About Cornea
The cornea, known as the clear window at the front of the eye, plays a vital role in vision. It provides two-thirds of the eye’s focusing power and is crucial for maintaining a clear and sharp image. However, the cornea can be affected by various conditions, including inflammatory diseases, infections, and shape disorders.
Corneal conditions we treat
- Keratitis: inflammation of the cornea.
- Corneal abrasion: a scratch on the cornea occurring due to trauma or weakness of the epithelium (the outermost skin of the cornea)
- Corneal foreign body: a piece of debris embedding itself superficially on the surface of the cornea.
- Corneal laceration: a partial or full-thickness wound of the cornea as a result of trauma.
- Keratoconus: a condition causing thinning and distortion of the cornea
- Corneal scarring: a grey-white mark left behind after trauma or previous inflammation of the cornea.
- Fuchs endothelial dystrophy: a corneal condition in which the cornea becomes waterlogged because of poorly functioning endothelial cells.
- Corneal dystrophies: inherited conditions causing gradual opacification of the cornea as a result of the metabolic by-products.
At Moorfields Eye Hospitals UAE, our cornea specialists in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have extensive subspecialty training in diagnosing, managing and treating a wide range of corneal conditions to ensure optimal eye health and vision for our patients.
Comprehensive Assessments
We offer a comprehensive range of eye care assessments, diagnostics, surgical and non-surgical treatment services. Assessment services: (evaluation examinations may differ depending on outcome of consultation) (expandable links below)
- General Health Assessment
- Optometry assessment
- Pentacam
- Consultation with Cornea and Laser Refractive Consultant
- General Health Assessment
- Optometry assessment
- Pentacam
- Cell count
- Consultation with Retina Consultant
Looking for more information?
Explore our frequently asked questions for additional information about your condition, care and treatment.
Conditions & Treatment
Corneal Cross-Linking
About Corneal Cross-Linking
Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a treatment for patients with keratoconus which can prevent their condition getting worse. CXL is successful in preventing the condition deteriorating in more than 90% of cases. Keratoconus worsens as the cornea weakens. CXL uses ultraviolet light and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) drops to harden the cornea. Together, they cause fibers within the cornea to cross-link – or bond more firmly. This treatment emulates the normal age-related hardening of the cornea, which is known as natural cross-linkingCorneal Cross-Linking
About Corneal Cross-Linking
Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a treatment for patients with keratoconus which can prevent their condition getting worse. CXL is successful in preventing the condition deteriorating in more than 90% of cases. Keratoconus worsens as the cornea weakens. CXL uses ultraviolet light and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) drops to harden the cornea. Together, they cause fibers within the cornea to cross-link – or bond more firmly. This treatment emulates the normal age-related hardening of the cornea, which is known as natural cross-linking
Corneal Transplant
About Corneal Transplant
The cornea is a window of transparent tissue at the front of the eyeball. It allows light to pass into the eye and provides focus so that images can be seen clearly. Various diseases or injuries can make the cornea either cloudy or change shape. This prevents the normal passage of light into the eye and affects vision.The cornea has three main layers (thin outer and inner layers and a thick middle layer). In some diseases, only the inside layer (endothelium) is affected, causing corneal oedema (swelling) and clouding.
Corneal Transplant
About Corneal Transplant
The cornea is a window of transparent tissue at the front of the eyeball. It allows light to pass into the eye and provides focus so that images can be seen clearly. Various diseases or injuries can make the cornea either cloudy or change shape. This prevents the normal passage of light into the eye and affects vision.The cornea has three main layers (thin outer and inner layers and a thick middle layer). In some diseases, only the inside layer (endothelium) is affected, causing corneal oedema (swelling) and clouding.
