Floaters

Floaters are things most of us have experienced at some point or the other. This would usually happen when we look up at the sky, or stare into the sun. You may have also experienced it when moving from a really dark room into bright room. Eye floaters are meant to happen when your eyes are accommodating themselves from one light intensity to another. For those of you who have travelled on a plane, you may have noticed the window blinds opened for a day take off and landing, while night landings and take offs, will have the cabin light switched off or dimmed down. This is actually done, to avoid visual floaters in the case of an emergency when adjusting from a bright light to dim light and vice versa.

If you see floaters when moving from low light to bright light, the floaters should technically disappear after a few seconds or a couple of minutes at most. But floaters aren’t always about light intensities. If you notice the intensity of visual floaters increasing with no true cause, then you may have to seek immediate medical attention from a certified eye doctor, as it could be a sign of something worse to come. Floaters are symptoms of retinal detachment, eye bleed, and retinal tear. This visual conditions could lead to permanent or complete blindness and constant regular floaters are a tell tale sign that something needs your attention fast.
Eye floaters come in different shapes and sizes. They can be squiggly lines, black and grey spots, fuzzy lines, cobwebs, or multiple rings which move with your eye. They can appear in your field of vision, causing images to be blurred and you may even squint a while before they disappear.

What causes Visual Floaters
The eyes are complex structures that are round in shape. This round shape is helped by a gel-like substance in the middle of the eye called the vitreous humor. The vitreous humor is filled with protein collagen strands that with age can dry up and lose its clear structure. Light passing through the centre of the eye to the retina then makes these collagen strands visible, as they cast a shadow over the retina.

Floaters are mostly not dangerous and should fade off over time. However, floaters may be a sign of retinal detachment, bleeding of the vitreous humor, and it may occur after eye surgery. It is important to see a Dubai eye specialist Dr. Hani Sakla at the Ebsaar Eye Clinic if the floaters are accompanied by pain. If the floaters worsen over time, or have a sudden onset, it might be a sign of visual loss, and early treatment will be necessary to prevent blindness.

What is Coats Disease?

Coats Disease is probably the least talked about eye disorder that can lead to blindness if not detected early. Coat’s disease, named after Dr. George Coats who penned down the disease in 1912, described it by a few distinguishable traits as follows: Retinal hemorrhages, Unilaterality, Occurrence in infantile or juvenile male patients, Exudates below the retinal vessels, Absence of systemic diseases, and slow progression to retinal detachment, cataract, atrophy, or glaucoma.

As of today, not much else has been added to this information, and very little research has been done since. Coats disease is not thought to be a genetic disorder, although it mostly affects young children and males up to adolescents. Most risk factors that have been known to cause other eye disorders and eventual blindness are unrelated in this instance, as the condition usually starts before the child reaches three and is not exposed to the usual harmful influences that puts people at risk for a blinding eye condition.

It is however, known that the condition almost always starts in one eye, and may lead that eye to lose vision partially or completely before may be moving to the second eye. Coats disease is not known to affect both eyes at once or both eyes at all, in which cases the number of patients reported are very rare.

The other problem with Coat’s disease, it literally “sneaks up” on young children, who are still unaware that there might be something wrong with their vision. Coats disease is treatable if caught early, and therefore parents need to be vigilant to ensure their child’s vision is not affected by Coats Disease.

The start of the eye disease presents little or no affect on vision. Generally, however, by the time a noticeable change has taken place, the condition would have progressed onto seriously affecting one’s vision. It can affect children in infancy, and children between the ages of six and nine are most at risk. This is what delays diagnosis and advanced treatment. The other most troubling effect of this eye disease is it is a painless condition, giving out no warning signs at all.

The good news is the disease is very rare, affecting only 0.09 individuals in every 100,000 people. Coats disease is easily noticeable during a regular eye exam done by an eye doctor Dubai. The doctor may notice a white or yellow blob in the region of the pupil or abnormal growth of blood vessels at the back of the eye. Cholesterol deposits may be seen on the retina when the pupil is dilated during an eye exam for children by your family eye specialist.

One very popular case that was recently reported on the media was the case of a three year old being diagnosed by the excessive reflection of the flash on the affected eye, which showed one eye to have an obstruction near the pupil. Close range pictures with good flashes can also help detect the onset of Coat’s disease.

Although the disease is rare, it would be advised to have your child checked specifically for coats disease from the stage of infancy. Regular eye exams at Ebsaar Eye Surgery and Vision Correction Solutions Clinic will not only prevent further complications in relation to Coats Disease, but will help in diagnosing any other vision affecting disease early on.

