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All you need to know about LASIK surgery

If there is one trend that can be observed in the eye care industry, it is the fact that an increasing number of people are opting to get rid of their glasses and contact lenses, by choosing to undergo LASIK surgery. The term ‘LASIK’ stands for Laser In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure conducted to correct refractive errors and improve an individual’s ability to focus. The Eye Consultants team has answered a few frequently asked questions about LASIK surgery, so that potential LASIK candidates can gain a better understanding. What is LASIK? LASIK surgery is a procedure to rectify refractive errors like nearsightedness (Myopia), farsightedness (Hyperopia) and Astigmatism, in an attempt to significantly reduce a person’s dependency on glasses and contact lenses. The procedure involves reshaping the curvature of the cornea, with the help of a laser beam. LASIK surgery is painless and often the procedure on both eyes will take less than 20 minutes and the patient can go home the very same day. What are the benefits of LASIK? -LASIK surgery helps you experience life without the inhibitions of wearing glasses or contact lenses. -LASIK surgery improves quality of life significantly. -LASIK surgery will enable you to participate in sports, without worrying about your glasses or contact lenses falling off. -LASIK surgery enables you to be less conscious of your appearance and creates a greater sense of confidence. -LASIK surgery leads to significant improvement in vision quality. Are there any restrictions to qualify for LASIK? You will be unable to enjoy the full benefits of LASIK surgery, If you fall under any of the following categories: 1. If you have an eye disease like glaucoma or cataract, it will only make your eyesight worse after LASIK. 2. If you have an autoimmune disease, which affects your healing process and compromises your immunity. 3. If you have unstable vision power that keeps fluctuating, you may want to reconsider LASIK. 4. If you have diabetes, it can affect your eyesight more than you know. Getting LASIK surgery when you have diabetes, could lead to unnecessary pressure build up in the eye, causing more harm than good. 5. If you engage in contact sports like boxing and wrestling on a regular basis, LASIK may not be a viable option for you. You also need to be above 18 years of age to qualify for LASIK. How do I prepare for my LASIK Surgery? Once you decide to undergo LASIK surgery, do not hesitate to ask your eye doctor any questions you may have. This will help to put your mind at ease and also get a better understanding of the procedure. You should ideally also have a frank discussion with your doctor to explain your intentions for undergoing the surgery. Following this, your doctor will conduct multiple examinations to assess if you are a suitable candidate for LASIK surgery. Here are a few other things you can do, in the days preceding your LASIK surgery: While it is natural to be a little nervous, try to keep yourself as calm as possible and maintain a positive outlook. Avoid wearing contact lenses in the days leading up to your surgery. Your doctor may also recommend this as wearing lenses may alter the shape of your eye, preventing optimum outcome from LASIK. Avoid the use of eye makeup, creams and lotions on the day of your surgery. Have a friend or a family member accompany you to the clinic on the day of your LASIK surgery. Though the procedure for both eyes will not take longer than 30 minutes, you will not be able to drive back home and it is better to have someone you know by your side. Request for some time off from work in advance: Though most people can resume normal daily activities within a few hours, it is advisable to take a few days off from work to recover from your surgery and get adjusted to your new eyesight. Are there any risks associated with LASIK? Just like any other surgical procedure, there is no 100 percent success rate even with LASIK. Some patients report dry eye symptoms and see blurry halos and glares for a few days after the surgery. However, the chances of anything going wrong during your LASIK are very slim. At Eye Consultants, Dubai, we take the necessary preoperative and post-operative precautionary measures to ensure that we eliminate all risks, so that your vision is not compromised. Is LASIK surgery covered by insurance? Since LASIK is a non-emergency elective surgery, it is categorized as a cosmetic procedure, which does not fall under the purview of regular health insurances. It is thus advisable to take your financial abilities into consideration before opting for LASIK.

