Safety vs LASIK in Dubai

For patients the single most important factor guiding their decision to have LASIK in Dubai, is the safety factor. While they fear that there could be complications, this is a common dilemma that patients face, says the Eye Surgeon in Dubai at the Ebsaar Eye Surgery Center. Having the right information can dismiss unnecessary fear factors associated with LASIK treatment. This article addresses some of the useful considerations and information about the safety of LASIK for prospective patients.

 

LASIK has been around since 1991 and has been performed over 25 million times, around the world. Though a vast majority of LASIK patients has been very satisfied with their results, there are patients who have  complained that their laser vision correction results were unsatisfactory. Many of these complications and unsatisfactory results are due to the use of older vision technology, less experienced and less careful surgeons and patients who don't make ideal candidates for LASIK treatment. The potential LASIK problems and complications typically fall into the following categories,

·         Dry Eyes - This occurs from a temporary reduced corneal nerve sensation or other ocular surface conditions. The good news is that this is treatable and preventable for many  patients.

 

·         Night time vision - Nighttime side effects such as glare, halo, star-bursting and decreased contrast sensitivity,  results in a reduced quality of vision at night. This is most due to a historical problem, having been substantially resolved by advancements with newer vision treatment options and technology. Side effects associated with night time vision  were more common in patients with nearsightedness that were treated with conventional technology. However, a recent study found that patients are ten-times more likely to see better at night after undergoing the latest treatment for LASIK at  the Eye Clinic in Dubai.

 

·         Accuracy and Enhancement - The whole idea about having LASIK is to eliminate an individual's complete dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses. For most patients this is a very realistic goal. After undergoing LASIK, if a patient still has some residual near-sightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, a re-treatment procedure can fine-tune the individual's vision, if possible and is appropriate. All objective data reveal that the possibility of a LASIK re-treatment ranges from 2% to 10%. There is a higher chance of needing a re-treatment, for patients who have a larger and a far more complicated correction, use standard  LASIK technology, or use an eye surgeon who is inexperienced. Currently, in Dubai the re-treatment rate with standard LASIK ranges from 5-10%. Though standard LASIK has a long track record of being effective and restores perfect vision, the latest LASIK treatments have improved the accuracy of LASIK, and reduced the possibility of a re- treatment by about 2% to 5%. In reality, LASIK has a high level of success and there is no other surgical procedure that can rival the accurate results of LASIK.

 

·         Problems with the flap - An irregular flap during surgery or shifted flap after surgery can cause many problems and affect the success of the treatment. However, with improved LASIK technology and an experienced surgeon the possibility of this issue is very rare.

 

·         Infection - This is very rare, statistics show that infection occurs only in 1 patient out of 10,000 surgeries.

 

·         Corneal Inflammation after LASIK can be prevented with timely follow-up care and the appropriate use of anti-inflammatory eye drops.

Patients should make sure to gather as  much information as possible before opting for LASIK as it's an integral part of having realistic expectations and it is prudent to adopt a healthy amount of caution. As expected, the safety profile and vision results are far better with today’s modern LASIK treatment as opposed to the '1991-style' LASIK. Having said that, some LASIK eye surgeries have crossed the line with unacceptable medical standards and neglecting to give patients realistic expectations, thereby falling short of proper care for patient post surgery.

The Effects of Smoking After LASIK in Dubai

The Eye Surgeon in Dubai, as well as an increasing number of eye surgeons around the world believes that smoking after LASIK can have a negative outcome and affect an individual's general eye health as well. Many studies have previously indicated that smoking is responsible in the incidence and progression of age related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract and thyroid eye disease. Recent reports show the impact that smoking has on inflammation of the eye's middle layer of tissue and it shows that tobacco smoke plays a big part in this serious eye disease as well. However, the biggest challenge is how to make sure that the general population is aware of the devastating impact that smoking has on the eye health and outcome of eye surgeries, which includes LASIK.

 

Some of the most alarming statistics on smoking is that in a quarter of all smokers in the UAE had their first cigarette before the age of 10, this figure was revealed by the Ministry of Health. Also, the Eye Clinic in Dubai, says that people in Dubai are exposed to tobacco smoke, either directly or as passive smokers with each resident being exposed to passive smoking for about five hours daily. About 67 per cent of them are exposed to passive smoking in public places. It is now a universally established fact that cigarette or tobacco smoking has been linked to death due to lung cancer and emphysema, and has also been established as a contributing factor to other diseases, including heart disease. However, many individuals are still not aware of the fact that smoking can have an indirect effect on a number of the body’s natural processes such as healing and repair. According to a recent report, the incidence of smoking is about 30% in the general population undergoing elective surgical procedures such as LASIK.

