About the center

The CENTRE  is a centre of excellence established to undertake management into the increasing problems of eye disease, visual impairment and blindness .a

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                                               Cataract 

Diabetes

Glaucoma

Macular Degeneration

Refractive Error

About Cataracts

What is a Cataract? Causes and Symptoms of Cataracts Diagnosis and Treatment Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lenses Recovery from Surgery

What is a Cataract?a

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. When the amount of light that passes through the lens is reduced and scattered by the cataract, images are not correctly focused on the retina at the back of the eye. The result is that vision becomes poor - it can be compared to looking through a frosted or steamed window. There are many misconceptions about cataract. It is: not a film over the eye not a cancer not spread from one eye to another not a cause of irreversible blindness Cataract formation affects only the lens of the eye and not any of the other important structures, such as the corneae, iris, retina or optic nerve. (See illustration below)   A cataract will often worsen to a point where surgery is needed to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a permanent artificial lens

Causes and Symptoms of Cataract

Causes and Cataract Development Cataracts develop as a normal part of the aging process. By the age of 60 about half of all people will have some cataract formation although it may be minor and not noticeable. By 70 years of age almost everyone will have some degree of cataract formation. Other causes of cataract may include family history, medical conditions such as diabetes, injury to the eye, medications such as steroids, various chronic eye diseases, and long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight. Cataracts usually develop slowly and at a different rate in each eye. The rate of cataract formation will also vary among individuals - it is not possible to predict how fast cataracts will develop in any given person. Most cataracts associated with aging progress gradually over a period of years. Symptoms Common symptoms include: a painless blurring of vision glare or light sensitivity frequest spectacle prescription changes double vision in one eye needing brighter light to read fading or yellowing of colours poor night vision as the cataract worsens, halos around lights

Diagnosis and Treatment of Cataract

Detection A thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) can detect the presence and extent of a cataract, as well as any other conditions that may be causing blurred vision or discomfort. The examination will: carefully examine the external and internal structures of both eyes assess vision with modern tests that determine how much vision has been affected determine whether the cataract can be removed sucessfully determine whether any other eye conditions are present and need treatment Treatment Surgery is the only way to remove the cataract. This surgery may be necessary when vision has worsened to a point where daily activities, reading and driving are affected, or if personal safety is at risk. However if symptoms from a cataract are mild, a change of spectacles may be all that is required. A decision to have a cataract removed should be made only after a discussion with an ophthalmologist. Cataracts cannot cannot be cured by any type of medication, eye exercise, alternative therapy, diet or glasses Diabetes and Your Eyes Diabetic retinopathy is a common cause of vision loss in working age Kuwaitis   About Diabetic Retinopathy     Vision affected by diabetic retinopathy Normal Vision If you have diabetes you need to know about diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by complications of diabetes.   Diabetes causes damage to the blood vessels that nourish the retina, the seeing part at the back of the eye. In people with diabetes the retinal blood vessels may expand and leak fluid. This is an early form of diabetic retinopathy called nonproliferative or background retinopathy. You may not notice any change in your vision when you develop this early form of the disease, but it can lead to other more serious forms of retinopathy that affect your vision. When fluid collects in the macula (the part of the retina that allows us to see fine details), reading and other close work may become difficult. This is called macular edema. In other people abnormal, fragile new blood vessels may grow on the surface of the retina. This is termed proliferative retinopathy. These new blood vessels are called neovascularization, and can lead to serious vision problems, because the new vessels can break and bleed into the vitreous. (The vitreous is the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the center of the eye.) When the vitreous becomes clouded with blood, light is prevented from passing through the eye to the retina. This can blur or distort vision. The new blood vessels can also cause scar tissue to develop, which can pull the retina away from the back of the eye. This is known as retinal detachment, and can lead to blindness if untreated. Retina affected by diabetic retinopathy Normal Retina   Who is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy?a Every person with diabetes is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. The longer a person has diabetes the more likely the person is to develop diabetic retinopathy. Regular eye exams when first diagnosed with diabetes and then at least every two years will reduce your risk of vision loss and blindness. Tight control can delay the development of retinopathy. What are the symptoms? a There are no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. Vision may not change until the disease is advanced.   How is it detected ? a Diabetic retinopathy is detected during the eye examination of the back of the eye with dilated (enlarged) pupils and by testing your vision. An ophthalmologist, optometrist, your family doctor or a health worker may conduct eye-screening examinations. Diabetic retinopathy can also be detected during screening with a special camera that photographs the back of the eye without the use of dilating drops.   Can diabetic retinopathy be treated? a Yes. When sight threatening changes are detected you will be referred to an ophthalmologist (an eye specialist) for further assessment and possible treatment. Laser treatment is used to treat retinopathy. Laser is very effective at maintaining vision but it cannot always restore vision that has already been lost.   Things to Remember Everyone with diabetes is at risk of diabetic retinopathy. Vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy can be prevented if detected and treated early. Eye examinations are essential when diabetes is first diagnosed and then at least every 2 years. Tight control of your diabetes will delay the development of retinopathy. Take action before you notice any eye problems. .

Glaucoma -
Are you or your family at Risk?a

Glaucoma is an eye disease that slowly damages the fine nerves that connect the eye to the brain. For most people this damage occurs when pressure in the eye is too high. If glaucoma is not treated it can lead to blindness. The most common form of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma. It develops slowly and gradually over a number of years. It causes no pain or discomfort and without treatment the side vision disappears.
 

Glaucoma High Risk Gr

Everyone is at risk of glaucoma, although some people have a higher risk. Your risk is higher if you:

• Have a family history of glaucoma

• Are aged 50 or over

If you have one or more of these risks, speak to your family doctor and an eye care practitioner about having an eye examination. Although you may not have developed glaucoma, you should have regular eye checks.These will include:

• Eye pressure measurement

• Visual field (peripheral vision) test

• Optic nerve examination

Can it be treated? a

Yes. If glaucoma is detected early treatment can stop further loss of vision. Treatment may include:

• Eye drop medication

• Laser surgery

• Surgery

Regular use of prescribed eye drops is essential. Don't risk your sight, use the eye drops as instructed

Things to remember

Glaucoma is a common eye disease

One person in seven will eventually develop glaucoma

Glaucoma often runs in families

Glaucoma can be controlled, but it can't be cured

Vision loss or blindness can be prevented if glaucoma is detected early and treated

Half the people with glaucoma do not yet know they have it

If you are at risk take action now: report any eye problems to your ophthalmologist

If you have galaucoma tell your family - they too may be at risk

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Consultant in perioperative care and intensive therapy