Ophthalmology is the branch of medical science that deals with the anatomy, functions and diseases of the eye. The Ophthalmology Department at Burjeel is equipped to treat all eye conditions and provide comprehensive care for your eyes. Specialists at Burjeel have expertise in managing all eye problems such as Cataracts, Glaucoma etc. and in performing Anterior & Posterior Segment Surgeries, Corneal Surgery, Phacoemulsification - a modern cataract surgery, etc.
The Department also has a dedicated team of doctors handling eye problems of children, right from birth. Our multi-national staff reflects the cosmopolitan nature of the UAE therefore meeting the cultural and linguistic needs of our patients.
Cataract and Anterior Segment Specialty
The Cataract and Anterior specialty is one of the most sought-after specialties at Burjeel Hospital. Our experienced team of surgeons and ophthalmologists are capable of providing comprehensive eye care services covering a wide range of eye disorders like cataract, eye infections, inflammations, allergies, dry eyes, computer vision syndrome, tear duct disorders and other anterior segment disorders.
Retina and Vitreous Specialty
Burjeel Hospital has one of the most advanced and sophisticated vitreo-retinal specialties in the UAE and is comparable to the world’s leading ophthalmology centers. This specialty deals with simple and complex problems of the retina including those associated with diabetic conditions, and all forms of vitreous surgery.
Focus areas include:
Encompasses comprehensive evaluation of patients with ancillary tests:
The expert team of surgeons at Burjeel Hospital is well equipped to conduct pre-operative diagnosis and evaluation, intra-operative decision making and post-operative management for all surgical conditions like:
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve which connects the eye with the brain and carries visual information. It can be primary or secondary. Primary glaucoma runs in families and secondary glaucoma is due to other known diseases of eye, body or drugs. Glaucoma can present in any age group. Those affecting the new born or children are due to developmental abnormality of the outflow pathway of aqueous humor which is primarily a surgical disease.
Glaucoma can be broadly classified as open angle or narrow angle. Anatomically, the cornea and iris forms an angle called the anterior chamber angle which contains the outflow channels of aqueous humor (the fluid of eye) called the trabecular meshwork . In narrow angle glaucoma, these outflow apparatus is mechanically blocked whereas in open angle glaucoma, they are open but not functioning adequately. Examination of the angle of eye is called Gonioscopy.
Often, glaucoma are asymptomatic. Therefore, people suffering from glaucoma may lose vision without knowing it. Regular comprehensive eye exams are the only way to detect glaucoma. This is more important in high risk groups – those more than 40 years, family history of glaucoma, history of previous injury or surgery in the eye, short sighted and those on steroid medications in any form for a long time. Increased Intraocular pressure (IOP) is one among the risk factors even though glaucoma can present with normal pressures. Measurement of IOP is called Tonometry.
Goal of treatment is to preserve the existing vision by control of IOP thereby preventing visual handicap during the life time of the patient and maintaining quality of life. Early detection and the prevention of progression is the key to success in the management of glaucoma. It is therefore very important to have a regular comprehensive eye examination which includes Slit Lamp examination, Tonometry, Gonioscopy and Dilated Stereoscopic Optic nerve head evaluation.
Our team of ophthalmologists are dedicated to the care and treatment of people who have glaucoma. Sophisticated, state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities include
Laser procedures done in our facility are:
Surgical procedures lower the IOP by creating a route for the aqueous fluid to drain out of the eye. Those done in our facility are:
Trabeculectomy is a procedure where a hole is surgically created under a trap-door incision in the sclera allowing the aqueous fluid to drain. Mitomycin (MMC) an anti-scarring medicine, is commonly applied at the operation site to reduce scarring that could possibly close the trap door.
In Tube shunts surgeries, a silicone tube is inserted into the eye which shunts aqueous fluid to a silicone plate that is attached to the sclera.
Childhood glaucomas are primarily a surgical disease. Surgery is decided on table following an examination under general anaesthesia.
Certain disorders of the nervous system, brain tumors etc. can affect a person’s vision. The Neuro-Diagnostic Specialty at Burjeel Hospital treats such conditions with the aid of advanced diagnostic tools. Our ophthalmologists use Electro- Retinography (ERG) and Electro- oculography (EOG) to measure the electrical responses of various cell types in the retina, including the light-sensitive cells (rods and cones) and the ganglion cells.
The ERG/EOG is used for the diagnosis of the following retinal diseases:
Multi-focal ERG is used to record separate responses for different retinal locations.
Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) test measures electrical activity in certain areas of the brain in response to sensory input. It is useful for the diagnosis of:
Burjeel Hospital’s Ophthalmology department makes use of the latest advances in medical science to deliver accurate results. Two highlights of the department include OCT and SLO.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses light waves to take a cross-section picture of the retina. One of the main advantages of OCT is that it provides imaging at much higher resolution when compared to traditional methods like MRI or ultrasound. Instant direct imaging can be obtained at near microscopic resolution. Moreover it’s convenient for the patient also as no special preparation is needed.
Scanning Laser Ophthalmology (SLO)
Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (SLO) is a method of imaging of the eye. It uses the technique of Confocal Laser Scanning microscopy for diagnostic imaging of retina or the cornea. It is helpful in the diagnosis of Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration and other retinal disorders.
Both these methods have applications in the following conditions:
The reputation of a hospital is built on the quality of medical care provided. Hence, stringent standards are in place to recruit world-class medical professionals. Our panel of highly qualified doctors have trained extensively in leading hospitals around the world and possess internationally recognized degrees from Europe, USA and other continents. Combined with state-of-the-art technology, the team delivers exemplary care and treatment following the highest international standards and protocols.