 

Smoking can harm the natural balance of the eyes as it increases the stickiness of blood cells and increasing the chances of blood vessel buildup and clogging. Blood vessel clogs, or retinal vascular occlusions can also cause vision loss. Smoking also increases the risk of blood vessel disease that develops in individuals who suffer from diabetes.

There is an increase in the evidence that shows that the relationships between various exposures and common eye diseases. Smoking is a risk factor for various types of potentially blinding eye conditions, including retinal vascular occlusions, ischemic optic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Most of these conditions can lead to partial or complete vision loss or total blindness. Therefore, smoking is considered the single most consistently documented risk factor associated with visual loss in AMD. Extensive research and studies have shown that approximately one third of the risk of developing advanced AMD could be caused by smoking and smokers are 5 times more likely to develop advanced AMD with visual loss as opposed to non-smokers.

Some of the instances where smoking could affect eye health are,

·         Chronic eye diseases, with the exception of glaucoma, are all associated with smoking.

·         Those who smoke cigarettes are at increased risk for developing cataracts, a condition where the naturally clear lens of the eye gets cloudy

·         Smoking will accelerate AMD, the leading cause of severe visual impairment and blindness

Additionally, the optic nerve is also susceptible to damage from tobacco smoke. Individuals with an unhealthy diet, smoke heavily and drink excessive amounts of alcohol run the risk of developing optic nerve-related vision loss, also called tobacco-alcohol amblyopia. Sometimes, there are instances where optic nerve issues are hereditary, individuals with this condition who smoke have an increased risk of vision loss.

The general perception is that smoking affects some of the common systems in the body like lungs, heart and blood vessels, the immune response, and tissue healing. However, research shows that the most common post-surgical complications related to smoking are impaired wound and tissue healing and wound infection. With LASIK, this could involve delayed corneal tissue healing and increased risk of eye inflammation and infection. One of the main side effects of smoking after LASIK in Dubai, as reported by patients is dry eye. Dry-eye-related symptoms are very common in smokers than non-smokers due to changes in tear proteins caused by smoking. For these individuals, smoking is a significant irritant, which makes the symptoms worse, leading to increased irritation, scratchiness, stinging or burning of the eyes, and excess tearing from irritation. Smoking also impairs immune function, leading to an increased risk of infection.

Therefore, to reduce the risk of these and other serious complications after LASIK treatment, and increase the success rate of the treatment, it is recommended that individuals quit smoking at least eight weeks before surgery and also completely give up smoking after surgery. Smoking makes recovery harder by putting increased pressure on the heart, affecting blood pressure, reducing oxygen in the blood and eye tissues and damaging the lungs.

Best Eye Clinic Offering LASIK Treatment in Dubai

LASIK as it's commonly known, stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis, and is a safe and popular surgery that is used to correct vision in individuals who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism. Research report says that, around 96% of patients will have their desired vision after LASIK treatment.

All LASIK Treatment in Dubai, work by reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina located in the back of the eye. LASIK is one of a number of different surgical techniques used to reshape the cornea. However, before embarking on the treatment, one final decision needs to be made and that is choosing a well experienced LASIK Eye Surgeon in Dubai.

Choosing a good LASIK eye surgeon

Settling on a LASIK eye surgeon is one of the most important health care decisions a patient will ever make, so it's best to consider all the factors before choosing a particular eye surgeon. The first thing to do is to look for an Eye Surgery in Dubai with a reputation for patient satisfaction and for an experienced and board-certified surgeon. Thereafter, once the search is narrowed down, make your selection, talk to family and  friends or co-workers who have used the eye clinic and look for patients' reviews via the Internet, and request for patient testimonials by visiting the eye surgery.

Most patients focus on the cost of LASIK treatment than the eye surgeon who is actually performing the procedure. Don't bargain shop with something as important as this, it's not like shopping for a new purse or an outfit, eye care is priceless. Even if it's costly it can save money in the long run and most importantly your vision.

Not all LASIK eye surgery centers and LASIK eye surgeons are the same. The following checklist can help determine which LASIK surgery is the best,

·         Hygiene and cleanliness - A reputable eye surgery will be clean and hygienic.

 

·         Equipment -A good eye surgery will use the latest technology in terms of eye care. Is there a choice that is offered with the eye surgery? Make sure to go over all these questions with the eye surgeon.

 

·         Professionalism and friendly staff -From the office staff to the eye surgeon, the eye clinic's staff and their demeanor speak volumes. Most eye clinics work together with the patient to make sure that the treatment options go smoothly.

