Protect yourself on the Metro

 

 

Protect yourself and others against Swine Flu on the Dubai Metro

Swine flu is on every traveler's mind. One of the easiest ways to contract H1N1 is by using mass transport, or being around crowds of people without protecting yourself. The greatest danger is that people are ignorant of how the Swine Flu virus (H1N1) is transmitted.

According to Dr Millicent Grim from the Gulf Eye Center, the launch of the Dubai Metro system poses a new challenge to the infection of deadly viruses on public transport. Flu viruses are mainly transmitted by touch and then it enters the body through the mucus membranes of the nose and eyes. Practical ways to prevent this is by regular washing of your hands.

How do I know if I have H1N1? If you contracted seasonal influenza ('the flu') you would notice the same symptoms - including cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fever, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people may also develop diarrhea and vomiting, according to the USA Centers for Disease Control.

With H1N1 infection, you may be ill for a week or longer. During this time, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible so as to prevent spreading the illness. Postpone travel except to get medical care or for other necessities, and do not go to work or school, until at least 24 hours after your fever has stopped (that is, you no longer need fever-reducing medicine).  If you need to seek medical care, wear a facemask in the presence of other people, such as while using public transport or sitting in the waiting room. If you cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue, and discard this safely into a waste-bin. 

Should you become ill and show any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care urgently:

Children: Troubled or rapid, shallow breathing, skin colour changing to bluish or gray, not drinking enough fluids, persistent or severe vomiting, dull sleepiness, not waking up or not interacting, notable irritability and resistance to being held, flu-like symptoms that may improve, but then return with fever and a  worse cough

 Adults: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest or abdominal pain or pressure,       sudden dizziness, confusion, persistent or severe vomiting, flu-like symptoms that may improve, but then return with fever and a  worse cough

As with any other severe disease, early diagnosis and treatment is key in limiting the impact on your life and that of your fellow travelers.

Some Questions and Answers

Q: Can someone recommend a good ophthalmologist who could treat meibomian cysts? It's not a vision disorder, and a few doctors I've been to didn't really bother to treat me other than prescribing eye drops! I can't see clearly with one eye now because it's always watery and I wake up with a painful and swollen eye lid every morning. Any eye doctors that could treat something as boring as a cyst in the eye lid? Please?

A: These Meibomian cysts form in the oil glands that are found just behind your eyelashes in your eyelids. There are various reasons why the oil in the glands tends to become thick, so that it does not easily flow out to become part of your tears, which should feed and lubricate the surface of your eyes. Blockages may form where the glands' openings are, and the oil deeper in the glands thicken and become a granulomatous matter. This might become infected – called a "Stye" – or abscess of the gland. After the infection has resolved, you may be left with this cyst which does not drain spontaneously.

If it is still infected, it has to be treated to calm down before the material can be removed with a small procedure in the office. We can also teach you a system of taking care of your eyelids, so that the frequency of these cysts appearing can be reduced or stopped.

Hi,

Q: I woke up this morning with a terrible pain in my eye. It's like a needle going in and out!!!! It's driving me crazy. I have a terrible headache and I don't know where to go.

A: There are a few reasons why you can have such a stabbing pain on wakeup.

*Most often a small object might have gotten into the eye during the night, and since the eye surface is so exquisitely sensitive, you will be aware of it. An eye doctor can have a look for you and also see if scratches formed on the eye surface where this object might have been, or remove it if still present. Vision does not need to be blurred in this situation.

*You might also have slept with partially closed eyes, so that the exposed surface of the eye became dry, and this dry patch might feel like a foreign object too. Again, an Eye doctor has the means of confirming what caused this pain, and what needs to be done about it. Most often you'll need lubricant eye drops or gel, or even ointment to help you overcome this situation.

*Another important reason for pain on waking up usually happens in older individuals, where their pupils naturally dilated during sleep to block the normal internal outflow of fluid from the eye, causing a severe raise in eye pressure. This is usually an emergency as the raised eye pressure is not well tolerated by the delicate inner tissues of the eyes. Vision is usually severely blurred, too.

Myoring - an alternative for Lasik

Many of our patients have over the past six years indicated their desire for laser vision correction surgery. Whilst we have been privileged to be able to help several thousands over the years, unfortunately, many thousands more have been turned away as they were not suitable for this procedure.

We have good news for you of a new procedure particularly suitable for patients, who for various reasons, did not qualify for Lasik surgery.

