Информации за тековно работење во услови на Ковид - 19

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Frequent questions

About the operation of the hospital

What are the working hours of the hospital?

Working hours of:

  • “Sistina Ophthalmology” – Skopje is from Monday to Friday from 08:00AM to 08:00PM
  • “Sistina Ophthalmology” – Bitola is from Monday to Friday from 08:00AM to 04:00PM, Wednesday from 01:00PM to 08:00PM.
  • “Sistina Ophthalmology” – Gostivar from Monday to Friday from 09:00AM to 05:00PM
  • “Ophthalmology Tetovo” from Monday to Friday from 09:00AM to 05:00PM
  • “Sistina Ophthalmology” – Stip is from Monday to Friday from 08:00AM to 4:00PM

We publish the notice of working hours on our website, together with any changes.

Where can I find you?

More detailed information about our locations can be found at the following link:

About Us

How can I contact you?

You can contact us in several ways:

Our contact phones of our centers are:

  • “Sistina Ophthalmology” – Skopje +389 2 3097 000, +389 70351 008
  • “Sistina Ophthalmology” – Bitola +389 47 226 900, +38970 355 900
  • “Sistina Ophthalmology” – Gostivar +389 42 210 800, +389 72 809 800
  • “Ophthalmology Tetovo” – Tetovo +389 44 357 111, +389 72 799 111
  • “Sistina Ophthalmology” – Stip +389 32 307 100, +389 71 220 206

E-mail: contact@sistinaoftalmologija.mk

Facebook profile: SistinaOftalmologija

Instagram profile: sistinaoftalmologija

Our website via the chat on this website (the window on the bottom right).

In what language can I communicate with your employees?

Given that Sistina Ophthalmology has patients from all over the region, our staff speaks 5 languages: Macedonian, English, Turkish, Albanian and Serbian. At your request, medical records can only be translated into English.

Where can I apply for employment at your hospital?

You can find the active ads published on our website in the News section. If you have the desire, knowledge and enthusiasm, want to become part of our team and work in a dynamic work environment with an ambitious team, send your CV and cover letter to the following e-mail: kariera@sistinaoftalmologija.mk or by mail to: PHI “Sistina Ophthalmology”, 5A Skupi Street, 1000 Skopje

Your resume will be entered into our database as a potential candidate and will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department.

Do you cooperate with the HIF?

Examinations are charged privately. We have cooperation with the HIF for certain types of interventions. You can read more detailed information at:

With which insurance companies have you concluded a contract?

  • Triglav Insurance AD Skopje – Macedonia
  • Sava Insurance – Macedonia
  • Eurolink – Macedonia
  • Croatia AD Macedonia
  • Halk Insurance – Macedonia
  • GBG – USA
  • CIGNA – USA

What if I am not able to come for an examination, check-up with you or I need a second opinion from an ophthalmologist (e.g. you live abroad, you have a certain health problem, fear of the pandemic)?

If you are not able to come to our hospital, you can make an online consultation with an ophthalmologist. This service will enable you from the safety and comfort of your home to get expert advice from our doctor for your eye condition and to receive directions for further medical care.

You can choose:

  • The type of consultation you want (consultation for examination, intervention or diagnosis),
  • The time.

It lasts a maximum of 15 minutes.

The method of processing and collection is electronic.

More information at the following link: https://sistinaoftalmologija.mk/onlineuslugi/

Laser diopter correction

Can this intervention be performed on a child?

The person must be of legal age to perform this intervention. Not recommended for children under 18, as the eye is still developing and the diopter is changing. The eye grows and develops as humans develop. We are born with an eye of 16 millimeters. By the age of three, the eye grows to 23 millimeters and during puberty, when eye growth is complete, the eyeball normally reaches a length of 24 millimeters.

Why can't I do laser diopter correction if I am 45 years old?

After the age of forty, presbyopia or senior far sightedness develops, which is part of the natural aging process of the eye. If you had good eyesight until then or are far-sighted, suddenly your near vision begins to weaken, i.e. “Your arms are getting shorter.” Consequently, the far sighted vision begins to weaken. Due to this process, laser correction is not an appropriate solution, because an initial cataract can occur. In these patients there is another solution – implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses (you can read more about them in the section on age diopters).

If I have my cycle, can I have the intervention?

You can, menstruation is not an obstacle.