 

·         Relationship with the eye surgeon - Build a cordial and smooth relationship with the surgeon, and make sure to follow all pre and post surgery instructions to make sure that the treatment is a success. The fact remains that LASIK has a 95% success rate, which is one of the highest success rates of any operation, when performed by an experienced eye surgeon.

 

·         Future treatment - The result of LASIK can vary from patient to patient, therefore there may be certain enhancements that will be needed from time to time. Even with successful surgery, future enhancements may be needed, or patient's may require eye glasses for activities such as reading or driving. Also, farsighted patients may experience deteriorating vision over time as part of the natural aging process. Even patients who cannot achieve 20/20 vision through LASIK will usually enjoy at least 20/40 vision after the procedure.

 Invest in time and make sure to find the right Eye Clinic in Dubai as its a decision that will pay dividends in improving vision for years to come.

The Ebsaar Eye Surgery Center is a full fledged eye clinic specializing in Lasik and Cataract surgeries. The Clinic's founder, internationally acclaimed eye surgeon Dr. Hani Sakla, is a third generation ophthalmologist. The Clinic is home to the latest diagnostic and surgical equipments and the eye surgeons possess international experience of more than 30 years and have been involved in the development of Lasik and Cataract surgical treatments in many countries around the world.

What You Need to Know About Blepharitis

Blepharitis in Dubai is a common condition that is caused by an inflammation of the edges of the eyelids and presents ophthalmologists with many challenges. Eventhough this is a common condition among many patients worldwide, it is a condition that is largely misdiagnosed. Blepharitis is not  infectious and can affect individuals of all ages. This condition does not pose a threat to an individual's vision, but it can be uncomfortable and can prevent an individual from having a good quality of life, as it is a recurring condition.

 

The signs and symptoms of this eye condition include,

Red, bleary, crusted, scaly and inflamed eyelids

Puffy eyes that itch and burn

Crusting around the eyelids

A gritty sensation like something small is in the eye

 

Often patients at the Eye Clinic in Dubai complain that they felt that their eyes gave others the impression that they were suffering from depression, emotional problems and alcohol or drug abuse, which causes a patient to be misunderstood and has a negative impact on their relationships, social and professional interactions.

 

The Eye Surgeon in Dubai explains that from a clinical point of view blepharitis can affect a potential treatment plan and compound co-existing conditions. Blepharitis is the main culprit of evaporative dry eye, chalazia formation, loss of cilia, and also corneal neovascularization and ulceration. When blepharitis is neglected it can lead to serious surgical complications, slow visual recovery, decreased and fluctuating vision, and endophthalmitis. This can be a challenge for the eye surgeon as proper diagnosis and treatment is important.

 

Diagnosis

Diagnosing blepharitis is no easy task as mentioned before, as many patients and eye surgeons will simply glance at the eyelids at a routine eye exam or concentrate on the intraocular pathology that is present. At the same time the presence of this condition must not be ignored. According to the Eye Surgery in Dubai, a few routine questions can help eye surgeons to identify blepharitis and differentiate it from common symptoms that is commonly found with patient's who have dry eye syndrome. Since, blepharitis and dry eye syndrome display unique diurnal patterns, checking with the patients what time of day their symptoms peak can confirm the diagnosis.

 

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the severity of each patient's condition. Some of the conventional treatment options for blepharitis, include eyelid hygiene and warm compresses, with gentle lid cleaning and eyelid massage, which improves the symptoms. However, the best treatment option is to follow these measures along with a topical antibiotic to address both the infectious and inflammatory aspects of the disease. It will take between 4-6 weeks for the treatment to be effective, so perseverance is essential. Patients should not rub their eyelids as this may make the inflammation worse. Chronic blepharitis can take weeks or months to manage.

 

Keeping eyelids clean and hygienic is important, patients who suffer from blepharitis should avoid using makeup as it makes it difficult to practice good eye health.

What You Need to Know About Lazy Eye

Amblyopia, is a condition that is known as lazy eye. It is a common eye condition or a developmental disorder where the eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity. This condition cannot be corrected by eyeglasses or contact lenses. When lazy eyes are not treated appropriately, it can result in severe visual disability, which could even lead to blindness in the affected eye.

Lazy eye is the most common cause of sight impairment in infancy, and since it develops in infancy its difficult to detect. Therefore, early detection and the quicker the diagnosis is made, the patient can start on treatment, which increases the chances of vision correction and restoration. Also, treatment that is administered early usually works faster and more effectively for young patients.

Therefore, the Eye Clinic in Dubai recommends that parents should have their child’s vision checked early on in development, and that should receive a complete eye examination at six months and again once the child turns three years.

