Ophthalmology

• Introduction
• Characteristics of this department
• Outpatient schedule
• Medical track record of the clinical department
• Medical Equipment
• Regarding clinical research

Introduction

Chief Director
Yoichiro Shinkai, M.D.

My name is Yoichiro Shinkai, and I am honored to assume the position of Chief Director of the Ophthalmology Department at Iseikai International General Hospital.
I would like to extend my sincere greetings.

It is said that humans receive the majority of their information through vision. In today's society, visual perception is becoming increasingly important. The structure of the eye closely resembles a precision camera. If we describe the eye from its outermost layer inward, the cornea functions as the filter, the iris (commonly known as the pupil) acts as the aperture, and the crystalline lens serves as the lens. Cataracts occur when the crystalline lens becomes cloudy. The retina functions like the film in a camera, capturing images. Any part of the eye that becomes impaired can cause vision problems. The causes vary, and many conditions cannot be diagnosed without an ophthalmologic examination, making early detection crucial.

Currently, the leading cause of blindness in middle-aged and older adults is glaucoma, followed by diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and age-related macular degeneration. While a definitive treatment for retinitis pigmentosa has yet to be established, early detection and treatment can slow the progression of other diseases and help prevent blindness.

At the Ophthalmology Department of Iseikai International General Hospital, all full-time physicians are board-certified ophthalmologists from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, ensuring high-quality ophthalmic training. Our primary focus includes commonly performed surgeries such as cataract surgery, vitrectomy, eyelid surgery, and glaucoma surgery.

Additionally, through our close collaboration with Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine’s Ophthalmology Department, we are preparing to establish ourselves as a hospital that provides top-tier corneal treatment in Japan.

We have also equipped our department with the latest medical devices to offer the best possible care for patients suffering from eye diseases. Our team is committed to providing optimal treatment and support to those in need.

Introduction of Multifocal Intraocular Lens (IOL) Treatment

After cataract surgery, you can expect to enjoy life without the need for glasses

Multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) are specialized medical lenses that can focus on two or more distances—near, intermediate, and far. This treatment is particularly recommended for patients who wish to correct both cataracts and presbyopia simultaneously.

Single-focus
Intraocular Lens

Focuses on distant vision, but intermediate and near vision are difficult to see. Focuses on one point.

Bifocal
Intraocular Lens

Distant and near vision are relatively easy to see, but intermediate vision is slightly difficult. Focuses on two points.

Trifocal
Intraocular Lens

Easy to see from far to intermediate to near distances. Focuses on three points.

While multifocal IOLs are generally not covered by health insurance, the lenses we use at our hospital are eligible under the Designated Medical Treatment System. Under this system, the surgery cost is covered by insurance, and patients are only responsible for the lens fee.

If you have any questions about multifocal IOL treatment or referrals, please feel free to contact us.

Characteristics of this department

We provide specialized surgical treatment for various conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, and uveitis.
Our dedicated ophthalmology operating room ensures that patients can receive treatment safely and without unnecessary waiting.

Ophthalmology / Eye Center

Waiting area

Operating room

Cataracts

Cataracts are a condition that nearly everyone is expected to develop with age. The prevalence is approximately 45% in people in their 50s, 75% in their 60s, 85% in their 70s, and nearly 100% in those over 80 years old.
Our Chief Director has personally performed over 5,000 cataract surgeries to date. He is committed to minimally invasive procedures aimed at enhancing quality of vision (QOV) after surgery. We also offer the latest multifocal intraocular lenses, providing patients with advanced options to reduce dependence on glasses and improve overall visual function.

Retina

In the field of retinal surgery, we are committed to providing ultra-minimally invasive procedures for all types of vitreoretinal diseases. These include retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane, macular hole, intractable proliferative diabetic retinopathy, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and macular hole retinal detachment associated with pathological myopia. Our approach aims to promote early postoperative visual recovery and minimize complications.
We also perform low-invasive, short-duration surgeries for cases complicated by glaucoma or corneal diseases, utilizing various wide-angle viewing systems and small-incision vitrectomy techniques.
Our Chief Director specializes in vitreoretinal surgery and has performed approximately 2,000 such surgeries—primarily emergency cases—during seven years of service at a university hospital prior to joining our team. He has authored numerous scientific papers, including a doctoral dissertation based on a multicenter study of 27-gauge small-incision vitrectomy for the treatment of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Glaucoma

We treat all types of glaucoma, including primary open-angle glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, primary angle-closure glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and congenital glaucoma. While initial treatment typically involves eye drops, surgery may be necessary if intraocular pressure cannot be controlled.
Our services include standard treatments widely adopted across Japan, such as trabeculotomy using a microhook and iStent implantation. We also plan to offer tube shunt surgery and the latest pressure-lowering implant treatments.

Eyelid and Orbit

We provide both medication and incision-based treatments for inflammatory eyelid conditions such as styes (hordeolum) and chalazion. We also perform surgical treatments for common eyelid disorders like age-related ptosis, entropion, exposure keratopathy, and congenital ptosis. For complex eyelid and orbital diseases requiring specialized care, we collaborate closely with oculoplastic specialists at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine.

Cornea

We manage a broad range of corneal diseases—from commonly encountered conditions like corneal erosion and herpes simplex keratitis to more challenging ocular surface diseases. We also treat contact lens-related corneal damage and dry eye syndrome. For advanced cases requiring corneal transplantation or other specialized interventions, we work in collaboration with corneal specialists at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine.

Main diseases

Cataracts,Epiretinal membrane,Retinal detachment,Diabetic retinopathy,Age-related macular degeneration (AMD),Macular hole,All types of vitreoretinal diseases
Glaucoma,Eyelid disorders,Corneal diseases,Dry eye

Consultation Room

Examination room

Outpatient schedule

Morning 9:00～12:00（Reception8:00-11:30）/
Afternoon to Evening 13:30～16:30（Reception13:00-16:00）

Medical track record of the clinical department
［April 2024 to September 2024］

• Number of cases by procedure
• Number of Cases by Anesthesia Method

• Surgical method	Number of procedures
  Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implantation / Cataract Surgery	40
  Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Vitreous Base Dissection under microscope	19
  Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implantation / Cataract Surgery	9
  Chalazion Excision	1
  Pterygium Surgery	1
  Removal of Intraocular Foreign Body (Anterior Chamber/Iris)	1
  Total number of medical departments	71

• Anesthesia method	Number of cases
  Local Anesthesia	74
  Total number of medical departments	74

Medical Equipment

Regarding clinical research

Click here for more information on clinical research