[:en]14 September 2010 (Dubai, UAE): Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai (Moorfields), the Dubai branch of the world renowned London hospital for eye treatment, teaching and research, is offering free eye consultations in support of the health check campaign by Dubai Healthcare City.
Dubai Healthcare City’s Health Check program 2010 will offer free lunchtime consultations with doctors covering a range of health-related matters in different TECOM Business Parks, for a total of eight weeks. The consultations will be by appointment on a first response basis.
Moorfields has committed to providing free eye care checks through the full day on Wednesday 15th September 2010, from 0900-16.30pm, at Dubai Knowledge Village (Block 2A. room 4). Dr Imran Ansari, General Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, will be conducting the eye checks. All appointments for the day have been booked.
Executive Director of Dubai Healthcare City, Dr. Ayesha Abdullah said: “Dubai Healthcare City is committed to health prevention not just treatment. This is a commitment I know our healthcare partners share and I am delighted that Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai is supporting our initiative today to increase public engagement on health by offering free eye consultations. Every week, for the next eight weeks we will be working with DHCC clinics and hospitals to provide free expert advice and care to the community. We want people to put their health first and are delighted to be launching this initiative with one of the world’s oldest and most admired eye hospitals.”
Dr Chris Canning, Medical Director at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, added: “Moorfields welcomes this initiative by Dubai Healthcare City for the benefit of staff and partners at TECOM. Education and screening are prime objectives of ours and this programme delivers both. Healthcare should be as much about screening and prevention as well as treatment; and a regular health check up – including an eye check – is a vital habit to instil in the community.”
Contact: Jonathan Walsh/Vanessa Payne
WPR Limited
Dubai
050 4588610
[email protected]
Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai PCRF patient press release
[:en]
Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai treats young Palestinian patient in Dubai
23 December 2012 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) has referred a young patient to Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai (Moorfields) – the Dubai branch of Moorfields Eye Hospital in London – for specialist eye treatment.
Anaghim lost her eye through a tumour when she was just a few months old and has undergone several surgeries as she has grown and the eye socket has developed.
An 11 year old girl, she is one of four children living with their parents in the Beach Refugee Camp in Gaza and needs surgery to replace an orbital implant. This procedure will allow her to have a permanent artificial eye fitted by the Hospital’s ocularist at a later date, after healing following the surgery.
Anaghim will have surgery in December by Dr Andrea Sciscio, an Oculoplastic Surgeon based permanently at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai. Three months following the surgery, once the socket has healed, it will be possible for the Hospital’s ocularist to craft and fit an artificial eye.
The PCRF UAE Chapter managed all the logistics to bring Anaghim to the UAE, including visas and travel arrangements; she is currently staying with her grandparents in the UAE.
Dr Andrea Sciscio, Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, comments: “The objective of this surgery is to allow Anaghim’s eye socket for the fitting of a new orbital ball implant, which fills the eye socket and maintains its shape and volume like a natural eyeball, over which we can fit a very natural looking Artificial Eye which can be produced to match precisely Anaghim’s real eye. It is important that we are able to provide this continuity of patient care here at the hospital, which is so critical to the outcome of the procedure and so will be monitoring her after the surgery and before the fitting of the artificial eye.”
Moorfields has already treated several serious eye cases for the PCRF patients since opening 5 years ago and the PCRF welcomed Moorfield’s continuing medical support for its work. Steve Sosebee, President and CEO of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, commented: “On behalf of the PCRF, I would like to thank Moorfields for continuing to help the young people in Palestine who cannot get adequate medical care locally, and which makes such a difference to the quality of life for the patients and their families.”
The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund is a US based charity with chapters in several countries and has sent more than 60 injured and sick children to the UAE over the past five years, including twelve in 2012, for medical care that was not available to them in Palestine. PCRF has also worked with a number of national and international foundations including Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, The Little Wings Foundation and Slam Ya Sighar.
www.pcrf.net
-ends-
Notes to editors:
About the PCRF
The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund is a non-political, non-profit entity established in 1991 by concerned people in the United States to address the medical and humanitarian crisis facing Palestinian youths in the Middle East. The PCRF is registered as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization in the U.S., and in the U.A.E. it operates solely as an unincorporated network of committed supporters. PCRF – U.A.E. does not engage in any fund-raising activities without the formal approval of properly licensed local entities based in the U.A.E. www.pcrf.net
About Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai
Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai (MEHD) is the first overseas branch of Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the oldest and one of the largest centres for ophthalmic treatment, teaching and research in the world. Located at the Al Razi Medical Complex in Dubai Health Care City, the facility provides day case surgery and outpatient diagnostic and treatment services, for a variety of surgical and non-surgical eye conditions. MEHD will also raise standards for research and teaching in the region. MEHD is owned and managed by the NHS Foundation Trust, and maintains close links with London, to ensure that patients in the GCC receive the best eye care treatment in the world.