Amblyopia or lazy eye develops when the eyes and the visual system do not function in unison. The Eye Surgery in Dubai identifies the most common cause as, an imbalance in the location of the eyes (strabismus). This condition causes the eyes to cross in or turn out, making it impossible to work together. Lazy eye can also be caused by a condition where one eye is more nearsighted, farsighted, or astigmatic than the other eye. This is the result of a condition called anisometropia. Sometimes, lazy eye is a result of other optical diseases such as cataracts or other conditions of vision impairment.

What are the treatment options for Amblyopia?

Amblyopia is treated by restoring optimal vision in both eyes. Therefore, the best option is to use prescription lenses, which is the most common approach that is used to strengthen the weaker eye. There are a number of treatments that can be used to  by restraining the use of the stronger eye. There are a number of options to obstruct the better eye, and treatment is prescribed depending on the patient's situation and the decision of the Eye Surgeon.

Most often the good eye is patched and the patient will wear something similar to a 'pirate patch'. The patient is then required to use the weak eye, which promotes good sight in the underdeveloped eye and helps the visual system in the brain develop more completely. However, the success of this treatment with patching will depend on compliance of the patient to wear the patch, something that is not very easily accomplished with younger patients.

Sometimes the eye surgeon will use atropine, where the eye drops will be used on the good eye to temporarily impair the vision and encourage the patient to use the weak eye.

There are instances, in rare cases  where the patient's vision can be improved by vision aides only, such as prescription glasses or contact lenses that will restore vision to each eye. Also, vision therapy to train the eyes to work together may also require certain surgical procedures.

Since, lazy eye is a consequence of a disruption in the visual process, the younger the patient is treated the higher the success rate of the treatment. However, there are many success stories, where teenage patients complete a successful treatment.

Some of the symptoms and signs of lazy eye in children include, crossed eyes or some other apparent eye misalignment and crying or  fussing when one eye is covered.  Therefore, if you suspect that your child has amblyopia, make sure to schedule an appointment for testing and treatment for lazy eye.

Watch that makeup! When can make-up become hazardous to your eyes?

The Eye Surgeon in Dubai, explains that makeup and beauty products have the power to transform a person into a fashion model or a celebrity, while drawing extra attention to the eyes with eye makeup. Most beauty products are very safe and manufactured using the best ingredients and years of testing. However, when eye makeup is used in a careless manner it can cause permanent eye damage or blindness. Eye makeup, no matter how safe, they are can cause dangerous allergic reactions or infections such as conjunctivitis in certain individuals.

 

In order to avoid these unnecessary eye infections the Eye Surgery Center in Dubai provides the following tips,

 

·         Make sure all tools and equipment used in the application of eye makeup is clean and hygienic. Make sure no one else uses them, other than you. Make sure to change and wash brushes and sponges regularly in warm water to remove any residue and eliminate the presence of harmful germs. Change applicators and brushes when you change your makeup.

 

·         Avoid using old and expired eye makeup -  When makeup products are opened and its protective seal is removed, it attracts  airborne bacteria. When eye makeup is applied the product is further contaminated, when it's touched. So  make sure to use eye makeup for a maximum of three months before they are disposed and replaced.

 

·         Don't use other people's makeup or share yours - We often have a habit of sharing our eye makeup with family and friends. However, no matter how hygienic they are, you should not share your earmark. However, there are situations that you cannot avoid and you must share your eye makeup with a close friend when you're together at a party or at a night out, then make sure to discard the shared makeup products, as soon as possible.

 

·         Keep away from testers - Often its tempting or even a must to use testers and try out those vibrant new products and colors. Beware as they are a cesspool for eye disease, explains the Eye Surgery in UAE. Never ever use them. Some cosmetic stores offer a disposable applicator to try eye makeup, this is somewhat safe, but there is a big risk. If it's a store that you regularly visit and buy products and know and trust the staff then it's safe. Make sure to check how long ago the product was opened.

 

·         Avoid allergies - This is a common occurrence, especially when using eye makeup for the first time. Often users may encounter  temporary discomfort and redness.However, in severe cases it can cause serious damage to the eye and surrounding skin and also affect a person's vision. Eye allergies are hard to predict, but use your discretion when using these products. Never use eye makeup that is scented as eyes are very sensitive to perfume, so it may sting, so stick with natural based eye makeup.

 

·         Safe Ingredients - The Eye Clinic in Dubai, says that most countries have regulations that all cosmetics should clearly list the ingredients that are used, therefore, if the eye makeup you're using does not have a list of ingredients then it's not a good product and may contain ingredients that are harmful to the eyes.