Eye treatment for Night blindness

Millions of People all over the world experience night blindness, which could be a sign of something more serious to come. If your vision is normal during the day, but you struggle to see clearly at night or experience complete night blindness, in some cases the conditions are easily treated or it could be a serious condition like a congenital condition such as retinitis pigmentosa or a symptom of a condition that is not directly related to the eye.
Night vision trouble can crop up in those individuals who are always in the sun exposing their eyes to long durations of UV exposure. It could also be a sign of a vitamin A or zinc deficiency or cataracts to say the least.

What Causes Poor Night Vision?

Difficulty with night vision can stem from conditions ranging from exposure to the sun and vitamin deficiencies to a chronic disease such as cataracts.
Vitamin A deficiency – We have all heard the common “Old Wives Tale” of carrots being good for the eyes. This is in fact as true as it gets. Carrots contain vital vitamin A, which helps keep the retina healthy. Vitamin A is also found in many greens leafy vegetables and yellow vegetables. Night blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency is very rare in developed countries as diets are diverse and nutritious. This mostly happens in those people who have trouble absorbing nutrients and is therefore a secondary symptom various other conditions like Crohn’s Disease, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatic insufficient.

Cataracts - The first symptoms of cataracts is night blindness. Cataracts is associated with the lens, the part of the eye that is responsible for regulating light. In reduced light intensity, the cloudy lens struggles to see clearly and some people experience blurry vision, while others are affected with complete night blindness as the cloudiness progresses to severe stages.

Zinc- this mineral assists vitamin A to be used in the eye. Without zinc, vitamin A is unable to be utilized correctly. Zinc deficiency is a rare phenomenon as it found in abundance in meat, poultry, nuts, beans, and other popular foods. Zinc deficiency is caused by the same bodily conditions as with Vitamin A.

Diabetes night vision problems - high amounts of sugar in the blood stream is toxic and damages blood vessels. The retina, which is the part of the eye that has images focused on it, has many blood vessels flowing through it for nourishment and oxygen supply. These blood vessels can swell and burst, leading to night vision problems.

Sun exposure - if you have recently taken a trip to the desert of the beach and are having trouble seeing at night, this condition is only temporary and will probably resolve itself within two days. To avoid UV damage, doctors recommend wearing sunglasses at all times when outdoors on a sunny day.

Retinitis Pigmentosa - is a rare genetic disorder which affects people before the age of 30. The condition is noted by worsening night vision and day vision, although some part of your vision will still remain.

Eye Surgery - Lasik Eye Surgery patients also experience mild to severe light sensitivity which can last a few days to a week after surgery. Eye doctors will perform many tests to identify individuals who are at risk for developing the condition and recommend other treatments for those individuals, although the risk of having night vision trouble is still real.
If you or someone you know is experiencing night vision trouble, it is advised that you meet with your eye specialists in Dubai immediately who will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of your night vision trouble. Ebsaar Eye Surgery Center Dubai is lead by Dubai’s most experienced ophthalmologist Dr. Hani Sakla who is renowned for providing prompt and professional eye treatment for night blindness. Make an appointment today to help you retain your night vision.

What is Cataracts?

Cataract is the world's leading cause of blindness in people above the age of 50, although it is also seen in children mainly due to the intake of prescription medicine and hereditary influences. Cataracts affects the lens in the eyes and most often affects boths eyes simultaneously. Cataract affects about 18 million aging people worldwide but its symptoms are delayed with effective eye care and eye treatment early on. Cataracts does cause complete blindness eventually, however, it is also the few eye conditions that can be reversed. If blindness occurs Cataract Treatment in Dubai is available at Ebsaar Eye Surgery Center, where the damaged lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one, that works just as well.

Cataract is the name of the disease that happens in the lens of the eye. The lens is made of protien and water, which forms a clear gel like part of the eye, letting light to pass through to the back of the eye.

As we age the protiens in the lens separates from the water and collects in sections distorting or blocking light and images from falling on the retina (the back part of the eye that transmits signals to the brain using the optic nerve).

Although Cataract is diagnosed mostly in the older population, it not uncommon amongst young children and babies.

Age-related cataracts – As people age, the lens in the eyes loses it strength and eventually a build up of protein clouds your vision.

Congenital cataracts – seen in babies and young children is a result of poor development, injury and infection before or after birth.

Secondary cataracts – is a symptom of other ailments like diabetes or the exposure or consumption to radiation, ultra violet light, harmful or toxic substances or is the side effect of prescription medication such as corticosteroids (steroids prescribed for inflammation, digestive problems and hormone replacement) or Diuretics (pills prescribed for high blood pressure)

Traumatic cataracts – as the name suggests is caused after direct injury to the eye

There are three type of cataracts diagnosed in patients.