‘So – is there an alternative to Lasik?’ the answer is ‘Yes, there is!’ Known as Myoring, the new procedure offers several advantages such as adjustability and reversibility. You may find more details at www.dioptex.com.

If you or anyone else you know who has been excluded from Lasik surgery are interested, we invite you to contact Gulf Eye Center soon to discuss this option.

As an additional incentive for early responders, Dr Daxer, who invented Myoring, will be at Gulf Eye Center in early June to oversee the initial procedures. Who knows? You could be one of the privileged few to benefit from his expertise first hand.

We look forward to seeing you again and are truly hopeful of being able to assist you.

Kind regards,

Dr. Millicent Grim

How diabetes affect eye sight

Diabetes

 

How it affects your eyes.

 

 

Eye Care For You

 

 

What you need to know:

 

Approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes and half of these are at risk of vision loss because they are unaware that they are diabetic.

Diabetic eye diseases, include diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma. The most common of these is diabetic retinopathy.

 

Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially vision threatening condition in which the blood vessels inside the retina become damaged by high blood sugar levels.

 

Diabetes can also affect your vision by causing cataracts and glaucoma. As a diabetic you are likely to get cataracts at a younger age and your chances of developing glaucoma are doubled.

 

Because there are often no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, vision may not be affected until the disease becomes severe. You should see your Ophthalmologist soon after your Diabetes is diagnosed, and then promptly if you experience visual changes that:

Affect only one eye.

Lasts for more than a few days.

Are not associated with a change in blood sugar.

 

More than one third of those diagnosed with diabetes don't get recommended vision care and may be more at risk for blindness. Once diagnosed with diabetes, schedule a complete dilated eye examination with your Ophthalmologist at least once a year.

 

Early diagnosis of diabetes and the effective control of blood sugar levels and hypertension through diet and exercise can help control eye diseases associated with diabetes..

 

 

Important things to remember:

 

People with diabetes can protect their vision by having a dilated eye exam every year.

Diabetic eye problems are amongst the most common complications facing people with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy blinds 8000 Americans each year and is the leading cause of blindness among working age Americans. Your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy increases with the number of years you have had diabetes. After 15 years with the disease almost 80% of people with type I diabetes have some form of diabetic eye disease. Diabetes can also affect your vision by causing cataracts and glaucoma.

 

Yearly dilated eye exams can lead to early detection of eye disease.

Early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy can usually prevent permanent vision loss. Pregnant women with diabetes should have an eye exam in the first trimester because diabetic eye disease can progress rapidly during pregnancy. Call your Ophthalmologist if you have diabetes and you notice vision changes that affect only one eye, last more than a few days or are not associated with changes in blood sugar level.

 

Keeping your blood sugar under control decreases your risk of many complications associated with diabetes including eye disease.

High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to vision damage from diabetic retinopathy. Rapid changes in blood sugar can cause temporary changes in vision even if diabetic eye disease isn't present. It is especially important to keep blood sugar in good control for a few days before being examined for glasses because your blood sugar levels can affect your vision and you may end up with corrected lenses that don't work for you later. Good control of your blood sugar can help ensure you get the right prescription.

 

 

Dr Millicent Grim at the Womens Healthcare exhibition

Women from all over Dubai has been streaming to the Womens Healthcare exhibition www.womanshealthdubai.com for the bridal and healthcare sections. Dr Milicent Grim also treated the visitors with a free IOP test done to detect early signs of glaucoma with the new Icare® tonometer technology. You can read more about this technology at www.icaretonometer.com

Icare for Human eye pressure measurement

The Icare® tonometer is based on a new measuring principle, in which a very light probe is used to make momentary contact with the cornea. The measurement is barely noticed by the patient and often does not even cause corneal reflex. For ophthalmologists this is good news, because the device not only makes IOP measuring a more pleasant experience on all patients, it is also an important break-through for succeeding with non-compliant patients (f.e. children and dementia patients).

The easy usage and dynamic patient flow obtained by the Icare® tonometer make it a very important instrument for general practitioners, optometrists, occupational health care and other medical personnel.

Requiring no drops, neither specialized skills for its use the quick and painless Icare® tonometry has an important role in glaucoma screening programs of masses.

Gulf Eye Care center is one of the first clinics in the UAE to use this techonology.