How Computers Can Impact Your Vision

Most people spend a lot of time, even the entire day  working in front of a computer or a laptop and this can take a huge toll on your vision, explains an eye surgeon in Dubai. In general, viewing objects that are farther away from us is healthy for the eyes as opposed to viewing objects at a close range, where the eye muscles have to work harder to view things. Sitting and staring at a computer screen for hours at an end, therefore, can cause you to strain the muscles in your eyes and may result in headaches, blurred vision and eye fatigue.

Some changes need to be made by the individual in order to help relieve many computer-related vision problems, such as improving lighting in the work area, altering the workstation height, taking intermittent breaks, or obtaining prescription glasses to be used when you are at the computer.

Lighting and screen position

• Make sure to dim overhead lights, and use desk lamps with shades when working at a desk
• Control natural light from windows entering the room with blinds or drapes.
• Reduce reflected glare on the computer screen by placing it so windows and other bright light sources are not directly behind or in front of the screen.
• If the glare cannot be controlled by moving furniture around, use a hood that extends above the screen and glare shields that cover the screen. However, these solutions may interfere with the screen’s character resolution and contrast.
• Tilt the screen to control and reduce the glare. Use a glare-reducing computer screen overlay, if possible.
• Adjust the contrast of the computer screen to a level that can be handled and is comfortable to the eyes.

Workstation position

It also helps to position your workstation at a comfortable position. Here are a few suggestions,

• Position the monitor 24-28 “ from the eyes with the top of the screen at eye level
• The center of the screen should be about 20 degrees below eye level
• Place reference materials as close to the monitor as possible.
• Use a computer screen than can be adjusted.

Body posture

• The wrists should be in a straight or “neutral” position.
• The upper arm and forearm should create a 90-degree angle.
• The chair height should be adjustable, with good lower back support.
• Elbow, hip, and knee joints should be as close to 90 degrees as possible.
• Feet should be flat on the floor or on a footrest.

Work habits

• Take regular breaks from the workstation. 2-3 minutes each half-hour and 10-15 minutes every 2 hours.
• Focus on distant objects from time to time. Look out of a window or at an object at least 20 feet away to relax the eyes. 
• Do simple stretching exercises to relax the whole body, each hour.

The eye surgery center in Dubai reiterates that extended demand on the eyes often leads to visual problems in the long run. Therefore, make sure to follow the correct conditions to avoid eye related problems .

Consider scheduling an eye exam with our eye clinic in Dubai if you need computer glasses. These glasses are designed for the specific distance between the eyes and the screen and differ from driving and reading glasses. The lens can be customized to suit each individual's work environment.

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Signs Your Vision Has Changed

If there is one thing in life that we can always count on it is the 'winds of change', that comes with each passing year and time. Depending on your experience and disposition, you are more likely to have experienced change with some degree of apprehension or pure joy, but either way change is inevitable. So how does one deal with change and what is this change?. How about the change in your vision. This can cause concern and can be a frightening time and experience for some and for  others, it can go unnoticed resulting in new experiences they would rather not have, explains an Eye Surgeon Dubai.

To help you steer an otherwise intimidating landscape, here are a few tips presented by the Eye Surgery Dubai  to keep you balanced and happy. Some of the signs that your visions has change includes,

• Losing focus - One of the most common age-related vision changes are known as presbyopia. It could happen anyone between the ages of 40 and 50. A natural result of aging, the lens begins to lose elasticity, making it harder to focus vision up close for activities such as reading. Most often, presbyopia can be corrected easily with reading glasses or glasses with bifocal, trifocal or progressive lenses.`

• Reducing sensitivity - With age the lens of the eye becomes increasingly dense and more yellow. These changes may affect color perception and contrast sensitivity. For instance, the color blue may appear darker and more difficult to distinguish from the color black. This will make it difficult to spot the curbs or steps. 

• Need more light to see - As the eye ages, the pupil gets smaller, resulting in the need for more light to see well, along with more time to adjust to changing levels of illumination

There is good news for all those individuals who are experiencing any of the following symptoms, its normal and it can be treated. What one must remember is that change in vision does not mean nor does it mean that the end result is vision loss. The best way to make sure you keep your vision and promote eye health is too,

• Schedule and keep a routine eye appointment with your Eye Surgery UAE. Just like most of your other healthcare concerns, vision is as equally important as visiting your family doctor or   

• Exercise regularly and monitor your blood pressure. For most of us a daily or weekly routine for exercise does the body good. One of the early signs that the vision has changes is changes in the blood pressure and a great way of maintaining optimal health is to exercise regularly. 

