Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Doctors at Madinat Zayed Hospital (MZH), of the Al Dhafra Hospitals, part of the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), the UAE’s largest healthcare network, and part of the PureHealth Group – the UAE’s largest integrated healthcare platform, have successfully conducted the Phacoemulsification with Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implantation (PHACO +IOL) procedure. The patient in question presented dense cataracts in both eyes with high myopia and retinal obstruction.

Phacoemulsification, or PHACO, is a method of cataract surgery in which the eye’s internal lens is emulsified using ultrasonic energy and replaced with an intraocular lens implant, Phacoemulsification offers several advantages over alternative surgical methods including improved visual rehabilitation, fewer and smaller incisions not requiring stitches or sutures, reduced patient anxiety and better vision offering improved patient confidence and shorter recovery time.

The MZH patient was complaining of severe visual impairment in both eyes; the impairment was so severe that it was having a tremendous impact on his quality of life and routine tasks such as driving. Despite wearing his prescription glasses, he was unable to see well for the last two years. The patient had severe myopia for a while. Upon examination, he was diagnosed with dense cataracts on both eyes with retinal obstruction. Doctors had to conduct an ophthalmic ultrasound B-scan to reveal a flat retina.

The procedure was a success and the patient achieved his best-corrected vision (right eye 20/30 and left eye 20/20) less than two months after the procedure. He has been advised to attend regular follow-ups as high myopia is a risk factor for various retinal problems.

Elaborating further on the procedure, Dr.  Bashir Khaled AlNajjar, Consultant Physician, Surgery_Ophthalmologyat Al Dhafra Hospitals, SEHA said:  vision controls should be performed periodically to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of visual disorders associated with high myopia. Early diagnosis of these complications will allow us to minimize vision loss.

Likewise, it is important to remember that refractive surgery corrects vision, but does not prevent the disorders associated with this pathology from developing.

 Expressing his gratitude to the team at Al Dhafra Hospitals, the patient said:  Now am very happy with the outcome of the surgery and I renewed my driver's license, thank God I have benefited from this procedure and I feel much younger.

Al Dhafra Hospitals are distinguished medical care facilities located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi. The group encompasses four clinics - Bidaa Al Mutawaa Clinic, Abu Al Abyad Clinic, Sir Bani Yas Clinic, and Al Dhafra Family Medicine Center in Zayed City. These hospitals and clinics provide medical services in 16 different specialties for inpatients and outpatients in multiple fields and specialties, the most important of which are internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, general surgery, anesthesia, pharmacy services, laboratory and diagnostic radiology.

To find out more about Al Dhafra Hospital’s and SEHA’s surgical capabilities or book an appointment, call 800 50 or visit SEHA.ae. You can also book an appointment through the SEHA Mobile app or WhatsApp us on 02-4102200.