Experts of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), they performed November 4 to 7more than thousand cataract surgeries to patients in vulnerable situationas part of a macro journey to address the surgical delay.
The doctor Rosa Gabriela Martínez Gonzálezassistant coordinator of Medical attention of this hospital located in the southern area of the Mexico Citydetailed that for the macro day, patients were channeled from medical units and First and Second Level Hospitals of care with a diagnosis of cataracts and who required surgery to avoid losing their sight.
He explained that heCataract results from ocular agingbut it can also occur as a result of diseases such as diabetes and surgical treatment is one of the most effective interventions that exist, as it is a minimally invasive procedure.
“It consists of the removal of the lens through a small incision in the eye, subsequently the implantation of an artificial intraocular lens is carried out,” he explained.
The specialist said that this lens improves the patient’s vision by up to 90 percent, in addition to improving their quality of life and that of their family members, since they once again have almost total vision, recover their lifestyle and avoid risks and damages. such as fractures due to falls or accidents, he pointed out that minimally invasive surgeries have great benefits such as reducing recovery time and hospital stay, patients are discharged a few hours after admission and the risk of nosocomial infections is reduced by 99 percent; This gives rise to the promotion of this type of surgical sessions in the Institute.
He stressed that to achieve this medical feat in just four days there was the participation of a multidisciplinary team of anesthesiologists, specialist nurses, medical assistants, orderlies, hygiene and cleaning personnel.
He indicated that the preparation of the macro day represented arduous work that began in August with locating patients and updating protocols; For this phase, the coordination of the first and second level units with the managers of HGZ 1 A to provide the medical care they required was decisive.
The specialist explained that this mission and planning “is a campaign that will leave a lot of satisfaction, due to the benefit, to more than a thousand patients who recover their visual capacity, improving their quality of life, and reintegrating into daily activities. The entire operational and management team has made great efforts to provide quality care.”
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Title: Shedding Light on Cataract Surgery: An Interview with Dr. Rosa Gabriela Martínez González
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Rosa Gabriela Martínez González, the coordinator of Medical Attention at the Mexican Social Security Institute, who recently led a remarkable initiative to address cataract surgeries in Mexico City. Dr. Martínez, thank you so much for joining us!
Dr. Rosa Gabriela Martínez González: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss the important work we’re doing to improve the lives of our patients.
Editor: Let’s dive right in! I understand that from November 4th to 7th, your team conducted over a thousand cataract surgeries. That’s incredible! What motivated this macro journey?
Dr. Martínez: Yes, it was an overwhelming experience for everyone involved. The primary motivation was to address the significant backlog of surgical cases due to the pandemic and ensure that vulnerable patients, who might otherwise lose their sight, received timely care. Cataracts are prevalent, particularly among older adults, but they can also affect younger patients—especially those with conditions like diabetes.
Editor: That’s certainly compelling! Many people may not understand what cataracts are. Could you explain how cataracts develop and why surgical intervention is necessary?
Dr. Martínez: Certainly! Cataracts typically occur as a result of aging. As we get older, the natural lens of the eye can become cloudy, which impairs vision. They can also develop due to other factors, including certain diseases like diabetes. Surgery is essential because it’s currently the most effective treatment available. It’s a minimally invasive procedure where the cloudy lens is removed through a small incision, and we implant an artificial lens to restore clear vision.
Editor: It sounds relatively straightforward, but I imagine the impact of such surgeries goes beyond just vision correction. Can you share how improved vision affects your patients’ quality of life?
Dr. Martínez: Absolutely! When patients regain their sight—often with an improvement of up to 90%—the benefits extend far beyond visual clarity. Many of our patients report feeling more independent, which significantly enhances their overall quality of life and allows them to engage more fully with their families and communities. Seeing well again can transform their day-to-day experiences.
Editor: That transformation is profound. For those who might be hesitant about undergoing surgery for cataracts, what would you say to them about the risks versus the benefits?
Dr. Martínez: It’s understandable to feel apprehensive about surgery. However, it’s essential to weigh those fears against the life-changing benefits. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most frequently performed procedures worldwide, with a high success rate. The risk of not undergoing surgery includes progressive vision loss, which could lead to more severe complications like falls or accidents. It’s vital to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider who can provide personalized information.
Editor: Thank you for that reassurance, Dr. Martínez. As you continue to tackle surgical delays and improve care for vulnerable populations, what are your hopes for the future of eye care in Mexico?
Dr. Martínez: My hope is that with increased awareness, resources, and support, we will be able to reduce surgical backlogs significantly. I also envision a more comprehensive approach to eye health that not only addresses cataracts but encompasses preventive care and education around eye diseases, leading to a healthier, better-informed society.
Editor: That’s a powerful vision. Thank you, Dr. Rosa Gabriela Martínez González, for your invaluable insights and the fantastic work you and your team are doing. We appreciate your passion for improving patients’ lives through health care.
Dr. Martínez: Thank you for the opportunity! It’s crucial to keep these conversations going so that more people understand the importance of eye health.
Editor: Absolutely! And to our readers, remember that your vision matters—if you or someone you know is experiencing issues, consider consulting a healthcare professional. Thank you for tuning in!