UAE hospital steps in to restore vision for patient with Down Syndrome

A 40-year-old Emirati patient with Down Syndrome has regained her eyesight thanks to the experts at the Moorfields Eye Hospital in Abu Dhabi.

Since a young age, Aida had vision only on one eye, after they had to remove her left eye due to complications caused by a glaucoma surgery.

She also experienced learning difficulties associated with Down Syndrome.

It's when her vision in her right eye continued to deteriorate over the last three years, that she decided to seek medical help.

"Her case was very complex as she was suffering from cataract, glaucoma, recurrent uveitis and lens iris adhesions from previous eye surgeries,” Dr. Igor Kozak, Clinical Lead and Ophthalmology Consultant at Moorfields Eye Hospital said.

Dr. Syed Ali, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Abu Dhabi, who performed the surgery on Aida explained that she "became completely dependent on her sisters due to severe sight impairment".

She was unable to see what was on her plate and found it difficult to move about.

Using the latest medical techniques, the doctors were able to restore her sight in the right eye completely after the one-hour-long surgery.

"Performing cataract surgery in patients with uveitis and previous intra-ocular surgery with lens and iris adhesion are always challenging and need meticulous care and planning before, during and after surgery. They require frequent follow for first 8 weeks after surgery to recognise any relapse of uveitis and treat early to avoid sight threatening complications," Dr. Syed Ali added.
 
Ms. Asmaa Ahmed, the patient’s sister expressed her gratitude to the medical team. "Restoring her vision has helped her with her daily routines without depending on others. For the past 2 years, she has required help in the most basic things such as walking, eating and moving around.

"Her reaction when the bandage was removed from her eye after surgery was very touching. She was extremely happy to see us again."