Issued on behalf of Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai by WPR.
Media contacts:
PCRF: Mazen Aloul, Media Coordinator, PCRF, M:+971 50 4626593, E: [email protected], W: http://community.pcrf.net/
http://pcrf.net/
Moorfields: Jonathan Walsh, WPR Limited, Dubai, +971 50 4588610, [email protected]
Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai unlocks the secrets to younger eyes this summer
[:en]2 June 2013 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and when it comes to anti-aging, cosmetic facial surgery around the eyes (‘periorbital rejuvenation’ as it is known to the experts) is the most common procedure. But results can be erratic with low patient satisfaction. The best results are achieved when patients are operated on by Oculoplastic Surgeons who regularly operate on the eyelid and periorbital region, say the Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeons at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, the first overseas branch of the world renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.
The most common procedure in facial cosmetic surgery is performed on the upper and lower eyelids – ‘blepharoplasty’. Around 250,000 procedures are performed every year around the world. However, whilst it is a common procedure, the results can vary significantly from patient expectations. “Traditional Blepharoplasty has an enormous potential for disaster,” says Dr Andrea Sciscio, Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai. “There is no perfect aesthetic procedure and it is very much a case of understanding each patient’s exact problem and address it accordingly.”
Blepharoplasty has evolved enormously since it was first developed 70 years ago. Over the decades, the techniques have developed to yield the best aesthetic outcome for each patient individually. The eyelids have to be evaluated in the context of the eyebrow and the mid-face appearance – its overall ‘height’ and structure, adds Dr Qasiem Nasser, Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai: “An analysis of the soft tissues from the eyebrows to the mid-face, and from the surface to the deeper structures up to the orbital rim (eye socket and surrounding structure), allows the surgeon to establish the aging changes that have occurred with the patient and helps direct the blepharoplasty surgery to deliver the optimal aesthetic outcome.”
From June-August 2013, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai is offering a special summer rate on consultations for aesthetic eye surgery.
Eye experts raise concerns about cataracts as age and diabetes raise threat levels in the region
[:en]30 June 2014 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cataracts are the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the world (47.9%) and their prevalence increases each year as the world’s population ages. Eye experts at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai are warning about the rising incidence of cataracts in the GCC’s young but ageing population (over 65 segment growing from 1.2% in 2015 to 14.2% of the GCC population by 2050) and especially amongst the large diabetic community in the GCC, where the risk of cataracts is much higher. Age and diabetes are the two main risk factors for cataracts.
Cataracts cause gradual blurring of the vision. In 2002, cataracts caused reversible blindness in more than 17 million of the 37 million blind individuals worldwide; this figure is projected to reach 40 million by 2020. In the Gulf region, an ageing population and high incidence of diabetes is raising concerns among eye experts.
‘Cataract’ is an English word for a large waterfall and is also a very apt term used to describe a gradual loss of vision as the lens of the eye becomes opaque and so is like looking through a waterfall. Cataracts are cloudy opacifications of the lens of the eye that interfere with vision. Cataracts can be caused by a wide variety of factors. The lens of the eye is made up of cells that contain protein and with increasing age and after damage to the lens cells by trauma, illness or certain medications over time the protein becomes denser and the lens may start to cloud over.Age is the single most important risk factor for cataracts, which are rare before the age of 40 – although babies can also be born with cataracts. Diabetes is one of the other key factors that result in the development of cataracts; people with diabetes mellitus statistically face a 60% greater risk of developing cataracts.
