Best Glaucoma Doctors in Dubai

What is Glaucoma?

When your peripheral vision starts to shrink it could mean that there is damage to your optic nerve. This eye disorder is referred to as glaucoma and is a progressive degradation of the optic nerve. The longer this disorder is left unchecked, the greater the likelihood of greater vision loss and in worse cases, permanent blindness. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old.

A common form of glaucoma or open-angle glaucoma is when pressure builds up due to fluids inside the eye. This pressure slowly causes damage to the optic nerve. Unfortunately, open-angle glaucoma can sometimes go unnoticed until significant vision is lost. Acute angle closure glaucoma is when the pressure build-up from fluid in the eye occurs quickly and is accompanied by severe eye pain, redness, blurred and distorted vision. This type of glaucoma is considered severe and requires immediate medical attention otherwise vision loss may occur quickly. Other factors may increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma such as old age (over 60 years old), family history of glaucoma, medical conditions, trauma to the eye, unique anatomy of the eye, and extended use of corticosteroids. 

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), it is important to check the health of your eyes at least once every 2 years with an ophthalmologist or an eye doctor. A comprehensive eye examination will be conducted to evaluate the health of your eyes and based on the results, your ophthalmologist or eye doctor will recommend the right treatment, medication and if necessary, corrective lenses.

What are the different types of glaucoma treatments?

In standard cases, an ophthalmologist or eye doctor will recommend the use of prescription eye drops that reduce the pressure in the eyes. These eye drops will help control glaucoma, but neither the cure for it, nor a solution for reversing vision loss. For ophthalmologists, there are 2 types of laser surgery to treat glaucoma:

[1] Trabeculoplasty, is a laser surgery that creates a drainage for fluid to drain out from the eye and recommended for patients with open-angle glaucoma. For this kind of surgery, there are 3 different types of laser surgery being used:

• Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) which is the most common type of laser surgery for open-angle glaucoma

• Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) a simple in-office laser procedure for open-angle glaucoma

• Micropulse Laser Trabeculoplasty (MLT) is a short-pulse laser surgery for open-angle glaucoma. 

[2] Iridotomy, is a laser surgery that creates a tiny hole in the iris and allows immediate drainage for patients with acute angle closure glaucoma.

Depending on the severity of the glaucoma, a final recommended treatment will be provided by the ophthalmologist or eye doctor to quickly manage the effects of glaucoma. 

How can I find the right glaucoma treatment for me?

Finding the right surgeon(s) determines everything

A surgery result does not depend on the reputation of a clinic. Ultimately, it is the expertise of the surgeon that determines the outcome. Nothing can replace the skillful hands of a surgeon who has deep insight into the human body and a patient’s aspiration. 

Research the credentials, portfolio, and other patients’ reviews of the surgeon(s)

It is difficult for a patient to evaluate the skill of a surgeon. However, there are some standard checklists you should apply to choose the right surgeon. 

• First, ensure that surgeons/specialists/consultants are certified from trustworthy institutions. 
• Second, check if they have excellently performed surgery for a similar case as yours. You may check their portfolio online or get it upon request to the clinic. 
• Third, search up what other patients had to say about the physician that you shortlisted. Platforms like DrFive.com could be a good starting point for your research. 

Know your budget and schedule

Most plastic surgeries are elective treatments. In other words, they will not be covered by your health insurance and you need to pay for the entire treatment. Depending on a few factors we will explain below, there are quite big differences in the treatment costs and you need to ensure that treatments from your shortlisted providers are within your budget. Don’t forget to determine when you want to get the surgery prior to contacting clinics. Most sought-after surgeons have a very tight schedule and the next available slots may only open up far beyond your availability. Having a clear timeline can prevent unnecessary last minute surprises.

What are the driving factors for the different prices of glaucoma treatments in Dubai?

Qualifications of the practitioner

Medical groups in Dubai are diverse and numerous. Physicians come from different schools of thought and each gives their own perspective on the best treatment options. Some of these doctors are board certified from recognized institutions in the UK, Europe or USA, while others have regional or local qualifications. All of whom possess a knowledge base with a specific set of training and practical knowledge.

