Mondanite article

Throw away your glasses!!!

Due to severe myopia, I had been wearing glasses and contact lenses for no fewer than 25 and had to endure the hassle of keeping and caring for them all that time. What's more, after years of working in front of a computer screen, my eyesight was only getting worse, and the only time I could remove my glasses or contacts was when I went to sleep. My eyes were also increasingly getting irritated, red, and itchy. It was time for some action.

I was recommended by my cousin to visit Dr Ashraf at the Atlanta Vision Clinic for corrective surgery for my eyesight, but was hesitant because I've always been afraid of surgery of any kind. But after my initial consultation, Dr Ashraf, who holds a degree from John Hopkins School of Medicine, put me at ease with his professional manner and extensive experience and knowledge. I set a date and prepared to say goodbye forever to my dreaded glasses.

On the day of surgery, I was understandably nervous about having my eyes prodded and probed, but the actual procedure was fast, smooth and painless, and took less than 5 minutes in all. When Dr Ashraf said he was done, I couldn't believe it. I was handed a small bottle of eyedrops, told to use them for five days, and discharged from the clinic. It was faster than a manicure.

I expected to stay home for a few days to allow my eyes to heal and to see, but I was at work within 24 hours of the procedure, with what I estimate to be 90% of my vision. Now, 2 months later, my life has completely changed. I no longer have to care for my poor, tired, red eyes and all the equipment. From my experience, I can wholeheartedly recommend getting LASIK - it will change your life.

Mondanite spoke with Dr Ashraf to find out more about the newest procedure for vision correction.

Tell me more about the latest laser procedure?

LASIK is currently the standard in vision correction. The latest in technology with laser vision correction is wavefront guided laser treatment. Previously the same data used to prescribe your glasses or contacts was entered into the laser. This system basically measures the spherocylinder refractive error or simply 2 components of your vision. With wavefront data, a computer measures over 100 data points over the entire visual pathway of the eye. This data, or fingerprint, is unique to each individual and this information is then sent over to the laser for treatment. The results are clearly superior to the old technology. A large percentage of patients see better than they did with glasses or contacts. We utilize the Bausch and Lomb Zyoptix Z-100 laser for this advanced form of vision correction. We are the only center in Dubai with this advanced system and it actually is not even available in the United States.

How long does the entire procedure take?

The entire procedure takes less than 10 minutes and the actual laser treatment is usually less than one minute.

Is it painful?

Most people feel a slight discomfort or pressure, with very little pain.

When is vision restored fully?

Immediately after the procedure the patient can see, although slightly blurry. The following morning, patients will notice a 90-95% improvement in their vision.

Who is a prime candidate for this procedure?

Anyone who has healthy eyes and wants to get rid of glasses or contacts.

Are there any risks?

As with any surgery or medical procedure there are risks. The probability of having a bad risk in which your vision is permanently affected is extremely small. Most side effects are temporary and improve as the eye heals. In the United States, 6 million of these procedures have been performed and no one has gone blind directly related to this procedure.

Does it ever not work?

As long as a proper work-up is done and an experienced surgeon performs the surgery it is rare not to notice any improvement in the vision. Also keep in mind expectations play a key component to happiness of the patient, therefore someone expecting to read a license number on a car at 50 km will be very disappointed.

Any specific age or health requirements before suggesting this procedure?

As long as one wears glasses or contacts, they are a candidate for surgery. This will obviously have to be determined by a proper eye examination. Certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ocular conditions such as keratoconus, and Pregnancy may preclude you from having surgery.

Atlanta Vision Clinic

Jumeirah Beach Road ,
Opposite Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Tel: 04 348 - 6233