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All you need to know about Macular Degeneration

It’s easy to take our eye health for granted if we’ve had problem-free vision our entire life. However, our vision starts to change as we age- it could mean sensitivity towards light or a sudden need for reading glasses. As we get older, our eyes tend to become more and more susceptible to several conditions, and one of them is macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a disease that causes retinal degeneration leading to severe vision loss in most people over the age of 55. While it can affect people of any age including children, the most common type of macular disease is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Retina, a layer at the center part of the eye is packed with photoreceptors (the cell that enables us to see). Macula is a tiny area at the center part of the retina that is responsible for detailed vision which helps a person to recognize faces, read etc., in other words it is called vision acuity. This disease, as the name suggests, affects the macula. Even though it isn’t total blindness, it’s the cause of serious visual disability. As per the The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, approximately 5% of blindness universally is due to AMD. The study also estimates that globally, 196 million people will have AMD in 2020, increasing to 288 million in 2040. Causes Even though the specific cause isn’t determined, below are some factors that may lead to AMD: Age– Age is the most substantial risk factor for macular degeneration. Eye color– people with lighter eye color seem to be at greater risk. Premature menopause– Studies have shown that the risk is higher in women. Women with early onset menopause can develop macular degeneration sooner. Lifestyle factors– Smoking and exposure to direct UV-rays may also lead to AMD. Lifestyle diseases– People who suffer from heart disease, obesity and high BP also tend to be vulnerable to AMD Hereditary– It isn’t passed down genetically but if ancestors have had AMD, it increases the person’s risk by 50%. Symptoms: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is classified into dry AMD and wet AMD. The initial drying of the macula causing a yellow-ish area on the retina is considered dry AMD. As the disease progresses, abnormal blood vessels start to leak fluid into the macula causing wet AMD which is more sight threatening. One must seek immediate medical help if the following occurs: Visual distortion – straight line may seem distorted. Blurred vision / haziness Blurry whiteouts at the center of vision Decreased intensity or colors Treatment and Prevention: There isn’t an outright cure for AMD but there are treatment options to delay the progress of the disease and improve vision. For Dry AMD, doctors at Eye Consultants suggest nutritional therapy mostly with combination of carotenoids, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients support the macula from deterring further. Treatment for Wet AMD: Laser photocoagulation: Treatment with high energy laser seals abnormal blood vessels under the macula. This procedure aims to minimize the damage to the macula by stopping any kind of discharge. Photodynamic therapy: This is to treat the abnormal blood vessels at the center of the macula. A special drug is inserted through the arms to reach the blood vessels in the eye. Then a specific type of laser is focused to the vessels that are abnormal causing the activation of the special drug. Photodynamic therapy closes the abnormal blood vessels and reduces the rate of vision loss. Prevention: The following measures help reduce the risk of developing AMD It is necessary to have a routine eye checkup after the age of 50. Follow a good diet that includes green-leafy vegetables, fruits, food rich in omega-3 acid (nuts, salmon, etc.) Smokers must stop smoking as it does no good. One can seek professional help if they have difficulty trying to stop. It important to exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

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March 03, 2020
Dr. Ahmed El Khashab
Ophthalmologist
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Tips to Protect Your Eyes From Age-Related Problems

