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My Son was admitted with a very rare autoimmune illness in April this year. The care he was given was superb Prof Dheda, Prof Louw and their team of specialists covered every possibility , diagnosed efficiently and treated effectively. There was time taken to explain everything. The Hospital Matron made allowances for me to spend as much as possible time with my son and also allowed for frequent visits from close family. Mr Daniel Mathew the Hospital General manager is very approachable and interested . The staff was friendly and helpful. Basically every one from reception through admin to ICU was friendly and helpful. I Highly recommend this hospital
Overall I had a good experience.
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Cataract surgery in Cape Town is a common procedure carried out by highly experienced ophthalmologists. This outpatient operation is performed when the natural lens of the eye, which is usually transparent, develops a cataract. The cataract causes the lens to become cloudy, resulting in blurry or desaturated vision. Surgery is necessary when the cataract severely affects your daily activities or your ability to work.
During the procedure, the surgeon removes the cloudy lens and if necessary, replaces it with an artificial clear lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Modern techniques mean that the entire procedure can typically be performed under local anaesthetic with patients experiencing little to no discomfort. Cataract surgeries in Cape Town are renowned for their high standards of care and success.
The cost of cataract surgery in Cape Town can vary, depending on several factors. These may include the technology used during the procedure, the type of IOL implanted, the specific diagnostic tests carried out preoperatively and the surgeon's expertise. However, cataract surgery is generally covered by most insurance plans under medically necessary procedures.
It is advised to consult with your healthcare provider or insurer for a precise cost estimate. Remember, an accurate cost estimate should cover all aspects of the procedure, from the consultation and diagnostic tests to the surgery itself and post-operative care.
The cataract surgery procedure typically involves a skilled ophthalmologist creating a small incision in the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. Tiny instruments are then used to break up the cloudy lens, which is then removed. An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted to replace the natural lens.
The surgery generally takes about 30 to 45 minutes. It is usually performed under local anaesthesia that numbs the eye, so the patient stays awake but feels no pain. The procedure can be carried out on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients can go home the same day after a short recovery period in the clinic.
If you're travelling to Cape Town specifically for cataract surgery, it's advisable to plan for a stay of at least two to three days. This time allows for the pre-operative assessment, the day of the surgery, and a postoperative check-up before travelling home.
Staying a bit longer provides time for the eye to start healing and allows for a follow-up examination to ensure everything is well. It is always essential to discuss staying duration with your healthcare provider before making any arrangements.
Recovery times for cataract surgery procedures vary from person to person, but typically, patients notice an improvement in their vision within a few days of the procedure. However, full healing can take about a month.
During the first few days post-operation, the eye may feel itchy and sensitive. It is also common for a mild burning sensation or grittiness to be experienced. Patients are advised not to rub the eye and to use the prescribed eye drops to help with the healing process and reduce inflammation. Complete visual results and the settling down of any post-operative symptoms could take from several weeks to a few months.
The success rate of cataract surgery procedures in Cape Town is very high, similar to other developed regions. As a mature and well-established procedure, the percentage of patients with significantly improved vision following cataract surgery is greater than 95%.
However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated. These risks mainly involve infection, bleeding, inflammation, detachment of the retina, pressure changes in the eye and sometimes light sensitivity. Most of these complications are extremely rare and can be managed effectively if they occur.
While there is no definitive alternative to cataract surgery, there are some possible management strategies to delay the operation. These may include:
However, these alternatives only address the symptoms rather than the underlying cause, the cataract itself. Once the cataract impairs the quality of life significantly, surgery will likely be recommended. Make sure to discuss the best course of action with your healthcare provider.
Before the cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive eye examination to measure the size and shape of your eye. This information is necessary to choose the right type of IOL.
After the surgery, you can expect your vision to begin improving within a few days. Your vision may initially be blurry as your eye adjusts to the new IOL. You may also experience soreness or itching in the eye, but this should subside within a few days.
Aftercare is vital for a successful cataract surgery outcome. You will be prescribed eye drops to prevent inflammation and infection. These must be used according to the prescribed schedule. It's essential to prevent anything from bumping into your eye or any unnecessary pressure.
Follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your healing process. Patients are usually instructed to wear a protective eye shield while sleeping for a week or so after surgery. Activities like reading or watching television can resume soon after surgery, but strenuous activities or heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks.
While it is medically possible to perform cataract surgery on both eyes at the same time, it's not the usual practice in Cape Town or in most places worldwide. The wait between surgeries for the second eye is usually one to two weeks.
This is to reduce the risk of potential complications affecting both eyes simultaneously and to ensure the first eye is healing well. However, the decision ultimately depends on the patient's condition and the surgeon's discretion.
Whether you'll need to wear glasses after cataract surgery depends on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) you choose and the accuracy of the IOL power prediction. Monofocal IOLs often require the patient to use reading glasses for close work, while multifocal or accommodating IOLs can reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses.
However, you may still need glasses for certain activities, even with the more advanced IOLs. Also, if there is residual refractive error after the surgery (astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness), glasses might be required. You should discuss these details with your ophthalmologist.
Yes, you will be awake during cataract surgery. However, don't let this concern you. The procedure is generally performed under local anaesthetic, so you won't feel any discomfort. Your eye will be numbed, and in most cases, you might receive a mild sedative to help you relax.
The process is swift, usually taking between 20 and 30 minutes, and you won't see the details of the surgery. You might see light and movement, but you won't observe the surgical procedure itself. Before the surgery, your doctor will discuss the procedure and answer any questions, so you'll know what to expect.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa and is also known as the Mother City. It is the oldest city in the country and home to the Parliament of South Africa and is a major destination for immigrants and expatriates, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Located on the shore of Table Bay, the city is known for its harbor, natural setting, as well as famous attractions and many tourists, visit to enjoy Table Mountain and Cape Point.
Recently, tourists also come to the city for its medical tourism. Many groundbreaking procedures and medical research in South Africa, such as the world’s first penile transplant, have put Cape Town under the radar of medical tourists from all around the globe. Thanks to its world-class healthcare and world-renowned medical practitioners, more and more people now prefer Cape Town as their medical destination. The healthcare in the city is among the best on the African continent. Other reasons such as shorter waiting times for surgeries, state-of-the-art equipment, and affordable healthcare compared to Europe and the United States, and English-speaking doctors.
Cape Town is a natural beauty that offers a wide range of things to do and see. From culture, food, art, to nature. Listed below are some of the more popular places in the city:
Cape Town enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate. The summer is dry and warm, lasting from early December to March. The average maximum temperature during this season is around 26 °C, and the minimum is 16 °C. The Berg Wind that arrives from February to early March can make the city uncomfortably hot for a couple of weeks.
The winter starts in June and ends in August and the season is characterized by mild and wet weather. The city also experiences strong north-westerly winds during this season. The average temperature ranges between 8.5 °C at the lowest and 18 °C at the highest.
The primary airport that serves Cape Town is the Cape Town International Airport and it is the second busiest airport in South Africa and the fifth busiest in Africa. The airport serves direct domestic flights to major cities and several small centers in the country. It also connects the country with major cities in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It is the hub for South African Express as well as budget airlines such as Mango and FlySafair.
There are several types of taxis: the metered taxis, Rikkis Taxis, and minibus taxis. The metered taxis can be a little expensive but are usually comfortable. Tourists can order one via a phone call or from one of the city’s official taxi stands. Tourists should always choose reputable taxi companies such as Marine Taxi, Unicab, Excite, and SA Cab.
Rikkis Taxis are painted yellow and very popular and these taxis run on a fixed fare rather than metered, so they are a little more affordable than metered taxis and a good option if you are traveling on longer journeys. Other than the Rikkis Taxis, tourists can choose the minibus taxis which are perfect for adventurous foreign travelers. The minibus taxis can be found practically everywhere and are very cheap, however, you will need to know exactly where your destination is and tell the driver when to stop. Another travel option is the MyCiTi bus, a modernized and effective bus system.
There are more than 60 countries listed in the visa exemption agreements, which means the citizens of these countries can stay in South Africa for up to 90 days. Other countries not listed must obtain a valid visa to enter the country. A Medical Treatment Visa is available for medical tourists. Note that all visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 30 days after the expiration of their intended visit.