Adult Cataract

About Adult cataract

A cataract is a condition where the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, hindering the transmission of light rays to the retina, leading to blurred, hazy vision or, in severe instances, loss of sight. Cataracts can make everyday activities like reading, driving, or seeing faces dull or less colourful.

Cataracts usually form slowly, and people experience a gradual blurring of vision

Causes

Age is the most common cause of cataracts and most people will develop cataracts as they grow older. Other causes of cataracts or the development of cataracts at an earlier age include medical conditions like diabetes, certain medications like corticosteroids, high myopia, previous eye surgery, trauma etc.

Conditions associated

Diabetes mellitus
Previous eye surgery
Previous trauma to the eye
Familial cataract

Symptoms

Symptoms for cataracts include blurring of vision, difficulty in contrast, especially shades of colours, frequent change in the glasses prescription, glare or light scatter

Examination/Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cataracts is made after examination by the ophthalmologist on the slit lamp in the clinic. The patient may need dilating drops to open the pupil and examine the lens thoroughly. Additional testing of the retina may also be needed, as well as refraction for glasses.

Investigation

Once the diagnosis is made, the patient may be asked to have tests to examine the cornea ( pentacam) , to determine the strength of the replacement lens ( biometry) and a retina scan to look for retinal conditions as well ( OCT)

Cataracts do not currently have any medical treatment options available, such as drops or medications. Surgery is usually the recommended treatment for this option.

However, cataract surgery is a highly successful, straightforward procedure that typically takes between 20-30 minutes and is most often performed under local anaesthesia. Sedation or general anaesthesia may be used in certain situations.

During cataract surgery, the natural clouded lens is replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL can restore vision lost to cataracts and correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism or presbyopia. Multiple options for the lens are available, and your doctor will advise you on which is best suited to your individual needs.

The different types of lenses are:

Monofocal lenses: These lenses provide clear vision at a single set distance, typically far away. Patients might still need glasses for near activities like reading or intermediate distances, such as using a computer.
Multifocal Lenses: These are designed to provide clear vision at multiple distances. They are divided into sections, each focusing light from a specific range (near, intermediate, far).
Extended Depth-of-Focus (EDOF) IOLs: These lenses provide a continuous range of high-quality vision for far, intermediate distances, reducing the need for glasses.
Accommodative lenses mimic the eye’s natural ability to change focus (accommodation). They move or change shape inside the eye, providing a range of clear vision.
Toric lenses: Toric lenses are specifically designed for individuals with astigmatism. These lenses are shaped to correct astigmatism and provide clear distance vision. Toric lenses come as monofocal, multifocal and EDoF as well.

Adult cataract Specialists

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Dubai
Abu Dhabi

Dr. Ammar Safar

Chief Medical Officer and Consultant Ophthalmologist & Vitreoretinal Surgeon

Dr. Ammar Safar is an American Board-Certified Ophthalmologist specialising in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City. He is currently an adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology at Mohammad Bin Rashed University and the Chief Medical Officer of Moorfields Eye Hospitals in the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Safar undertook his medical training in Syria before moving to the United States for post-graduate training. He specialised in Ophthalmology at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, where he also served as a Chief Resident. He then acquired an additional 2-year fellowship training in Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery at the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, USA. Dr. Ammar then went on to hold the position of Assistant and later Associate Professor and Director of Vitreoretinal Surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology, Jones Eye Institute, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, in the United States. He then relocated to the UAE, where he was a Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon and President of Medical Staff at a private general hospital in Dubai. In addition to his work in private practice, Dr. Ammar has undertaken research and clinical trials in areas such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related eye diseases and published and presented extensively. His research has also resulted in advances in retinal vascular diseases (discovering new management options for diabetic retinopathy and vascular occlusive disorders) and macular degeneration (new approaches for treating exudative macular degeneration). Among his many honorary awards, Dr. Ammar was the inaugural recipient of The Martha Wood Bentley endowed Chair of Ophthalmology at the University of Arkansas. He is a member of several professional associations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Retina Specialists, the European Society of Retina Specialists, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, The Association for Research In Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Arab-American Medical Association, Research to Prevent Blindness, and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

