Cataract & Lens Replacement

[Tonto21]

I wanted document my experience of Cataract & Lens Replacement surgery, as it maybe helpful to others.

I will be going to have Phacoemulsification with Multifocal Intra Ocular surgery tomorrow, 18 June, right eye, then the left on 19, (day after)

I will have this done at Bangkok Hospital Chiangmai by a DR Prawit Sajjapong.

Cost per eye; 69,000 Baht, this cost does not cover the mandatory pre op medical, had this done yesterday, blood tests, (kidney function) and examination. Sorry can't give exact cost on this, as other, not related 'things' went on the bill....... A rough cost for the pre op, about 1500 Baht......

Procedure as explanted too me; Go into hospital mid morning....some more checks, right eye gets done around 1300 hours, (takes around 40 minutes) Stay at hospital till around 1600 hours ...Post op care, then go home.... Back next day same again left eye.

Recovery, full around 4 weeks, ....... a list as long as your arm on 'do's and don'ts..........

To say I'm apprehensive is how I feel right now, 'Someone messing around with my eye's'............. So, I'm more than happy to receive constructive comments, good or bad.... But keep your 'DOOM and GLOOM' Hear say comments on the down low please........ Until I've had it done, OK......

I will post as I go regarding the experience.

[Issangeorge]

I've had both my eyes done at a public hospital, not a big deal, a trip to the dentist is far worse.

[p_brownstone]

I had both my eyes done here in Bangkok (Rutinin Clinic), over in a few minutes and absolutely no discomfort either during the operation or in the time recuperating.

I completely understand the OP's reluctance to have someone operating on such an important organ as the eye however; I had exactly the same concern and as a result delayed the surgery for a several months. Now I am actually quite angry with myself for waiting so long (to the point where I could not recognise a friend who was only 10 meters or so away).

The day after the both operations I went to have the dressing removed and the difference was absolutely amazing, immediate clear sight from that eye so now I only need glasses for reading, whereas before I had worn them 24 / 7 since I was about 12.

The only thing I would question - and obviously I am by no means an expert - is the 24 hours or so between surgery on both eyes. There is always a remote possibility of infection after any surgery and my own doctor insisted I wait one week before doing the other eye.

Patrick

[lopburi3]

Not sure what post-op care will involve; but perhaps because you are doing back to back rather than waiting a week or two between eyes (as more normal) or perhaps because of the multi focal lens type. For my operations the actual procedure took about 10 minutes and bandage placed on eye in OR and a few minutes in post op and release. Next day remove bandage/wash/start eye drops and have vision.

[thaibeachlovers]

I had both my eyes done here in Bangkok (Rutinin Clinic), over in a few minutes and absolutely no discomfort either during the operation or in the time recuperating.

I completely understand the OP's reluctance to have someone operating on such an important organ as the eye however; I had exactly the same concern and as a result delayed the surgery for a several months. Now I am actually quite angry with myself for waiting so long (to the point where I could not recognise a friend who was only 10 meters or so away).

The day after the both operations I went to have the dressing removed and the difference was absolutely amazing, immediate clear sight from that eye so now I only need glasses for reading, whereas before I had worn them 24 / 7 since I was about 12.

The only thing I would question - and obviously I am by no means an expert - is the 24 hours or so between surgery on both eyes. There is always a remote possibility of infection after any surgery and my own doctor insisted I wait one week before doing the other eye.

Patrick

I agree about waiting between eyes. I did work in an opthalmic hospital theatre in London and think that is rushed.

[Naam]

my cataract surgery is planned for coming monday Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital. one eye first and if (after a week) i'm happy with the result i might get the other one done too. multifocal lens, cost ~THB 100k per eye.

[Sheryl]

I too am puzzled by the one day interval. Not far enough apart to provide the safety advantages of doing one eye at a time yet still incurring the double cost that results. I suppose it is so that the bandage will be off on eye before doing the next, so that the patient is not subject to being unable to see for a day as would otherwise occur.

Personally I would either have both eyes done at once (substantial cost savings, but you'll be unable to see for a day) or have them done a week or more apart.