As you grow older, so will your body and your eyesight age too. Whereas some changes can be attributed to heredity and some others to the dry weather, yet others are worsened by bad lifestyle habits like smoking. On the flip side, age-related changes in eyesight can be treated by medicine or surgery, but why go into that when you can prepare for better eyesight even in old age by practising some good health tips. Here they are: Age-Related Dry Macular Degeneration (AMD) When the macula in the retina thins down with advancing age and forms protein clumps, it’s a sign that you suffer from AMD. Though you do lose a lot of your vision, AMD doesn’t cause total blindness. So, you won’t be able to read, drive, cook or be a handyman at home, but you will still have some vision. AMD tis hereditary and first shows up in one’s 60s and by the time one is 70, one’s vision may be seriously damaged. There’s no treatment for this condition but its appearance may be controlled or prevented by eating a fruit and vegetable diet, and using over-the-counter supplements to control it. Glaucoma Glaucoma is essentially a hereditary age-related problem that can lead to blindness when the optic nerve is damaged. It occurs when fluid builds up in front of the eyeball. Since its symptoms do not appear till the damage is acute, it is also known as the “silent disease”. To prevent such an outcome, it is recommended that after the age of 40, eye tests should be conducted every couple of years. Presbyopia Advancing age makes the eyes’ lenses lose their flexibility and therefore focusing on nearby objects becomes difficult. This condition is better-known as Presbyopia. To prevent getting Presbyopia, it si recommended that those in their mid-40s and 50s use reading glasses. If you already suffer from Presbyopia, eye surgery is the best way of correcting this problem. Once you are treated for this, your distance vision will improve. Cataracts When the natural lens of our eyes turn discoloured or cloudy and your vision is hazy, you cannot focus well and any glare also affects your vision. The solution to this is usually surgery which gives you’re your normal vision by replacing the hazy lenses with new and synthetic ones. You may experience this around the age of 50 but may go in for surgery only in your 60s or 70s. these days, cataracts are the No. 1 cause of loss of eyesight among senior citizens. Dry Eyes The lachrymal glands in our eyes produce tears to lubricate them and to protect the cornea. However, if your eyes have been exposed to many years of the harsh sun and wind, and you suffer from stress, high blood pressure and other ailments, your eyes could generate fewer tears. You suffer from dry eyes typically in your 50s when your eyes begin to sting or burn. Floaters As you age, experiencing floaters is very common. They are identified as black or white specks that float around in your line of vision. When the jelly-like liquid that is normally found behind the lens of the eyes begins to break down, floaters form. This is normally seen in one’s 50s and 60s. Floaters by themselves aren’t anything to worry about. However, if light flashes also occur, you need to have them checked by an eye doctor.   Prevention Tips: You may not be able to control advancing glaucoma or macular degeneration if you have a history of it, but with regular lifestyle changes, you can reduce the risk of suffering from it. You can do this in these ways: Take a Change in Your Vision Seriously If you begin to see any changes in your ability to see, see an eye doctor immediately. You might experience hazy or double vision, have red eyes or poor vision at night. Do flashes of light bother you or inflammation and swelling in the eyes or eyelids? If you say ‘yes’ to any of these symptoms, it’s time to see an eye specialist. Exercise Regularly Whether young or old, the benefits of exercise can never be underestimated. According to a study, over 15,000 people who exercised regularly and drank sometimes experienced less loss of vision in a 20-year period than others. Other studies say that with regular exercise such as jogging and walking, the risk of AMD can be reduced up to 70%. Eat a Nutritious Diet By eating a daily diet of antioxidants, Vitamin A and beta carotene, you can reduce your risk of glaucoma and presbyopia, among other eye problems. Plentiful colourful and green leafy vegetables in your diet will be extremely helpful to you. By taking Vitamin C fruits such as lemon, lime, orange,  lychee, papaya and strawberries, you can strengthen your vision. Besides, eating fish that have an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids will also reduce your risk of developing AMD and overall, you will have healthy eyes in old age. To reduce suffering from dry eyes, eat tuna, salmon or halibut regularly. Also, try adding chia or flax seeds to your diet, and walnuts. Ensure you eat eggs regularly and that your cooking medium is either palm or soybean oil.  Quit Smoking Smoking over a protracted period leads to eye problems in old age, such as AMD, cataracts, uveitis, etc. When you smoke about 15 cigarettes per day or more, you run the risk of developing cataracts and AMD. This problem is compounded when you smoke in addition to suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure. In such a situation, you can easily develop glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and Dry Eye syndrome. Wear Sunglasses Whenever you’re out during the day, remember to wear sunglasses that protect you from the harmful glare of UV rays, especially between 10 am and 2 pm. Wear them on cloudy days too because UV rays can penetrate through clouds too. By wearing sunglasses, you lower your risk of cataracts, which could, in turn, reduce your risk of cataracts, pinguecula and other eye problems.   Conclusion From the above list of age-related eye problems, we need to manage our eyesight right through life. We can never take it for granted, else we will land up with one or more of the problems outlined above. So, take care of your eyes and enjoy having good eyesight all through your life.