• Guard your eyes from the sun. Avoid gazing directly at the sun, given the effects of UV rays, our eyes are very sensitive and require attention to detail. So make sure to grab your shades every time you walk out of the door. 

• Protect your eyes always. In the event of any injury, it can affect your vision, so make sure to wear protective eye gear when you are at higher risk for eye injury. 

• Consult your doctor when taking supplements. It's important to consult your family doctor or the local, Eye Clinic in Dubai  when taking supplements to know of any side-effects that may occur to your body system.

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Keratoconus Treatment Options

Keratoconus in Dubai is a relatively common degenerative eye disorder that affects about 1 in 1000 people. The disorder is characterized by a thinning of the cornea, the transparent layer on the front of the eye. As the cornea thins, it becomes conical in shape.

Keratoconus causes blurred vision, multiple ghost like images, streaking around light sources, frequent headaches, eye strain,  excessive eye rubbing due to eye irritation and light sensitivity. In addition to these symptoms  poor visual sharpness and poor night vision are very common as well. Keratoconus usually starts off with mild symptoms and can be easily diagnosed in the teenage years and appears as astigmatism, just after the onset of puberty. Most often the patient will notice a sharpness of their vision, which get worse rather rapidly which can be alarming.

Keratoconus is the most common type of corneal dystrophy and is commonly treated by skilled corneal specialists at the Eye Clinic in Dubai. It is important to be examined by a highly-qualified ophthalmologist, who has many years of experience and is trained to recognize the symptoms of keratoconus as this condition is often difficult to diagnose.

Keratoconus is a progressive disorder, but the progression is variable. While some individuals experience good vision for many years, others have  rapid progression. 

Some of the treatment options for Keratoconus include, corrective lenses which provide enough visual correction to function normally. At the initial stages some patients may find that soft contact lenses can be an effective keratoconus treatment to correct astigmatism. However, as the condition progresses and becomes worse, the patient may need to switch to rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGPs).

There are a variety of different contact lenses that are specially designed for patients with keratoconus. Fitting contact lenses for those who have keratoconus can be difficult and it may be time to get the perfect fit. Many patients who suffer from keratoconus will become contact lens intolerant as the disorder progresses.

Today, there are two main surgical keratoconus treatment options, corneal transplant and Intacs for Keratoconus. 

Corneal Transplants  are commonly used when scarring has developed from wearing contacts. In  this treatment, part of the patient’s cornea is removed and donor corneal tissue is grafted onto the eye. This treatment has a success rate of over 95%. This treatment is carried out as an outpatient procedure under sedation, but the average recovery period is 4 to 6 weeks but can take up to a year for visual acuity to become completely stable, but once the eye has stabilized, its permanent.  

Intacs is a surgical keratoconus treatment that is less invasive than corneal transplantation, corneal ring segment inserts are used, it is also an alternative to laser surgery for correcting refractive errors unrelated to keratoconus. Intacts are thin, semi-circle implants are made from Plexiglas. They are inserted into the outer edge of the cornea to create a flatter cornea shape. Flattening corneal steepness can improve vision and make the eyes more tolerant to contact lenses. Opting for an Intacs procedure can prevent patients with keratoconus from needing a cornea transplant, later in life.

 Prior to making a final decision on the best choice of treatment, address all your concerns and questions with the Eye Surgeon in Dubai.

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Common Ophthalmology Terms Defined

Have you ever wondered what the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist is or any of these eye related terms that are used each time you visit the Eye Clinic in Dubai. The team at Clinic  shares the definitions of some common ophthalmology terms that you may not be familiar with. 

Cornea - This is the transparent layer that outlines the front of the eye. 

Astigmatism -An abnormality in the eye that prevents light rays from meeting at a common focal point, and causes multiple focal points to occur making images distorted. The condition is  characterized by an irregularly shaped cornea. 

Cataracts -  Cataracts in Dubai  are identified by a clouding of the eye lens that causes blurred vision and can progressively become worse and requiring surgical intervention to restore sight. 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) - This condition is where there is a deterioration of the eye’s macula, a small area of the retina. 

Glaucoma - Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that is characterized by increased pressure in the eye. If  this condition is not treated it can cause permanent vision loss. 

Corneal Disease - This ailment affects the cornea. 

Hyperopia - This is farsightedness, where people find it difficult  to see things up close. 

LASIK - LASIK in Dubai is an acronym that stands for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, a vision correction procedure that is performed to correct a refractive error in the eye.

Diabetic Eye Disease - Complications from diabetes can cause certain diseases that affect the eye, including diabetic retinopathy and other conditions.

Dry Eye – This condition that develops when there are insufficient tears to nourish and lubricate the eye. There are many causes for dry eye, including allergies, medication  and certain disorders.

