Thursday, May 28, 2015

It Is Possible to Have LASIK on Both Eyes?


LASIK treatment in Dubai on both eyes at the same time is referred to as “Bilateral Simultaneous LASIK”. Despite the cost of LASIK, being quite reasonable, the question remains, if the patient is ready for the surgery and can LASIK be performed on both eyes at the same time. Bilateral simultaneous LASIK is a good choice and has many benefits such as being cost effective and reducing the total medical cost, cuts post-operative recovery time in half, which gives the patient less time to take-off work and eliminates the need for the patients to use contact lenses on a temporary basis in one eye between surgeries.

The Eye Surgeon in Dubai suggests that patients should wait between surgeries for LASIK in Dubai, due to various factors such as the potential risks, which is limited to a small percentage of patients, which causes a shadow and tends to outweigh the positive factors of having LASIK performed on both eyes at the same time. The main reason this is recommended is so that the eye surgeon can determine how the patient's eye reacts to the surgery, whether it was a success or not (there is a chance that LASIK is not successful on a ratio of  one-in-a-million patients) and if the eye over responded to the treatment and turned nearsightedness into farsightedness.

If there is an infection in one eye during surgery, it can spread to the other eye as the surgeon will use the same microkeratome and blade in both eyes. This makes it complicated for the eye to heal, which makes it better to have one eye treated first so that the surgeon can learn a lot from the first surgery, which can help when the treatment is carried out to the other eye and improve the patient's level of comfort post surgery. What patients much remember is that there are many risks during the post-operative period, when the eye surgeon is not monitoring the patient 24/7.

The Eye Surgery in Dubai will also address the issue of temporary sight reduction. Having both eyes done simultaneously, means the patient will not be not be able to see clearly, which is often a short-term side-effect, and an annoying one. But it poses a safety threat to the patient. Ultimately, the patient and the surgeon must both consider whether or not to have LASIK on both eyes, subjecting both eyes to potential complications or vision loss at the same time, despite the minimum risk involved. LASIK treatment as opposed to many years ago, is now a safe and an effective treatment, due to technological advances and newest tools and methods being introduced.

The eye surgeon's opinion and the patient's eye health will be the decisive factor how and when, or even if the patient can proceed with LASIK surgery, to being with. There is a lot of “what ifs” to think about and consider. So make sure to have all your questions and queries answered so that you're comfortable with the treatment and do what is right, your eyes deserve it!

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

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.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

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.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

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.

 

Monday, March 16, 2015

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.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

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.