- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), after cataracts, glaucoma is the second-leading cause of permanent blindness globally and is expected to affect 111.8 million patients by 2040.[1]
- Glaucoma is much more common among older people, with those over 60 being six times more likely to develop the condition.[2]
Aster Hospital Al Qusais, recognized in Newsweek’s “World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2025” List among 350 hospitals globally and ranked No. 14 on Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals in the UAE list, has successfully performed its first glaucoma microshunt surgery on 46-year-old Indian woman, who was suffering from advanced refractive neovascular glaucoma secondary to retinal vein occlusion. This surgery has not only brought her eye pressure back to normal, reducing it from a dangerously high level of 50mmHG to a stable 12mmHG, but also effectively prevented further loss of vision and relieved her chronic pain.
The patient, a financial professional residing in Sharjah, had been battling diabetes for four years and was receiving treatment for retinal vein occlusion elsewhere. She was referred to Aster Hospital Al Qusais after experiencing complications, including glaucoma, bleeding, and retinal detachment. She had been treated for blocked blood vessels (retinal vein occlusion) and underwent successful retinal detachment surgery performed by Dr. Boopathy Murugavel, Specialist Ophthalmology at Aster Hospital Al Qusais. She was also prescribed eye drops for glaucoma as part of her ongoing treatment. Despite being on maximum eye drops, her eye pressures remained critically high at 50 mmHG, causing severe pain and a significant risk of further vision loss.
Recognizing the complexity of her condition, Dr. Boopathy Murugavel recommended glaucoma microshunt surgery to address the issue. Microshunt surgery is a minimally invasive procedure designed to lower eye pressure in glaucoma patients. It involves the implantation of a small device in the eye to help fluid drain more effectively, reducing pressure and preventing further damage to the optic nerve. The microshunt surgery, a minimally invasive treatment option, successfully reduced the patient’s eye pressure to 12mmHG – a normal and sustainable level. This surgery marks a significant milestone in Aster Hospital Al Qusais’ expanding ophthalmology services.
Commenting on the procedure, Dr. Boopathy Murugavel, Specialist Ophthalmology at Aster Hospital Al Qusais, said, “Neovascular glaucoma is one of the most challenging forms of glaucoma to treat, as it often results from conditions like diabetic retinopathy or blocked blood vessels in the eye (retinal vein occlusion). Traditional surgical options, such as trabeculectomy, carry a higher risk of bleeding and failure due to scarring. The microshunt procedure provides a safer and more effective alternative, offering better outcomes with minimal downtime and faster recovery. We are proud to have achieved such a positive result for our patient and look forward to providing advanced solutions to more patients in need.”
The patient expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Boopathy and the medical team at Aster Hospital Al Qusais, stating: “I am truly thankful for the exceptional care I received. Dr. Boopathy and the team were supportive throughout the process, and I am relieved that my eye pressure is now under control. This surgery has brought me freedom from chronic pain, and I am forever grateful to Aster Hospital Al Qusais for restoring my quality of life.”
Glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” causes progressive vision loss due to increased eye pressure. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging a nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve. The symptoms can start so slowly that you may not notice them, which is why regular eye exams are essential. Neovascular glaucoma, a more severe form, arises from poor blood circulation in the eye due to conditions like diabetic retinopathy and blocked blood vessels. The microshunt device offers a cutting-edge solution with reduced risk of complications and higher success rates, making it a game-changer in treating advanced glaucoma cases.
Notably, while glaucoma is more common in older adults, with those over 60 being six times more likely to develop the condition2, this case is exceptional, as the patient is only 46 years old. This emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment of glaucoma, regardless of age.
This surgery highlights Aster Hospital Al Qusais’ commitment to providing innovative, patient-centric care and reinforces its position as a leading healthcare provider in the UAE.
[1] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8090268_Glaucoma_is_second_leading_cause_of_blindness_globally
[2] https://glaucoma.org/understanding-glaucoma/risks