Keratoconus - Keratoconus in Dubai is often a progressive corneal disease, which thins and creates a bulging effect of the normally round cornea, into a cone-like shape. 

 Intraocular -  This means “in the eye.” Thus, intraocular lens implants are artificial lenses that are implanted in the eye. 

Retina - The retina is light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye, onto which light is focused. The retina converts the light rays into impulses that are transmitted, through the optic nerve, to the brain, where they are interpreted into the image a person sees. 

Refractive Error -  A refractive error is a visual error that is caused by irregularities in the shape of the eye and prevents an individual’s eye from focusing properly, causing a myriad of problems. 

Macula -  It is located near the center of the retina and is a yellowish oval that is responsible for detailed central vision.

Myopia -  This is a condition called nearsightedness, where a patient has difficulty seeing things in the distance.

Ophthalmologist - This medical or osteopathic doctor specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and visual system. 

Pterygium - This is called “surfer’s eye,” and is a condition, where the growth of a noncancerous lesion in the white part of the eye. It is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light rays.

Presbyopia – This is farsightedness that is caused by a loss of elasticity of the eye lens.

PRK – Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is an alternative to LASIK. It improves vision by reshaping the curvature of the cornea to correct the refractive error causing the vision problem.

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What People With Low Vision Need To Know

People with the inability to see things, makes doing their day to day tasks difficult. They often have trouble recognizing the faces of friends, sometimes family members and relatives, seeing the television and checking price tags in stores, becomes harder. Daily routine tasks like reading newspapers, mail or walking around the neighborhood becomes an ordeal and a challenge.

Low vision is broadly defined as a visual impairment, that cannot be corrected by standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, and interferes with the ability to perform everyday activities. Most people develop low vision because of eye diseases, such as cataracts,  glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration. Low vision primarily affects people over age 65years.

What can people do about their low vision? What can they do to maintain their quality of life? How can they make the most of their remaining vision?

Ebsaar Eye Surgery Center is a fully fledged eye clinic in Dubai that specializes in Lasik and Cataract surgeries and also improving the quality of life for people suffering with low vision. The eye surgery center in Dubai features the latest diagnostic and surgical equipment. The highly qualified doctors are internationally experienced,  with over 30 years in the development of Lasik and Cataract surgical treatments in many countries around the world. The clinic was founded by renowned and internationally acclaimed eye surgeon in Dubai, Dr. Hani Sakla,  a third generation ophthalmologist who was elected as the chairman of the scientific committee of the Emirates Medical Association since 2001. He is a pioneer in introducing the phacoemulsification technique and the suture less cataract surgeries with foldable lenses and made it a popular technique among his peers.

The impact of low vision on a person's quality of life can be devastating and can cause difficulty with their everyday activities such as, reading newspapers, recognizing family and friends and working at their jobs, says a surgeon at the Clinic. People with problems with their eyesight tends to isolate themselves from social interactions, as they can no longer enjoy activities such as working crosswords, playing board games and watching movies. The overall health condition of the a person suffering with low vision can be compromised as they will not be able to read the labels on medications, nutritional facts and some of the food they eat. Their daily lives become so complicated  when they can't take care of themselves, travel to places or cook as they are unable to see things clearly. This can have a huge impact on a person's quality of life.

People with this condition should not resign themselves and believe that nothing can be done about low vision, especially seniors. They tend to accept the condition as part of the aging process and simply do nothing.  There are many rehabilitation programs for people with low vision to improve their quality of life and use the their remaining vision effectively with the use of various visual and adaptive devices and live a full life.

There is hope for people with low vision, even though it cannot be restored, people can learn to make the most of the vision that remains by visiting the Eye Surgery Center in Dubai, and make a difference to your quality of life.

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Eye Safe Toys For Children Of All Ages

The Eye Surgeon in Dubai explains, that from the time a person is born, they learn to see.  Just like a child learns how to walk, their brain must learn how to use their eyes to see and develop the visual skills necessary to succeed in everyday activities like playing sports, reading books, and completing everyday school activities. Parents, and Santa Claus, can help their child develop and improve their important visual  and learning skills through toys, games, and activities.

Below are some tips to remember when toy shopping for children of various ages, this season,

0 to  5 months of age - Infants enjoy bright colors, shapes, and varied textures. Make sure not to buy toys that include small pieces, as they  are dangerous and soft stuffed toys may pose some danger for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Some of the toys that are recommended by Eye Clinic in Dubai and is enjoyed by many children are, sturdy crib mobiles and gyms, bright large rattles, rubber squeak toys and soft picture books.

