Daily TribuneBased on a 2021 study, vision impairment and blindness have a prevalence rate of 1.98 percent in the country, representing around 1.11 million Filipinos with cataract, about 400,000 with uncorrected error of refraction, almost 300,000 with glaucoma, and around 200,000 with maculopathy/diabetic retinopathy.
Dr. Vicente Santos, president of Fatima University Medical Center (left photo), unveils the cutting-edge ZEISS SMILE pro technology, a minimally invasive procedure designed to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism as FMCU resident nurse Christian Lopez (4th from left in right photo) tours the members of the media inside the treatment room of the hospital showing how German-engineered VISUMAX 800 of the ZEISS SMILE pro technology works.
Photographs by Raffy Ayeng for the Daily Tribune
Eye care leader Fatima University Medical Center (FUMC) recently announced the integration of the cutting-edge ZEISS SMILE pro technology, giving hope to those afflicted with optical problems with fast and reliable treatment.
Based on a 2021 study, vision impairment and blindness have a prevalence rate of 1.98 percent in the country, representing around 1.11 million Filipinos with cataract, about 400,000 with uncorrected error of refraction, almost 300,000 with glaucoma, and around 200,000 with maculopathy/diabetic retinopathy.
FUMC found a solution to these problems, the easiest and painless way, through its project SMILE, or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction.
ZEISS SMILE pro is an advanced, minimally invasive, and flapless laser vision correction process, performed using the German-made VISUMAX 800. This procedure creates a minor incision and a lenticule, a small, contact lens-shaped layer just beneath the surface of the eye.
This layer is then removed through the incision, reshaping the eye and correcting vision.
SMILE, considered a revolutionary laser vision correction procedure, is minimally invasive and requires little recovery time. This advancement aims to help more patients achieve clear vision without the need for corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses.
FUMC has been at the forefront of providing exceptional eye care for decades. Its medical expertise, combined with the latest advancements in vision correction, such as the ZEISS SMILE pro, has transformed the lives of many visually impaired Filipinos.
Moreover, the ZEISS SMILE pro is a minimally invasive procedure designed to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism.
Breakthrough technology
Utilizing the advanced Zeiss VISUMAX 800 femtosecond laser, SMILE reshapes the cornea through a small incision, maintaining the biomechanical stability of the cornea, thereby protecting its integrity.
The tiny incision also helps minimize post-operative dry eye. The laser ablation is completed in just nine seconds, faster than the earlier SMILE technology.
This enhances patient comfort and overall procedural efficiency, enabling a quicker recovery.
“Our integration of Zeiss SMILE pro underscores our dedication to pioneering the future of laser vision correction in the Philippines, providing Filipinos with the latest technology available, complemented by our caring and professional medical experts and staff,” Dr. Vicente Santos, president of Fatima University Medical Center, said.
“FUMC has a long and successful track record of achieving outstanding results for our eye care patients, and this latest advancement further solidifies our commitment to healthcare excellence.”
FUMC is every Filipino’s partner in achieving clearer and better vision. Beyond laser vision correction, FUMC offers a comprehensive range of eye care services, including routine check-ups and advanced treatments for various eye conditions.
