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.

A vitamin a day keeps cataracts away

Age-related cataract is one of the primary causes of blindness in both men and women in the world today.  There is no scarcity of naysayers who often criticize and downplay the many benefits of vitamin and dietary supplements, but clinical testing tells them otherwise. The same is applicable to those suffering from cataracts in Dubai. Studies and research suggest that vitamin supplements can boost an individual's eye health, drastically, and is just not a complete waste of money as the experts say.

 

Today, the most effective treatment for cataracts is to surgically remove the cloudy lens, and an artificial lens or an intraocular lens (IOL) is placed during the cataract surgery. No one knows the exact cause of cataracts, but researchers believe that it either hereditary as with certain infants and it mainly develops in older citizens due to oxidative stress, which damages certain enzymes and proteins in the eye's natural lens, causing the lens to take on a cloudy effect. Therefore, eating a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, every day will reduce the risk of cataract development, proves a recent study, says the Eye Surgeon in Dubai.

 

Individuals who are conscious of what they put in their mouth and religiously follow a healthy diet that includes colorful fruits, vegetables and whole grains can say goodbye to the development of cataracts. Antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of cataracts, especially the intake of vitamins A, C and E, lutein and zeaxanthin, on a daily basis. Therefore, make sure to include a healthy serving of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet to reduce the risk of cataracts developing at a later stage. Make sure to include fish, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids in your diet as well, as its associated with reducing the risk of cataracts or their progression.

 

Also, make sure to prevent Oxidative stress, which is a result of an imbalance between damaging free radicals roaming the body and the antioxidants that keep them at bay. In relation to eye health, oxidation affects proteins and fats in the lens to an extent where the lens becomes damaged and cloudy, leading to cataract. This damage to an otherwise healthy eye and development of cataracts can also be prevented by the consumption of healthy foods, particularly those containing antioxidants.

 

Recent research suggests that a healthy diet and vitamins is beneficial to boost eye health and may prevent cataracts. Some of their findings concluded the following,

 

·         Women and men whose diet contained the highest total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were less likely to develop cataracts as opposed to those with a diet that is low in antioxidants.

 

·         A diet that is extremely high in carbohydrates can increase the risk of cataracts.

 

·         Consuming food that is rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals can reduce the development of cataracts.

 

·         An increased intake of multiple antioxidants reduces the risk of cataracts.

 

·         A diet high in lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E from food and supplements can significantly reduce the risk of cataract. 

·         Cut down on sodium intake as salt may increase the risks of cataract formation.

 

·         Avoid fried or processed foods and sugary snacks and drinks.

 

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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