6 - 8 months of age - Children in this age group loves bright, busy, and musical toys that encourage eye-hand coordination. Some of the recommended toys include, stuffed animals, floating bath toys and toys ideal for playing peek-a-boo.

9 - 12 months of age - Children of this age will like and enjoy toys and activities that help to increase general eye movement and hand-eye coordination. The Eye Surgery in UAE suggests parents buy toys such as sturdy cardboard books, take-apart toys without harp corners, snap-lock beads, building blocks and stacking or nesting toys. Basically toys that can be challenging and offer problems solving techniques.

1 year olds - At this age a child’s hand-eye coordination still continues to improve. At this age children can now judge distances fairly well and throw things with some precision, so opt for gifts such as bright balls, blocks, toys with zippers and mirrors, rocking horses and riding toys that the child can push with their feet.

2 year olds - At his age children love mimicking adults, in play and physical activities so toys should be much advanced at this point. The Eye Surgery in Dubai suggests toys such as thick pencils with a slightly blunt points, large markers and crayons, bean bags, peg hammering toys, sorting games and puzzle blocks, that has not sharp edges or points.

3 - 6 year olds - Children in this age group love activities and toys that require plenty of visual skills required for reading, writing, sports, and memory skills. The ideal toys for children of this age are, building toys with large snap-together pieces, stringing beads, puzzles, pegboard crayons, finger paints, chalk, large balls, modelling clay, simple sewing cards, bicycles, sticker books and games.

7 years and older - Computer learning programs and handheld computer games can be useful at these age. but they do require careful parental supervision to prevent potential adverse effects to the eyes,  caused by extensive periods of play on small screens. If your child experiences difficulty viewing  small computer screens, an eye exam is recommended to rule out vision problems. Encourage the child to play outdoors as well with jump ropes, pogo sticks, roller skates and remote controlled toys.

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About Lazy Eyes

The Eye Surgeon in Dubai explains that the most important factor in the care and safeguarding of a child’s eyesight is a thorough eye health examination between the ages of three and four years of age. Most parents don't realize the importance of having an eye exam for children, especially when they are  at such a young age, and they often overlook this. However, there is a good deal of critical information that can be determined, even for babies, with a regular eye exam.

A common condition known as amblyopia or lazy eye is one of the key conditions that can be prevented if its underlying cause can be diagnosed and treated early, in children.

The main cause of amblyopia or lazy eye are,

• One eye being more farsighted than the other. Children are not aware of this because the more normal of the two eyes will simply take over. 

• One eye having more astigmatism. The good eye takes over in this case also. 

• One eye being turned in or out relative to the straight eye. Parents of the child may often detect crossed or deviated eyes.

A casual eye examination will not be able to detect that something is wrong, especially with the first two scenarios, a thorough examination by an Eye Surgery in Dubai, is the only way a proper diagnosis can be made.

Lazy eyes or amblyopia, and the conditions that leads to it, are one-sided in nature and only one eye at a time gets affected. Those with  amblyopia function well, but their depth perception decreases, and this will restrict their choice of daily activities to a certain extent.  An important factor to keep in mind is that a person with good eyesight in only one eye should always wear impact-resistant eyeglasses to protect the good eye.

You may wonder why it is so important to diagnose the conditions that can lead to amblyopia by age three or four.  The central nervous system can be stimulated and enhanced in children until six to eight years old, therefore their vision can be improved and this is very important for a child’s education and development. Unfortunately, children with lazy eye or amblyopia, are not brought into the Eye Clinic in Dubai until the parent realizes that the child can't see poorly out of one eye. If the child is older than seven or eight, there is little that can be done to improve his or her vision. Studies have shown that children who are successfully treated for eye problems show increased performance in school.

The two-step treatment for amblyopia or lazy eyes is relatively straightforward. First, precision-matched eyeglasses are prescribed to fully correct the vision in each eye. This provides clear, crisp images focused on the retina in the back of the eye. These sharp images are then transmitted to the optic nerve to reach the occipital cortex where special vision cells are sufficiently stimulated so that they can develop to their fullest potential.

The second step in treating amblyopia is to selectively patch the better eye. This forces the weaker eye to be used more and this stimulates the specialized vision cells in the brain to develop properly, thereby allowing good vision development in both eyes.

Special dilating drops are used by the Eye Surgery in UAE, to determine the exact prescription for the child. All patient's with amblyopia is unique, so the duration and outcome of the treatment will vary depending on the visual status of each patient.

Some of the behaviors that might be observed in young children with potential vision problems are, frequent eye rubbing, blinking often, squinting, covering or closing one eye and stumbling over small objects.

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