About Adult cataract
A cataract is a condition where the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, reducing the amount of light that reaches the retina. This clouding can result in blurred or hazy vision and, in more severe cases, lead to vision impairment or loss of sight. People with cataracts often find that colours appear less vibrant, and everyday activities like reading, driving, or recognising faces become more difficult. Cataracts typically develop slowly over time, and the early stages might not be noticeable until vision problems begin to interfere with daily life.
Causes of Cataracts
The primary cause of cataracts is age-related changes to the eye’s lens. As we age, proteins in the lens begin to break down, causing the lens to become cloudy. However, there are other factors that may contribute to the development of cataracts at an earlier age:
- Diabetes: People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing cataracts.
- Certain Medications: Long-term use of medications like corticosteroids can accelerate cataract formation.
- Eye Trauma or Surgery: Previous eye injuries or surgeries may increase the likelihood of cataracts.
- High Myopia: People with higher levels of myopia are more prone to developing cataracts.
- Family History: A genetic predisposition can also contribute to the development of cataracts.
Conditions associated with Cataracts
- Chronic diseases like diabetes
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Prolonged exposure to UV light without proper eye protection.
- Several risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing cataracts, including
- Obesity and high blood pressure.
Symptoms and early signs of Cataracts
Cataracts often develop slowly, and many people are unaware of the problem until it affects their daily lives.
Common symptoms include:
- Blurred or cloudy vision: As the lens becomes clouded, objects may lose sharpness, making it harder to see details.
- Difficulty with contrast and colour perception: Colours can appear faded or yellowed, making it challenging to distinguish between shades, especially in low light.
- Glare and light sensitivity: Bright lights, such as headlights, may cause discomfort, and you may see halos or rings around lights, especially at night.
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription: Cataracts can cause vision changes, requiring more frequent updates to your glasses prescription.
- Double vision in one eye (diplopia): The cataract can distort vision, causing overlapping/double images in one eye.
Examination/Diagnosis
Cataracts are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination conducted by an ophthalmologist. During the exam, a slit-lamp is used to thoroughly examine the eye, including the lens and other structures. Eye drops may dilate the pupil, allowing the specialist to discuss the lens and retina in more detail.
Investigation
In addition to a standard eye examination, further tests may be recommended to determine the severity of the cataract and to check for any associated conditions:
- Corneal imaging (Pentacam) to assess the health of the cornea.
- Biometry to measure the eye’s shape and size, which helps determine the strength of the replacement intraocular lens (IOL).
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to scan the retina and detect any underlying retinal conditions.
Currently, no medical treatment, such as eye drops or medication, can reverse or prevent cataracts. The most effective treatment is surgery, which involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.
Cataract surgery is a routine and highly successful procedure typically lasting no more than 20 to 30 minutes. It is usually performed under local anaesthesia, though sedation or general anaesthesia may be used in certain cases.
Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) for Cataract Surgery
During cataract surgery, the clouded natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Several types of IOLs are available to suit different needs:
- Monofocal Lenses: Provide clear vision at a single set distance (usually for distance vision), though glasses may still be needed for reading or intermediate tasks.
- Multifocal Lenses: These lenses offer clear vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate, and far), reducing the need for glasses after surgery.
- Extended Depth-of-Focus (EDOF) Lenses: EDOF lenses provide a wider range of high-quality vision for intermediate and distance tasks, with reduced reliance on glasses.
- Accommodative Lenses: These lenses mimic the eye’s natural ability to change focus, moving or adjusting shape inside the eye to provide a broader range of vision.
- Toric Lenses: Designed specifically for patients with astigmatism, toric lenses correct the shape of the eye and provide clear vision. They are available as monofocal, multifocal, and EDOF options.
What to Expect After Cataract Surgery?
After cataract surgery, most patients notice an improvement in vision within a few days, though full recovery may take up to 6 weeks. It is normal to experience some mild discomfort, such as itching, sensitivity to light, or slight swelling, which typically subsides within a few days.
Your eye doctor will provide clear post-operative care instructions, including the use of prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. During recovery, it’s important to avoid rubbing your eye and strenuous activities, allowing the eye to heal properly. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure successful recovery.
Cataract surgery is usually considered when changes in vision begin to affect everyday activities, rather than at a fixed stage. It is not always necessary to wait until a cataract becomes advanced before discussing treatment, as earlier intervention may help avoid further reduction in vision and increasing difficulty with daily activities. At Moorfields UAE, this is assessed clinically, and the findings are discussed with you to determine the most appropriate next step.
Cataracts do not always require immediate treatment and can often be monitored over time. In many cases, surgery is recommended when vision is significantly affected or when the cataract begins to interfere with daily activities. The timing of treatment is based on clinical findings and individual needs, which are reviewed during your assessment.
Conditions & Treatment
Conjunctivitis
About
Pink eye or Conjunctivitis is a common condition which causes the surface of your eye to go red and, often, sticky or watery and your eye becomes sore. There are two types of conjunctivitis:- Viral conjunctivitistends to cause a watery red eye and can last for two to three weeks even with the correct treatment. Generally, viral conjunctivitis does not affect vision but in some cases vision may become blurry or see glare when looking at lights. This is due to an inflammatory reaction causing small white dots on the cornea, the transparent window at the front of the eye. These usually fade with time, but it can take a few weeks or even months.
- Bacterial conjunctivitisis more likely to cause a red eye with a sticky yellow discharge.
