Cataract Surgery in Costa Rica – By our friend George Lundquist.

In my never-ending sacrifice to provide first hand information on living here in Costa Rica, I elected to have a cataract operation on my left eye.

I had the right eye done about 15 years ago so I was familiar with the procedure and results.

I have been going to Dr. Zlatko Piskulich Crespo (telephone number is below) for my Glaucoma treatment for just over one year. I have spent the last 40 years using drops that are quite irritating and trying various combinations of new treatments.

In trying to get off of this regimen, he mentioned that a lens replacement often results in reduced pressure. This was true on my right eye. It was always a lower pressure than the left after the cataract surgery on it.

A cataract had been growing for several years and was reducing my already poor vision in my left eye. I had RK about 15 years ago on both eyes. The vision improved from -13 diopters (nearly legally blind) to -7 diopters (not very good) on the left eye.

We decided to go ahead with the operation to try and fix and/or improve:

1. The poor vision due to the myopia
2. The blurred vision due to the cataract
3. The elevated pressure due to the Glaucoma

The quoted cost of tests, operating room in Clinica La Biblica private hospital, anesthesiologist, drugs, post op exams, and dark glasses was US$1,490.

I thought about trying to arrange this under my Costa Rica state insurance plan. I felt there would be a long wait to schedule and plus I would be taking the service and time away from someone less able to afford the private treatment.

The operation was done Friday 5th May, 2006. The Hospital staff and all aspects of the operating room were first class. I spent the night in a hotel in San Jose to be close for my 8:30AM appointment with the Dr. to check on the eye.

All was fine so I came home to Puriscal. I rested most of Saturday and now, Sunday, I am experiencing incredible vision. I walked around our project this morning as the sun cleared the cloud cover and, if it is possible, appreciated even more, the incredible place we now live.

I met a fellow expat’ at the local hang out for expats who had just had a double cataract operation on the Costa Rica health insurance plan. He raved about the excellent quality of care and how well his operation went.

How much did he pay for a double cataract operation? = US$30

What a country!

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Written by our friend George Lundquist, who is the founder of Costa Rica Retire on Social Security. If you are thinking of retiring in Costa Rica, you might want to consider the tour that George offers, his goal is to share his experiences here with you to save you time and money!

Piskulich Crespo MD, Zlatko. Tel (work): (506) 2201-7201 x 111
Fax: (506) 2228-0304

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.