[Tonto21]

_{OK, Quick up date, right eye done yesterday. I am very happy with the time and care taken in the procedure carried out.}

_{I will be back in there this morning....My right eye is checked before moving on to the left...}

_{I have no issues, after yesterday care regarding possible infection.}

_{As for cost, a little irrelevant Up to a point I think 'Naam'......Are you having Phacoemulsification with Multifocal Intra Ocular surgery, costs will depend on what you have. I maybe wrong but I don't think Pattaya is known for being cheaper in anything over Chiangmai.....}

_{Ill post again on what's happens today.....}

[Naam]

_{OK, Quick up date, right eye done yesterday. I am very happy with the time and care taken in the procedure carried out.}

_{I will be back in there this morning....My right eye is checked before moving on to the left...}

_{I have no issues, after yesterday care regarding possible infection.}

_{As for cost, a little irrelevant Up to a point I think 'Naam'......Are you having Phacoemulsification with Multifocal Intra Ocular surgery, costs will depend on what you have. I maybe wrong but I don't think Pattaya is known for being cheaper in anything over Chiangmai.....}

_{Ill post again on what's happens today.....}

Are you having Phacoemulsification with Multifocal Intra Ocular surgery

yes!

the first estimate (several weeks ago) was THB 120k per eye. then i read some recent publication in Thaivisa concerning three prices private hospitals are charging patients, namely Thai citizens, foreigners residing in Thailand and "medical tourists".

when i opted yesterday for the most expensive multifocal lenses and pointed out that i should be entitled to the "foreigners residing price" THB 20k per eye miraculously vanished. the lower price also reflects a reduction of a few thousand Baht because i refused to stay as suggested in the hospital overnight.

[thaibeachlovers]

_{OK, Quick up date, right eye done yesterday. I am very happy with the time and care taken in the procedure carried out.}

_{I will be back in there this morning....My right eye is checked before moving on to the left...}

_{I have no issues, after yesterday care regarding possible infection.}

_{As for cost, a little irrelevant Up to a point I think 'Naam'......Are you having Phacoemulsification with Multifocal Intra Ocular surgery, costs will depend on what you have. I maybe wrong but I don't think Pattaya is known for being cheaper in anything over Chiangmai.....}

_{Ill post again on what's happens today.....}

Are you having Phacoemulsification with Multifocal Intra Ocular surgery

yes!

the first estimate (several weeks ago) was THB 120k per eye. then i read some recent publication in Thaivisa concerning three prices private hospitals are charging patients, namely Thai citizens, foreigners residing in Thailand and "medical tourists".

when i opted yesterday for the most expensive multifocal lenses and pointed out that i should be entitled to the "foreigners residing price" THB 20k per eye miraculously vanished. the lower price also reflects a reduction of a few thousand Baht because i refused to stay as suggested in the hospital overnight.

Moorfields Eye hospital in London ( a specialist eye hospital ) closed all it's wards for minor eye operation patients as they are all done as outpatients now. Done under local, patients can go home post op once checked by the surgeon.

[thaibeachlovers]

I too am puzzled by the one day interval. Not far enough apart to provide the safety advantages of doing one eye at a time yet still incurring the double cost that results. I suppose it is so that the bandage will be off on eye before doing the next, so that the patient is not subject to being unable to see for a day as would otherwise occur.

Personally I would either have both eyes done at once (substantial cost savings, but you'll be unable to see for a day) or have them done a week or more apart.

I worked for many years in a London eye hospital theatre and saw enough post op complications to never consider having both eyes done at once. In fact, I don't think we EVER did both eyes together anyway. It is rare to have a problem, but no way you'd want to have both eyes done if you got one.

Not worth the savings, IMO.

[ThaiBob]

I too am puzzled by the one day interval. Not far enough apart to provide the safety advantages of doing one eye at a time yet still incurring the double cost that results. I suppose it is so that the bandage will be off on eye before doing the next, so that the patient is not subject to being unable to see for a day as would otherwise occur.

Personally I would either have both eyes done at once (substantial cost savings, but you'll be unable to see for a day) or have them done a week or more apart.

I worked for many years in a London eye hospital theatre and saw enough post op complications to never consider having both eyes done at once. In fact, I don't think we EVER did both eyes together anyway. It is rare to have a problem, but no way you'd want to have both eyes done if you got one.

Not worth the savings, IMO.

In America, cataract surgeries are usually done on an outpatient basis unless of course the patient has special needs. I had both eyes done and there was 30 days between operations. The first surgery went smoothly and everyone was happy with the results. The second surgery had serious complications requiring full blown emergency eye surgery in an operating room setting. Scary to say the least. Error on the side of caution is my advice.

[maxme]

Thx for sharing mate

[Tonto21]

S Sorry to hear that 'ThaiBob' that must have been un nerving...... But in my case the cat is well and truly out that bag!....... Both left and right now done..... And So far very impressed with the results.....My eye sight is at this time 20/20...... could not believe it!!