Can I exercise after the intervention?

After the intervention for two to three weeks, you can start with light exercises such as a treadmill, riding a stationary bike, but still, care should be taken not to let sweat get into your eyes. After a month you can swim in the sea or pool. Harder physical exercise, such as gym or contact sports, can be started one month after the intervention.

How long should I not wash my hair after laser surgery?

During the first few days after the intervention (preferably 5 days), rinsing and contact with tap water should be avoided, as there are microorganisms in it that pose a potential risk of causing infection to the newly operated eye.

Why soft contact lenses are removed 3 days before the laser correction examination, and hard or semi-hard lenses 7 days?

Because we perform detailed corneal imaging and the relevance of corneal topography takes at least 3 days (for soft) or 7 days (for hard lenses) to remove the lens to allow the cornea to recover. Until then, wear your glasses and you can come to the examination with them.

How long after the examination can I do the intervention?

You arrange the day of the intervention together with your ophthalmologist.

If I have high intraocular pressure, can I have the intervention?

The answer to this question can not be generalized. It is individual and depends on how high the intraocular pressure is in each patient. Glaucoma is a disease that should be monitored constantly. If the condition is stable and there is no progression, it is not a contraindication to the intervention. Depending on the condition of the visual field and the optic nerve, your ophthalmologist will recommend the best solution.

If I have keratoconus, can I have the intervention?

Unfortunately, not.

Do I need to wear sunglasses at home after laser surgery?

Wear sunglasses only when you leave the hospital after the intervention until you get home. After that, there is no need. The reason for this is the sensitivity of the eye to daylight after the intervention.

If I have diabetes, can I have the intervention?

Yes, if the eye background is healthy, it is not a contraindication.

Do I need to have my artificial eyelashes removed for examination or intervention?

There is no need for the examination, while for the intervention it is necessary.

How long after the intervention should I not wear make-up?

Mascara and eyeliner should be avoided for 3 weeks after the intervention.

If my menstrual cycle stabilizes and I am still breastfeeding, can I do laser diopter correction?

No. Laser correction is not recommended during breastfeeding and until the postpartum menstrual cycle stabilizes.

How long after the intervention should I avoid smoky and dusty rooms?

It is advisable to avoid smoky rooms 2-3 weeks after the intervention.

Can laser diopter correction be done more than once?

Yes. In a very small number of patients (less than 1%) it is possible for the diopter to return and depending on the condition of the eye, re-intervention may be performed.

What if I am not a real candidate for laser diopter correction?

If due to certain indications (e.g. diopters above -10 or +6 and ± 6 cylinders (astigmatism), insufficient thickness or structural changes in the cornea), you are not a candidate for laser vision correction, it is possible to perform another type of surgery for diopter removal involving implantation of lenses.

If after the age of 40, you have blurring of the natural lens of the eye (cataract or curtain) and / or you want to get rid of diopters for near and far, the solution is to implant multifocal lenses or lenses with a wide range of vision.

Can the cylinder (astigmatism) be removed with the procedure?

Yes, the laser removes up to +6 cylinders. The cost of the intervention is the same regardless of whether the person has a spherical diopter or a cylinder or a combination of both.

Is laser diopter correction permanent?

The results of laser correction are permanent in 98% of cases. In extremely high diopters, in less than 2% of cases, the return of far lower diopters than before laser correction has been recorded. However, even for these people, if they did the intervention 10 years ago, with today’s technology it is possible to repeat the intervention without additional risk to the eyes. The return of diopters is not the result of a poorly performed procedure, but due to personal, genetic and environmental factors of each patient separately (further increase in diopters due to genetic factors, irregular healing processes and long-term close work).

Can I go blind during the intervention?

The diopter removal procedure itself is performed on the surface of the eye (the cornea), and all centers of vision are located in the back of the eye, so there is no possibility of the laser causing blindness. The laser works on the principle of cold light emission that cannot damage the surrounding tissue or penetrate deeper into the eye than necessary.

What if I blink during the procedure or move my eye?

The eyelid holder prevents the blinking of the eyes, and because anesthesia is dripped before the procedure and lasts only a few minutes, the feeling of discomfort is very minimal. The laser is equipped with a system that monitors the micro-movements of the eye that responds in milliseconds. If the patient moves the eye, the laser automatically stops working. The laser is programmed to emit air only to a specific location.

