The second opinion

MANILA, Philippines - Eye emergencies are very few. The urgent need for eye surgery occurs in case of accidents involving the eye, other forms of trauma, retinal detachment and sudden glaucoma attacks.

Other operations, especially cataract and laser procedures are elective, meaning they can be scheduled at the patient’s convenience.

In cases where an eye doctor presses a patient to have surgery performed at once, it is best to seek a second opinion, or even a third one.

Mrs. Rosalina G. was relieved after she consulted at Galileo SurgiCenter. She had consulted elsewhere and she was told that she had cataracts and that she needed them removed immediately, the following day, or else she would develop glaucoma and become permanently blind. Distraught, she was brought by her friend for a second opinion.

At Galileo, she was found to have early cataracts. There were no signs of an impending risk of glaucoma. She was given assurance that she did not need cataract surgery yet, in all probability, not for several years yet.

Alan and Jennifer A., brother and sister, had been on glaucoma medications for several years already when they were referred by a concerned relative to Galileo.

The diagnosis of glaucoma, a disease of the optic nerve, wherein the nerve progressively deteriorates leading to permanent blindness, had caused the siblings to be depressed since they were barely in their 20s. But glaucoma cannot be diagnosed definitively without the right equipment.

Visual field examination and optic nerve evaluation were done and interpreted that same day that both consulted. In both, the tests were negative and did not support the need for treatment. They were relieved that they did not need to put the drops anymore and that they were not going blind.

Christopher Q. came for a second opinion because he had been advised cataract surgery. His right eye was very blurred. His cataract in this eye did not seem to be very severe.

More tests were done and aside from the cataract, he was also found to have bleeding in his retina, which caused the vision in this eye tone worse. It was explained that removing the cataract would not improve his vision. Instead treatment for his retina problem ensued.

Eye care has evolved to greater sophistication and there are many instruments and equipment that have allowed eye doctors to better diagnose eye problems. In many cases, simple examination by the doctor is not enough.

Judicious use of technology available at Galileo SurgiCenter has saved patients the need for unnecessary treatment or surgeries. The advise of the doctors at the center is to always seek a second opinion.

Even within Galileo, there are 12 eye doctors who can also look at the patient for another opinion to generate a better assessment and treatment strategy.

For more information, call 721-7135, 721-6412 or 0917-5286323.