Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in the world of medicine, and its purpose is to improve the quality of vision and the quality of life of patients suffering from clouding of the lens. Under the Clalit Mushlam Platinum plan, cataract surgeries are performed by a team of ophthalmology specialists. Cataract surgery in Clalit Platinum offers patients personalized services, which include close medical support from the preliminary examinations to the follow-up after the surgery.
What is cataract surgery and why is it important?
Cataract surgery is a surgical procedure that aims to remove the natural lens of the eye that has become cloudy and replace it with a clear artificial lens. The process of clouding of the lens, called cataract, usually occurs with age and is the leading cause of decreased visual acuity in older people. Cataracts cause blurred vision, glare and decreased color sharpness.
The importance of cataract surgery lies in improving the patients’ quality of vision. After surgery, patients may enjoy sharper and clearer vision, an improvement in the ability to perform daily activities such as reading, driving and watching television, and a general improvement in quality of life.
The surgery is particularly important because it can prevent further deterioration of vision and preserve the patients’ quality of life.
Advantages
Cataract surgery under the Clalit Mushlam Platinum plan offers patients several advantages. First, the surgery is performed by a team of ophthalmology specialists with extensive experience in the field.
Second, under the Clalit Mushlam Platinum plan, surgery using a laser technique can also be chosen, with a co-payment, in which the laser makes precise incisions.
Another advantage is the personalized service provided by Clalit Platinum. Patients receive close medical support throughout the entire process, from the preliminary tests to the follow-up after surgery.
Finally, a premium lens (for astigmatism correction, or multifocal) can also be chosen. According to Clalit, surgery with an advanced lens involves a co-payment, and under Platinum it is lower than under Zahav (Gold); surgery with a regular lens by a surgeon in the agreement involves no co-payment.
The advanced technologies in Clalit Platinum cataract surgery
Under the Clalit Mushlam Platinum plan, cataract surgeries are performed using advanced technologies in the field of ophthalmology. One of the prominent technologies is the use of a laser to make incisions and to segment the cloudy lens, an option that can be chosen with a co-payment.
Before the surgery, precise measurements of the eye are usually performed in order to choose the lens. This data helps the doctor to make an accurate planning of the surgery and to adapt the type of artificial lens to the patient.
Premium lenses are manufactured using state-of-the-art technologies, and the lens is chosen by measurements of the eye.
The stages of the process in Clalit Platinum cataract surgery
Cataract surgery under the Clalit Mushlam Platinum plan is performed in three main stages.
In the first stage, the patient undergoes pre-operative tests in the pre-operative clinic. The tests include a comprehensive eye examination and precise measurements of the eye. This data allows the doctor to plan the surgery precisely and adjust the type of artificial lens to the patient. During this meeting, the doctor will give detailed explanations about the procedure, answer questions and discuss the various options with the patient.
In the second stage, the surgery itself is performed under local anesthesia, so the patient is awake but does not feel pain. The surgery includes making small cuts in the eye and removing the cloudy lens. If surgery using a laser technique is chosen, with a co-payment, the laser is used to make precise cuts in the eye and to segment the cloudy lens. After removing the natural lens, the doctor implants a clear artificial lens in its place. The entire operation usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes and does not require hospitalization.
In the third and last stage, there is follow-up and recovery after the operation. The patient stays in the clinic for a short time for tests and is then released home with detailed instructions for further treatment. The medical follow-up lasts for several weeks and includes periodic tests to make sure that the artificial lens is well adjusted and that there are no complications.
Preparations before cataract surgery
Preparations before cataract surgery under the Clalit Mushlam Platinum plan are important. The preparations begin with pre-operative examinations in the pre-operative clinic, where the patient undergoes comprehensive eye examinations and measurements of the eye. This data is essential for planning the surgery and fitting the artificial lens to the patient.
As part of the preparations, the doctor will meet with the patient to explain the steps of the surgery, discuss the lens options and answer any questions or concerns. It is important that the patient understands the process and feels comfortable before the surgery.