Does laser diopter correction hurt?

The intervention is completely painless, because prior to the procedure, the patient is given local anesthesia with drops.

I have diopter -13, can you help me?

If you have a diopter greater than -10 or +6, there is a possibility of implanting phakic lenses in the eye. Phakic lenses are mounted on top of natural lenses and completely solve the diopter problem. It is important to do a detailed examination for laser diopter correction with all tests to see which lenses would be the best solution.

How much does laser diopter correction cost?

You can see more details about the prices on our Price List.

Can pregnant women do laser diopter correction?

During pregnancy, a woman’s body, including her eyes, undergoes many hormonal changes. Laser diopter correction is considered part of cosmetic surgery (at the patient’s choice) and is recommended not to be performed during pregnancy and lactation. Optimal intervention planning for women that plan to get pregnant will be 2-3 months before pregnancy or after stabilizing the menstrual cycle after childbirth.

Is the dryness of the eye permanent after the intervention?

After laser correction, there is increased dryness of the eye for at least 6 weeks and therefore artificial tears should be used. According to the latest studies, it has been determined that 6 weeks after the intervention there is a complete healing of the eye and 99% of the patients have no symptoms. Slightly stronger symptoms of dry eye, which can last longer than 6 weeks, occur in people who have been wearing contact lenses for a long time (especially soft ones). The cause of prolonged dryness of the eye in such persons is the primary disorder of the cells of the mucous membrane of the eye caused by contact lenses. When you wear contact lenses (especially soft ones), the lenses rest on the mucous membrane of the eye and the cells rub against the lens due to movement and blinking of the eyes. Therefore, it is extremely important for people who wear lenses to drip artificial tears over the lenses to at least partially alleviate the damage to these cells and reduce eye dryness (lenses absorb tears to retain moisture). Excessively dry eye is a major reason to stop wearing contact lenses. If symptoms are severe, dry eye should be treated before laser correction.

Age-related diopters

What does age-related diopters (presbyopia) mean?

Presbyopia or senior far sightedness is part of the natural aging process of the eye. It most often begins to occur in people in their early forties. It occurs due to a decrease in the function of the eye muscles that “bend” the natural lens (the lens has the shape of a disc when viewed from a distance, and looks like a ball when viewed close up). Also, over the years, the structure of the lens changes and it loses the elasticity it had in its youth.

The process of attenuation of accommodation (the ability to clarify the image at close range) ends around the age of 60 and then people who see well at a distance need a diopter of +3.00 for reading.

There are several possibilities for correcting senior far sightedness. One option is to wear glasses or contact lenses. Today, an increasing number of patients are opting for surgical correction of senior far sightedness by implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses. It is an operative process in which the natural lens of the eye is replaced by an artificial lens that provides excellent vision at different distances. Getting rid of eyeglasses significantly improves the quality of life.

Can I exercise after intraocular lens implantation?

After two to three weeks of surgery, you can start with light exercises such as a treadmill, riding a stationary bike, but still, be careful not to get sweat in your eyes. After a month you can swim in the sea or pool. Harder physical exercise, such as gym or contact sports, can be started one month after surgery.

Can I travel by plane after surgery?

You can travel by plane a day after the operation. This rule applies to all operations, except in the case of more complex operations on the posterior segment of the eye.

How long is my eye closed after surgery?

After cataract surgery, the eye is usually closed until you return home, if eye surgery is performed on both eyes, then a protective lens is placed on the eye and the eye is not closed.

How much does multifocal intraocular lens implant surgery cost?

You can see more details about the prices on our Price List.

Cataract

Is cataract operated on by laser?

No, cataracts are not laser operated.

Can cataracts be operated on without a lens implant?

When performing cataract surgery, lens implantation is necessary. The blurred lens of the eye is replaced with one that allows you to have great eyesight, as if you did not have diopters at all. A new, clear lens is implanted.

Can I exercise after cataract surgery?

After the intervention for two to three weeks, you can start with light exercises such as a treadmill, riding a stationary bike, but still, care should be taken not to let sweat get into your eyes. After a month you can swim in the sea or pool. Harder physical exercise, such as gym or contact sports, can be started one month after the intervention.

How long is my eye closed after surgery?

After cataract surgery, the eye is usually closed until you return home, if eye surgeries are performed on both eyes, then a protective lens is placed on the eye and the eye is not closed.

