Frequently Asked Questions about Eye Care

Finland Eye Center treats most common eye conditions: cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other retinal disease, keratoconus and corneal disease, children's eye problems including lazy eye and squint, eyelid conditions, and dry eye. It also offers laser vision correction (LASIK, PRK and CLEAR), implantable lenses (ICL) and contact lens fitting. Each branch page lists the services available at that clinic.

Read more: All eye care services

There are four clinics: Muscat: Qurum Garden Building, First Floor, 2237 Way; Sohar: Al Hambar Street, Near Sohar Hospital; Salalah: New Salalah, 23rd July Street; Nizwa: Firq Area, Near Nizwa Hospital. Consultations, eye examinations and follow-up are available at all four. Surgery and laser vision correction are done at the Muscat (Qurum), Sohar and Salalah clinics; Nizwa patients who need them are booked at one of these three. Opening hours are shown on each branch page.

Read more: Qurum Branch · Sohar Branch · Salalah Branch · Nizwa Branch

You can book a consultation online or by calling or messaging the clinic you want to visit; each branch page lists its phone number, WhatsApp and opening hours. You can book without a letter from another doctor. If your insurance policy needs a referral or pre-approval, bring it with you, and our team can check the approval with your insurer before treatment.

Read more: Book a consultation · Clinic phone numbers and hours

Bring your ID or resident card, your insurance card if you have one, the glasses and contact lenses you use, a list of your medicines and eye drops, and any previous eye reports or scans. Drops that widen the pupils can blur your vision and make you sensitive to light for several hours, so it is safer not to drive yourself if your eyes may be dilated. If you are coming for a laser vision correction assessment, ask how long to stop wearing contact lenses beforehand.

Read more: Book a consultation

Yes. Finland Eye Center works with these health insurers: NEXtCARE, Liva, OQIC, MetLife, GIG Gulf and AXA, and QPay can be used to pay for any service. Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment: medically necessary care such as cataract surgery is more often covered than elective laser vision correction. The clinic can check your approval before treatment.

Read more: Insurance and payment

Yes. Finland Eye Center provides paediatric eye care, from eye checks for babies and school-age children to treatment of lazy eye and squint. When you book, mention your child’s age and the reason for the visit so the appointment is made with a doctor who sees children. Bring any glasses your child wears and earlier eye reports.

Read more: Children’s eye care guide · Paediatric ophthalmology service

Common cataract symptoms include blurry or cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light and glare, halos around lights, faded or yellowed colours, and frequent changes in glasses prescription. These symptoms can have other causes too, so an eye examination is needed to confirm a cataract.

Read more: Cataract surgery guide

Cataract surgery is usually recommended when a cataract starts to affect daily tasks such as reading, driving or recognising faces. There is no upper age limit and no need to wait for the cataract to "ripen". Your eye doctor will examine the eye, check for other conditions and discuss which lens implant suits your needs.

Read more: When cataract surgery is advised

Most patients feel little or no pain. The eye is numbed with drops, sometimes with a local injection, and you stay awake. You may feel light pressure and see bright lights during the 15–20 minute procedure. Mild grittiness for a day or two afterwards is common and eased by the prescribed drops.

Read more: Cataract surgery service

Lens implant (IOL) options include monofocal lenses for clear vision at one distance, toric lenses that also correct astigmatism, multifocal lenses for distance and near, and extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses for a wider range of vision. Each type has trade-offs, such as glare with some multifocal designs; your surgeon will recommend one based on your eyes and lifestyle.

Read more: Compare cataract lens implants

The cost depends mainly on the lens type and on whether one or both eyes are treated. A standard monofocal lens costs less than toric, multifocal or EDOF lenses. Many insurance policies cover medically necessary cataract surgery with a standard lens; premium lenses may involve an extra payment. Ask for a quote after your assessment, and we confirm your insurance cover before surgery.

Read more: Cataract surgery service · Insurance and payment

The most common type, open-angle glaucoma, usually has no symptoms until side vision is already lost, which is why regular checks matter. A less common type, acute angle-closure glaucoma, causes sudden severe eye pain, redness, blurred vision, halos around lights, headache and nausea. That is an emergency: seek care the same day.

Read more: Glaucoma treatment guide

Adults should have a baseline eye examination including a glaucoma check by about age 40, and earlier if they are at higher risk. Higher risk means a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, high short-sightedness, long-term steroid use or previous eye injury. Your ophthalmologist then sets how often you need repeat checks, often every one to two years.

Read more: Glaucoma service · Book a consultation

Glaucoma treatment lowers the pressure inside the eye to protect the optic nerve. Most patients start with eye drops or a laser treatment called SLT. If the pressure stays too high, surgery such as trabeculectomy may be recommended. Damage already caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, so regular check-ups matter, especially over 40 or with a family history.

