Dr. Alaa Bou Ghannam

Paediatric ophthalmology specialises in diagnosing and treating eye conditions in children, such as congenital eye diseases, strabismus (misaligned eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), and refractive errors. These specialists provide comprehensive eye care tailored to children's developmental needs, ensuring early detection and intervention for healthy vision.

Neuro-ophthalmology is a speciality that combines neurology and ophthalmology to diagnose and treat vision issues related to the nervous system. Neuro-ophthalmologists specialise in diagnosing and treating vision disorders caused by neurological conditions such as brain injuries, stroke, or infections, as well as visual field defects, involuntary facial spasms, and eyelid abnormalities.

How can nerve issues affect your vision?

When nerve pathways between the brain and the eyes are damaged, it can lead to various vision problems. For instance, damage to the optic nerve may cause partial or complete vision loss. Nerve damage can also cause involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), drooping eyelids (ptosis), or difficulty aligning both eyes (strabismus). Nerve-related vision issues may also cause depth perception problems, visual field defects, and light sensitivity. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term vision damage.

About Squint (Strabismus) in Children and Adults

A squint, medically known as strabismus, is a condition where the eyes are misaligned and do not look in the same direction. One eye may turn inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards while the other remains focused. This misalignment affects both children and adults, though its causes and implications may differ depending on age.

In children, a squint often develops due to an imbalance in the muscles controlling the eyes, leading to poor coordination between them. If left untreated, it can cause amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” where the brain begins to favour one eye, potentially impairing vision in the affected eye. Early detection, including glasses, eye patches, or surgery, is crucial for successful treatment.

In adults, strabismus can arise from trauma, neurological conditions, or illnesses like stroke or diabetes. It may cause double vision, headaches, or eye strain, affecting daily activities and quality of life. Treatment options include corrective lenses, vision therapy, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause.

Effective management of squint is vital for improving visual function and overall eye health in children and adults.

At Moorfields Eye Hospitals UAE, our highly qualified adult and paediatric squint surgeons have extensive experience diagnosing and treating all forms of squint. 

About Paediatric Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye conditions in which the pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure) is raised which in turn damages the optic nerve, (the nerve that goes from the eye to the brain) and can lead to permanent irreparable vision loss if left untreated.

Childhood glaucoma, also referred to as congenital glaucoma, paediatric, or infantile glaucoma, is a rare condition that may be inherited, occurring in babies and young children. It is usually diagnosed within the first year of life.