• Keratoconus is a progressive and degenerative disease of the cornea that leads to the gradual loss of its natural shape and overall vision
  • If left untreated, some cases of keratoconus require a cornea transplant to restore vision

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a Mubadala Health partner, is driving awareness around keratoconus, a progressive and degenerative corneal eye disease that, if left untreated, can result in blindness.  Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Eye Institute and Research Department will be conducting a research study to measure the prevalence of keratoconus in the local population to help understand and treat the disease more effectively.

Keratoconus is usually detected in the teenage years or 20s but can also start in childhood. However, the exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, and there are no eye diseases or injuries that explain why the cornea’s structure weakens and changes shape. This makes the role of preventative screening and timely detection even more critical, so accurate treatment is provided to manage the extent of distortion.

Dr. David Gritz, Staff Physician, Cornea & Refractive Disorders, Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi says, “Promoting advanced research to address complex medical needs of the community is a key objective of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Our aim is to study the prevalence and incidence of the disease in the local population, which will enable us in our efforts with the governing authorities to develop a comprehensive national screening program, and further serve our community.”

Dr. Gritz added, “Permanent vision loss from keratoconus is preventable through early detection and treatment, as we have innovative cutting-edge technologies available today. Therefore, we encourage people to take the preventive route and opt for screening tests.”

Keratoconus occurs when the cornea, the transparent outer lens of the eye, which normally has a dome shape with a ball-like appearance, is unable to maintain its round shape and extends outward in the form of a cone. While the exact cause is largely unknown, some research studies suggest that keratoconus runs in families and occurs more often in people with specific medical conditions.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s multidisciplinary, patient-first approach to complex care is key in the management of life-altering medical conditions such as keratoconus. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s focus on research and clinical studies further drives its vision to establish Abu Dhabi as a center for the life sciences industry and make world-class healthcare accessible to the UAE and wider region.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi encourages individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 years to undergo examination and consider participation in the research study. To know more about the research and register interest, please visit our website and contact: https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/institutes-and-specialties/eye-institute/pages/screening-for-keratoconus-in-the-uae.aspx

To book an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, call 800 8 CCAD (2223) visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae or download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Patient Portal App.

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About Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, an integral part of Mubadala Health, is a multispecialty hospital on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is a unique and unparalleled extension of US-based Cleveland Clinic’s model of care, specifically designed to address a range of complex and critical care requirements unique to the Abu Dhabi population.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has the following Institutes: Heart, Vascular & Thoracic, Neurological, Digestive Disease, Eye, Respiratory, Critical Care, Surgical Subspecialties, Medical Subspecialties, Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Imaging, Quality & Patient Safety, and Clinical & Nursing. In all, more than 40 medical and surgical specialties are represented at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

The facilities at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi combine state-of-the-art amenities and world-class service standards. The hospital is a 394 (expandable to 490) bed facility, with five clinical floors, three diagnostic and treatment levels, and 13 floors of critical and acute inpatient units. It is a physician-led medical facility served by North American/European Board Certified (or equivalent) physicians. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi provides patients in the region direct access to the world’s best healthcare providers and Cleveland Clinic’s unique model of care, reducing their need to travel abroad for treatment.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi – Al Ain began offering select medical services in December 2017. The facility is located on the Tawam Hospital Campus in Al Ain.

Visit us at www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae

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