The biggest shock was when they had done the first eye and it was being examined. the difference between the two eyes was quite staggering.....not in sharpness, (still had drops in the eye) of vision but I was now without a cataract in my right.......Unbelievable! Everything out of my right eye was so clear and blue, no haze, (Over time and cataract build up I had slowly excepted this as normal)... But to see the contrast...fantastic. The vision from the left was like looking at a sepia photo.

OK, time for left eye, I was happy with the care of staff and the doctor so I said yer lets go. Then began another day of prep. have to say this little bugger gave me some winching in surgery, the cataract was a bit bigger and was not going quit, (you can feel the ultrasound actually smashing the cataract up as they do it) that was a little painful and then when they vacuumed it out.....apart from that job was a good un.

As to the argument over when to have done, at what length of time between doing one then the other. I can think of a few reasons as why not to wait a week, (nothing to do with saving money)....But I do fined the suggestion of going full out and having them both done in the same seasons not for me.

I'm now sat at home, (yes it was all done as an out patient) I'm writing this without my glasses and feeling very pleased with myself.

I wasn't going to say anything about the cost....... But what the hell; Anywhere that would dare to give me a double standard price, Thai and Farang for something like this.....And then have the 'Spuds' to offer me a discount.......I would tell them to stick it up there ass......if that is how they treat your health care at the point of entry..........Do you think........ maybe you could possible be seen as a second class citizen on the OP table.....Think out it?

I would recommend this hospital right now.......I don't know how long it will stay so competitive on price, (its still quite new) I'm very happy I found it. The money your paying down south I think is way to much, (its on the farang balt) for the money your paying you could get it done up in CM and have a mini holiday....... I can't think of a single thing they could do for you with that extra money that they haven't done up here for me... I'd put money it won't be any better than I've just received.

My Doctor was Prawit Sajjapong .... [email protected]

Attached is the flyer.........EYEs.pdf

My last bit of advice to anyone wants to do this....... DO IT, wherever you pick or how much you think is right to pay.....It's an eye opener.

I don't intend to post again.........Unless it all goes south one or both my eyes go green and drop out........

Tonto

[Naam]

big thanks for your comment Tonto! it might help me to make the decision in a few days to go for the other eye too. but first number one today in the afternoon.

[Tonto21]

big thanks for your comment Tonto! it might help me to make the decision in a few days to go for the other eye too. but first number one today in the afternoon.

Well I did say I wouldn't post again......But how could I not wish you good luck and I'm sure you'll be blown away with the results........ SEE you on the other side....

Tonto

[rott]

Best wishes Naam, I am sure there will not be any problem and I continue to enjoy your insightful (not sure whether to add "and acerbic") comments and opinions.

Enough brown-nosing for today.

[Camelot]

My best wishes as well and I look forward to hearing how it went. I need both eyes done and have vacillated long enough. It's a scary operation and I'd probably need tranquilisers to get through it.

[Naam]

big thanks for your comment Tonto! it might help me to make the decision in a few days to go for the other eye too. but first number one today in the afternoon.

Well I did say I wouldn't post again......But how could I not wish you good luck and I'm sure you'll be blown away with the results........ SEE you on the other side....

Tonto

thanks for all good wishes!

back from the hospital an hour ago. everything went smoothly, a bit boring were the 2½ hours waiting period getting every few minutes some drops in the eye. four anaesthetic shots to reduce lid and eye muscle reflexes. wished i was informed when was what done during surgery. saw during the procedure very colourful psychedelic abstract pictures. unfortunately no nekkid women folks among these pictures

to minimise infection an additional topical contact lense was added to protect the "huge" 2.75 millimeter cut. additionally i have to wear a hard attachment when sleeping to prevent any pillow pressure on the eye. three different antibiotic eye drops to applied in sequence every hour

vision of course still blurred. have to reduce brightness of my PC screens. intensity of colours very strong / big difference!

first check/aftercare tomorrow 10.00hrs. if all goes well i (more or less) have decided to have the other eye done perhaps coming friday or next week. will keep interesting parties posted.

total cost today THB 110,064 (two full A4 pages itemised invoice).

[lopburi3]

Guess maybe larger incision required for the lens you received as normally is it very small and no shots are required at all. Plastic cover is normal for a week when sleeping (first night was advised to avoid being on that side at all). Believe I had two drops - one antibiotic and one to limit swelling and and not every hour. But sounds as if your eye was not covered - mine was for first night so vision was next morning when cleaned at hospital and by that time is quite clear. Normal wait is also only about an hour I believe - although mine was also a bit more as dilation was slow.