Brand awareness of the clinic

Treatments from more reputable hospitals will usually be costlier than clinics not widely known to people. Institutions make huge investments to build a trusted brand and we, as the end-consumers, are expected to, in return, pay a premium for that brand. Certain local clinics in Dubai have established a history of providing excellent care to people, and in turn, are more expensive than new entrants in the cosmetic treatment field. 

Experience of the practitioner

It is quite understandable that you pay more for a service from a more experienced practitioner. For cosmetic procedures, and other specialties, you will usually need to pay more to get treatment from consultants rather than specialists, GPs and other physicians, as they have more expertise and practical experience in their field.  

What are the prices for glaucoma treatments in Dubai?

Many clinics in Dubai will evaluate every candidate’s eyes, health markers and the expected results to recommend the most suitable glaucoma treatments. Therefore, a complete in-person consultation with an ophthalmologist or eye doctor is necessary for a clinic in Dubai to quote a price for the glaucoma treatment. As mentioned previously, depending on the severity of the glaucoma, a final recommended glaucoma treatment will be provided to the patient. In cases where there is accompanied pain, swelling and more serious symptoms, insurance holders will be covered for the glaucoma treatment which will entail a laser surgery. Through some of our team’s analysis we were able to find the following prices for glaucoma treatments in Dubai.

Comprehensive eye examination prices in Dubai range between AED 250 to AED 700, with an average price of AED 475. 

Trabeculoplasty prices in Dubai range between AED 5,500 to AED 11,000 with an average price of AED 8,250. 

Iridotomy prices in Dubai range between AED 5,500 to 15,000 with an average price of AED 10,250. 

*Please note that the above mentioned prices may not necessarily include the below mentioned costs: 

• Radiology services
• Take home medication
• Pre-anaesthetic check-up
• Any complications from the surgery/procedure
• Additional surgeries
• Additional consumables used if needed

According to the DrFive rating system*, who are the most recommended surgeons or physicians for glaucoma treatments in Dubai?

Dr Mamta Mittal

(5.0)

2 reviews

Dr. Mamta Mittal

Specialist Opthalmology
Mediclinic Welcare Hospital

Dr Mamta Mittal has over 15 years of experience and over 10 years of clinical practice in the UAE. She is a proud recipient of the International Ophthalmology Education award from American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Dr Mamta is also a member of several internationally-recognized ophthalmology societies and academies in the US and UK. 

Dr Sathish Kidiyur Rama Bhat

(5.0)

15 reviews

Dr. Sathish Kidiyur Rama Bhat

Specialist - Ophthalmologist
JTS Medical Centre

Dr Sathish Kidiyur Rama Bhat has been helping people with their eyesight for over 20 years in Dubai. His expertise and interests are in the anterior segment, pediatric ophthalmology and occuloplasty. His work experience and practice also includes publishing over 60 papers and teaching as a professor in India. Dr Sathish has worked with multiple highly recognized medical institutions in Dubai. Starting with Welcare Hospital in 2001 to currently in Medcare Hospital and JTS Medical Center. 

Dr Vidhidevendra Majithia

(4.9)

16 reviews

Dr. Vidhidevendra Majithia

Specialist Ophthalmologist
iCARE, Uptown Mirdiff

Dr Vidhidevendra Majithia is a highly skilled ophthalmologist and has graduated from Bombay City Eye Institute and Research Centre in Mumbai, a prestigious institute for Ophthalmology. She’s been practicing in the UAE for over 5 years and focuses on the medical management of glaucoma, eyelid retinal and ocular surface disorders, refractive and cataract surgery.

Dr Adel Mohammed Husein Badr

(4.9)

96 reviews

Dr. Adel Mohammed Husein Badr

Head of ophthalmology department Consultant Ophthalmologist
Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital, Dubai Healthcare City

Dr Adel Mohammed Husein Badr has over 17 years of experience in his field, 5 of which are here in the UAE. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons (Ophthalmology), Glasgow (UK) and a member of Internal Council of Ophthalmology, London- UK. His area of practice and interest is in Refractive surgeries (Femto-LASIK, SMILE, PRK), Topical Cataract Surgery with multifocal toric lenses, medical retina and diabetic retinopathy management, and surgical retina and retinal detachment surgeries.