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Dr. Luisa M. Sastre

Consultant Ophthalmologist in Medical Retina and Cataract Surgery

Dr. Luisa Sastre is a Consultant Ophthalmologist in Medical Retina and Cataract Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City. Dr. Luisa holds a Spanish medical degree from the Universidad Autonoma Medical School and completed her ophthalmology residency at Hospital Universitario Gregorio Maranon in Madrid, Spain . She is board certified in Intensive Care medicine and ophthalmology. She also holds a PhD from Universidad Autonoma de Madrid and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Organisation Leadership from ESADE Business School. She has more than 20 years of combined regional and international experience in countries including Spain and UAE. She has practised in leading medical institutions such as Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz and Hospital Universitario El Escorial, Madrid, Spain. She has presented various papers in national and international congresses and journals and organised educational courses on cataract surgery and medical retina for peers and opticians. She is a member of “Surgical Eye Expeditions International”, a nonprofit humanitarian organisation that hosts clinic sites worldwide. She is also a member of Sociedad Española de Oftalmologia (SEO). In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Luisa volunteers in various charitable campaigns worldwide to treat patients suffering from cataracts who otherwise have difficulty accessing medical care.

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Dr. Osama Giledi

Consultant Ophthalmologist in Cataract, Cornea and Refractive Vision Correction Surgery

Dr. Osama Giledi is a Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City. Dr. Osama is skilled in managing ocular surface problems, including severe dry eye and Stem cell deficiency. He performs small incision phacoemulsification for his cataract surgery and is experienced in using toric and multifocal premium intraocular lenses. Dr. Osama’s expertise in managing complex corneal conditions includes all types of modern corneal graft procedures, such as DALK and DSAEK. He has performed over 23,000 refractive surgeries, including Lasik, LASEK, Intralase LASIK and Trans PRK, and phakic IOLs. He delivers the latest treatment for keratoconus, including Intracorneal ring segments, corneal cross-linking and complex laser treatment. Dr. Osama graduated from Libya and completed his ophthalmic training in the UK, attaining a Fellowship in Ophthalmology from The Royal College of Edinburgh in 1996. He completed two years of higher subspecialty training fellowship on the anterior segment, Cornea and refractive surgery in 2003 at the prestigious Corneoplastic Unit and Eye Bank at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead. He worked as a Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Centre for Sight London and the Corneoplastic Unit and Eye Bank at Queen Victoria Hospital. Dr Osama has 22 years of experience in the UK, providing services for anterior segment, Cornea, Refractive and cataract surgery. In addition to his clinical commitments, Dr. Osama has extensive experience in teaching and training; he is a noted presenter at national and international meetings and has extensive research published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. He is a member of the Royal College Surgeons of Edinburgh, the United Kingdom & Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

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Dr. Miguel Morcillo

Consultant Ophthalmologist in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive vision correction surgery

Dr. Miguel Morcillo is a Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive (Vision Correction – LASIK, LASEK, TransPRK) Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City. Dr. Miguel holds a Spanish Degree in Medicine from the Universitat de Valencia. He completed his Residency in Ophthalmology under the MIR (Medico Interno Residente) system of the Spanish Ministry of Health. He has more than 25 years of experience, most of which was attained in Spain. He also worked in Italy and finally moved to the UAE in 2017 and has been practising in the UAE since that time. Dr. Miguel started his career working with Clinica Baviera, the largest private ophthalmology group in Europe, in Madrid and Valencia. He helped develop many of the refractive treatments offered today, such as LASIK, LASEK, ICLs and multifocal IOLs, in addition to collaborations with other hospitals to provide high-quality cataract and refractive surgery to patients. Dr. Miguel trained in cornea surgery at NIIOS Eye Institute (Rotterdam) and, since then became an experienced educator for other surgeons in the fields of the anterior segment and refractive surgery. He has been a member of “Surgical Eye Expeditions International” since 1999, an American non-government organisation that arranges eye camps worldwide. Dr. Miguel has assisted several eye charity camps in numerous countries of Africa, in addition to Peru, Panama and India, providing free eye care and performing surgeries to those who could not afford it in less developed areas. His research efforts include surgical topics and outcomes such as Ultrathin LASIK, Keratoconus screening, ICLs, and multifocal IOLs, among others. He has presented various papers in national and international congresses and journals and organised educational courses on refractive surgery for peers and opticians. He is a member of Sociedad Española de Oftalmologia (SEO), the Panamerican Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO) and the European Vitreoretinal Society (EVRS). He is also the recipient of the Dr. P C Mahendra Memorial ACOIN International Award in India in recognition of his charitable work with people in need.

