Tomorrow’s Cataract Microsurgery Technologies

All parents strive to give their children only the best – excellent education, favorite toys, and nutritious food. They are always ready to help, and we, as children, greatly appreciate it. Unfortunately, the time comes when elderly parents need our help. Children assist them in fighting age-related diseases because they wish only the best for their parents. We want to talk about an eye disease affecting older adults – cataracts. Therefore, we asked a few questions to the chief ophthalmologist of the “Naujas regėjimas” Eye Clinic, Jurij Tobolevič, who has extensive experience in cataract treatment.

What is the best cataract treatment method, and in which season is it recommended to perform this surgery? Is it possible to see well without glasses after cataract surgery?

The modern method for cataract removal is undoubtedly sutureless cataract surgery. Let me explain how it is performed at our clinic. The surgery using the “iQ-5 minutes water flow” method, as its name indicates, lasts no longer than 5 minutes (it is important to remember that this time does not include patient preparation for the surgery). Usually, we do not rush the patient; we work individually with each one. The patient’s mood affects the outcome of the surgery, so we, the doctors, and the entire large clinic team, fully understand that everyone is nervous before the procedure, and we try to help. The operating room includes the ophthalmic surgeon and assistant, nurses, anesthesiologist, and even an engineer overseeing the medical devices. In our clinic, seven specialists take care of the patient during the operation.

The modern operating room is equipped with air purification and air conditioning systems, and a specific air pressure is maintained to ensure sterility, as well as a constant temperature and humidity level.

Since cataract microsurgery is a planned procedure, it is performed when the patient feels well, and the outcome at our clinic is excellent at any time of the year. As mentioned, the operating room’s air temperature and humidity are controlled by a special computerized system.

In the “future” operating room where I work, modern medical equipment is used, including Swedish surgical tables, an American system for monitoring the patient’s condition during surgery, and the most reliable and newest cataract removal systems. And, of course, only materials and intraocular lenses from the UK company RAYNER – No.1 in the world – are used for surgeries. Every good ophthalmologist dreams of such conditions for patient treatment. Experienced doctors at our clinic can operate on the most complex cases, including traumatic, pediatric, and congenital cataracts. We will help even in very difficult situations. The doctors of the Lithuanian “Naujas regėjimas” clinic maintain constant contact with colleagues in Minsk (Belarus), Kyiv (Ukraine), and London (UK). The entire treatment process is recorded on video to later analyze and monitor the quality of the surgery. After all, the most important result is achieved after cataract or presbyopia surgery with implantation of a multifocal lens – good distance vision without glasses, for example, to easily see prices on store labels or an approaching bus number, and excellent near vision – for working on a computer or reading a favorite book.

It can be said that we restore youth to the eyes.

Working directly with patients daily, we see all the issues that concern them. Previously, there was a big difference between a standard lens, which allowed good vision only for distance or near, requiring glasses after cataract surgery for either reading or distance, and a premium-class lens, which allows patients to forget about glasses forever.

There has always been, and still is, a price difference. Multifocal intraocular lenses are considerably more expensive. Every ophthalmologist strives to ensure that their patient achieves the best possible outcome. Therefore, we constantly asked our partner – RAYNER (the company that created intraocular lenses in 1949) – to provide ordinary patients in Lithuania with access to premium-class vision.

Why should excellent vision after cataract surgery be enjoyed only by wealthy patients?

I am very happy that RAYNER management now offers special lens prices valid for two years under the “Living Vision” program. Every patient should have the opportunity to see perfectly both near and far after cataract surgery without glasses. This is a new standard in eye microsurgery.

The operation, including anesthesiologist services and postoperative examinations until complete healing of the operated eye, costs only 682 EUR at our clinic. Considering that the usual cost of such surgery is 1,200 EUR, all our patients understand the excellent opportunity they have received.

As a performing ophthalmic surgeon, it is always very gratifying to hear patients say after surgery – “Doctor, even in my youth my vision was not this good, thank you very much.” This, of course, is the main advantage of our clinic: the ability for patients to see perfectly without glasses after cataract surgery, and at an affordable price.

If necessary, be sure to contact our clinic because excellent patient vision is our profession.