Conjunctivitis
About
Pink eye or Conjunctivitis is a common condition which causes the surface of your eye to go red and, often, sticky or watery and your eye becomes sore. There are two types of conjunctivitis:- Viral conjunctivitistends to cause a watery red eye and can last for two to three weeks even with the correct treatment. Generally, viral conjunctivitis does not affect vision but in some cases vision may become blurry or see glare when looking at lights. This is due to an inflammatory reaction causing small white dots on the cornea, the transparent window at the front of the eye. These usually fade with time, but it can take a few weeks or even months.
- Bacterial conjunctivitisis more likely to cause a red eye with a sticky yellow discharge.
Adult cataract Specialists
Dr. Ammar Safar
Chief Medical Officer and Consultant Ophthalmologist & Vitreoretinal SurgeonGCAA Approved Specialist Aviation Medical Examiner
Professor of Ophthalmology (Adjunct)
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 General Ophthalmology and Cataract SurgeryGCAA Approved Specialist Aeromedical Examiner
Dr. Luisa Sastre is a Consultant Ophthalmologist in General Ophthalmology 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 SurgeryGCAA Approved Specialist Aeromedical Examiner
Associate Professor Of Ophthalmology (Adjunct)
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 surgeryAssociate Professor Of Ophthalmology (Adjunct)
GCAA Approved Specialist Aviation Medical Examiner
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. Suhair Twaij
Consultant Ophthalmologist in Adult & Paediatric Strabismus Surgery, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Adult Cataract Surgery GCAA Approved Specialist Aviation Medical Examiner
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. Muhammad Amjad
Visiting Consultant Ophthalmologist in Adult and Paediatic retinal diseases and Cataract surgery
Dr. Muhammad Amjad is a highly experienced Consultant ophthalmic surgeon, specialising in retinal diseases in both adults and children and advanced cataract surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, located in Dubai Healthcare City.
He completed his medical degree (MBBS) and subsequently undertook specialist ophthalmology training in the UK. Following completion of his UK specialist training, Dr. Amjad undertook advanced fellowships in Medical and Surgical Retina at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, as well as a dedicated Paediatric Retina Fellowship at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.
With over 15 years of international experience, Dr. Amjad manages a wide range of retinal conditions in both adults and children, including retinal vascular diseases, uveitis, and inherited retinal disorders (IRD). He has a special interest in complex paediatric retinal conditions, such as Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), Incontinentia Pigmenti, and Coats disease.
Dr. Amjad has practised in leading medical institutions in the UK and Ireland and has held posts at internationally recognised centres including Moorfields Eye Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.
Alongside his clinical practice, he is actively involved in retinal research and has published peer-reviewed work focusing on ROP and FEVR in international ophthalmology journals.
He is a member of several professional bodies, including the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth), BEAVRS, EURETINA, ASRS, and the 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 surgeryAssociate Professor Of Ophthalmology (Adjunct)
GCAA Approved Specialist Aviation Medical Examiner
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. 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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FAQ
Cataract surgery is usually considered when changes in vision begin to affect everyday activities, rather than at a fixed stage. It is not always necessary to wait until a cataract becomes advanced before discussing treatment, as earlier intervention may help avoid further reduction in vision and increasing difficulty with daily activities. At Moorfields UAE, this is assessed clinically, and the findings are discussed with you to determine the most appropriate next step.
Cataracts do not always require immediate treatment and can often be monitored over time. In many cases, surgery is recommended when vision is significantly affected or when the cataract begins to interfere with daily activities. The timing of treatment is based on clinical findings and individual needs, which are reviewed during your assessment.
Cataract assessment at Moorfields UAE is carried out through a structured clinical evaluation to understand how the cataract is affecting your vision and overall eye health. This includes measuring your vision, examining the eye in detail and carrying out additional imaging where required. The findings are reviewed to provide a clear diagnosis and to discuss appropriate treatment options.
A range of intraocular lens options is available, including lenses designed to provide clear vision at a single distance or across multiple distances. The most appropriate lens depends on your prescription, visual requirements and lifestyle. These options are discussed during your assessment to ensure the choice is aligned with your expectations and clinical findings.
Cataract surgery is a widely performed procedure with a well-established safety profile when carried out following appropriate assessment and clinical standards. As with any surgical procedure, it does carry risks, although it is generally considered very safe. At Moorfields UAE, surgery is delivered within an audited clinical system, with outcomes measured against recognised benchmarks to support patient safety and quality of care. Surgery is performed by internationally trained specialists using advanced methods such as phacoemulsification and laser-assisted surgery, following strict clinical protocols to support safety and precision.
Moorfields UAE monitors cataract surgery outcomes on an ongoing basis as part of its commitment to patient safety, quality and clinical transparency. This includes a cataract complication rate of 0.72% compared with a 1.04% benchmark, and patient satisfaction with surgery of 94.1% compared with an 85% benchmark. These outcomes are supported by clinical standards aligned with JCI and ACHSI accreditation.
Many patients experience improved vision following cataract surgery; however, the need for glasses depends on the type of lens used and individual visual requirements. This is discussed in detail during your assessment so that expectations are clear before treatment.
Cataract surgery is typically performed as a day-case procedure, meaning patients return home on the same day. The procedure itself usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes. Many patients notice an improvement in vision within a few days, although full stabilisation may take several weeks. Recovery varies between individuals, and you will be given clear guidance on what to expect and any follow-up care required.
