chiang Mai recommended to have the standard lens because you still may have to wear glasses with the multi focul lens

[superal]

Just to add that there used to be a theory that cataract operations should only be carried out when the cataract was at a bad stage but this is not the case in most western countries however it seems to be in Thailand as my Thai eye doctor stated this along with another from the Bangkok hospital in Korat .  I am unable to read any of the letters on the eye test and my UK surgeon confirmed an eye op was needed. One of the benefits that I have found is night at when in a car . If I close my un-operated eye I no longer have a halo glare . It was this that stopped me driving at night but hopefully in 1 months time when both eyes will be good , I will be able to drive at night .

Anyone considering a cataract operation may well be scared and nervous but that is natural . It is a simple procedure giving life changing benefits . I have no concerns for my second op later this month knowing there will be a big improvement in my eyesight .

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, Henryford said:

Health insurance doesn't cover eyes !!  Another reason to avoid these scams.

Completely untrue.

 

Unless a pre-existing condition at the time the policy was issued, I do not know of any that would not cover cataract surgery and other treatment of eye diseases.

 

Health insurance doesn't cover eye glasses and contacts, perhaps that is what you are thinking of.

 

 

[couchpotato]

2 hours ago, Henryford said:

Health insurance doesn't cover eyes !!  Another reason to avoid these scams.

Wrong information there.  Usually just glasses and checkups not covered.

My Aetna policy covers all eye ops.

[giddyup]

3 hours ago, Kildonan said:

You can get these "floaters" removed by laser. Had that done, now gone. 

Not sure that procedure is without risks.

 

An ophthalmologist aims a special laser at the floaters in the vitreous, which may break them up and make them less noticeable. Some people who have this treatment report improved vision; others notice little or no difference. Risks of laser therapy include damage to your retina if the laser is aimed incorrectly