As with most complications of diabetes, maintaining good control of blood sugar levels will help to reduce risk. Research has shown that people with type 2 diabetes who lower their HbA1c level by just 1% can reduce their risk of cataracts by 19%.Dr Edoardo Zinicola, Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon and Medical Retina Specialist at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, the first overseas branch of the world’s largest eye hospital, comments: “We cannot turn back time and even the young population of the Middle East will eventually age, potentially creating a wave of chronic disease – principally diabetes, which will create this perfect storm for cataracts and other serious eye complications. Cataracts generally develop and progress slowly and can eventually lead to significant vision problems. The good news is that cataracts can be treated very effectively with modern surgery to remove the cloudy lens and insert a high quality lens implant. Once treated, cataracts do not return.”
Moorfields is inviting the community and people with diabetes for cataract screening, diagnosis and assessment, as well as surgery where appropriate, and is offering special rates during the summer months.
Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai supports Dubai Healthcare City’s ‘World Diabetes Day campaign’, a public health screening event offering more than 10 tests for children and adults
[:en]Vision experts will provide complimentary consultations to explain some of the most common and serious complications of diabetes
12 November 2014 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): To mark World Diabetes Day 2014, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai will support Dubai Healthcare City’s public health screening campaign aimed to educate the community about diabetes through consultations and health checks.
The event, organized by DHCC, the world’s largest healthcare free zone, will take place on Thursday, November 13, 4pm-8pm, at The Executive Towers, Business Bay, Dubai. A team from the hospital will provide residents seeking consultations with medical history review, intra-ocular pressure tests, visual acuity checks, and retinal imaging. The vision tests will use state-of-the-art technology.
Retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, are some of the most common complications caused by diabetes and can lead to permanent loss of vision if not treated. To help the UAE’s large population of people with diabetes manage the disease, Moorfields has established a specialist team of three retinal consultant surgeons and ophthalmologists in Dubai focusing on medical retinal diseases, such as diabetes. Dr. Avinash Gurbaxani, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, comments: “Vision-related problems are some of the most common and serious complications of diabetes. Of course, the single most effective treatment for diabetic eye disease is prevention – good control of diabetes and any associated high blood pressure can delay or avoid significant eye problems. Prevention of diabetic eye disease starts with regular eye examinations which can so often provide an indicator of the diabetes or blood pressure control. Regular screening should begin from an early age, regardless of whether there are vision symptoms or not.”
Diabetic retinopathy
Every cell in the eye (and, indeed, the body) is affected by the biochemical changes of diabetes. In practice, however, retinopathy is a disease of blood vessels – sometimes they wither away, sometimes they leak fluids when they shouldn’t and sometimes they grow where they do not belong. The blood vessels in the retina are uniquely prone to going wrong in this way, although the same changes can be found elsewhere in the body.
Treating diabetic retinopathy
According to Dr Edoardo Zinicola, Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon and Medical Retina Specialist at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, once retinopathy is present, direct eye treatment may be needed and the type of treatment depends on the problem. “There is no effective treatment for the parts of the retina where blood vessels have disappeared,” he comments. “Laser photocoagulation remains the first line of treatment for both new and leaking vessels. Injections of steroids and medicines known as VEGF blocking agents also have a role and where the eye disease is advanced then surgery can help.”
Prevention tips for patients at risk of diabetic retinopathy
- Control the diabetes as well as you can
- Control high blood pressure
- Do not smoke
- Get regular eye checks
- Take charge of your own health
The Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai specialist team of retinal consultant surgeons and ophthalmologists comprises: Dr Avinash Gurbaxani; Dr Edoardo Zinicola; Dr Jana Sheqem.
Intravitreal Injection
The macula is the central part of the retina at the back of the eye. It is responsible for fine vision (reading, writing, watching television, and recognising faces). Patients with diabetes may develop macular oedema (swelling of the retina) due to leaking of fluid from blood vessels. This causes the vision to become blurred.
A course of three injections is recommended with each injection administered one month apart. The procedure is carried out in a clean environment using sterile technique. The eye is cleaned and local anaesthetic drops are given to numb the eye.
The eye may or may not be covered after the injection. If a pad is applied, this may be removed when you reach home.
High Precision Refractive Surgery
When you decide on an eye laser treatment, you expect the best possible results. The more fully developed the methods are, the better the outcome will be. The SCHWIND AMARIS 750S offers you the leading technology for your laser treatment – superior in all important aspects: Speed, precision, safety and comfort.
