Scanhealth: Eye surgery in Norway

Scanhealth Scandinavia provides treatment for all types of eye-related problems at its hospital in Haugesund in south-western Norway. The Ophthalmology Unit has a strong surgical profile with its own unit where the experienced and highly trained staff treat patients with cataracts and perform various eye surgery and sight-correcting procedures.

Although Scandinavia is traditionally thought of as a high-tec destination with a reputation for both quality and precision this is in no way reflected in pricing which, continues to be highly competitive in comparison to other destinations worldwide.

Although Scandinavia is traditionally thought of as a high-tec destination with a reputation for both quality and precision this is in no way reflected in pricing which, continues to be highly competitive in comparison to other destinations worldwide.

Scanhealth use the most advanced laser technologies to correct near-sightedness and long-sightedness. They also perform operations for treating severe vision impairment using a technique known as Intraocular Contact Lens (ICL) implantation.

ReStor® is a new revolutionary way to treat presbyopia, or the difficulties with reading that come with age. The Restor® intraocular lens (IOL) is designed to improve vision at all distances.

Cataract surgery

A cataract means that the eye’s lens becomes less transparent, reducing the light reaching the optic nerve and thus impairing vision. Roughly half of all people past the age of 60 have a developing cataract but younger people may also be at risk and the disease can even occur in infants, or begin after an eye injury or disease.

The treatment for cataracts is surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear, artificial lens.

The Scanhealth approach

Scanhealth perform all cataract operations on an outpatient basis. The actual surgery only takes 10 to 15 minutes using eye drops as a local anesthetic so you remain fully conscious but feel nothing. The patient sees a bright light and changing colours during the operation, but cannot see the surgical instruments and, though it's necessary need to lie still during the operation, the patient does not have to be completely motionless.

People are understandably anxious about eye surgery but at Scanhealth you can be assured of receiving the highest quality care. Operations are performed using advanced technology and the highest quality equipment and materials. Scanhealth's surgical team has years of experience, having performed more than 5000 successful operations since opening in 1998.

Laser eye treatment

After gaining extensive experience in the surgical treatment of cataracts, in 2001 Scanhealth began with laser treatment for correcting vision impairment. The hospital has concentrated on the latest generation of modern technology: narrow-beam low-energy scanning lasers, high-frequency eye tracking (the laser follows a slightly twitching eye), and so-called customized ablation, i.e., individually adapted treatment.

Intraocular Contact Lenses (ICL)

This technique, which does not involve lasers, adjusts incorrect vision with the help of an extra lens which is placed in the eye. The operation itself is simple, virtually pain free and only takes a few minutes. You will see relatively well the same day following the operation, and your sight is stable after just a few days. ICL lenses, which are placed well behind the iris and in front of your own lens, are permanent and will not need shifting.

ScanHealth is one of Norway’s leading clinics using this technique, having performed over 600 such operations since starting in 2001. The results of the clinic's operations have been presented at several national and international conferences.

Who is suitable for treatment?

This treatment is recommended for patients with more serious sight problems than those who are advised to undergo the usual laser treatment. Near sighted -7.00 and upwards and far sighted from +6.00 and upwards are recommended for ICL. Astigmatisms up to -6.00 can also be corrected, but this only applies for near sightedness.

The aim of this operation is to reduce or preferably eliminate the daily need for glasses or contact lenses. Over 75% of ICL patients no longer need their glasses or contact lenses. In addition, there is a considerable improvement in the quality of sight and life. The sight remains stable after this operation.

ReSTOR

Everybody notices that reading becomes increasingly difficult with age, even those with normal vision. This usually begins at about 40-45 years of age and is known as ‘presbyopia’. The traditional solution for this is reading glasses or distance glasses. Today’s technology makes it possible to produce a lens which give good vision both from a distance and for reading.

Scanhealth use the AcrySof® ReSTOR® intraocular lens (IOL), a breakthrough in vision surgery. AcrySof® ReSTOR® has been uniquely designed to improve vision at all distances – up close, far away and everything in-between – giving patients their best chance ever to live free of glasses.

How does the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL work?

The AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL was designed to provide quality near to distance vision by combining the strengths of apodized, diffractive and refractive technologies. Similar technology has been used for years in microscopes and telescopes to improve image quality, and has now been patented for use in intraocular lenses by Alcon.

ReSTOR® lenses were registered in Europe as early as 2003. Scanhealth have done many studies on these lenses and their experience so far is very positive with most patients able to do without glasses, both for the farsighted and for reading. It MAY still be preferable to use terminal glasses if you work a lot on the computer. 

According to articles in major international journals, 90% of people undergoing the ReSTOR® operation manage completely without glasses.

A professional organisation

Scanhealth received government authorisation as a private hospital in December 2003. After a thorough review of all aspects of its operation and organisation, Scanhealth received ISO-9001 approval in autumn 2004. The eye care surgical team has specialised in treatment for correcting vision impairment and in the treatment of cataracts.

Contact details

Scanhealth, Scandinavia

Haraldsgt 139, entrance Sørhauggaten 
Postbox 175

5501 Haugesund

Norway

Tel: +47 52 70 05 50

Email: post@scan-health.co.uk

Web: www.scan-health.co.uk/

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