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March 03, 2020
Eye Consultants
Dubai, UAE
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Body
6 myths about Artificial Eyes

Losing an eye is a difficult experience that requires time and possibly even counselling to come to terms with. In addition to the physical loss of vision, there are many underlying social and psychological issues that one will need to address. The loss of an eye may cause a person to be conscious of his or her appearance and his/her self-esteem and confidence may also be affected. While a prosthetic eye will not be able to restore vision in these cases, it does help with addressing the social and psychological effects of the situation. A prosthetic eye (also known as an artificial eye or a glass eye) is a fixture that restores the appearance of a deformed eye or an eye that has been lost due to trauma. Here are 6 myths about artificial eyes debunked by the Eye Consultants team: Myth #1: An artificial eye can restore vision and help you see again: While this is a difficult point to make, it is crucial that people realize that while an artificial eye can restore appearance, it will not be able to help you recover lost vision. Myth #2: An artificial eye will not move naturally and will have a ‘plastic effect’ noticeable by all: If the truth about myth #1 left you disheartened, debunking myth #2 is sure to raise your spirits. Contrary to popular belief, there is nothing unnatural about the appearance of an artificial eye. In fact, with proper installation and preoperative and post recovery measures in place, even your friends may not be able to realize that you have an artificial eye. Myth #3: Artificial eyes can detach and roll off at the slightest of impact: Thanks to Hollywood, the imagery of an artificial eye rolling down the deck of a ship has been imprinted in the minds of people (Hint: Pirates Of The Caribbean). In reality however, this would be unlikely. Artificial eyes are designed with a curved front to retain the shape of the original eye. The back portion of an artificial eye is designed as per the individual’s eye tissue, to make for a customized fit. Myth #4: You cannot lead an active lifestyle after fitting a prosthetic eye: Fitting an artificial eye is by no means the end of your active lifestyle. You can still participate in physical activities and sports, without worrying about your lifestyle affecting your artificial eye in any way. However, we do advice you to take basic precautions like wearing goggles while swimming, to be on the safe side. Myth #5: Artificial eyes are high maintenance: The initial process of fitting an artificial eye can be quite time-consuming and expensive. You will need to attend multiple preoperative sessions to determine what is best for you. The artificial eye in itself is quite expensive because of the use of high-quality medical-grade material to replicate the feel and design of the iris, sclera, socket, cornea and vessels. However, once the artificial eye is fitted, there is very little you need to worry about. Most eye surgeons will advise you to keep the eye on at all times, so there is no need to remove your eye every day. You can even sleep with your eye on. Doctors recommend that you visit an eye clinic for an eye check-up and deep clean-up of the artificial eye twice every year. Besides these measures for basic eye care, you do not need to worry about excessive maintenance of your artificial eye. Myth #6: Artificial eyes can cause pain: This is another misconception that prevents people from undergoing artificial eye replacement. While initial installation of an artificial eye and caring for it later may not exactly paint a pretty picture (we have Hollywood to thank for that again), the process is not as painful as you may think. What’s even better is that you will soon be able to painlessly remove and reinsert your eye without any trouble, once you follow your doctor’s instructions. Eye Consultants is one of the best eye care specialists in Dubai to offer artificial/prosthetic eye replacement. Each prosthetic eye is crafted to perfection, using custom specifications for each patient. Our patients are our priority at Eye Consultants and we use quality material to mould the eye, to give our patients the experience of natural eye movement and freedom from social inhibitions. 