Can I be examined and operated on the same day?

With us you can do the examination and intervention on the same day. Cataract surgery is painless, fast, and safe and effective after which you go home. Thanks to the state-of-the-art technology, knowledge and experience of our surgeons, cataracts can be resolved in just 3 hours from the time you arrive at the clinic.

How much does cataract surgery cost?

The price depends on the lifestyle, your condition and the quality of the eyesight you want to achieve. You must have a preoperative examination for cataracts before surgery.

You can see more details about the prices on our Price List.

Is cataract surgery covered by the HIF?

Yes, this operation is covered by the Fund.

Diabetes and retina

Why should patients with high diopters have a retinal examination?

High diopters mean that the eye is larger and the internal structures of the eye are strained. The risk of retinal changes, therefore, is higher (macular degeneration, myoma macular changes, risk of ablation) and it is therefore recommended to perform a retinological examination in high diopters.

Why is OCT performed at the retinological examination?

OCT is a laser-layered imaging of the retina and optic nerve and gives retinologists (ophthalmologists who deal with the background of the eye) a clear picture of the condition of the background of the eye and possible changes.

Do you do an FFA test?

Yes, fundus fluorescein angiography is performed in our country. It is a medical procedure in which a fluorescent dye is injected into the bloodstream. The color emphasizes the blood vessels in the back of the eye so that they can be photographed, i.e. their blood flow. Beforehand, the ophthalmologist must assess whether you need to do it and explain the protocol for performing it. It is used to diagnose eye disorders, such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.

What results can be expected after Anti-VEGF therapy?

The results of Anti-VEGF therapy vary depending on which therapy is given and what the disease is. In any case, the goal is to stop vision loss.

How is Retinitis Pigmentosa treated?

Retinitis Pigmentosa is a genetic disease of the retina where the cells responsible for good vision fail. In order to provide a better quality of life, Retinitis Pigmentosa is treated with vitamin A.

I am a person with diabetes and how often should I have examinations?

Every person with diabetes must have regular eye examinations at least once a year. The examination must consist of dilation of the pupils and insight into the background of the eye, and not just a vision check because the changes may have already occurred although you do not notice a weakening of the vision.

Is vitrectomy (retinal ablation) painful?

The operation is performed under local anesthesia with sedation. This operation is completely painless. It lasts an average of about an hour, after which the patient can go home the same day.

Is this operation covered by the HIF?

Yes, this operation is covered by the Fund.

Corneal keratoconus

What is the corneal keratoconus examination and how much does it cost?

A keratoconus examination is a detailed ophthalmological examination. Several tests are performed such as: refraction (computerized diopter determination), determination of visual acuity, measurement of intraocular pressure, examination of the anterior and posterior segment (fundus of the eye), and corneal analysis with Pentacam. It includes talking to your doctor about your diagnosis, further treatment advice and a report. Due to its detail, the examination lasts about 2 hours and after that you will have blurred vision for 2-3 hours. The examination costs 4100 denars.

How is keratoconus treated?

Treatment for mild to moderate cases of keratoconus consists of wearing glasses and semi-hard or hard contact lenses and regular monitoring of disease progression. For progressive forms of the disease, the crosslinking method is recommended. Cross-linking method (corneal collagen cross-linking or CXL) is an intervention of the eye, which is performed in order to stop or slow down the further progression of the disease. In young people under 30 it is performed immediately.

How much does this intervention cost?

You can see more details about the prices on our Price List.

Is corneal transplantation performed at your hospital?

First of all, an examination should be performed to determine the condition. Due to our partnership with “Svjetlost” – Zagreb, our patients receive this type of treatment, if it is really needed.

Children and strabismus

Why do children have a sciascopy and is it needed for examination?

Sciascopy is a blockage of the muscles to determine the correct diopter of the child. The fact is that the accommodation of the child is very high, and sciascopy is necessary.

What is the lower limit for the child's first examination?

There is no age limit for screening a child. If a parent notices changes, it is never too early for a pediatric ophthalmological examination.

Does the child have to know how to read to be examined?

The child does not have to know how to read. For preschool children, pictures made according to the same regulations as adult letters are used.

How old does a child need to be to have a tear duct probe?

In 95% of children, the tear ducts are opened by massage by the first year. During the 2nd year of life if the tear ducts do not open, it is necessary to perform a probe.