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Dr. Salman Waqar

Consultant Ophthalmologist in adult and paediatric glaucoma and cataract surgery

Dr. Salman Waqar is an experienced consultant ophthalmologist specialising in the treatment of adult and paediatric glaucoma and cataracts at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City. His areas of expertise include medical, laser and surgical treatments for glaucoma (including minimally invasive implants and aqueous shunt devices). He also offers cataract surgery using the latest small incision technology, and with a range of intraocular lenses (Toric, Multifocal and Extended Depth of Field), tailored to the patients individual needs. Dr. Waqar graduated from Pakistan and has over 15 years’ experience of work in the United Kingdom. He holds a Certificate of Completion of Training from the UK, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. He has worked in various prestigious eye units including the West of England Eye Unit (Exeter), where he completed his sub-specialty training in glaucoma. In his career, he has been appointed as a consultant across a wide range of leading medical institutions such as the Royal Eye Infirmary (Plymouth), Nuffield Health, Medical Eye Clinic and Newmedica. In addition to his clinical work, he has also performed with distinction as director of clinical governance and for the glaucoma service. Dr. Waqar’s research interests include optimizing patient outcomes with minimally invasive surgery, using virtual reality simulation to investigate surgeon performance and the development of innovative surgical instruments to improve patient safety. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, such as the British Journal of Ophthalmology and the Journal of Cataract and refractive Surgery, and presents regularly at national and international meetings. He holds memberships with the United Kingdom and Eire Glaucoma Society, the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In his capacity as an Honorary Fellow with Plymouth University, he has been involved in training the doctors and surgeons of our future. In 2019, his work was recognized with a nomination for a regional Trainer of the Year Award by the Peninsula School of Ophthalmology. In addition, he has been the recipient of numerous research grants, and has co-authored two medical textbooks. Other accolades include invitations as a surgical skills instructor at minimally invasive glaucoma surgery courses, and to the microsurgical skills course with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. In his spare time he is an avid reader, aspiring author and motivated triathlete.

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Dr. Imad Hakim

Consultant Ophthalmologist in Cataract and Refractive vision correction surgery

Dr. Imad Hakim is a Consultant Ophthalmologist, specialised in Cataract and Refractive vision correction surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City. He holds a graduate degree from the University of Aleppo in Syria, obtained in 2002. Dr. Hakim also holds a certificate in Ophthalmology from Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich, Germany. He undertook his sub specialty training in Cataract and Refractive surgery at Realeyes Eye Clinic in Munich, Germany. His areas of expertise are in Femto laser assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS), Refractive vision correction surgery (LASIK, LASEK, TransPRK, PTK, Implantable Contact Lenses ICLs, Multifocal Intraocular Lenses IOLs and Add-On IOL ), Keratoconus, Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK) Laser Eye Surgery and General Ophthalmology. He has more than 15 years of regional and international experience in countries including Germany and UAE. In his career, he has practiced in leading medical institutions such as Realeyes Eye Clinic in Munich, Germany as well as American Hospital in Dubai, U.A.E. He has published research papers on Cataracts and Retina in leading journals. He is a member of the European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), The German Committee for Refractive Surgery (KRC), Commission of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) and Professional Association of German Ophthalmologists (BVA).