Read more: Glaucoma treatment options

For many people with open-angle glaucoma or high eye pressure, yes. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a few-minute clinic procedure that improves drainage and can be used first, instead of drops or alongside them. Its effect can fade over several years, and it can be repeated. Your ophthalmologist advises whether it suits your type of glaucoma.

Read more: Laser and surgery for glaucoma

Trabeculectomy is glaucoma surgery that creates a small new drainage channel, covered by the eyelid, so fluid can leave the eye and pressure falls. It is usually considered when pressure stays too high despite drops and laser, or when the optic nerve keeps deteriorating. Frequent check-ups are needed in the first weeks after surgery.

Read more: Glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy) guide

Warning signs are a sudden increase in floaters (dark spots or threads), flashes of light, especially at the side of your vision, and a dark shadow or curtain spreading across your sight. There is usually no pain. These need urgent same-day examination, because treating a tear before the retina detaches gives the best chance of keeping vision.

Read more: Retina care guide

Most people with diabetes should have a retinal examination with dilating drops at least once a year, or as often as their eye doctor advises. Diabetic retinopathy often causes no symptoms in its early stages. When it is found early, treatment such as laser or injections into the eye can reduce the risk of serious vision loss.

Read more: Diabetic eye screening

Yes. Treatment depends on the stage and includes injections into the eye (anti-VEGF), laser treatment and, in advanced cases, vitrectomy surgery. Good control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol also matters. Because early retinopathy often has no symptoms, people with diabetes need regular retinal examinations.

Read more: Diabetic retinopathy treatment

Anti-VEGF medicines block a protein that causes leaking and abnormal blood vessels in the retina. They are a main treatment for wet macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema. The eye is numbed with drops first, so most people feel only brief pressure. Treatment is usually a series of injections, often monthly at first, then spaced out.

Read more: Retina service

Start with an eye examination at any of our clinics in Oman. The ophthalmologist checks your retina and, if specialist treatment is needed, guides you to our retina specialist. Retinal surgery is performed at our Muscat (Qurum), Sohar and Salalah clinics; patients seen in Nizwa are referred to one of them. For sudden flashes, floaters or a shadow over your vision, call the same day.

Read more: Our ophthalmologists · Our clinics

Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea gradually thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing blurred and distorted vision, glare and frequent changes in glasses. It usually starts in the teenage years or early twenties and can progress for years. Eye rubbing is linked to progression. Treatments include corneal cross-linking, corneal ring implants and specialty contact lenses.

Read more: Keratoconus treatment guide

No. Cross-linking creates permanent new bonds between collagen fibres in the cornea, which is how it stops keratoconus getting worse. It is designed to stabilise the cornea, not to restore sharp vision, so most people still need glasses or contact lenses afterwards. Intracorneal ring segments, by contrast, can be removed or exchanged.

Read more: Corneal cross-linking · Corneal ring implants

Keratoconus usually starts in the teenage years or twenties. It is more common in people with eye allergies or a family history, and frequent, hard eye rubbing is a well-recognised risk factor for progression. If your eyes itch, ask your doctor for anti-allergy drops rather than rubbing.

Read more: Keratoconus causes and treatment

Usually not. LASIK thins and weakens the cornea and can make keratoconus worse, so it is generally avoided in keratoconus and in suspicious corneas. That is why corneal mapping is part of every LASIK assessment. Once keratoconus is stable, options to improve vision include specialist contact lenses, an implantable lens (ICL) or, in selected cases, other treatments your surgeon may discuss.

Read more: Specialty contact lenses

Most people with keratoconus never need a transplant, especially when progression is detected early and stopped with cross-linking. A transplant is considered when the cornea is badly scarred or too thin, or when vision cannot be corrected with contact lenses.

Read more: Keratoconus treatment options

Babies are checked at birth and in infancy, and a fuller eye exam is recommended around 6–12 months, at about 3 years and before starting school, then every one to two years. Children born prematurely, with a family history of squint, lazy eye or childhood cataract, or whose parents notice a problem, should be seen sooner.

Read more: Children’s eye doctor guide

A true squint does not go away on its own. Babies’ eyes can wander occasionally in the first few months, but a squint that is constant, or still present after about 4 months of age, should be examined. Untreated, it can lead to lazy eye and loss of depth perception.

Read more: Squint (strabismus) treatment

Yes. Amblyopia is treated by correcting any glasses prescription and then making the brain use the weaker eye, by patching the stronger eye or blurring it with atropine drops. Treatment works best in early childhood, but older children can still benefit, so do not delay an assessment.

Read more: Paediatric ophthalmology

Not always. Some squints are fully corrected with glasses, and lazy eye is treated alongside. Surgery on the eye muscles is advised when the eyes stay misaligned despite glasses. It is a commonly performed day-case operation done under general anaesthesia in children, and your surgeon explains the expected result and risks beforehand.

Read more: Strabismus surgery

Time outdoors, ideally around two hours a day, is linked with a lower risk of children becoming short-sighted, and breaks from screens and close work help comfort. For children whose myopia is getting worse, your doctor may discuss options to slow it. Regular checks track the change.