Corneal Transplantation (PK)
Why do you need a 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. Various diseases or injury can make the cornea either cloudy or out of shape. This prevents the normal passage of light and affects vision.
A cloudy cornea can be replaced by a healthy one from a donor to restore vision.If the full thickness of the cornea is affected by disease, then a full thickness transplant is performed. This is known as a penetrating keratoplasty.
Benefits of penetrating keratoplasty
Improved vision
- Approximately 75% of transplant recipients have vision sufficient to drive legally but may need glasses or contact lenses or sometimes further surgery for best results.
- It may take up to 18 months until the full improvement in vision is appreciated.
Risks of penetrating keratoplasty
Rare but serious complications
- Sight-threatening infection (1 in 1,000)
- Severe haemorrhage causing loss of vision
- Retinal detachment
- Severe inflammation or other rare causes of loss of vision
Corneal transplant rejection
A corneal transplant can be identified and attacked by your immune system. This happens in one in six patients in the first two years after transplantation and can cause graft failure. It can often be reversed if anti-rejection medication is started promptly.
Rejection remains a possibility for your lifetime.
Graft failure
When a graft fails, your cornea becomes cloudy again and your vision becomes blurred. This happens in one in 10 transplants for keratoconus in the first 10 years.
Glaucoma
This can usually be controlled by eye drops, but occasionally requires surgery and can damage the sight.
Cataract
This can be removed surgically.
About the operation
The operation
The operation is performed under general or local anaesthetic. The operation takes about one hour. A central 8mm button of your cornea is removed and a similar-sized button of the donor cornea is stitched in with tiny stitches (see front cover). These cannot be felt or seen. The abnormal cornea, which is removed, is sent to our pathology laboratory for examination under a microscope.
After the operation
You will usually be examined by the surgical team after the surgery and can generally go home the same day. You will be seen again within one week in the outpatient clinic and regularly thereafter (approximately six visits in the first year). We generally recommend that you take two weeks off work – discuss your individual circumstances with your doctor. You will need to use anti-rejection eye drops for at least six months and in some cases indefinitely. Individual
stitches may be removed from three months after the operation, but complete stitch removal is not performed until at least one year after the procedure.
What if my transplant fails?
A failed transplant can be replaced in a procedure known as a regraft, but the risk of subsequent rejection and failure increases each time for regrafts.
The percentages of full-thickness corneal grafts that are still functioning well five years after the operation under various conditions are:
| Condition | % |
|---|---|
| Keratoconus | 95 |
| Fuchs’ dystrophy | 80-90 |
| Stormal Scar | 80-90 |
| Stromal dystrophies | 80-90 |
| Bullous keratopathy | 50-80 |
| Bacterial infections | 50-80 |
| Herpetic keratitis | 50-80 |
| Fungal infection | 0-50 |
| 3rd or higher number regraft | 0-50 |
| 4 quadrants of blood vessels | 0-50 |
| Inflammation at time of surgery | 0-50 |
| Severe ocular surface disease | 0-50 |
| Grafts greater than 10mm | 0-50 |
Consenting for information sharing
We are required to share your information with the Eye Bank who supply donor corneas, to ensure high quality transplant material.
Corneal transplant rejection
Rejection needs urgent treatment as this can lead to failure of the transplant and loss of vision.
Symptoms of rejection are:
- Red eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Visual loss
- Pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately call our 24-hour emergency phone line 055 516 1586.
Corneal Transplantation (EK)
Why do you need a 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. Various diseases or injury can make the cornea either cloudy or out of shape. This prevents the normal passage of light and affects vision.
The cornea has three 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 (see below). Endothelial keratoplasty is a modern technique to replace the inside layer of your cornea with the inside layer from a donor cornea through a relatively small incision (opening).
Benefits of endothelial Keratoplasty
Improved vision
The majority of transplant recipients have sufficiently good vision to be able to drive legally although many need glasses. It can take up to six months until the full improvement is appreciated. Comfort is improved in some cases.