Cortical Cataract affecting the outer part of the lens and gradually moving towards the center.

Nuclear Cataract which begins in the center nucleus of the lens. When new cells form on the outter surface of the lens, the older ones are pushed to the centre which becomes the nucleus. In this type of cataract, the old cells are not able to retain their form, and hence the water and the protien separate.

Subcapsular Cataracts is caused mainly by prescription medication and occurs at the back of the lens. Diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and hormorne replacement medical conditions are all causes of this type of cataracts.

Prevention methods have not been fully understood yet, and as 18 million people are affected from cataract around the world, some scientific research claims that certain foods have either a positive or a negative effect on the disease. In one research it has been found that meat-eaters were more at risk of getting Cataract than people who included more fish and vegetables in their diet. Anti-Oxidents, certain vitamins like A, C, and E, zinc and regular eye exercise have been tested as preventive steps to delaying the onset of Cataracts.
There are some concerns when it come to patients who have previously had LASIK surgery done and require Cataract surgery as they age. These concerns are addressed by providing your Ophthalmologist, with all the information of your visual health prior to and after the LASIK surgery was done. The Ophthalmologist will evaluate each case individually and advise accordingly.

Diabetic Eye Care

Diabetes is a very serious condition that affects most other biological functions. The eyes are also susceptible to damage and injury by Diabetes. Many diabetic patient experience sporadic blurriness in vision, glared vision and a general difficulty seeing while driving. It is important that you have your blood tested, and should you have diabetes, visit your eye specialist Dubai regularly to ensure your eyes remain healthy.

Diabetes affects all functions in the body, including how you see. Diabetes is a condition that is present in the blood stream. As the sugar levels in the blood vessels increase, it causes them to swell up affecting the way the nerves function as well. Nerves and blood vessels are present in the eyes, and therefore blood sugar management and regular screening is necessary to maintain your vision quality.

Many eye conditions like Glaucoma, Cataracts, and Diabetic retinopathy is are brought on by diabetes, and without proper treatment can change the way you see things. Glaucoma is a condition of the eye in which the inner pressure increases. This happens as the Aqueous Humour, the fluid in the eye that holds the shape, becomes trapped inside. Normal activity should be for old fluid to drain out and new fluid to be produced. When the old fluid remains stagnant in the eye, the pressure increases causing blurry vision to the individual concerned. This diabetic eye disease, is managed by your general physician and your specialist care eye doctor who will ensure both phenomenon are treated well in advance and your blood sugar levels are maintained at average.

Cataracts is another condition of the eye brought on by diabetes. In this instance, it affects the lenses of the eyes. The lens is a hard jelly like oval part of the eye that is made of proteins and water. The lens is a clear part that stretches and constricts to allow the right amount of light to the retina, which lies at the back of the eye. Over time, with age, the lens can become cloudy, making it harder to focus and your vision becomes obstructed and blurred. Diabetic Cataracts is the same thing, and due to the high levels of sugar in the blood stream, the lens will change from being clear to opaque or cloudy. Unfortunately, there is no know treatment for a cloudy lens, except to have the affected lens removed and replaced with an artificial one.

Diabetic Retinopathy is the third and most serious diabetic eye disease that has to be observed regularly and managed effectively before it is allowed to progress to cause more damage. The retina is the inner back surface of the eye, which holds a number of blood vessels and light sensitive nerves. This is the part of the eye that receives light signals and transmits it to the brain, via the optic nerve. Diabetes can greatly harm this area, by causing the blood vessels to swell up impacting the nerve endings and in extreme cases, the vessels can burst. This is the leading cause of blindness in diabetic patients, who are unaware of what takes place inside their body due to high-blood sugar.

If you have been experiencing blurred vision, or even pain in the eye occasionally, it could be due to increased levels of blood sugar in your blood stream, and an emergency check up is necessary. Once you are certain you have varying levels of blood sugar, you will need to make regular visits to a Dubai eye clinic to ensure your eyes are protected from diabetic vision damage.

Visit Ebsaar Eye Surgery and Vision Correction Solutions for specialized eye care for diabetic patients.

Ebsaar - Colour blindness

Colour blindness is a common phenomenon that affects mostly men. With an average of 1 in 12 men experiencing difficulty in seeing either, blue, red, or green. Women also have colour vision deficiency, (CVD), but the number of reported female cases are fewer; about 1 in 200.

