Aster Hospital Al Qusais Performs Ocular Prosthesis Surgery To Help 42-Year-Old Patient Regain Confidence

In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Aster Hospital Al Qusais has successfully performed an ocular prosthesis surgery on a 42-year-old single mother of three from DR Congo, Kitsoukou Tiana Fredy Karmen, who had been living with significant vision loss and disfigurement in her left eye for over a year.

This procedure not only aimed to improve her cosmetic appearance but also sought to restore her confidence, severely impacted by her condition. Dr. Faizan Mehmood, a specialist in Ophthalmology (Orbit and Oculoplasty) at the hospital, spearheaded the operation, demonstrating the high level of care and expertise available at the facility.

Following an abdominal surgery, Karmen experienced a decline in her vision, leading to the development of staphyloma—a condition that results in the stretching and thinning of the cornea, causing it to bulge. This condition is often linked to pre-existing eye issues, trauma, or degenerative diseases.

However, Karmen's case was atypical as it occurred post-surgery. The staphyloma left her cornea white and disfigured, completely eliminating light perception in the affected eye. This had a profound impact on her life, diminishing her confidence and affecting her daily interactions and self-image, especially as a desk worker and the sole caregiver to her children.

Understanding Staphyloma and Its Impact

Staphylomas are more commonly found in individuals with a history of ocular trauma or certain eye conditions and are much less common in younger demographics. Statistically, about 35% of people with high myopia are affected, and the prevalence increases with age, affecting over half of the elderly population but only 9% of youth and 13% of children. This makes Karmen’s situation particularly rare and challenging, considering her younger age and the rarity of staphyloma in her demographic.

In her search for a solution, Karmen came across the specialized ophthalmology and oculoplasty services offered by Aster Hospital Al Qusais. Hopeful, she consulted with Dr. Mehmood, who proposed a comprehensive treatment plan beginning with a surgery to insert an orbital ball implant into her eye. This initial procedure was aimed at restoring the natural shape of her eye and setting a foundation for fitting a prosthetic eye. The ultimate goal was to improve her cosmetic appearance and bring symmetry to her vision, although it would not restore her sight.

Dr. Mehmood elaborated on the surgery, "The primary goal of the initial surgery was to restore the natural shape of the eye and create a stable base for the prosthetic. We face challenges during this procedure, such as preserving the motility of the eyeball to ensure the prosthesis moves synchronously with the other eye, while also providing adequate space for the prosthetic shell."

Following a two-month healing period, Karmen received her custom-fitted artificial eye. While the prosthetic did not return her vision, it greatly enhanced her quality of life by improving her appearance and emotional well-being. She expressed her deep gratitude for the care she received, saying, "I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Faizan and the entire team at Aster Hospital Al Qusais. This procedure has given me a new lease on life. I feel more confident and hopeful about the future. The care I received was exceptional, and I can't thank them enough for restoring my appearance and my confidence."

Exceptional Care and Innovative Solutions

The success of Karmen's ocular prosthesis surgery underscores Aster Hospital Al Qusais's leading position in providing specialized medical care in the UAE. Few facilities in the region offer such advanced expertise in Orbit and Oculoplasty, making the hospital a beacon of hope for individuals facing similar conditions. This procedure highlights the hospital's dedication to enhancing patient care and quality of life through innovative solutions, reinforcing its recognition among the "World's Best Smart Hospitals 2025" and its rank as No. 14 on Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals in the UAE list.