[Naam]

Guess maybe larger incision required for the lens you received as normally is it very small and no shots are required at all. Plastic cover is normal for a week when sleeping (first night was advised to avoid being on that side at all). Believe I had two drops - one antibiotic and one to limit swelling and and not every hour. But sounds as if your eye was not covered - mine was for first night so vision was next morning when cleaned at hospital and by that time is quite clear. Normal wait is also only about an hour I believe - although mine was also a bit more as dilation was slow.

actually i was told that the 2.75mm (a touch more than 1/10 of an inch) cut is the smallest possible cut as there is no lense available that can be folded more than double. the eye's protective cover is an additional lense (attached like a contact lense) instead of a dressing.

[lopburi3]

Took your word for it being huge (you know we Americans don't know the difference between mm and cm; and I did read as cm, which did seem huge) - should have known better. Did not bother with the scientific details when I had - does this covering limit light a bit? Must be very bright if not.

Anyhow be careful not to hit/touch and as I recall had a day (about day 5) of it not feeling too good after normal feeling better each day but only lasted the one day and then back to better feeling. It does take awhile before the feeling you took one in the eye (expect swelling effect) leaves. But am sure you will make the comparisons I did with looking through new eye and then old and notice the huge color difference. If you wore glasses might want to remove lens in the new eye side until you get the other done.

[Naam]

we Americans

i thought as much. that's why i added the inches

the covering does not limit the light but (hopefully) is the reason why the vision is blurred. in a few hours i will know more, assuming that protective lens is removed. but it could be that i am supposed to wear it for a few days more. forgot to ask yesterday.

the colour difference is very much noticeable but i don't notice any swelling or pain except some small irritation which seems to result from the suture (the surgeon claimed very proudly that he is one of the few who applies a suture as usually it is done without). as a medical layman i can't even imagine that these kind of tiny sutures are possible.

will post more details when i'm back.

[Naam]

update:

back from the hospital. protective contact lens removed. no more blurring, excellent near sight (can finally read an SMS on my ancient non-smartphone without reading glasses). far sight not exactly perfect. according to the surgeon it will take some time (he did not specify how long) till the brain adapts and "interpretes" different distances properly.

will take a few days to decide whether having the left eye done too coming monday.

[Roger Lee]

Any updates to report from the folks that recently had their eyes done?

I'm especially interested in BPH as I'm considering getting it done there.

[lopburi3]

Believe a number of us have reported within this year and suspect we all still have good vision. But can only confirm for myself - but had done in Bangkok. Am sure Naam will post more but there is a period of adjustment/stabilization (even for single vision) and he had multi which probably require even more brain drain so may take some time to be definitive.

[Roger Lee]

Believe a number of us have reported within this year and suspect we all still have good vision. But can only confirm for myself - but had done in Bangkok. Am sure Naam will post more but there is a period of adjustment/stabilization (even for single vision) and he had multi which probably require even more brain drain so may take some time to be definitive.

Okay, thanks lopburi3.

I was advised that the only risk was like a 1 in 5,000 chance of getting an infection.

Somehow someone cutting on my eyeball leaves me a little queasy, just looking for some reassurance as to their competence level I guess. It sounds like there's nothing to worry about.

[lopburi3]

I believe the odds are a little less that that - but still very high. Most places make it slightly above 99% chance of no serious complications. But there are still quite a few cases that will require some further treatment at a later date so it is not totally a do and forget process. But the odds are with you and most complications are minor and can be easily overcome.

http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/cataract-complications.htm

[luk AJ]

my lenses were replaced with multi-focus. Both the same day. In my case it took 6 months before eye sight was settled. Biggest unconvenience in the first months is strong light and the halo's which are the result of how the multi focus lenses are engineered ( different circles). Thanks to the surgery I don't need glasses anymore. I have no eagle eyes but acceptable. I suppose in the near future there will be multi focus lenses which don't have these halo's..wish you all the best!

[Naam]

update 6 days post-op right eye multifocus lens:

-no vision problem and no halo (about which i was told by an acquaintance),

-pain in the butt are the multiple drops of three different medications per day

(alternately every hour which i think is overkill),

-medication since yesterday also left eye but "only" four times daily

(preparation for tomorrow's surgery of left eye),

-missing my daily three pool dips