Keratoconus treatment
ِAbout Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the normally round cornea becomes thin and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This distortion causes blurry or distorted vision and can significantly affect a person's ability to see clearly. The condition often develops during adolescence and may progress more quickly if it begins at a younger age or if there is frequent eye rubbing. At Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai and Abu Dhabi, our Keratoconus specialists use advanced diagnostic tools and personalised keratoconus treatment options to support long-term eye health and help patients maintain the best possible vision.Keratoconus treatment
ِAbout Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the normally round cornea becomes thin and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This distortion causes blurry or distorted vision and can significantly affect a person's ability to see clearly. The condition often develops during adolescence and may progress more quickly if it begins at a younger age or if there is frequent eye rubbing. At Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai and Abu Dhabi, our Keratoconus specialists use advanced diagnostic tools and personalised keratoconus treatment options to support long-term eye health and help patients maintain the best possible vision.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), also known as meibomian gland disease, is a common condition in which the oil-producing glands in the eyelids become blocked or do not function properly. These glands are essential in maintaining a healthy tear film, which keeps the surface of the eye moist and comfortable. When the glands are not functioning correctly, the tear film becomes unstable and evaporates too quickly. This can lead to dry, irritated, or uncomfortable eyes. This condition is particularly common in older adults, but it can also affect individuals of any age. At Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we offer advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatment options to help manage Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and improve your long-term eye comfort and visionMeibomian Gland Dysfunction
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), also known as meibomian gland disease, is a common condition in which the oil-producing glands in the eyelids become blocked or do not function properly. These glands are essential in maintaining a healthy tear film, which keeps the surface of the eye moist and comfortable. When the glands are not functioning correctly, the tear film becomes unstable and evaporates too quickly. This can lead to dry, irritated, or uncomfortable eyes. This condition is particularly common in older adults, but it can also affect individuals of any age. At Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we offer advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatment options to help manage Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and improve your long-term eye comfort and visionCornea services Specialists
Dr. Osama Giledi
Consultant Ophthalmologist in Cataract, Cornea and Refractive Vision Correction SurgeryChief of Cornea and Refractive surgery
GCAA Approved Specialist Aeromedical Examiner
Associate Professor Of Ophthalmology (Adjunct)
- Advanced phacoemulsification cataract surgery
- Premium intraocular lenses, including toric, multifocal and extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses
- Full-thickness and partial-thickness corneal transplantation
- SALK, DALK and DSAEK procedures
- Management of complex corneal disorders
- Advanced surgical and non-surgical corneal therapeutics
- SMILE
- Femto-LASIK
- PRK and TransPRK
- Phakic intraocular lenses, including ICL
- Corneal cross-linking
- Intracorneal ring segments
- Complex laser treatments
- Corneal transplantation
- Severe dry eye disease
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
- Pterygium
- Limbal stem cell deficiency
- Ocular surface reconstruction
- Amniotic membrane grafting
- Pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft and fibrin glue techniques
- MBBCh, Medical Degree, Libya
- Specialist Ophthalmology Training, United Kingdom
- FRCSEd (Ophthalmology), Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK
- Certification in Refractive Surgery, Royal College of Ophthalmologists, London, UK
- Six-month Clinical Fellowship in Cornea and External Eye Disease, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, UK
- Two-year Higher Subspecialty Fellowship in Anterior Segment, Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Corneoplastic Unit and Eye Bank, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, UK
- Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK
- United Kingdom & Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons ( UKISCRS)
- European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS)
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS)
- Emirates Ophthalmology Society (ESO)
- Member, UAE National Organ and Tissue Program Corneal Transplant Committee
- Associate Professor of Ophthalmology (Adjunct) at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU)
- Extensive experience in ophthalmic teaching and surgical trainingin
- Presenter at national and international ophthalmology meetings
- Author of research published in peer-reviewed scientific journals
Dr. Miguel Morcillo
Consultant Ophthalmologist in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive vision correction surgery- Corneal diseases
- Cataract surgery
- Laser Vision correction surgery: LASIK, LASEK, TransPRK and SMILE
- Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs)
- Multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs)
- Keratoconus surgery
- Degree in Medicine from the Universitat de Valencia, Spain
- Ophthalmology Residency completed through the MIR (Médico Interno Residente) programme of the Spanish Ministry of Health
- Advanced training in corneal surgery at NIIOS Eye Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Member of Sociedad Española de Oftalmología (SEO)