Read more: Myopia in children

Oculoplastic surgery deals with the eyelids, the tear drainage system and the area around the eye. Common reasons to be seen include a drooping upper eyelid (ptosis), excess or heavy eyelid skin, eyelids that turn inwards or outwards, eyelid lumps such as a chalazion, and growths on the eyelid that need checking. An examination decides whether treatment is needed and which kind.

Read more: Eyelid surgery guide · Oculoplastic and eyelid surgery

Not always. A low upper eyelid can block the top of your vision and cause tiredness from raising the eyebrows to see. In a child, an eyelid that covers the pupil can stop normal vision developing and needs prompt assessment. Treatment, when needed, is usually surgery to tighten or reattach the muscle that lifts the eyelid. Insurance more often covers eyelid surgery done for a medical reason than for appearance alone, depending on your policy.

Read more: Ptosis surgery · Insurance and payment

A chalazion is a firm lump, usually not painful, caused by a blocked oil gland in the eyelid. Many settle within weeks with warm compresses and gentle eyelid cleaning. If it persists or keeps coming back, it can be drained through a small incision under local anaesthetic. A lump that bleeds, keeps growing or makes lashes fall out should be examined.

Read more: Eyelid lump treatment

Most eyelid operations are day procedures under local anaesthetic. Bruising and swelling are common for one to two weeks; cold compresses and keeping your head raised help. Stitches that do not dissolve are usually removed after about a week. Possible risks include uneven results, dry or irritated eyes and, less often, infection or bleeding. Your surgeon explains your own risks before surgery.

Read more: Book a consultation

Dry eye often feels gritty, burning or stinging, with redness and tired eyes, especially after screen use or time in air-conditioning. Vision may blur and then clear when you blink, and contact lenses can become uncomfortable. Some people have watery eyes, because irritation triggers reflex tears. Similar symptoms can come from allergy or infection, so an examination confirms the cause.

Read more: Dry eye treatment

Dry eye can be caused by ageing, hormonal changes, a dry or air-conditioned environment, wind, long periods of screen use, contact lens wear, some medicines (such as antihistamines and antidepressants), autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, eyelid gland problems and previous eye surgery. An examination helps identify the cause.

Read more: Dry eye causes and tests

Treatment depends on the cause found at your examination, which may include tear tests such as Schirmer's test and tear break-up time. Options include artificial tears and lubricating drops, prescription anti-inflammatory drops, warm compresses and eyelid hygiene, meibomian gland expression, punctal plugs to keep tears on the eye, and changes to screen and environment habits.

Read more: Book a consultation

Often yes, once the dry eye is under control. Laser vision correction can make dry eye worse for a while, so the tear film is checked at every assessment and dry eye is usually treated before surgery. If it stays significant, your surgeon may discuss an option that affects the surface of the eye less, or advise against surgery.

Read more: LASIK suitability

Generally adults aged 18 or over whose prescription has been stable for at least a year and whose eyes are otherwise healthy, with corneas thick and regular enough for treatment. Options include LASIK, PRK and CLEAR; when laser is not suitable, an implantable lens (ICL) may be. A full assessment with corneal mapping decides which option, if any, is right for you.

Read more: LASIK service

LASIK, PRK and CLEAR all reshape the cornea with a laser. LASIK works under a thin corneal flap and usually recovers within a day or two. PRK treats the surface with no flap, so healing takes longer and is more uncomfortable. CLEAR removes a thin disc of corneal tissue through a small incision, without a flap. An ICL is a thin lens placed inside the eye, in front of the natural lens, without removing corneal tissue, and is often considered for high prescriptions or thin corneas. Your surgeon recommends one after measuring your eyes.

Read more: LASIK vs PRK compared · LASIK vs ICL compared · CLEAR laser correction

Numbing eye drops are used, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain, and the laser treatment takes only a few minutes per eye. After LASIK the eyes may sting or water for a few hours, and most people see clearly within a day or two; many return to desk work and driving within a few days once the surgeon confirms their vision meets the driving standard. PRK recovery takes longer. Vision can fluctuate for several weeks while the eye heals.

Read more: PRK surface laser

LASIK is a well-established procedure, but like any surgery it has risks. The most common are dry eye and glare or halos around lights at night, which often improve over months. Less often, the eye is under- or over-corrected and needs glasses or a second treatment. Serious complications such as infection or flap problems are uncommon. Your surgeon will discuss your individual risk.

Read more: LASIK risks and recovery

There is no single price: the cost depends on the technique (such as Femto-LASIK, PRK, CLEAR or ICL), whether one or both eyes are treated, and what the package includes. You receive a quote after the suitability assessment. Most health insurance policies treat laser vision correction as elective and do not cover it, though some cover part of the cost, so check with your insurer before treatment.

Read more: What sets the cost of LASIK · Insurance and payment