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March 03, 2020
Eye Consultants
Dubai, UAE
Body
Why Medical assessment is important before or during Ramadan for diabetic patients

Fasting during Ramadan, a holy month of Islam, is a moral duty for all healthy adult Muslims. However, there are exceptions to this. Anyone who is ill or has medical conditions do not have to fast. This includes people with diabetes. If you are a diabetic patient and planning to fast, it is important that you speak to your diabetes healthcare team as early as possible before Ramadan begins. Here we are highlighting some possible metabolic complications and how you can manage them. Risks associated with fasting in patients with diabetes: Hypoglycemia: Fall of blood sugar under the normal levels. Decreased food intake is a well-known reason for Hypoglycemia. How to Manage: Limit your physical activity during the fasting period and be more active after the sunset. Never miss your Suhoor meal and also consult with your doctor to modify medicine dosage & timings. Hyperglycemia: Rise of blood sugar above normal levels. Overeating after the fast is broken is the main cause for this. How to Manage: Controlling the diet during Iftar meal. Check your blood sugar levels frequently throughout the day. Dehydration: Due to the lack of fluid intake as well as the hot and humid weather, one may suffer from dehydration. How to Manage: Aim to drink sugar-free and caffeine free drinks frequently throughout the evening and before dawn. Overall Management Goals During Ramadan Fasting: For individuals with diabetes who are fasting during Ramadan, several things require specific consideration, including blood sugar monitoring, nutrition, and exercise. It is also important that the patients receive the necessary education towards self-care, symptoms of hyper-and hypoglycemia, blood glucose monitoring, meal planning, physical activity, and medication administration. Below are some goals to maintain a healthy Ramadan. •    The pre-Ramadan evaluation and risk stratification •    Promoting patient awareness with Ramadan-focused diabetes education •    Providing instruction on dietary modification •    Modification of the dosage and timing of diabetes medication •    Encouraging frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels

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May 14, 2019
M.K Anwar
General Practitioner
Body
Benefit of fasting during Ramadan

Ramadan is a month of self-regulation and self-training. It's a perfect time to improve the moral character and focus on positivity. Fasting during Ramadan is counted as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.  It has not only been spiritually beneficial but it has many physical, psychological, social and health benefits as well. Let’s discuss all the benefits of Islamic fasting during the month of Ramadan. Psychological effects of Ramadan fasting: Fasting is more than just abstaining from food and drink. Fasting also includes abstaining from any ignorant and indecent speech, from arguing, fighting, etc. Therefore, fasting strengthens control on impulse and helps in developing good behavior. This purification of body and soul harmonizes the inner and outer spheres of an individual. Social effects of Ramadan fasting: Ramadan fasting shows the direction to develop spiritual, moral and social values. It is the message of equality amongst the individuals of the society. Apart from helping to achieve purity of body and soul through this process of self-purification, addressing these areas of social significance is bound to help people shed all those things which are not socially desirable. One of the greatest advantages of fasting in this month is that it adds a true habit of speaking the truth in a person. Health Benefits of Ramadan Fasting: Ramadan fasting is good for one’s health as well as personal development. Here are some surprising health benefits of fasting: •    Metabolism becomes more efficient. Fasting and eating late at night will increase the hormone called adiponectin in our body which allows your muscles to absorb more nutrients. •    Cleanse out the toxicity from the body. By not eating or drinking throughout the day digestive system will get proper time to repair. Then your body will clear existing toxins, and clean up the circulating blood and lymph throughout the month. •    Reduces cholesterol in the blood. Low cholesterol increases cardiovascular health, greatly reducing the risk of suffering from heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke. •    Ramadan increases the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which causes the body to produce more brain cells, thus improving brain function.

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May 14, 2019
Dr. Aysha Mohamed Arif
General Dentist
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Mind
Things you need to know about Counseling