On the day of surgery, you must avoid eating and drinking a few hours before the procedure, in accordance with the doctor’s instructions. It is recommended to come to the clinic accompanied by an escort, since it is not possible to drive immediately after the operation. Also, remove makeup and wash your face well to prevent infections.
The doctor will prescribe eye drops for use before and after surgery. They must be used according to the instructions to prevent inflammation and infections. After surgery, it is important to avoid strenuous activities and direct contact with the eye to allow the eye to heal.
The surgical process in Clalit Platinum cataract surgery
The surgical process in cataract surgery under the Clalit Mushlam Platinum plan begins with preparing the patient for the procedure under local anesthesia. The patient remains awake during the operation but does not feel pain, which allows him to communicate with the surgeon.
In the first stage of the operation, the doctor makes small cuts in the eye. If surgery using a laser technique is chosen, with a co-payment, the doctor uses advanced laser technology to make precise cuts in the eye. The laser segments the cloudy lens into small pieces that can be removed.
In the next step, the cloudy lens is removed from the eye using gentle suction, and the process is carried out through the small incisions made in the eye. The doctor then implants a clear artificial lens in place of the removed natural lens. The artificial lens is chosen by measurements of the eye and may improve visual acuity.
The entire operation usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and does not require hospitalization. At the end of the procedure, the patient is transferred to the recovery room for an initial follow-up and to make sure that everything is in order before being discharged home.
Recovery and convalescence after Clalit Platinum cataract surgery
Immediately after the operation, the patient is discharged home with detailed instructions for the continuation of the treatment. The doctor will prescribe eye drops to be used for several weeks after the operation, in order to prevent infections and reduce inflammation.
In the first days after surgery, it is important to avoid strenuous activities and avoid direct contact with the operated eye. It is recommended to wear an eye shield while sleeping to protect the eye from accidental injury. Patients may experience sensations of itching or a feeling of a foreign body in the eye, but these are natural sensations of the recovery process and can be controlled with the prescribed drops.
Vision gradually improves during the first weeks after surgery. It is important to follow the medical instructions and participate in the follow-up tests scheduled with the doctor to make sure that the recovery is carried out properly.
During the medical follow-up, the doctor will check the condition of the eye and the suitability of the artificial lens. If there are any side effects or unusual signs, this should be reported to the attending physician immediately.
Results and potential risks in Clalit Platinum cataract surgery
Cataract surgery under the Clalit Mushlam Platinum plan may improve the patients’ visual acuity and quality of life. After surgery, most patients experience clearer and sharper vision, with less dazzle and glare, and improved daily functioning.
However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, although they are uncommon. Possible risks include infections, inflammation, increased intraocular pressure, retinal detachment, and displacement of the artificial lens. In rare cases, decreased vision may occur.
It is important to observe the medical follow-up after the operation and to report any unusual symptoms to the attending physician.
Patients’ experiences in Clalit Platinum cataract surgery
Many patients report a comfortable process, from the preliminary tests to the follow-up after surgery. Many of them note the sense of safety and trust they experience during the entire process.
Sensations of color clarity, visual acuity and improvement in the ability to perform daily activities such as reading, driving and watching television are some of the common results that patients experience after surgery.
The professionalism and empathy of the team of doctors and nurses contribute to a positive treatment experience. The patients appreciate the detailed explanations and the close support.
Patients also tell about the staff’s attention to small details, such as giving clear instructions for continuing treatment at home and the doctors’ availability to answer questions after surgery.
Doctors specializing in Clalit Platinum cataract surgery
Under Clalit Mushlam Platinum, you can choose a surgeon from the list of ophthalmologists who have an agreement with Clalit Mushlam. The doctors have extensive training in ophthalmology and have rich experience in performing cataract surgery, including laser surgery. The medical team specializes in providing personal and professional care to each patient, while making sure that the treatment is tailored to their personal and health needs.
