Al Ain: People suffering from eye disorders can get advanced retinal treatment including vision-saving vitreo surgery at Al Ain Hospital that has recently introduced the services through a new unit.
Eye surgical service has been introduced as an answer to the high incidence of diabetes leading to severe retina-related disorders, said George Jepson, the CEO of Al Ain Hospital.
Diabetes, he said, is a leading cause of loss of vision, along with a large number of elderly people suffering from various age-related eye disorders. "Most at risk are diabetic patients, and the elderly. Availability of top quality retinal care at their doorstep will reduce the burden on patients in terms of effort, travel, and waiting time," said Jepson.
Specialists
The new unit is headed by Dr Yaser Biazid. He is supported by two other specialists. Dr Biazid studied in Heidelberg and worked in Germany for many years.
Several advanced procedures, including surgical services like 20 Gauge and the modern 23 Gauge suture-less Vitrectomy, are available. Vitrectomy is a microsurgical procedure to remove some or all of the vitreous (a thick, transparent substance that fills the centre of the eye), he said.
The 23 Gauge suture-less Vitrectomy now being performed at Al Ain hospital is fast becoming the gold standard in vitreo-retinal surgery as the process is quicker, less painful and allows for faster post-operative recovery, said the CEO.
Laser therapy
Other services include intra-vitreal injections of medications as well as laser therapy. In the diagnostic field, the newly invented Spectral-OCT (simultaneous Angiography and OCT System) provides physicians with precise results, helping them make accurate decisions about the best treatment, he said.
Professor Gerhard Schwab, Medical Director of Al Ain Hospital, said, "Now we have state of the art diagnostic and treatment facilities, manned by highly accomplished medical professionals with vast international experience and credentials."
While patients, he said, can come directly to Al Ain Hospital, ophthalmologists from Northern Emirates and Abu Dhabi can also refer patients to Al Ain Hospital for treatment.
