Myopia atropine treatment

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is an eye condition where distant objects appear blurry due to improper light focusing on the retina. While there is no cure, glasses or contact lenses can help.

Recent studies highlight Atropine 0.01% eye drops as an effective myopia treatment to decelerate progression in children. Originally, Atropine 1% is utilised for pupil dilation during eye exams. However, the myopia treatment uses a concentration of 100 times weaker. The exact way Atropine 0.01% hinders myopia progression remains uncertain, but international studies report high success rates. Notably, side effects, less frequent than the clinical dose, can include minor irritation, light sensitivity, and dilated pupils.

This treatment is not a myopia cure but aims to decelerate its advancement. It is essential to wear glasses and administer the drops nightly consistently. There’s no absolute assurance of its efficacy; missed doses might compromise the treatment.

Day of Surgery instructions

If you are scheduled for a day-case surgery with us, it is crucial to be well-prepared to ensure a smooth and safe surgical experience. From understanding the fasting guidelines to knowing what attire is appropriate, being informed can ease your anxiety and prepare you for a successful procedure.

We strongly recommend downloading our detailed leaflet for a comprehensive set of instructions. It covers everything from when to arrive, what to wear to post-operative care, and what to do in special circumstances like pregnancy or illness. Click the button below to download the full leaflet and prepare for your upcoming surgery.

Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to guide you through every step of your surgical journey. Thank you for entrusting us with your care.

Strabismus in Children: Crossed Eyes and Vision Development

This blog on Strabismus in Children has been contributed Dr. Ayesha Khan, Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist.

Strabismus, commonly called ‘crossed eyes,’ impacts approximately 2% – 4% of children worldwide. This condition results in the misalignment of the eyes, causing them to point in different directions and disrupting binocular vision.

Strabismus is primarily seen in infants and young children and is not just a cosmetic concern. It can significantly impact vision development and depth perception, essential for numerous activities, from catching a ball to crossing a street. When the eyes do not align properly, the brain may start to ignore the image from the eye that is not aligned to prevent seeing double, causing ‘amblyopia,’ also known as a lazy eye.

Emphasising early detection is crucial with strabismus, as the initial years of a child’s life are vital for visual development. Any signs of the condition, such as squinting, tilting the head while looking at objects, or noticeable misalignment of the eyes, should prompt an immediate medical consultation.

The treatment journey for a child with strabismus often involves a team of specialists. An optometrist performs regular eye exams and prescribes glasses if necessary. An orthoptist specialising in strabismus and amblyopia devises personalised eye exercises to improve eye coordination. Lastly, a paediatric eye consultant oversees the child’s treatment, deciding when surgical intervention is necessary and ensuring the various treatments align to maximise visual development and overall quality of life.

In essence, strabismus affects not only the physical appearance but also the functional vision of a child. Therefore, recognising and addressing strabismus in its early stages is crucial for optimal eye health and developmental growth.

If you notice any of the signs or symptoms of Strabismus, please seek care from a specialised ophthalmologist to help your child’s vision develop correctly.

At Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, our dedicated paediatric department is staffed with expert ophthalmologists, optometrists, and orthoptists, all passionately dedicated to the eye care needs of children.

 

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty for Glaucoma

This blog on Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty for glaucoma treatment was authored by Dr. Salman Waqar, a Consultant Ophthalmologist in Cataract and Glaucoma Surgery.

Living with glaucoma often means meticulous eye drop management and close intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring. Thankfully, advancements in eye care, such as Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), offer a more refined to manage this condition.

What is SLT?
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to help control glaucoma by decreasing IOP. One of its standout features is the potential to lessen, or in some cases, even eliminate, the dependence on glaucoma eye drops, especially beneficial for those with open-angle glaucoma.

How Does It Work?
Imagine the eye’s drainage system, the trabecular meshwork, as a sink’s drain. Over time, this drain can become less efficient, leading to increased IOP. During this procedure, a precision-targeted laser is applied to this drainage system. Unlike other methods, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty ensures no thermal damage to the nearby tissue. The treatment encourages the drainage system to work more efficiently by promoting beneficial biological changes within its cells. As the drainage improves, the IOP naturally decreases.

Why Consider SLT?
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is revolutionary in its approach. Unlike more aggressive surgeries, it targets only specific cells, ensuring surrounding tissues remain untouched. This selectivity means a less invasive procedure, minimal risks, and quicker recovery times.

However, it’s essential to remember that while it is highly effective, it might not completely negate the need for glaucoma eye drops for all patients. For some, it can notably decrease the amount or frequency of medication, leading to improved comfort and better adherence to treatment.

In Conclusion
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is a promising option in glaucoma care. Potentially reducing our reliance on daily eye drops offers a more convenient yet effective way to keep glaucoma in check and safeguard our vision. If you are considering this procedure, discussing it with a glaucoma specialist is recommended to tailor the best care for your eyes.