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March 03, 2020
Dr. Ahmed El Khashab
Ophthalmologist
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Digital Eye Strain and what you can do to deal with it

If there was ever an award nomination for ‘the one aspect that dominates the lives of most people today,’ the winning prize would undoubtedly go to screens. Whether you want to unwind with a movie after a hard day at work or engage in group chat with your friends, the role of a screen as a platform that helps you exchange and consume information cannot be undermined. For most working professionals, staring at a computer screen for 8-9 hours on a daily basis is part of the job description. While we all are aware of the fact that prolonged screen usage can be detrimental to the eyes (a point every parent has made to their children), not much is known about what you can do to avoid digital eye strain. Our experts at Eye Consultants, Dubai have come up with a 6-step guide on combating digital eye strain. 1. Maintain adequate distance with your screen: According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), one should maintain a minimum distance of 25 inches (Roughly an arm’s length), while using a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile screen. The bigger the screen size, the farther away you should sit. If you are having trouble processing text when maintaining an arm’s distance, you might want to consider scheduling an eye examination, to check your vision. 2. Adjust your computer settings for minimum eye strain: Taking the initiative to adjust the settings on your desktop/laptop, could go a long way in protecting your eyes from digital eye strain. As a thumb rule, the brightness on your device should be equivalent to the brightness of your surroundings. If the brightness on your device is too high, it will give out a harsh glare. On the contrary, a device with low brightness, will only lead to more strain on your eyes. Additionally, if you do a lot of reading, you may want to consider adjusting your screen’s contrast and the font size of the text. Black text on a white background with a readable font size is easy on the eye. 3. Make sure you upgrade your display: While most laptops and computers today are fitted with Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screens, the older versions still have traditional cathode tube displays, which cause greater eye strain. If your system uses a cathode tube display, it is recommended that you upgrade to an LCD screen. Screen resolution also plays an important role in managing digital eye strain. Better resolution means sharper images that are more defined and easy to focus on. 4. Practice the rule of 20/20/20: The rule of 20/20/20 is an important guideline in the handbook of the best eye doctors in Dubai. It simply states that: Every 20 minutes, focus your eyes upon something 20 feet away, for a duration of 20 seconds. This is an exercise that eye doctors have been recommending to people who spend a lot of time in front of screens. The logic behind this exercise is very simple. When you focus on a screen for prolonged periods, you forget to blink. According to the AAO, on an average, a person blinks about 15 times in a minute. This reduces drastically by almost 1/3, when a person is using a screen. Looking away from the screen and making a conscious effort to blink more, reduces eye strain and facilitates better eye lubrication. 5. Take frequent breaks from your devices: Yes, we understand that work is a priority and you cannot spend hours away from your desk. However, taking frequent, short breaks can do wonders for your eye health and may even help you focus better at work. You may even be able to get rid of that headache you get from staring at your screen for too long. 6. Avoid using your contact lenses during prolonged usage of screens: Multiple studies seem to suggest that the effects of dry eyes and eye irritation seem to accelerate in people who wear contact lenses while working on computer screens. If you spend hours on a computer and wear contact lenses, you may want to consider replacing them with eyeglasses instead. Following these few easy tips could greatly reduce the impact of digital eye strain. However, if you experience symptoms of blurred vision, constant headaches, seeing spots and halos, we recommend that you visit a qualified eye care professional at the earliest. Our team at Eye Consultants have great expertise in determining and dealing with digital eye strain. 

