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PERC introduces first Myopia Management Center in the Philippines

Article (news)

Josh Mercado

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760657677548image0 (18).jpeg" style="width:955px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-dragging"/>PERC introduces first Myopia Management Center in the Philippines. Josh Mercado </div>The beauty of objects, surroundings, colors, human features, and even life is revealed to people as soon as they open their eyes. As they say, when you have better vision, everything is more clear. And sadly, for people who suffer from eye disorders like glaucoma, cataracts, retinal problems, and — most importantly — myopia, life becomes blurry. Speaking of myopia, it is a refractive problem that usually manifests in childhood and causes distant objects to appear blurry. Myopia can worsen over time and raise the risk of developing additional eye disorders if left untreated. One in three children is at risk of acquiring myopia, according to recent studies. In a historic move for eye health, Premiere Eye Referral Center and Optical (PERC), a 30-year pioneer in the Philippines&#x27; eye health and referral services, has partnered with Zeiss to formally open the nation&#x27;s first Myopia Management Center. Under the direction of Dr. Carlos Chua, a pediatric ophthalmologist, and Dr. Roberto Maliwat, a vitreo-retina surgeon and president of PERC, the specialty eye clinic also unveiled its LASIK &amp; Refractive Suite, which is powered by Schwind Amaris technology, in conjunction with this milestone, further solidifying its goal of offering comprehensive, top-notch ophthalmic care. <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760657829370image6 (1).jpeg" style="width:955px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>PERC founders Dr. Roberto Maliwat and Dr. Carlos Chua meet the press. Josh Mercado </div>On the rise of myopia cases among children, Dr. Maliwat told ABS-CBN News: “It has been rising at alarming rates worldwide, especially among children exposed to digital screens and limited outdoor activity. PERC’s Myopia Management Center is the first facility in the Philippines solely dedicated to slowing the progression of the condition.” Before addressing LASIK, Dr. Maliwat advised parents to reduce their children&#x27;s screen usage and instead prioritize outdoor activities such as Pinoy games. “Increasing outside time, minimizing screen time, and using proper lighting can all help to decrease the growth of myopia,” he said. They offer vision correction surgeries such as LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). While laser surgery, such as LASIK, has been used for years to treat myopia in adults, recent research is exploring the idea of utilizing lasers to manage myopia progression in children and adolescents. Although this technology is still in its early phases, it has the potential to provide a long-term solution to slowing myopia. There may be additional clinical trials and breakthroughs that bring laser-based myopia control treatments into the mainstream. However, this treatment will most certainly continue for older teens and adults, necessitating cautious evaluation and consultation with our professional optometrist. “‘Yung LASIK, right now, dahil sa innovation, meron kang konting pagpa-flap ng tissue mo, which the laser can do it right now, so very precise,” Dr. Maliwat shared. “In two months’ time, all our tissues ‘pag nagkaroon ng sugat, parang wala nang nangyari, even histologically [microscopic study of tissues].” “Ang LASIK is okay sa Southeast Asia because it is humid. Pero ‘pag nasa North America ka, super dry ang eyes mo, kaya minsan nagko-complain sila ng dryness,” added the PERC founder.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760658176072image2 (13).jpeg" style="width:955px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>PERC introduces first Myopia Management Center in the PH. Photo by Josh Mercado </div>Meanwhile, Dr. Chua stressed to patients the need of eye exams. He also stated that an athlete should not undergo LASIK surgery. “The most common practice — you have to have screening,” said Dr. Chua, adding, “Kasi ‘yung ibang stories naman kasi, hindi naman sila masyadong nag-i-screen. Hindi nila alam na puwede sila rito o automatic silang nile-LASIK, hindi naman kaya.” He pointed out, “Akala kasi ng tao, basta gusto nilang magpa-LASIK, PRK, tapos na. Hindi.” Dr. Maliwat added, “We screen the patient properly and explain to them kung ano ‘yung dapat gawin na operation. Ang importante sa lahat ng surgery, before na mag-decide ka for your surgery, maliwanag lahat sa iyo.” The Philippines&#x27; first Myopia Management Center offers evidence-based therapies such as specialized spectacle lenses designed to manage myopia progression, Ortho-K (orthokeratology) lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, clinically proven pharmaceutical options to delay myopia worsening, and advanced vision correction.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760657946869image1 (14).jpeg" style="width:955px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>PERC is located on United Nations Avenue in Manila. Photos by Josh Mercado  The eye center also continues to be a comprehensive destination for eye health, offering a wide range of subspecialties and services such as Advanced Diagnostics, Cataract Management &amp; Surgery, Glaucoma Services, Retina &amp; Vitreous Care, Pediatric &amp; Strabismus Care, Oculoplastic &amp; Refractive Surgery, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Corneal &amp; External Diseases, Low Vision &amp; Rehabilitation, and Optical Services — all equipped with cutting-edge eye machines.</div>

Seeing the world with clear vision: Doctors explain myopia, latest trends in eye care

Seeing the world with clear vision: Doctors explain myopia, latest trends in eye care