The Best Glaucoma Specialist in Egypt | Expert Eye Care

Glaucoma, also known as blue water, is an umbrella term for eye diseases that cause a buildup of pressure inside the eyeball, potentially damaging the delicate and vital structures at the back of the eye. Most of these diseases develop gradually, and as a result, patients can become blind and experience permanent vision loss. Therefore, due to the sensitivity of the condition, these patients require a dedicated glaucoma specialist to treat such complex cases. Here, we will learn about the most renowned glaucoma specialist in Egypt, the typical timing of glaucoma surgery, and its success rate.

When should glaucoma surgery be performed?

A glaucoma specialist typically doesn't consider glaucoma surgery immediately, but first tries various medications. If these don't produce the desired results, surgery becomes a possibility. The most common conditions that may require a Glaucoma consultant to recommend surgery include:

1. If medical and laser treatments fail: If various treatments such as eye drops or laser procedures do not help to lower eye pressure sufficiently, then surgery becomes a viable option.
2. The rate of disease progression: The rate at which glaucoma worsens is a crucial factor in deciding whether to have surgery. If the disease is progressing rapidly, then surgery is necessary to prevent vision loss.
3. Glaucoma stage: The severity of the stage a patient has reached in glaucoma at diagnosis can affect the treatment plan followed, as early surgical intervention may be considered in cases that have significant damage at diagnosis.
4. Patient-specific factors: There are some patient-specific factors that affect the decision to perform the operation, such as: age, general health, and life expectancy.

In this context, the globally recognized Mayo Clinic highlights that glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, particularly for individuals over the age of 60. The esteemed medical institution emphasizes that many forms of glaucoma present no early warning signs; the vision loss is so gradual that patients may not notice any changes until the condition has reached an advanced, irreversible stage. This medical consensus underscores the critical necessity of regular eye examinations and early intervention by a highly qualified glaucoma consultant to preserve vision and prevent permanent damage.

Can glaucoma return after glaucoma surgery?

After treatment, it is important for the patient to have regular biopsy tests, because glaucoma may recur. These tests are especially important if the patient has other problems such as heart disease or diabetes.

Since glaucoma is a malignant disease with few symptoms, the best option for the patient is to visit an ophthalmologist regularly as recommended by the doctor. For more information about glaucoma examinations, please contact us at Dr. Abdel Rahman Shams’ clinic, the best glaucoma specialist in Alexandria and the best vision correction doctor in Egypt, on the following number (01118886541).

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What's new in the treatment of glaucoma?

Because science is constantly evolving, new treatment options often emerge to address various eye problems. Among the latest treatments currently available and used for glaucoma, offered by a leading glaucoma specialist in Egypt, are the following:

• Drug treatments: Glaucoma treatment typically begins with topical medications to lower intraocular pressure. Among the newer medications available are Fezolta and Robersa eye drops. Fezolta is a modified version of a class of medications currently used to treat glaucoma called prostaglandin analogs. This medication helps lower intraocular pressure by increasing fluid drainage from the eye. Robersa eye drops belong to a new class of medications used to treat glaucoma called Rho kinase inhibitors. They lower eye pressure by increasing aqueous outflow. Both types of prescription eye drops are used once daily and are generally safe. Another effective treatment is known as Durista injections. This medication contains bimatoprost granules, a prostaglandin analog. It is administered directly into the anterior chamber of the eye in a safe and painless manner. These granules dissolve over time and can lower eye pressure for several months without the need for eye drops.
• Laser treatments: Laser glaucoma treatment (SLT) lowers intraocular pressure by stimulating increased fluid outflow from the eye. This treatment offers a high level of safety compared to older laser glaucoma treatments, and can reduce intraocular pressure by up to 20-30%. It can also be used as a first-line treatment before adding glaucoma medications, or as a next step for patients whose glaucoma cannot be controlled with medication alone. This option can also be beneficial for patients who have difficulty using eye drops and are seeking an alternative treatment.
• Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS): This surgery aims to lower intraocular pressure by improving the drainage system of the eye's aqueous humor. Some of these surgeries can be performed as standalone procedures, while others are typically performed in conjunction with cataract surgery in patients with severe cataracts and mild to moderate glaucoma.

Glaucoma surgery success rate

The success rate of this procedure when performed by an expert glaucoma specialist ranges between 70% and 90%, a high percentage compared to other procedures. The variation in this percentage is due to several factors, including the following:

In this context, WebMD, a leading global health authority, emphasizes that glaucoma specifically damages the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. According to their medical reports, this damage is often linked to abnormally high pressure in the eye and is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. This highlights the critical need for early detection and continuous follow-up.

• Type of glaucoma: The type of glaucoma a patient has can affect surgery, and doctors tell us that some types of glaucoma are easier to treat than others.
• Age and health: A patient's age and health can affect their recovery from surgery. Older adults or those with underlying health conditions may take longer to recover.
• Family history of glaucoma: If glaucoma is a hereditary disease in the patient's family, then he is more likely to develop it. This does not mean that surgery will not be successful for him, but starting treatment early is important to increase the chances of success.
• The experience of the ophthalmologist performing the procedure: The skill of the doctor performing the procedure is one of the factors affecting the success of the procedure and its safe completion, so choosing the most famous glaucoma specialist in Egypt is one of the most important points that the patient should think about.
• Post-operative care: How to care for the eye after surgery is important. Going to the doctor at the scheduled appointments and taking the correct measurements is one of the most important steps for effective treatment.

Does a glaucoma patient lose their sight?

Yes, glaucoma can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated, but with early detection and appropriate treatment from a Glaucoma consultant, a patient can avoid losing their sight. The reason glaucoma can cause blindness is that it damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. When this nerve is damaged, it affects the information it transmits to the brain, leading to vision loss. This usually begins with peripheral vision loss and can progress to central vision loss if left untreated.

The most famous glaucoma doctors in Egypt

Dr. abdelrhman shams He is the most famous glaucoma specialist in Egypt, and what makes him stand out from any other ophthalmologist is that:

• He has outstanding qualifications and experience: he holds a doctorate in ophthalmology from Ain Shams University, and he has more than 10 years of experience as a glaucoma specialist in diagnosing and treating various eye diseases.
• He has prestigious international memberships: Dr. abdelrhman shams is a Fellow of the International Council of Ophthalmology in England, a member of the Royal College of Glaucoma Surgeon of Edinburgh, and a member of several international associations such as the American, European and International Societies of Cataract and Vision Correction, in addition to the Egyptian Society of Ophthalmology.
• He applies modern medical techniques: Dr. abdelrhman shams applies the latest surgical methods to patients, and he also uses precise devices such as OCT and Pentacam to ensure good diagnosis and treatment planning before operations.
• He has an integrated center in Maadi: Dr. abdelrhmanshams Eye Center in Maadi is equipped with the latest equipment, and offers comprehensive treatment for diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eye.
• Dr. abdelrhman has high ratings and results: he enjoys an excellent reputation among patients, especially in cataract surgeries where success rates exceed 99%, vision correction, and dry eye.

In conclusion, glaucoma remains a silent disease requiring a high level of health awareness and accurate diagnosis by skilled and experienced specialists. This article has featured one of the most renowned experts, Dr. abdelrhman shams, a leading glaucoma specialist who has made significant contributions and helped improve the quality of life for thousands of patients. Choosing the right doctor is a crucial step in the treatment journey, so we always recommend consulting certified specialists to ensure the best possible outcomes and care.