- Member of the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO)
- Member of the European Vitreoretinal Society (EVRS)
- Member of Surgical Eye Expeditions International (SEE International)
- Research in surgical techniques and outcomes, including Ultrathin LASIK, keratoconus screening, ICLs and multifocal IOLs
- Presented research at national and international congresses and in scientific journals
- Organised educational courses on refractive surgery for ophthalmology peers and opticians
- Experienced educator of surgeons in anterior segment and refractive surgery
- Contributed to the development and implementation of refractive treatments including LASIK, LASEK, ICLs and multifocal IOLs
Dr. Hamed Abbasi
Specialist Ophthalmologist in Cornea and Refractive surgeryAreas of Expertise
- Refractive surgery, including PRK, TransPRK, FemtoLASIK and FemtoSMILE
- Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL)
- Cataract surgery, including multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs)
- Corneal transplantation, including PKP, DALK, DSAEK and DMEK
- Keratoconus management
- Pterygium surgery
- Dry eye management
- Upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty
Qualifications
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Board of Ophthalmology Speciality, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Professional Affiliations
- Member of the Emirates Society of Ophthalmology
Research & Academic Work
- Published research in the field of cornea in peer-reviewed journals, including the American Journal of Ophthalmology and Eye, the journal of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
- Serves as a peer reviewer for medical journals, including the American Journal of Ophthalmology and Medicine
- Regularly participates as a speaker and instructor at scientific congresses organised by the Emirates Society of Ophthalmology
Dr. Nadim Habash
Visiting Consultant Ophthalmologist in Cornea, Ocular Surface Diseases, and General Ophthalmology- Corneal diseases
- Ocular surface diseases
- Anterior segment diseases
- General ophthalmology
- American Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
- Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology
- Residency ophthalmology training at George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Served as Chief Resident at George Washington University
- Fellowship in Cornea and External Disease at the University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, FRCS(C)
- Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
- Published research on corneal transplantation
- Chaired scientific conferences and symposia
- Extensive experience teaching medical students and ophthalmology residents
- Held academic positions during his career, including the University of Ohio at Toledo, USA and King Saud University at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dr. Esmaeil Arbabi
Medical Director and Consultant Ophthalmologist in Corneal transplant, Cataract & Refractive Surgery
FAQ
Problems in the cornea can lead to symptoms such as blurred or distorted vision, eye pain, redness, watering, sensitivity to light, glare, halos or the feeling that something is in the eye. Some conditions develop slowly over time, whilst others, such as infections or injuries, can appear suddenly and require prompt assessment.
Prompt assessment is required for intense eye pain, a sudden change in vision, a very red or watery eye, an eye injury or an object lodged in the eye. Contact lens wearers who develop pain, redness, light sensitivity or sudden blurred vision should remove their lenses and seek clinical advice, as these symptoms may indicate a corneal infection.
A corneal assessment usually includes checking your vision and examining the front of the eye with a slit-lamp microscope. Depending on the clinical findings, further tests may include corneal topography or tomography to map the shape of the cornea, pachymetry to measure its thickness, an endothelial cell count or fluorescein dye to identify damage to the corneal surface. If an infection is suspected, a small sample may be taken for laboratory analysis.
Treatment depends on the cause of the condition and which layer of the cornea is affected, and may include prescribed eye drops or medicines, specialist contact lenses, corneal cross-linking, laser treatment or corneal surgery. When the cornea has become significantly scarred, cloudy or damaged, a corneal transplant may be considered. Our cornea specialists will explain the findings, the recommended treatment and what outcome can reasonably be expected before care is planned.
Not all corneal conditions require surgery and certain conditions can be managed through medication, lubricating eye drops, specialist contact lenses or structured monitoring. Surgery may be recommended when the condition is progressing, significantly affecting vision or cannot be managed adequately through non-surgical treatment.
Minor injuries affecting the surface of the cornea can often heal with appropriate care, although deeper injuries, infections, scarring or conditions that alter the cornea’s structure may require specialist treatment. The extent of recovery depends on the cause and depth of the damage, which is why persistent pain, redness or changes in vision should be assessed rather than monitored without clinical advice.
Our Cornea specialists in Dubai and Abu Dhabi diagnose, manage and treat conditions a wide range of conditions including keratoconus, corneal infections and inflammation, abrasions, , Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, inherited corneal dystrophies and meibomian gland dysfunction.
We have cornea specialists in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of corneal and ocular surface conditions, including complex cases requiring surgical treatment. As we provide care across all major ophthalmic specialities, another subspecialist can be involved directly when a condition affects multiple parts of the eye or requires a coordinated treatment pathway.