Risks of endothelial Keratoplasty
Rare but serious complications
- Sight-threatening infection (1 in 1,000)
- Severe haemorrhage causing loss of vision
- Retinal detachment
- Severe inflammation or other rare causes of loss of vision
Corneal transplant rejection
A corneal transplant can be identified and attacked by your immune system. This happens in between 6% and 10% of DSAEK recipients in the first two years after transplantation and can cause graft failure. It can often be reversed if anti-rejection medication is started promptly. Rejection remains a possibility for your lifetime. The rejection risk in DMEK appears to be lower than in DSAEK.
Graft failure
When a graft fails, the cornea becomes cloudy again and vision becomes blurred.
Glaucoma
This can usually be controlled by eye drops, but occasionally requires surgery and can damage your sight.
Graft dislocation
About 10% of endothelial grafts dislocate and need to be repositioned in theatre.
Cataract
This can be removed surgically.
Possible advantages of EK over full-thickness graft
- Faster recovery
- Fewer stitches, which means that the shape of the cornea is more “normal” and you are less dependent on glasses/ contact lens
- Smaller wound so fewer wound complications such as leakage or wound rupture after accidental injury
About the operation
The operation
The operation is usually performed under local anaesthetic and takes about one hour. Through a small incision (opening), your endothelium is removed and an 8.5mm disc of donor endothelium is inserted and pressed in position against the back of your cornea by a bubble of air. You will need to lie flat for one hour after the operation. Usually, only two stitches are used to close the incision.
After the operation
You will usually be examined by the surgical team after your surgery and can generally go home the same day. You will be seen again the next day and within one week to make sure the graft stays in position. You will have about six visits to the outpatient clinic in the first year. We generally recommend that you take two weeks off work – discuss your individual circumstances with your doctor. You will need to use anti-rejection eyedrops for at least six months and in some cases indefinitely. The stitches are usually removed at about three months.
What if my transplant fails?
A failed transplant can be replaced in a procedure known as a regraft. However, the risk of subsequent rejection and failure increases each time for second and subsequent regrafts.
Consenting for information sharing
We are required to share your information with the Eye Bank who supply donor corneas, to ensure high quality transplant material.
Corneal transplant rejection
Rejection needs urgent treatment as this can lead to failure of the transplant and loss of vision.
Symptoms of rejection are:
- Red eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Visual loss
- Pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately call our 24-hour emergency phone line 055 516 1586.
Corneal Transplantation (DALK)
Why do you need a 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. Various diseases or injury can make the cornea either cloudy or out of shape. This prevents the normal passage of light and affects vision. The cornea has 3 layers (thin outer and inner layers and a thick middle layer). In some diseases, only the middle layer or part of the middle layer is affected (see below).
DALK is a modern technique whereby the outer two layers of the cornea are removed and replaced with the outer 2 layers from a donor cornea to give a partial-thickness transplant.
Benefits of Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty
Improved vision
- 90% of transplant recipients reach driving standard if the eye is otherwise healthy but can need glasses or contact lenses or sometimes further surgery for best results.
- It may take up to 18 months until the full improvement in vision is appreciated.
Risks of Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty
Rare but serious complications
- Sight-threatening infection (1 in 1000)
- Severe haemorrhage causing loss of vision
- Retinal detachment
Corneal transplant rejection
A corneal transplant can be identified and attacked by your immune system. This happens in less than 10% of DALK recipients in the first two years after transplantation and can cause graft failure. It can often be reversed if anti-rejection medication is started promptly. Rejection remains a possibility for your lifetime.
Graft Failure
When a graft fails the cornea becomes cloudy again and vision becomes blurred.
Glaucoma
This can usually be controlled by eyedrops but occasionally requires surgery.
Cataract
This can be removed surgically. Conversion to penetrating keratoplasty. Occasionally it is not possible to perform a partial thickness transplant and a full-thickness transplant must be performed instead. This happens in 10% of intended DALK procedures.
Possible advantages of DALK over full-thickness graft
- Lower risk of intraocular problems such as serious infection or bleeding.
- Lower risk of graft rejection.
- The corneal wound after DALK is stronger than that after a full-thickness graft (PK). This means that stitches can be removed sooner.
Possible disadvantages of DALK over full-thickness graft
DALK recipients have a slightly lower chance of achieving 6/6 vision (excellent vision) than recipients of full thickness grafts.