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Dr. Suhair Twaij

Consultant Ophthalmologist in Adult & Paediatric Strabismus Surgery, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Adult Cataract Surgery

Dr. Suhair Twaij is a Consultant Ophthalmologist with a subspecialist interest in adult and paediatric Strabismus surgery, Paediatric Ophthalmology, adult Cataract Surgery and General Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai. Dr. Twaij recently relocated to the UAE from the UK, where she has worked as a consultant ophthalmologist at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast since 2013. She was also the clinical lead for the adult motility service in Northern Ireland from 2014. She holds a graduate degree in medicine from the Baghdad University Medical School, obtained in 1994. Her areas of expertise include complex adult and paediatric squint surgery using the adjustable technique when needed, double vision correction, adult cataract surgery with an implant, Botox treatment for squints, double vision, blepharospasm and aesthetics. She has over 20 years of experience in general ophthalmology, including cataract surgery, anterior and posterior segments such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Suhair trained in the UK from 2004 in England and Northern Ireland and was awarded the certificate of completion of training (CCT) in ophthalmology in the UK in 2012. She was awarded the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Fellowship in the same year. Throughout her career, she has practised in leading medical institutions such as The Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Northern Ireland, The Bristol Eye Hospital, England, and King Hussein Medical City Amman, Jordan. Dr. Suhair is an avid researcher and has Medline-published papers in various ophthalmology topics such as medical retina, paediatric ophthalmology and oculoplastics. She is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, the British & Irish Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Association (BIPOSA) and the European Association of Strabismus (ESA).

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Dr. Avinash Gurbaxani

Visiting Consultant Ophthalmologist in Uveitis and Medical Retinal Diseases and Cataract Surgery

Dr. Avinash Gurbaxani is a visiting Consultant Ophthalmologist, specialised in Uveitis, Medical Retina & Cataract surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City. Dr. Avinash specialises in the assessment and management of uveitis and inflammatory eye disease (uveitis, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases of the eye) as well as medical retinal disease, such as diabetes, macular degeneration and retinal vascular disease. He has broad experience in the diagnosis and management of complex inflammatory eye diseases, including the use of immunosuppression, as well as in treating retinal disease. Dr Gurbaxani is also skilled in managing complex cataract surgery associated with these diseases. Dr. Avinash trained in ophthalmology in Oxford and London, working at The Oxford Eye Hospital in Oxford, Kings College Hospital, St. Thomas’ Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. He has worked at the prestigious Medical Eye Unit in London as well as completing a Uveitis Fellowship and Medical Retina Fellowship at Moorfields London and the Sydney Eye Hospital in Australia, before returning to Moorfields London as a locum consultant. Dr. Avinash is experienced in initiating research projects and running clinical trials, and has regularly published and presented papers at national and international conferences. He is a member of several professional bodies including the Royal College of Opthalmologists (RCOphth), Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCS) (Ed), American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

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Dr. Ziad Khoueir

Visiting Consultant Ophthalmologist in Adult Glaucoma and Cataract surgery

Dr. Ziad Khoueir is a visiting Consultant ophthalmologist specialising in adult glaucoma and cataract surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City. He holds a medical degree from the Saint-Joseph University in Beirut, Lebanon (2008) and completed his ophthalmology residency at the Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital (2013). He then completed postdoctoral clinical and research fellowships at the Glaucoma Institute, UPMC-Sorbonne University in Paris, France (2014) and at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School in Boston, USA (2016). He is also a laureate of the Glaucoma Subspecialty Diploma of the European Board of Ophthalmology. He has more than seven years of both regional and international experience in glaucoma, one during which he has practised clinical and research work in leading medical institutions such as the Glaucoma Institute at the Paris Saint-Joseph Hospital (France), the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (USA), the Beirut Eye & ENT Specialist Hospital (Lebanon) and the Muscat Eye Laser Center (Oman). Dr. Ziad currently holds the position of associate director of the Glaucoma division at the Beirut Eye and ENT Specialist Hospital. He is a clinical instructor and lecturer at the Saint-Joseph University Medical School in Beirut, Lebanon. His research focuses on innovative techniques in managing and diagnosing glaucoma, such as minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), glaucoma lasers and the use of Optical Coherence Tomography imaging in glaucoma. He has published more than 35 research papers and chapters on those topics in leading ophthalmology journals. He has been invited to lecture and present his work in regional and international meetings in more than 20 countries over the last few years. He is currently a research collaborator at the Mayo Clinic Ophthalmology Department in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. He is the co-chair of the associate advisory board of the World Glaucoma Association and a member of the associate advisory board of the International Society of Glaucoma Surgery.