Gulf Eye Center offers innovative solutions

Gulf Eye Center offers innovative solutions to economic challenges

"The impact of the worldwide financial crisis is as real for the healthcare sector as it is for other specialist sectors of industry", so says Dr Millicent Grim of Dubai-based Gulf Eye Center. She further comments, "In recent months, we have seen a drop in patient spending but not in patient numbers. This trend is unprecedented during the thirteen years I have practiced in the Gulf: I have not seen anything like this before." However, rather than focus on the challenge, Dr Grim is optimistic about finding solutions.

"We need to look at things from a different angle and with a positive perspective," says Dr Grim. "Currently we are looking at ways to help patients afford elective procedures like Lasik surgery and other eye procedures that are not covered by medical insurance."

She explains that, in general, people save on things that are not essential for survival in tight financial times like these. As a result, cosmetic and elective surgery tends be pushed aside. "Not everyone can afford a once off payment for non essential procedures, and accessing a personal loan is not that easy anymore," she says.

With this in mind, Gulf Eye Center has decided to give patients the option of paying for certain procedures with post-dated cheques; and other incentives for regular clients or groups are on offer. Adds Dr Grim, "This is not a risk we are taking, but rather an opportunity for us to assist our patients through a difficult financial and physical recovery period."

 

For further information:

Website www.gulfeyecenter.com

Email eyedoc@emirates.net.ae

Telephone +971-4-3291977

Suite 615, Fairmont Hotel

Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

 

About Dr Grim

Dr Millicent Grim has been in the Middle East for just over twelve years and in Dubai for the last seven years. She was the first ophthalmologist to introduce Lasik surgery in Oman and among the first to do so in the UAE. Dr Grim was also responsible for introducing Conductive Keratoplasty and Cross Linking procedures to the region.

Correct nearsightedness with INTACS

INTACS

EYE CARE FOR YOU

Do you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to help you see objects in the distance clearly? If so, you are nearsighted, or myopic. The information in this booklet is provided to help you to decide whether or not you want to correct or partly correct your near sightedness with KeraVision Intacs.

KeraVision Intacs corneal ring segment are a new way to achieve vision correction by reshaping your cornea (the clear front surface of the eye), thereby correction its refraction (optical power). Intacs for myopia are tiny and virtually invisible arcs that are meant to remain permanently within your cornea. However, they can be removed or replaced.

Your doctor places Intacs in your cornea by a brief, outpatient surgical procedure that does not involve a laser. You may notice an improvement in your uncorrected vision (without glasses) the next day. The procedure for placing Intacs does not involve the cutting or removal of tissue from the cornea's central optical zone – the part o f the cornea that is most important for your vision. Your doctor can help you decide what is best for you.

How the eye functions

In order to understand how Intacs will help to correct your nearsightedness, it is important to understand how the eye functions.

The cornea of the eye is composed of transparent tissue and is comparable in size to a contact lens. The cornea functions as a window through which light rays travel to the retina (the back of the eye). The retina sends the "picture" of the viewed object to the brain where the object is then "seen". In the normal eye with perfect vision, the light rays enter the eye and are focused precisely on the retina. In this situation, a clear image is sent to the brain.

The cornea provides about 75 percent of the eye's focusing or refractive power. The natural lens inside the eye provides the remaining focusing power. The shape, or curvature, of the cornea determines how well you see and how "in focus" an image is when it reaches the retina. Nearly all o the light that reaches the retina must pass through the central area of the cornea or the "optical zone". Because the optical zone is so crucial or clear vision, Kera Vision Intacs were designed to be placed at the outer edge of the cornea, away from the optical zone.

What is nearsightedness?

In the nearsighted eye, light rays focus in front of the retina because the curvature of the cornea is greater than that of a normal eye. People with nearsightedness see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. During a regular eye examination, your doctor uses lenses to measure your nearsightedness in units called "diopter". Nearsightedness can be corrected by glasses, contact lenses and various types of refractive surgery.

What are KeraVision Intacs?

KeraVision Intacs are two small, transparent crescents or arcs. They are composed of the same material (PMMA) that has been sagely used for nearly 50 years in intraocular lenses used to treat patients with cataracts (clouding of the eye's natural lens).

KeraVision Intacs are designed to remain permanently in the eye, yet they can also be removed or replaced. The KeraVision procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting using drops to numb your eye. It takes approximately 15 minutes to place KeraVision Intacs in your eye. The total procedure for one eye, including preparation tine, is usually completed in less than one hour.

