Cataract

• Cataract is one of Hong Kong’s three most common causes of blindness². It could be originated from genetics, trauma or eye diseases³; but for senior patients, ageing remains to be the prevalent cause².
• Symptoms: Due to the denaturation, aggregation and clouding of lens proteins, symptoms⁴ such as blurry vision, reduction of sensitivity of luminosity and colour, and fear of light may occur. 
• Prevention: Besides everyday means of protection (e.g. Avoid staring at the sun, wear sunglasses etc.)⁵, there is no effective medical treatment to prevent cataract or slow its progress⁶.
• Treatment: Since there has yet to be an effective medication to slow its progress, cataract is mainly treated by extracting the opaque lens by operation⁴.
  - Option 1: Mr. Chan can schedule a cataract surgery at a public hospital. The longest estimated average waiting time is 31 months⁷.
  - Option 2: Mr. Chan can also have the surgery at a private hospital with a shorter waiting time, then may claim up to 79%⁸ of the total medical cost (see table below) from the AXA Wiseguard Medical Plan, a VHIS-certified standard plan. If he were an insured person of VHIS flexi plan, the reimbursement amount may be even higher⁹.

Prostate enlargement

• Benign prostate enlargement is a normal ageing process and commonly found on men over 60 years old. However, if the gland enlarges progressively, the urethra might be obstructed, interfering the flow of urine¹⁰.
• Symptoms: The enlarged gland compresses the urethra, causing symptoms such as urine frequency, weak urine flow and urine urgency. In severe cases, urinary retention may lead to swelling and pain in the lower abdominal area¹⁰.
• Prevention: There is no specific preventive method¹⁰.
• Treatment: Doctor will investigate patient’s situation and arrange appropriate treatment such as medications, surgery or laser therapy¹¹.
  - Option 1: Mr. Chan can schedule a surgery at a public hospital. The waiting time for a stable new case is around 1 year¹².
  - Option 2: Mr. Chan can also undergo a “Plasma Vaporisation of Prostate” operation at a private hospital, then may claim up to 76%^{13 14} of the medical cost (see table below) from the AXA Wiseguard Medical Plan, a VHIS-certified standard plan. If he were an insured person of VHIS flexi plan, the reimbursement amount may be even higher⁹.

Degenerative osteoarthritis

• Degenerative osteoarthritis accounts for most of the disability of the elderly in Hong Kong and commonly occurs at the knees¹⁶. It is a rather painful condition caused by repetitive usage, carrying heavy objects, overweight and persistent abnormal posture.
• Symptoms: Due to ageing of the joint, synovial fluid secretion decreases, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, warmth and stiffness¹⁷.
• Prevention: Reduce body weight, avoid injury, appropriate thigh muscle strengthening exercise etc.¹⁶
• Treatment: Although degeneration of the knee joint cannot be reversed, patients can reduce pain and inflammation through medications. In case of severe joint deformity, a joint replacement surgery might be required¹⁷.
  - Option 1: Mr. Chan can schedule a surgery at a public hospital. The waiting time varies from 4 to 12 years¹⁸.
  - Option 2: Mr. Chan can also undergo a total knee replacement surgery at a private hospital, then may claim up to 73%⁸ of the total medical cost (see table below) from the AXA Wiseguard Medical Plan, a VHIS-certified standard plan. If he were an insured person of VHIS flexi plan, the reimbursement amount may be even higher⁹.