About the operation
The Operation
The operation is performed under general or local anaesthetic. The operation takes about one hour. A central partial thickness 8mm button of the patient’s cornea is removed and a similar-sized button of the donor cornea is stitched in with tiny stitches (see front cover). These cannot be felt nor seen. The abnormal cornea, which is removed is sent to our pathology laboratory for examination under a microscope.After the operation
After the operation you will usually be examined by the surgical team after the surgery and can usually go home the same day. You will be seen again within 1 week in the outpatient clinic and regularly thereafter (approximately 6 visits in the first year). We generally recommend that you take 2 weeks off work – discuss your case with your doctor. You will need to use anti-rejection eyedrops for at least 6 months and in some cases indefinitely. Individual stitches may be removed from 3 months after the operation but complete stitch removal is not performed until at least 1 year.
What if my transplant fails?
A failed transplant can be replaced in a procedure known as a regraft. However the risk of subsequent rejection and failure increases each time for second and subsequent regrafts.Corneal Transplant Rejection
If not treated urgently this can lead to failure of the transplant and loss of vision.
Symptoms of rejection are:
- Red eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Visual loss
- Pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately call our 24-hour emergency phone line 055 516 1586.
Cataract Surgery Treatment
Facts
The term cataract derives from the view we get when looking through a waterfall.
- A cataract is the clouding or opacity of the lens inside the eye. The lens has the shape of a lentil and lies behind the coloured part of the eye, the iris.
- In a normal eye, this lens is clear. It helps focus light rays on to the back of the eye, the retina, which sends messages to the brain allowing us to see. When a cataract develops, the lens becomes cloudy and prevents the light rays from passing to the retina.
- Cataracts usually form slowly and people experience a gradual blurring of vision.
“I didn’t know that I had a cataract until my doctor told me!”
Some people may not be aware that a cataract is developing. It can start at the edge of the lens and initially may not cause problems with vision. Generally, as cataracts develop, people experience blurring or hazing of vision. Often they become more sensitive to light and glare.
I seemed to have to go to the optician more to get new glasses.
There may be a need to get new prescriptions for glasses more often when a cataract is developing. When cataracts worsen, stronger glasses no longer improve sight. Objects have to be held close to the eye to be seen. The hole in the iris, the pupil, may no longer look black. It may instead look white or yellow.
Questions & Answers
Do cataracts spread from eye to eye?
No. But often they develop in both eyes at the same time.
Has my cataract been caused by overuse of my eyes?
No. Cataracts are not caused by over use of the eyes and using the eyes when the cataracts start will not make them get worse.
Are there different kinds of cataract?
Yes. Cataracts can be caused by injuries to the eye. This type of cataract is called a traumatic cataract.
Can children have cataracts?
Yes. Babies can be born with this condition. This is called congenital cataract.
Is there a link between diabetes and cataracts?
Yes. Cataracts are more common in people who have diabetes.
Are cataracts just a part of getting old?
Most forms of cataract develop in adult life. The normal process of ageing causes the lens to harden and become cloudy. This is called age-related cataract and it is the most common type. It can occur at any time after the age of 40.
When do I have my cataract treated?
When the cataract progresses to the point that it is interfering with daily activities and normal lifestyle, cataract surgery is usually the next step. Cataracts don’t grow back after surgery.
Could anything have been done to stop me developing a cataract?
There is no known prevention for cataract. Advanced modern cataract surgery using a small incision is highly successful for the great majority of patients.
Are cataracts removed by laser?
No. Surgery is the only effective way to remove a cloudy lens. It is removed with highly sophisticated state of the art equipment available at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai.
I have a cataract developing in both eyes, are both treated at the same time?
No, the second eye is operated on a few weeks later.
Do I need any special tests before the operation?
Yes. We will carry out precise measurements of the eyes. Here at Moorfields Hospital we use the IOL Master, one of the most accurate instruments available at this time.
What kind of anaesthetic is necessary?
Most operations for cataracts are performed under local anaesthetic, drops alone or anaesthetic around the eye. You will be awake during the operation and aware of a bright light, but you will not be able to see what is happening. Occasionally a sedative agent is given to make you feel more relaxed. General anaesthesia is seldom necessary.
Will I have to stay in hospital?
No. All routine operations for cataracts are performed on a day care basis. This means you are admitted to hospital, have your operation and are discharged in the same day.
What does the operation involve?
