Dr. Alaa Bou Ghannam
MD
Visiting Specialist Ophthalmologist in Neuro-Ophthalmology, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Paediatric Glaucoma & Adult Strabismus
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Biography
Dr. Alaa Bou Ghannam is a visiting specialist in neuro-ophthalmology, paediatric ophthalmology, and adult strabismus at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City.
He holds a bachelor in science (2007) with high distinction and a medical degree (2011) from the American University of Beirut. He finished his ophthalmology residency at the American University of Beirut Medical Center in 2015 before pursuing a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus from Children’s National Health System and George Washington Hospital in Washington DC in 2016. He also finished another fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology from The University of Colorado in 2017.
He has over five years of regional/international experience in paediatric ophthalmology, adult strabismus, and neuro-ophthalmology in countries including Lebanon and The United States of America.
In his career, he has practiced in leading medical institutions such as The American University of Beirut Medical Center.
He has undertaken research in clinical ophthalmology and neurology and has published more than a dozen research papers and book chapters on strabismus, optic nerve diseases, paediatric glaucoma, paediatric ophthalmology, ocular electrophysiology, and nystagmus, in leading medical journals.
He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Lebanese Ophthalmological Society (LOS), North American Neuro-ophthalmology Society (NANOS), and The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS).
Services Provided by Dr. Alaa Bou Ghannam
Paediatrics
Neuro-Ophthalmology
Squint
About Squint (Strabismus)
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.
Children’s Eye Health
About Children’s Eye Health
Many parents will be familiar with the importance of immunisations, routine screenings such as hearing tests, weight, and growth charts for their children, not to mention dental health when the time arises, but what about their vision?
Some eye conditions do not display any signs or symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to take your child for a sight test. In cases where there is no perceived problem and no significant family history of squint, lazy eye or serious eye conditions in childhood, we recommend an annual eye examination from around 3-4yrs old. Once these children reach nine and upwards, generally we advise an eye examination every two years unless your Ophthalmologist has advised otherwise.
Paediatric Glaucoma
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.
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