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Dr. Salman Waqar

Consultant Ophthalmologist in adult and paediatric glaucoma and cataract surgery

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Dr. Ramzi Ghanem

Consultant Ophthalmologist in Medical Retina, Vitreoretinal and Cataract Surgery

Dr. Ramzi Ghanem is a Consultant Ophthalmologist with extensive experience in cataract surgery as well as medical and surgical retina including the full spectrum of vitreoretinal surgery, intravitreal drug injection and laser treatment. Dr. Ramzi is a graduate of the University of Leipzig, Germany and completed his 2 doctoral thesis on anti-VEGF isomers in AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration) at the University of Leipzig and predictors for short term visual outcome after anti-VEGF therapy of CSME due to CRVO at the University of Bern, Switzerland. He has more than 20 years of experience in Germany, Switzerland and UAE. He has researched extensively, conducted clinical trials, published and lectured on his areas of expertise. He has been a HAAD consultant and examiner for licensure in ophthalmology.

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Dr. Syed M. Asad Ali

Consultant Ophthalmologist in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and Cataract Surgery

Syed Ali is a Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist with extensive experience in the management of all paediatric eye conditions including congenital eye diseases, paediatric cataracts, paediatric glaucoma, trauma and all types of squints in children and adults. Syed works with advanced technology and techniques. He has over 10 years of extensive experience in screening and treating retinopathy of prematurity with retinal laser and intravitreal anti VEGF injection. He has wealth of experience in phacoemulsification procedures. Syed Ali trained and has practiced in the UK and Pakistan and has over 18 years of experience in ophthalmology. After completing his basic specialist training, he undertook a fellowship in paediatric ophthalmology and ocular motility at the world renowned Wolverhampton Eye Infirmary, UK. His training in Pakistan and the UK is recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC) and was placed on specialist register. In addition to his clinical experience, Syed has undertaken published original research and teaching in his specialist area, including as an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology. He is a member of several professional bodies including The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, American Academy of Ophthalmology, The British Medical Association, Medical Defense Union and Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh.

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Dr. Esmaeil Arbabi

Medical Director and Consultant Ophthalmologist in Corneal transplant, Cataract & Refractive Surgery

Dr. Esmaeil Mohammad Arbabi is a Consultant Ophthalmologist with excellent surgical experience including all types of corneal transplants (DMEK, DSAEK, PDEK, DALK, PKP), ocular surface reconstruction, complex cataract and laser refractive surgery. Prior to joining Moorfields Eye Hospital Center, he was Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon (Cornea, Cataract & Laser Refractive Surgery) and the Lead for Refractive Services at Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom. Dr. Esmaeil holds several prestigious degrees and certifications in the field of cataract and refractive surgery including MSc in Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Certificate in Laser and Refractive Surgery (CertLRS) from Royal College of Ophthalmologist and Fellow of European Board of Ophthalmology Subspecialty Diploma in Cataract and Refractive Surgery (FEBOS-CR). He is a member of Royal College of Ophthalmologists, European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, European Board of Ophthalmology, UK Cross-Linking Consortium, EYE -LAW CHAMBERS - Medicolegal Expert and Expert, Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). He is instrumental in high quality papers in various peer reviewed journals and numerous scientific and ophthalmology publications. He is also an examiner for the University of Leeds and the University of Liverpool and for the European Board of Ophthalmologist (FEBO exam).

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