Complete colour blindness is very rare, where the person can see objects clearly, for both near and far objects, but will see everything in black and white. CVD is hereditary but people can become affected by the condition with over use of medication, or after diseases like diabetes or sclerosis. Colour blindness can also begin at old age, when the eyes become strained and colour sensitive cells get damaged over time.
There are certain instances when colour blindness is not detected, if the problem persisted from birth. In this case, until you realize you are not seeing colour as another individual is, colour blindness may not be apparent to you.

For genetic colour blindness, the condition is passed down from mother to son, which is why many more men are affected by CVD than women are. Colour blindness usually referred to as red/green or blue/red colours does not mean that only these colours are not reflected properly. People who have the condition will struggle to see other colours that have these colours in them. For example, if you had a red/green colour blindness, you will struggle to distinguish purple, or with green, you may not see green properly either, and will therefore see greens as blacks instead.

Colour blindness can be so mild, that many young children do not even know they have it. Only about 40% of all patients who visit an ophthalmologist are aware of the difficulty that in distinguishing colour.
People with colour blindness are only able to identify between six and eight crayons out of a box of 24 correctly. Depending on the extent of colour blindness, most people struggle to correctly identify traffic lights as well. Which is why in every country, the red is always on the top, and the green always at the bottom to help male drivers avoid collisions by confusing colours.

Diagnosing colour blindness is easy, however the problem is knowing when there is a problem. If the condition is genetic, children learn to identify colour by what they have been taught. If you were tell them a strawberry is red, and an orange is orange, when you point to them again, as common knowledge they are able to correctly say the colour. However, as they grow older, they may find it difficult to distinguish colours in day to life when they notice what they see is different from what others see.

A regular eye exam done by an optometrist Dubai, is able to diagnose colour blindness easily. If you know or have someone in your family that has colour blindness, it is advised to check your family's colour vision regularly especially school aged children. Ebsaar Eye Surgery Center and Vision Correction Solutions provides comfortable colour testing and vision care solution to help the person distinguish colour as much as possible.

Vision Loss

Vision is the one thing that we all fear losing the most, when it comes to our senses. We may know of someone who lives independently although he or she are blind and wonder if being independent is even possible, after you lose your sight. As technology to prevent blindness moves steadily forward, there are still a few eye conditions that does affect your vision partially, or fully over time.
Knowing that you or someone you care for, is experiencing depreciating vision can be both scary and frustrating, not knowing how life will change when and how. As scary as losing your vision is, early preparation and arrangements can help you overcome certain difficulties when seeing becomes extremely difficult.
The first steps to preparing for loss of vision is to first prolong complete blindness by as much as possible. To do this consult your eye specialist at Ebsaar who will guide you on the steps you will need to take depending on the condition.
Usual precautionary steps will entail wearing sun glasses with a good UV protection base coat to prevent further damage to light sensitive cells in the eye. Additionally, you will be advised to wear your reading glasses when reading printable works or working on the computer. Eyestrain will force any condition, no matter how small, to worsen faster. Additionally, you may be asked to perform certain eye exercises to help in movement and focus. This will only help those with some visual conditions, but not with diseases like macular degeneration, which is a disease related to the internal structure of the eye.
As your vision depletes, you may first need to accept it emotionally, which is the hardest step to accomplish. You may experience feelings of anger, deception, emotional trauma. In this case, it would be advised to talk to family, and even a specialist counsellor, who is better able to help you deal with the circumstance. The good news is that, although your vision quality is depreciating daily, you will be able to live a normal a life as possible with help from loved ones and proper life style changes and care.
The main step in preparation is a career change. Depending on the career you are in, it might be possible to make arrangements to continue working may be from home, or with the help of an assistant. It is also important that you receive unconditional support from your family, while you make the transition from visually able to blind.
Start practicing early. Know where everything is at home, and ask your family to ensure they leave things as they are, or in their proper place for you to find. This will give you independence while at home, and you won’t feel completely helpless. As hard as it may be, wearing a blindfold around the house for hours each day, will allow you to become familiar with feeling for items than seeing them. Learn to read Braille. Braille is a simple system developed in France, which uses 6 positions in a rectangular box to distinguish each alphabet of the English language. Learning Braille is easy even for the blind, but it is much more easier for one who can still see reasonably well.
Losing sight due to old age, or medical condition is scary and certainly not something that anyone who is not blind can relate to. However, with proper care, lengthy and detailed planning, & preparation; you will be able to live a normal independent life, just like anybody else. If you fear losing your vision or need help seeing, visit Ebsaar Eye Surgery Clinic, led by Dr. Hani Sakla to receive professional eye care advice and blindness prevention treatment options from the very best in Dubai eye care.