The extensive knowledge and experience of the medical staff allow them to deal with a wide variety of medical conditions.
They make sure to provide detailed explanations about the procedure, answer all questions and concerns, and provide close support throughout the entire process from the preliminary tests to the post-surgery follow-up. This approach contributes to the patients’ sense of security and comfort and improves the overall treatment experience.
Frequently asked questions about Clalit Platinum cataract surgery
How is cataract surgery in Clalit Platinum different from traditional surgery?
The surgery itself is the same as any cataract surgery. The difference is in the setting: a private hospital and a surgeon who has an agreement with Clalit Mushlam. Surgery using a laser technique is possible, but involves a co-payment, lower in Platinum than in Zahav (Gold).
What are the advantages of cataract surgery in Clalit Platinum?
The advantages include personalized service and close medical support throughout the entire process.
How long does cataract surgery last in Clalit Platinum?
The surgery itself usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes, but the total time in the clinic may be longer due to the preparations before the surgery and the follow-up after it.
Is cataract surgery in Clalit Platinum painful?
The operation is performed under local anesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. There may be feelings of slight discomfort after the operation, but these can be controlled with the help of medicines prescribed by the doctor.
What is the recovery period after cataract surgery in Clalit Platinum?
In most cases, full recovery usually takes four to eight weeks. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and participate in the follow-up tests.
Are there any risks in Clalit Platinum cataract surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, but they are uncommon. Possible risks include infections, inflammation, increased intraocular pressure, and retinal detachment. It is important to be under medical supervision and report any unusual symptoms.
How to choose the right artificial lens?
The choice of the artificial lens is made jointly with the doctor, based on the patient’s personal needs, his medical condition and the type of activities he performs on a daily basis. The doctor will explain the different types of lenses and help choose the most suitable option.
Comparison between Clalit Platinum cataract surgery and other methods
Under Clalit Mushlam Platinum, surgery using a laser technique can also be chosen, with a co-payment lower than under Mushlam Zahav (Gold). The laser makes precise incisions and segments the cloudy lens.
In addition, Clalit Platinum offers a personalized service to patients, from the preliminary tests to the follow-up after the operation. This service includes close medical support, detailed explanations and answers to all the patient’s questions and concerns.
Another advantage of Clalit Platinum cataract surgery is the wide variety of artificial lenses available. You can choose premium lenses that correct astigmatism, or multifocal lenses, with an additional co-payment according to the terms of the plan.
How to choose the right artificial lens in cataract surgery
The choice of the artificial lens is an important step in cataract surgery, and it affects the results of the vision after the surgery. There are several types of artificial lenses, and each of them suits different needs of the patient.
- The monofocal lenses are the most common type and allow sharp vision for a certain distance. Patients who undergo surgery with monofocal lenses may still need glasses for reading or near distances.
- The multifocal lenses allow good vision at different distances, including near and far vision, which may reduce the need to use glasses after surgery. These lenses are especially suitable for patients who want multifocal vision.
- Toric lenses are lenses designed to correct astigmatism (cylinder). They enable sharper vision for patients suffering from this problem.
To choose the most suitable lens, consult with the treating doctor under the Clalit Mushlam Platinum plan. The doctor will perform comprehensive examinations of the eye and discuss with the patient his personal needs, the types of daily activities he performs and the desired results from the surgery. After collecting all the required information, the doctor will recommend the most suitable lens for the patient.
Summary: The future of cataract surgery in Clalit Platinum
The medical staff under the Clalit Mushlam Platinum plan continues to keep up to date with the latest technologies and the latest research in the field of cataract surgery.
The multifocal and toric lenses continue to improve.
The team under the Clalit Mushlam Platinum plan makes sure to provide personal and close support to patients throughout the entire process, from the preliminary tests to the follow-up after surgery. This approach contributes to improving the patient experience.
Have a question about cataract surgery? We are happy to help.