Modern small incision cataract surgery at MoorfieldsisperformedwithPhac-oemulsification. This technique uses sound waves to soften the lens, which is then removed through a small tube. The natural Lens is replaced with an Artificial Lens also called IOL.The operation takes between 10-20 minutes.
Are there any complications?
There are some possible complications during the operation such as:
- Tearing of the back part of the lens capsule
This is however rare and should be less than 1/1000 in experienced hands.
- Inflammation of the eye
The eye may become red and ache. This is a condition called uveitis and can be treated effectively with drops.
- Blurring of the central vision
An accumulation of fluid in the back of the eye (retina) may occur, causing blurring of the central vision. This is known as cystoid macular oedema. This usually resolves itself within a few weeks.
Serious complications are uncommon following cataract surgery. However, like any kind of operation, problems can occur.
After the operation problems with infection and inflammation can present a few days later. If you experience any of the following contact us immediately:
- Pain
- Light sensitivity
- Red eye
Aftercare
Questions & Answers
Will my eyes need to be covered following the surgery?
Your eye will be covered with a protective plastic eye shield. Some patients may also have an eye pad.
Will I feel any pain after the operation?
As the anaesthetic wears off, there can be a dull ache felt inside and around the eye. You can take paracetamol or other general painkillers that suit you best.
Can I bend down to pray?
Yes, from the following day but you have to be very careful not to injure your eyes or apply any pressure on them.
When will the doctor see me after the operation?
The doctor will see you the day after the operation.
How do I put the eye drops?
A nurse will teach you how to look after your eyes before you are discharged. You will be shown how to clean your eyes and put in the eye drops correctly. Eye drop treatment prevents infection and helps reduce.
Is there anything else I have to do to care for my eye?
You should avoid rubbing or touching your eye. You may find you are sensitive to light, so it is useful to have a pair of plain dark glasses in case you need them. The majority of patients can resume normal physical activity within a week. You should be able to return to work the day following your operation depending on your job, check with the doctor to confirm.
Will I need glasses?
Generally, you will still need glasses for reading and occasionally for distance. You can also choose to have a MULTIFOCAL or an ACCOMODATIVE lens inserted to improve your unaided near vision.
Usually you will have a check-up for your glasses with our Optometrist after 4 weeks. If you would prefer not to depend on the glasses for near vision ask your surgeon about what is available.
Will the lens implant last forever?
Yes. However, 1 in 10 patients will have a thickening of the membrane behind the new lens. This occurs in the months or years following surgery. This is called capsular opacity, and can be effectively treated with the YAG laser in the hospital.
Blepharitis
Facts
- Common condition that causes inflammation of the eye lids and can affect people of all ages.
- It usually affects the rim of the eyelids of both eyes and usually is not serious but still irritating and uncomfortable.
- Eyelids may become crusty and scaly and eyes may feel gritty and very tired with increasing irritation when outdoors in sunshine or around any polluted or smoke filled environment.
- Can be associated with skin conditions such as rosacea and eye conditions like conjunctivitis.
- The symptoms can re-occur at any time but home treatment can calm the symptoms and eyesight is generally not affected.
Treatment
You might be prescribed a combination of treatments described below depending on the type of blepharitis: anterior or posterior.
Cleaning of the lid margin
Dip a clean cotton bud in the solution* and clean away any crusts present on the eyelashes. A mirror may be helpful. Do not clean inside the eyelids as this will make them sore. Repeat the process twice a day.
Wipe along the Lid Margin
*Solution
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Baby shampoo solution
- Normal saline
Use the antibiotic - Hot compresses
Soak a clean gauze in boiled water and hold it on your lids with your eyes closed, for 5 minutes twice a day, being careful that the temperature is not too hot. - Lid massage
Roll your finger/cotton bud towards the margin 10 times each for the top and bottom lid, twice a day. - Antibiotic drops
Apply as directed by pulling the lower lid off the eyeball and letting the drop fall into the pocket without touching the lid. - Antibiotic ointment
Apply as directed, by squeezing 1 cm out of the tube onto your index finger and rubbing it onto the lid margin. It is very important that you follow the instructions in the order shown above.
Top lid, roll downwards
Bottom lid, roll upwards
You must be careful not to touch the eyeball with the cotton bud.