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March 03, 2020
Eye Consultants
Dubai, UAE
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Guide To Finding A Reliable Eye Care Center In Dubai

One of the most important decisions you will have to make in life is to choose who you are going to trust your health with. Whether it is a trusted hospital to take care of the overall health needs of you and your family or a reliable eye clinic with trusted eye doctors and surgeons who ensure the wellbeing of your eyes, finding healthcare professionals you can trust and depend upon plays a crucial role. While people may argue that the internet is truly man’s greatest invention and is a great resource in finding the best eye clinic in Dubai, we urge you to understand that not everything you read online is necessarily true. After all everyone claims to be “The best eye surgeon in Dubai” or “the best eye center in Dubai” and surely this cannot be true. The first step in your quest to finding the best eye doctor in Dubai, is to do your homework and carry out some basic research by yourself. Do a Google search that extends beyond the first search result that pops up (note that most of the initial results are sponsored advertisements). The next step that will help you narrow down on your search for the best eye clinic is to ask questions. Do not be afraid to clarify any doubts or questions you may have. Here are a few questions you should be asking a potential eye doctor/eye clinic before you decide to go ahead with your treatment: 1. How long has the center been providing eye care services for? An important factor in determining the credibility of any eye center is by taking into consideration how experienced the eye center is. An eye center with good repute should have: A good number of years in practice Experience of attending to a sizeable number of patients You would ideally want to be attended to by an eye center that has over a decade of experience in catering to patients and has good knowledge and expertise in handling various eye-related complications. 2. What level of equipment and technology do they use? In the world of eye care and treatment, cheap is not always the best. When it comes to buying the most advanced LASIK and cataract machinery, there can be no bargaining or compromise. The maintenance or upkeep of medical equipment is also a costly investment. A compromise in price is most often indicative of a compromise in medical equipment as well. Make sure to ask if your eye care provider is in possession of the best of equipment. Your eye care should be a priority and is worth the monetary investment. 3. What are the qualifications of the eye doctors /eye surgeons working in the center? Do they have any articles or certifications to their credit? Another helpful tip in determining the reputation of an eye center is by assessing the professional qualifications of the eye doctors and surgeons associated with the center. Enquire about the specializations and other qualifications of the doctors. Ask if they are associated with any international boards (The International Council of Ophthalmology, Cambridge UK is one such body). Try to find out if their work has been published in journals or if they have won any awards for their work in the field. Do not be afraid to clarify any doubts or questions you may have. In addition to these three questions that you can ask the eye doctors, there are a few other questions that you can address on your own: 1. What are other people saying about the eye center/eye doctor? Do a little bit of research and read up on the eye center’s Facebook and Google reviews. This is a reliable method to get an unbiased opinion on the reputation and success rate of any eye clinic. 2. Was the doctor able to answer all your questions? An eye doctor’s ability to answer all your questions and put your mind at ease is also a clear display of professionalism and experience. Was the doctor able to understand your problems and communicate with you effectively? If yes, you can rest assured of a positive experience. 3. Are you convinced that the eye center will do justice to your requirements? In the end it all boils down to this one question. What do your instincts and gut tell you? If you get a positive response to most of the above questions and if your instincts are in favor of a particular eye clinic/eye doctor, you can be sure of a positive experience. If, however, you are still unsure of the best eye care center for you, we’ll make your job easier! Choose Eye Consultants! With over 20 years of experience in treating patients, Eye Consultants is home to some of the best eye surgeons in Dubai. Eye Consultants is a highly-equipped eye center in Dubai and our goal is to provide excellent treatment to all our patients, using the best of technological advancements and equipment. Our team is proficient in treatment of all eye-related complications, including Cataract, Glaucoma, Retinal Detachment and Diabetic Retinopathy. Additionally, we also have a dedicated department to Pediatric and cosmetic eye care. If you would like to learn more about our doctors and services or if you would simply like to drop in for a chat, you are more than welcome to visit us.

