Treatment of Myopia in Israel: Modern Approach, Best Results
Professor Guy Kleinman
Head of the Ophthalmology Department
Myopia is a fairly common condition, and its treatment is carried out in various clinics around the world. However, those clinics that offer therapy with the best results, comfort, and speed are in high demand. One such clinic is Ihilov: by using the latest vision correction techniques, ophthalmologists achieve the best results. In most cases, patients who come to the clinic permanently restore normal visual acuity, often within just a few days after treatment. Reviews of myopia treatment in Israel confirm the high professionalism of Ihilov's ophthalmologists and their attention to each patient.
5000
foreign patients are treated annually at Top Ihilov clinic
To accurately select the most optimal type of therapy, the clinic conducts highly informative diagnostics. The modern technical base of the diagnostic center allows for a diagnosis with 100% accuracy, ensuring an adequate treatment program.
The innovative approach to treatment allows for vision correction without traumatizing healthy eye tissues, significantly speeding up the recovery process.
The clinic uses only modern techniques, new equipment, and technologies. When discussing the choice in favor of Ihilov clinic, it is often mentioned that the cost of myopia treatment in Israel is lower than in Europe, while the quality is at the same level.
Myopia Treatment in Israeli Clinics: Current Techniques
The choice of therapeutic technique depends on several factors: the degree of myopia and the patient's age. Surgical practices are not indicated for children and individuals under 18, as there is a chance that myopia may resolve on its own with age. Young patients undergo conservative treatment, with recommendations for wearing lenses or glasses. If myopia does not disappear or begins to progress upon reaching adulthood, surgical methods are also considered.
Medication Therapy. It does not cure myopia but only provides supportive functions. Medications can slow the progression of myopia and prevent possible complications. For instance, medications that improve blood supply to the eye, strengthen eye tissues, and prevent spasms in cases of false myopia may be prescribed. At Top Ihilov clinic, only those medications whose effectiveness has been proven by clinical practice and safety through specific studies are prescribed.
In addition to medications, patients may be offered special eye exercises that enhance the tone of the eye muscles.
Severe myopia cannot be eliminated solely through medication; surgical treatment is offered for such patients. Modern eye surgery offers many gentle methods for treating myopia. Instead of traditional surgical scalpels, lasers are used—thin beams of light can make ultra-thin incisions in eye tissues with maximum precision. Top Ihilov clinic uses modern lasers that do not require sutures afterward.
LASIK Method. The least traumatic way to restore full vision to the patient. After correction, complete vision recovery occurs the very next day, allowing the patient to return home. The surgeon first separates a super-thin fragment of the outer layer of the eyeball: it is moved aside to access the cornea. Then, using an excimer laser, the surgeon corrects the shape of the cornea, thereby eliminating the refractive error that leads to myopia. After these manipulations, the flap of the membrane is returned to its original place, and it heals without the need for sutures. The operation is quick, taking 20-30 minutes in an outpatient setting.
Photorefractive Keratectomy Method. Considered more traumatic than the previous method, but some patients, based on the specifics of their clinical picture, are recommended this method as it guarantees a return to 100% vision. Using an excimer laser, which captures the entire operating area, ablation (removal) of the upper epithelial layer on the cornea is performed, eliminating its defect. The removed layer regenerates within four days, but, unlike the previous method, noticeable improvement in vision occurs after a month. After the operation, the patient is monitored by a doctor for a few days before being allowed to go home.
Scleral Reinforcement. If myopia is of a severe degree, it cannot be eliminated by the aforementioned methods. For such patients, the optimal option is the implantation of intraocular lenses. The operation is performed without the use of lasers; the surgeon works with miniature surgical instruments under a microscope. He makes an incision in the corneal tissue, through which a special phakic lens is introduced between the eye membrane and the lens. The lens fits snugly against the eye tissues and prevents the progression of eye deformation, as well as improves blood supply to the eye tissues. Depending on the severity of the case, vision is restored completely or partially, and the progression of myopia is prevented.
Diagnosis
Since the choice of method and the result of therapy depend on knowing the exact picture of the disease, doctors need as much information as possible about the condition of the visual organs. This can only be obtained by using new, highly informative examination methods. Ihilov clinic has well-equipped diagnostic laboratories, and the accuracy of diagnoses made by the clinic's ophthalmologists is 100%. Thanks to accurate diagnostics, doctors can assess the risks of developing glaucoma, retinal detachment, and other dangerous complications of myopia.
An undeniable advantage is that a comprehensive examination can be completed in just three days at the diagnostic center. The diagnostic schedule is agreed upon in advance with both the patient and the diagnostic doctors, so foreign patients do not have to waste time waiting in queues.
First Day
The treating ophthalmologist sees the patient on the very first day of their arrival in the country. He performs a physical examination and tests the main indicators, studying the medical history. If, after the examination, the doctor sees the need for additional types of research not included in the main package, he recommends undergoing them.
Second Day
The patient undergoes the following mandatory types of examinations:
Refraction
Ophthalmoscopy
Biometry
Keratoscopy
Skiascopy
CT of the eye
Electrophysiological tests
Intraocular pressure measurements
Biomicroscopy
Pachymetry of the cornea.
Third Day
At the ophthalmologists' council, the research data is analyzed, and the type of therapy that guarantees the highest result without serious complications is chosen.
Recently, a popular service has been a consultation with an ophthalmologist without the need to come to Israel – a consultation via Skype. A person with myopia can obtain an expert opinion from an Israeli doctor to ensure that the correct diagnosis was made at home and that the therapy was also chosen correctly. The opinion of an Israeli ophthalmologist will help the local doctor choose the most appropriate strategy. To receive a video consultation via Skype, it is necessary to submit a request on this website with contact details and diagnosis.
How Much Does Myopia Treatment Cost in Israel
The cost of myopia treatment in Israel is more favorable than in Europe or the USA. The patient receives the same high result but saves 30% to 50%. The exact price depends on the clinical picture and the chosen therapy method.
Advantages of Treatment at Ihilov Clinic
Modern techniques that guarantee quick positive results
Gentle types of surgery
100% accurate diagnostics
Balanced prices.
If you want to learn more about treatment at our clinic, submit a request for a consultation with our doctor.
Professor Guy Kleinman