The process and purpose of Counseling are often misunderstood, and many people have a negative perception of it. People are often very conflicted about approaching a professional who will be discussing and analyzing their hurtful feelings, sadness, and anxieties. But the reality is totally different. Let’s talk about all the questions you get in mind while talking about Counseling. What is Counseling? Mental Health counseling is based on the science of Psychology. The methods and techniques of various treatment modalities are used by mental health counselors/therapists are based on scientific research. These methods are practical, solution that focused; problem-solving based skill building methods whose main goal is the best interest and overall wellbeing of the individual. Counseling is a facilitative and interactive process where a counselor provides to the client emotional help, guidance, insight, nurturance and clarity to life situations, crisis, and dilemmas. People often behave in ways without knowing why they do so and may be living or behaving in ways that they would like to understand better and change. The process of Counselling can help to bring insight and awareness to their unconscious feelings and behaviors and the connection between them. The process eventually allows the client greater freedom in making choices that help the client to achieve self-sufficiency, a greater sense of self-worth and empowerment Essence of Counseling “The Essence of counseling is always the learning of improved skills and techniques to increase one’s ability to better deal with life’s vicissitudes” Who is your Counsellor? Your Counsellor a highly skilled professional with a minimum of a graduate degree in the field of Counselling licensed in the area of mental health and is trained to provide the following core services- Assessment and Diagnosis Treatment planning and utilization review Psychotherapy-Individual, couple and Family Brief and solution focused therapy Psychoeducation and prevention programs Crisis management and referrals to other medical professionals for consultation Crisis management and referrals to other medical professionals for consultation What You Should Know About Your Mental Health Counselor Is your Counsellor licensed by the Department of Health and Medical Sciences (DOHMS) in Dubai? What are the educational Qualifications of your Counsellor? How long has he/she been in practice? Does he or she have a Degree from an accredited and a recognized University? What are your areas of specialization (such as family therapy, women’s issues, substance abuse counseling, etc.)? How can you help me with my problems? What type of treatment do you use? How long do you think counseling will last? How does Counselling work? The therapist listens to the client’s reasons for seeking help. This could be initiated through a phone call, walk in, or a referral. As a follow up a screening/assessment appointment is set in person which generally lasts for about 50 minutes. In this meeting, the clinician conducts an assessment with a thorough screening of the presenting problem, rule out organic symptoms that might be causing the presenting problem, provide a medical referral if necessary and recommends one or more ways of therapy to eliminate the symptoms of distress If it is determined that other professional help is needed, the therapist will assist in making an appropriate referral. All decisions are made in consultation with the client. “Regardless of the length of a session(s), therapy is hard work and client will not see a benefit unless and until the client is committed to exploration, understanding, growth, and change alongside a therapist committed to facilitating that process. It is also critical that the client is committed to making therapy an ongoing and active process even once they are outside the session which means they should be committed to applying the skills and the lessons learned from their sessions outside in the real world and in their respective life and relationships” Says Ms. Menon, Counselling Psychologist, Lifeworks–Holistic Counselling Centre What is the duration of therapy? The time required for therapy varies with each person depending on the nature of the issues presented, personal history and agreed upon goals. The length of therapy is jointly determined by the client and counselor and may be revised as therapy progresses. Appointments are usually once a week and last about 60 minutes. In a therapeutic model such as Crisis Counselling, the session is very solution focused with not more than three one-hour sessions. Otherwise, sessions can be the short term which is about six sessions with one session a week or long term which could range from about 10-12 sessions with one session a week. The objective, duration, and the treatment plan are outlined at the onset of therapy to provide the client with a strong structure and a committed continuity to their treatment. However, they are not fixed considering the therapist will review the progress and the outcomes achieved with the client on an ongoing basis and on a mutual agreement with the client will modify and or terminate the session accordingly. Is counseling confidential? All information shared in therapy is held in utmost confidentiality. As a client, you are guaranteed the protection of confidentiality within the boundaries of the client/counselor relationship. Licensed Counsellors are mandated by their ethical commitments that no information discussed in the sessions is released without the authorization of the client. The only limitations to confidentiality occur when a counselor feels that there is a clear and imminent danger to you or to others. However, no information discussed in the sessions is released without the authorization of the client. Detailed information about confidentiality and privacy will be listed in the Client’s Bill of Rights which is signed by the client before the commencement of the session.

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March 12, 2019
Sailaja Menon
Counseling Psychologist
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