Intacs are surgically placed through a tiny cut that is made on the cornea. Once in place, the two arcs flatten the cornea so that light rays can properly focus on the retina. Since KeraVision Intacs are inserted in the outer edge of the cornea, the center of the cornea remains untouched.

What are the benefits of KeraVision Intacs?

1. Intacts reduce or eliminate –1.00 to –3.00 diopters of nearsightedness. If you have this range of nearsightedness with 1.00diopter or less of astigmatism (uneven shape of the cornea that any distant vision), you may benefit from Intacs
   
2. Intacs correct nearsightedness while preserving the central part of the cornea which is most important for your vision.
   
3. Intacs can be surgically removed or replaced
   

What are the risks of KeraVision Intacs?

You should NOT have KeraVsion Intacs placed if:

1. You have autoimmune or immunodeficiency diseases (for example: lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS)
   
2. You are pregnant or nursing
   
3. You have known conditions of the eye that may increase the likelihood of future problems, or
   
4. you are taking prescription medications that may affect corneal healing or your vision. You should discuss all medications you take, even over the counter medications, with your eye doctor.
   

Warnings

Discuss with your doctor if you

1. have insulin-dependent diabetes or other medical conditions that affect wound healing; or
   
2. you have had a Herpes infection in your eyes
   

Precautions:

1. If your nearsightedness is –2.375 to –3.00 diopters, your results may not be as good as tahose of patients who are less nearsighted. Patients in this range of nearsightedness may be more likely to have Intacs removed due to dissatisfaction with their results.
   
2. If your nearsightedness is –1.00 diopter, you are more likely to be overcorrected resulting in blurred near vision without glasses.
   
3. the long-term effect of Intacs on the cornea has not been established.
   
4. If your pupils are large under low light conditions, you are more likely to experience some visual symptoms such as glare and sensitivity to light.
   
5. Under poor visibility conditions, such as dim light or fog, you may have some reduction in the sharpness of your vision.
   
6. If your Intacs are removed, the results of future surgical procedures to correct your vision are not known.
   

Are you a good candidate for KeraVision Intacs?

If you are considering KeraVision Intacs, you must

1. be at least 21 years of age
   
2. have healthy eyes that are free from disease or corneal abnormality (for example Scarring or infection)
   
3. have nearsightedness between –1.00 - -3.00 diopters with no more than 1.00 diopter of astigmatism;
   
4. have documented evidence that the change in your refraction is 0.50 diopter or less for at least 12 months prior to your preoperative exam.
   
5. be informed of the risks and benefits as compared to other available treatments for nearsightedness.
   

Although your vision without glasses will be improved, you may still need to wear glasses to perform some tasks after the procedure. KeraVision Intacs do NOT eliminate the need for reading glasses.. the need for reading glasses is caused by a natural condition of aging called presbyopia. You may need reading glasses after the procedure even if you did not wear then before.

Preparation for Intacs:

• Do not wear contacts lenses 2-3 weeks prior to the procedure being done, this could effect the outcome of the procedure
  

2 –3 days prior to the procedure

• If you wear eye make up, you should stop 2-3 days before the procedure to reduce the risk of infection after your procedure.
  

• Arrange for some one to drive you home after the procedure and to bring you back the next day for a follow up consultation
  

• Begin using the antibiotics drops as prescribed by the doctor
  

The day of the procedure

• Have a light breakfast in the morning
  

• Continue medications as per normal prescription
  

• Bring dark sunglasses with you
  

• Do not wear any make up, creams, lotions or jewellery on the day of the procedure.
  

• Arrive 15 minutes before the procedure is due to take place, so all the paperwork and payment can be taken care of, so you are free to leave the clinic after the procedure is done.
  

Intacs Post operative instructions

PLEASE AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES AFTER THE PROCEDURE

After the procedure has taken place, go home and rest or sleep on your back to avoid pressure on your eyes. Try to avoid sleeping on your side.

What should I expect after the surgery?

• Your eyes will water and burn excessively and your nose my run. This is normal.
  
• Your eyes may be hard to keep open. It may be more comfortable for you to keep your eyes closed and rest.
  
• Your eyelids may be swollen.
  
• Your eyes may feel gritty or as if foreign bodies are present. This is normal and may last for several hours. Relax with your eyes closed.
  
• Your vision may fluctuate from blurry to foggy during the initial healing process.
  
• Near vision may be blurred in the first days after surgery.
  
