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Smaller Wound Cataract Surgery introduced
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In keeping with its goal of continuous improvement in clinical outcomes, the GHA has acquired new technology so it can implement “smaller wound” cataract surgery at St Bernard’s Hospital.
The GHA acquired the technology from its lens supplier Alcon who provided the instrumentation and software essential for the change to the new procedure.
Cataract surgery is carried out for patients whose lens in their eye has become cloudy or opaque thus interfering with sight. This occurs particularly in elderly patients and in diabetic patients.
The surgical procedure involves the removal of a patient’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial one.
This procedure is one of the most frequent eye procedures carried out in Eye Departments.
There have been many changes in the procedure over the years and now it is a relatively straight forward day case procedure. This latest technology means that the procedure can be carried out with an incision that is 25% smaller than previous. The new incision is only 2.2 mm wide.
The Minister for Health and Civil Protection, Yvette Del Agua, said “cataract of the eye is an age-related disease, and therefore this new technique will undoubtedly bring benefits to our elderly citizens. After having recruited a dedicated Low-Vision Mobility Officer in keeping with another health manifesto commitment, this latest development represents another step in my Government’s proven track-record of improving its services to those who are visually impaired”.
“By reducing scarring caused from the incision, the post operative recovery is less complicated and recovery to the patient’s optimal vision can occur more quickly”, said Mr Mohamed Haroon, the GHA’s Consultant Ophthalmologist.
Mr Trevor Galliano, Charge Nurse in the Eye Department said “this is yet another example of the vast improvement in Eye Department particularly since the move to the new Hospital” and we hope to have more improvements to come”.
26-01-11
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