Many serious eye conditions, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, can develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. By the time vision changes become apparent, some damage may already be irreversible.
To help address this challenge, The Medical City (TMC) South Luzon has launched its Eye Center, a specialized facility offering comprehensive eye examinations, diagnostic services, and medical and surgical treatments for patients of all ages.
The center brings together ophthalmologists and subspecialists, diagnostic equipment, and treatment capabilities in one location, allowing patients to access a wider range of eye care services without having to visit multiple clinics.
Its services cover pediatric ophthalmology, retinal and macular diseases, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, and refractive conditions, as well as other concerns affecting eye health.
Detecting eye diseases before vision loss
Early detection is particularly important for conditions such as glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy, meanwhile, can damage the blood vessels of the retina, sometimes before patients notice changes in their sight.
Dr. Cesar Ramon G. Espiritu, president and CEO of TMC South Luzon and an ophthalmologist, emphasized the importance of screening and early intervention, particularly among people with diabetes.
‘If you look at diabetics who are type 2, you even have one-fourth of the population already with retinopathy. It’s very important that we detect these diseases early. And that’s why here, at the Eye Center of TMC South Luzon, it has already been a routine to have a fundus photograph of the eye, because that’s where glaucoma and diabetes manifest early,’ Espiritu said.
He explained that the center uses a camera that can capture retinal images without requiring pupil dilation in appropriate cases, making the examination more convenient for patients.
‘We do it with a camera that doesn’t need drops to dilate the pupils, so it’s very comfortable for the patient. And the patients go home without any effect on the vision,’ he added.
The center offers comprehensive eye assessments, including visual acuity testing, eye pressure measurement, slit lamp examinations, dilated fundus examinations, and evaluations for dry eye. Specialized diagnostic procedures include optical coherence tomography (OCT), retinal photography, visual field testing, corneal topography, pachymetry, and ocular ultrasonography.
These examinations help ophthalmologists assess different structures of the eye, identify abnormalities, and determine the appropriate next steps for diagnosis and treatment.
Specialized care at every stage of life
The Eye Center also provides services for children and adults with different eye care needs.
Pediatric ophthalmology services address conditions such as significant refractive errors and strabismus, or misalignment of the eyes. The center also offers assessment and care for retinopathy of prematurity, a potentially serious retinal condition affecting some premature infants.
For adults, its subspecialty services include the evaluation and management of retinal and macular diseases, glaucoma, and neuro-ophthalmological conditions.
Patients requiring more specialized intervention can access treatment options such as cataract surgery using selected intraocular lenses, YAG laser procedures, glaucoma laser therapy, and retinal laser treatments for appropriate conditions.
The center also offers diagnostic and treatment services for dry eye, including TearLab testing and BlephEx eyelid treatment.
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By integrating assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, the facility aims to make specialized eye care more accessible and convenient for patients.
Knowing when to seek an eye examination
Espiritu stressed that regular eye examinations are important even when vision appears normal. Screening schedules should be tailored to a person’s age, medical history, risk factors, and existing eye conditions.
People with diabetes, in particular, need regular retinal examinations because diabetic retinopathy may progress without obvious symptoms. Those with high blood pressure should also discuss appropriate eye examinations with their healthcare providers.
Children with suspected eye misalignment, significant vision difficulties, or other concerns should be evaluated promptly. Premature infants may require specialized retinal screening based on their clinical circumstances.
Sudden changes in vision, flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, or eye pain warrant urgent medical assessment, as these symptoms may indicate conditions that require immediate attention.
With its team of ophthalmologists, diagnostic capabilities, and range of medical, laser, and surgical services, the TMC South Luzon Eye Center seeks to provide a coordinated approach to eye health, from initial assessment to treatment and follow-up care.