• DO NOT RUB your eyes – YOU COULD RUIN YOUR SURGERY in only a few seconds.
  

Precautions to adhere to after the procedure

• You may shower one day after surgery, and wash CAREFULLY WITHOUT RUBBING.
  
• Wear your sunglasses for comfort and protection. Sunlight will not affect your results!
  
• Do not swim or use make-up for seven days.
  
• Do not take part in contact sports for a month.
  
• Use the eye drops given to you exactly as instructed during your waiting hours.
  
• If pain or redness increases call the clinic.
  

MEDICATIONS	TIME/DAY	DURATION
Oflox	6 hourly	First day
FML/ Pred Forte	6 hourly	First week
Fucithalmic	12 hourly	First week
Liquifilm Tears/ Tears Naturally/ Hypotears	4-6 x daily	For dryness

Your doctor will need to examine your eyes on the first day and then again at one week, one month, 3 months and one year after the LASIK surgery to monitor your progress and change treatment if necessary.

When should I see an ophthalmologist?

Healthy eyes can enhance your quality of life and add to the joy of living. Are your eyes normal and healthy? Below are some of the common eye conditions that would require a visit to your ophthalmologist.

Emergencies

The following are emergencies and require urgent attention from your general practitioner or ophthalmologist.

·    Sudden blindness or very poor vision lasting longer than half an hour.

·    A curtain in front of the eye.

·    Severe pain in one eye with a simultaneous headache on the same side.

·    Any (serious) eye injury.

·    Alkaline or acid-burns of the eye.

 
 

Other abnormalities

The following symptoms require a normal routine visit to your family doctor or ophthalmologist.

·    Gradual deterioration of vision in one or both eyes.

·    Eye/ Eyes that water constantly.

·    Discharge from the eye.

·    Painful eye/ eyes.

·    Persistent red eye / eyes.

·    Periodic blurred vision.

·    Poor vision in bright or dim light.

·    Floating objects, which appear to move in front of the eyes.

·    A distorted pupil.

·    A "white" pupil.

·    Eyes that do not open or close properly.

·    Eyelids that appear abnormal.

·    Prominent swelling around the eye.

·    Protrusion of the eye / eyes.

·    Poor vision that cannot be restored to 100% by the prescription of glasses.

 
 

 

Protecting the eyes of your kids

There are an estimated 40,000 sports and recreation-related eye injuries each year and the majority of them happen to children. What can you do in Dubai to protect the eyes of your children?
Most of you know about the importance of bicycle helmets, catcher’s masks and skating pads for your kids, but what many of you may not know is that your child’s vision also may be at risk if he or she plays certain sports without special eye protection.
The good news is that 90 percent of these injuries are preventable with the appropriate eyewear.

If your child plays sports, your Eye M.D. (Ophthalmologist) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend the following eye protection:

Baseball, hockey and lacrosse-a helmet with a polycarbonate facemask or wire shield. Make sure hockey facemasks are approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or a similar local organization.
Basketball, racquet sports and soccer-sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses and side shields. Make sure goggles meet the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
Eyewear may be needed for other sports as well. Check with your Eye M.D. (Ophthalmologist) for the proper protection.
Although no type of eye protection can prevent every injury, studies and experience have shown that the right protective eyewear is very effective. Also, there’s no evidence that wearing eye protection hampers athletic performance. Many famous athletes, including NBA All-Star Kareem Abdul-Jabber and NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson, have excelled in their respective sports while wearing protective eyewear.
As well as sports activities, certain toys also can pose a threat to your child’s vision. Be sure that toys and games are appropriate for your child’s age and maturity level. Children’s eyes can be severely injured by sharp or protruding parts or toys with projectiles. Avoid giving your children toys such as bows and arrows, darts and pellet guns.

Visit www.gulfeyecenter.com for more information

Where to find a LASIK surgeon in Dubai

Finding a good eye specialist is crucial for the future of your eyes. Rather find someone with high standards who will recommend alternative procedures, than falling for one that only wants you money. You want someone that you can trust, someone with experience, and someone who is not shy to turn your request for LASIK down due to the condition of your eyes.
There are currently many eye specialists in Dubai from a variety of countries and training. Visit the Gulf Eye Center with confidence as one of the most trusted names in the eye care service. Dr. Grim has many years of experience, and is not shy to turn up to 60% of patients away who wanted LASIK done to their eyes, due to their eye condition being unsuitable for LASIK.