How much does tear duct probe surgery cost?

You can see more details about the prices on our Price List.

Can nystagmus (eye flicker) be operated on?

Nystagmus in principle cannot be cured, but for people who have a minus position (zero zone), surgery can help.

Do you operate on strabismus and what is the operation like?

In case the operation is the best solution, after precise preoperative examinations, an intervention on the muscles that move the eye is performed. Strabismus surgery is performed under general anesthesia and lasts from half an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the complexity of the procedure. The purpose of the operation is to bring the eye to the desired position, and in case of paralysis, the eye muscle returns to mobility. In order to achieve the desired position of the eye, it is necessary to weaken or strengthen the action of the muscle with surgery.

Can strabismus be operated on multiple times?

Strabismus can be operated on multiple times.

How much does strabismus surgery cost?

You can see more details about the prices on our Price List.

If I have strabismus, can I have laser diopter correction?

Yes, but you must do a thorough examination first.

Do you perform cataract surgery on children (congenital cataract)?

Yes, this operation is performed in our country. During the operation, an incision of only a few millimeters is made and with the help of ultrasound the blurred lens is removed, and in its place, with the help of a small incision, an artificial lens is placed. The artificial lens is located in the same place as the natural one, so it can not be seen in the eye and lasts a lifetime. Postoperative treatment will be explained to you by your ophthalmologist.

Glaucoma treatment

If I have high eye pressure, does that mean I have glaucoma?

No. However, our advice is to do a detailed review.

Can glaucoma be cured with surgery?

Glaucoma cannot be cured with surgery, but it can be kept under control and slow the progression of the disease. The patient continues with regular drop therapy, even after surgery.

How much does glaucoma surgery cost?

You can see more details about the prices on our Price List.

Can I have glaucoma without high blood pressure?

Yes, you can. That is why we recommend that you come for a glaucoma examination.

What is the purpose of the visual field examination?

The visual field diagnostic examination serves to determine the indirect functioning of the optic nerve and the retina. We check the function of the retina and the optic nerve to see if there is any damage.

Plastic surgery

Do you correct ptosis?

Yes, we do this intervention. The ptosis correction intervention is performed under local anesthesia, so that the patient goes home the same day and a very rapid recovery follows. Although the procedure is the same in children, it needs to be done under general anesthesia.

Do you do cosmetic surgery on the eyelids, i.e. when I have excess skin and want to remove it?

Yes, the most common eyelid surgery, which restores their freshness and youthful appearance, is called blepharoplasty. Surgery under local anesthesia removes excess skin, fat and stretched muscle fibers on the eyelids. An incision is made in the natural folds of the lid or under the lashes and closed with sutures that are removed in seven days, with a quick recovery and an almost invisible scar.

ANTI-VEGF

What is the difference between injections?

Both injections (Eylea and Avastin) fight the production of VEGF protein which causes the formation of abnormal thin-walled blood vessels in the back of the eye that are not functional and cause bleeding. Eylea is a powerful, more concentrated injection with effective prolonged action for 5-6 weeks. Avastin works from 25 days to 1 month.

Will just one injection be enough?

It all depends on the timely start of treatment. Unfortunately, in our country, patients come for examination when they already have subjective visual impairments. Well, in some cases more applications are needed.

Why must anti-VEGF treatment be applied?

By preventing the formation of VEGF protein, new blood vessels are prevented from causing bleeding and edema, thus protecting the retina and preserving vision.

How much can vision improve?

Improvement of vision is individual in each patient, depending on timely treatment and reaction to the injection, but all have positive results.

What is OCT?

Optical coherence tomography, which is a non-invasive diagnostic that allows us to have the most modern imaging of the structure of the back of the eye (macula and optic nerve) which is especially important for monitoring the condition of the retina, monitoring the condition of blood vessels and determining the need from an additional injection application.

Why is OCT needed before and after the application of anti-VEGF?

Due to the possibility to make a comparison of the action of the injection before and after the treatment, which determines the time period for application of the injection.

If you have additional questions that interest you or you need additional information, you can contact us at our telephone numbers:

  • Skopje: + 389 2 3097 000;
  • Bitola: +389 47 226 900;
  • Gostivar: +389 42 210 800;
  • Tetovo: +389 44 357 111;
  • Stip: +389 32 307 100.

or electronically at: contact@sistinaoftalmologija.mk