PHOTO
Abu Dhabi: In a first for the Middle East, the ophthalmology team at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), one of the UAE’s largest hospitals for serious and complex care and a joint-venture partnership between Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) and Mayo Clinic, performed the first intelligent eye implant with the “eyeWatch” device to save the eyesight of patients affected by glaucoma.
Dr. Omnia Awadh Hamam, Consultant Ophthalmologist at SSMC said: “The eyeWatch implant is a drainage system of tubes that drains away excess fluid to lower the pressure on the eye. Relieving pressure helps us stop the progressive loss of vision brought on by glaucoma, which is the main cause of blindness. The procedure itself is one of the more common procedures for implants into the eye and typically takes up to two hours to complete, however we were lucky to be use the eyeWatch device to increase the efficacy of the procedure and preserve the eyesight of our patient, fighting the adverse effects of more aggressive types of glaucoma.”
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that attack and damage the optic nerve in the eye. The health of the optic nerve is vital for good vision and this damage is often caused by abnormally high ocular pressure. There are several ways to reduce pressure on the eye, including eye drops, oral medication, laser treatment and then surgical treatment, which is the last resort.
“The device cannot aid in restoring the vision that has been lost in glaucoma patients, however, it can help to stop the gradual loss of sight by reducing the pressure on the eye.” Continues Dr. Hamam. “The eye builds up fluid inside the eye, and the device creates a channel to filter the fluid outside the eye, aided by a valve which is unique to the eyeWatch device. The liquid pressure is then controlled from the outside with a magnet.”
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60, however those with a family history of glaucoma should get regular screening from the age of 38 years. Diabetic patients who are also particularly susceptible to developing glaucoma should do regular checks, along with patients who see flashes at night, along with hyperopic patients (those who have difficulty distinguishing shapes or details from afar or who squint at near distances). Screening includes checking for high pressure and ensuring the health of the optic nerve and the optic field.
Patients who have glaucoma don’t typically feel the symptoms of the disease, which include the pressure on the eye or the loss of vision - the latter of which occurs because the loss of sight usually happens from the periphery where the patient is losing their visual field. There are some kinds of glaucoma that are painful which is usually an alert for doctors to screen for types of glaucoma, otherwise, glaucoma can be difficult to detect.
“It is interesting to note that the types of glaucoma seen in patients in the Middle East is a lot more aggressive than glaucoma conditions seen in patients in some other regions. This is mainly because of the higher rates of diabetes. Neovascular glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma are the two most common types of glaucoma and are the most severe, however, this procedure treats all types of glaucoma.” said Dr. Hamam.
Patients are put under local or general anesthesia , however, despite it being more invasive surgery, it is possible for patients to be discharged the one day post-surgery and to return to their usual routine immediately, with a follow up appointment within one week , and restrict follow up during the first 6 months.
-Ends-
About Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) is a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), the UAE’s largest healthcare network, and Mayo Clinic, a non-profit global leader in medical care, education and research headquartered in the United States of America. Established in 2019, SSMC is the largest tertiary hospital in the UAE and serves to elevate the provision of healthcare services in the nation under the mandate of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.
Supported by the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities available, SSMC offers care in 24 specialties. A team of locally and internationally trained physicians and allied health staff work seamlessly together, which promotes comprehensive interdisciplinary learning, allowing SSMC to become a leading hub for integrated patient-centric medical services in the region.
As the region’s leading tertiary facility, SSMC has 742 patient beds, 18 operating theatres and includes a hybrid operating room, 26 neonatal intensive care units and the UAE’s largest pathology lab. For more information on Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City or to book an appointment, visit https://ssmcabudhabi.ae/.
About SEHA
The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC–SEHA – is an independent, public joint stock company created to develop the curative activities of the public healthcare system in Abu Dhabi. The company owns and operates all the public hospitals and clinics of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
SEHA is part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy.
SEHA is committed to continuous improvement of customer care to recognized international standards and providing the community with world-class healthcare. SEHA operates 13 hospitals with 3,385 beds, 70 ambulatory care, family care and urgent care centers and 2 blood banks. Its facilities accommodate 117,162 inpatients annually and conduct 43,262 surgeries, as well as treating more than five million outpatients. SEHA is one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the Middle East with more than 18,000 doctors, nurses, ancillary care, and administrative personnel. Learn more at www.seha.ae.
About Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news and Mayo Clinic Facts for more information about Mayo.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Salma Chalak
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
Email: o-schalak@seha.ae
Fadya Al Kathairi
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
Email: falkathairi@seha.ae
Wissam Ishtay
Edelman
Email: Wissam.Ishtay@edelman.com
© Press Release 2021
Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