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March 03, 2020
Eye Consultants
Dubai, UAE
Women's Health
Women and Eye Health

Generally, women know how important it is to visit the doctor regularly. But few realize that visiting the eye doctor is just as important. Women must visit their eye specialists regularly since they are likelier to suffer from eye problems than men. This includes the big four that cause not just loss of vision but also blindness. They are cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Why Women Are at Risk There are several reasons why women are at risk for eye problems. They are: 67 per cent of all visual impairment and blindness cases exist among women. Women usually outlive men and therefore live longer. This makes them vulnerable to eye diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. They are also prone to suffering from autoimmune conditions that accompany visual side-effects. Women’s vision may also be affected by hormonal changes, e.g. dry eye. Eye Diseases Among Women These are the eye diseases commonly experienced by women: Cataract: This disease results when the lens of the eye gets cloudy and begins to obstruct vision. Since women live longer, they are prone to developing this eye disease. How to Prevent Cataracts: Women can protect their eyes from cataracts by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with 100% UV filter so that their eyes aren’t affected by ultraviolet A and B rays. Women should also lose weight so that their blood sugar levels are normalized. By eating fish or taking fish oil supplements and quitting smoking, women can protect their eyes from cataracts and other eye disorders. Glaucoma: This complex eye disease is caused when the pressure in the eye is very high and causes the optic nerve to be damaged. It causes irreversible blindness. There are two types of glaucoma: Open-angle and Closed-angle. Of these, men and women suffer from the former, while closed-angle glaucoma affects women with eyes smaller than men. Their eyes affect the drainage of fluid from the eye and could cause pressure in the eye to build up. How to Prevent Glaucoma: Visit the eye doctor regularly for a comprehensive eye exam. Also, lower your eye pressure by using prescription eye drops. If you detect any changes in vision, speak to your doctor about it. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): This common eye disease is the No. 1 eye disease among 50-year-olds and over. It damages the macula, that small spot near the mid-point of the retina and the part of the eye responsible for sharp vision straight ahead. How to Prevent AMD: There’s no known cause for macular degeneration. However, genetics may be a reason for its development. Women should eat low-fat meat and at least two servings of fish per week, apart from exercising for at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week. If women notice any change in vision, they should get in touch with their doctors immediately. Dry Eye Syndrome: According to research, women above the age of 40 experience the problem of Dry Eye Syndrome twice as much as men do. This problem is identified by the eyes not producing enough tears to keep the eyes lubricated or they are of poor quality and evaporate within no time. Dry eye syndrome is also caused due to the hormonal change that women experience when   they begin to menopause. Hormone replacement therapy is another reason for this eye disease. As the body grows old, it produces smaller quantities of oil, which lets the tears in the eyes to evaporate easier. Dry Eye Syndrome is typified by a stinging or burning sensation in the eyes. Often, they also experience irritation or scratchiness and shed tears copiously. It has been found that this condition affects at least 3.2 million American women. How to Prevent Dry Eye Disease: There are many ways of preventing the development of Dry Eye Disease, such as: Wearing protective eyewear and safety shields on the sides and top of the eyewear so that it can protect your eyes from dry air and wind. Take breaks from tasks that need a lot of visual or mental concentration. During these breaks, remember to close your eyes for some time. Alternatively, blink a few times so that your tears can spread evenly all across your eyes. If you are in a dry environment, as in places of high altitudes like mountains, or desert areas or even in planes, close your eyes as often as you can, if only for a few minutes so that your tears are not evaporated or they happen minimally. Set your computer to well below eye level or you will need to keep them open wider so that you see the screen accurately. This will contribute greatly to evaporating your tears each time you blink. Don’t smoke and keep away from smokers so you don’t inhale the smoke. Smoke from tobacco is known to hasten dry eyes symptoms. Use eye drops to moisten your eyes regularly. This will be a big help for those who do concentrated work on computers for long periods. Diabetic Retinopathy: When blood vessels damage the back of the retina, it causes diabetic retinopathy. This is a fallout of diabetes and until one suffers from diabetes, such complications arise. If left untreated, it can cause blindness. How to Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy: You can prevent or reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy by normalizing your blood sugar levels, and your cholesterol and blood pressure too. You can do these by making lifestyle choices which include: Eating a nutritious diet and cutting down on fat and sugar Exercising regularly, at least 150 minutes of exercise such as cycling or walking per week or 10,000 steps a day Quitting smoking Reducing the intake of alcohol Conclusion Overall, as in other diseases too, eye disorders among women can be controlled and prevented by taking certain measures, chiefly by visiting the eye doctor periodically. 

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March 03, 2020
Ophthalmology Department
Eye Consultants
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