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How to Get Appointment With the Best Eye Specialists in Kolkata?

Visiting an eye care specialist can be a bit intimidating; especially when it’s been a while since your last visit. However, it’s crucial to never miss the appointment. Whenever booking an appointment, always go for the best eye specialist in Kolkata.

Before you book an appointment, there are certain things that you may need to consider. It’s always best to go prepared. Here is how you can prepare yourself before you book your appointment: Continue reading “How to Get Appointment With the Best Eye Specialists in Kolkata?”

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How to Get Appointment With the Best Eye Doctor in Kolkata?

You might feel that your eyes are fine but only a doctor can tell whether they are fine or not. There are a number of eye conditions that do not show any apparent symptoms unless they get too serious. And that’s why missing your eye doctor’s appointment is something that you shouldn’t do. If it’s been a few years since your last appointment with the doctor, it’s high time that you schedule your next appointment with the best eye doctor in Kolkata. Continue reading “How to Get Appointment With the Best Eye Doctor in Kolkata?”

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20 Facts on 20/20 Vision

You have probably heard the term “20/20 vision” a number of times. If you have ever tested your vision, you must remember that the doctor made you read a chart with some letters printed on them.

If you were told that you have a 20/20 vision that means, your visual acuity is normal. In other words, your eyesight is perfect!

But, is this true? Does a 20/20 vision mean that you have a perfect vision?
Want to know? Check these 20 surprising facts on 20/20 vision:

1.    20/20 is just a measurement of how clearly you are able to see at a particular distance.  If your visual acuity report says that you have a 20/20 vision then that means you can clearly see objects at a distance of 20 feet 1. If you have a 20/40 vision then that means you need to stand at 20 feet to see anything that a person with normal vision can see from 40 feet. This determines your visual clarity under standard circumstances and doesn’t determine the quality of your vision under any type of circumstances.

2.    Don’t think that 20/20 vision is the perfect vision. You may even have a 20/15 vision and can see sharper than average images.  A 20/15 vision means that you can read the eye chart standing at 20 feet while any other person needs to stand at a distance of 15 feet to easily see the chart. Usually, vision correction glasses and processes aim at giving you a 20/20 vision. A special eye chart is used for measuring your visual acuity or the clarity of your vision.

3.    Generally, doctors use the Snellen chart for measuring your visual acuity. The chart contains a total of 11 rows of capital letters. The topmost line of the chart contains a single but very large letter. In the lines following the first line, the number-letter keeps increasing and the size of the letter keeps decreasing. The doctor will make you stand at a distance of 20 feet from the chart and read all the letters without contact lenses or glasses.

You may have to cover one eye and then read the smallest line of letters that are visible to you. The doctor will perform the test in both of your eyes. In some cases, the doctor may make you read the chart using a mirror. In this case, the test can also be done from a distance that’s less than 20 feet. The Snellen Chart was developed by Dr Hermann Snellen, a Dutch Doctor, in the 1860s. Hermann Snellen was the colleague of Dr Fransiscus Donders. It was Donders who first started to diagnose vision-related issues in people by making them look at a chart and ask what they can see.

4.    There is nothing called a “perfect vision.” Vision might defer depending on the circumstances. For instance, if you are out on the road on a sunny day, you may enjoy a clear vision but your friend who doesn’t have a 20/20 vision and has low visual clarity compared to you, may too enjoy a clear vision under the same circumstance just because he or she is wearing a  UV protected polarised glasses that has anti-reflective coating for that improved the contrast and also blocks glare.

There is a difference between visual acuity, vision, eyesight. Before we proceed further, let’s understand the difference:

5.    Visual acuity refers to the sharpness of your vision. This is measured by your ability to read the letter in the Snellen Chart from a particular viewing distance as prescribed.

6.    Visual acuity is an invariable measurement. It’s because you are either sitting or standing during the test and the objects (the letters and the chart in this case) that you are viewing are also static.

7.    The doctor also tests your visual acuity under high contrast conditions. In such case, the letters on the chart are written in black and the background is white.

8.    Visual acuity test helps in determining your eye clarity under standard conditions. This doesn’t determine the quality of your vision under various circumstances. For instance, this test cannot predict how well you may see coloured and moving objects and objects that have similar brightness levels as their background.

9.    There are certain neurological and physical factors that determine your visual acuity. These are:
•    How well your eye lens and cornea can focus light on the retina.
•     The sensitivity of the nerves in your retina and the visual centres in the brain.
•    How your brain interprets the information that it received from the eyes

The light that is focused on the macula (the central part of the retina) determines your visual acuity results during the eye examination.

10.    Eyesight can be defined in many ways. It can be referred to as your vision or the ability to see or your range of sight. Often the term “eyesight” is used interchangeably with “visual acuity.”

11.    Vision is a much wider term than eyesight and visual acuity. Vision is not just seeing but also includes a number of your visual abilities such as tracking moving objects, your depth perception, contrast sensitivity, focusing speed and accuracy.

12.    Often, your 20/20 vision may not be sharp enough. This means that your eyes may have Higher-Order Aberrations or HOA. This cannot be corrected using contact lenses or vision correcting eyeglasses. The eye doctor may use wavefront technology for checking the aberrations.

In case the aberrations are caused by minor irregularities occurring on the front surface of your eye, then it can be corrected by fitting Gas Permeable (GP) contact lenses. This often improves the visual acuity better than soft contact lenses and glasses. It’s because the GP lenses are rigid. These lenses replace the irregular front area of your eye, making them perfectly smooth and curved surface that can focus light more accurately.

13.    Custom wavefront LASIK is another option. This is a laser vision correction surgery can provide you sharp vision (that you get with the rigid gas permeable contact lenses). The visual acuity achieved by LASIK eliminates the daily hassle of wearing glasses or contact lens care.

What can you do to keep your eyes healthy?


Here is the guide to maintain a 20/20 vision naturally:

14.    Eat healthily
Eating well and maintaining a healthy weight can benefit your eyes tremendously. There are a number of food items that can protect your eyes against a number of eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts.

These are caused due to the lack of certain nutrients known as zeaxanthin and lutein found in a variety of vegetables and fruits such as spinach, broccoli, mango, and green beans. Eating fresh and seasonal vegetables, dairy products, fish (especially cold water fish rich in Omega-3 fats) save you from vision impairment.

15.    Avoid smoking
It’s because smoking restricts the flow of blood to your eyes thus, decreasing the amount of oxygen in your eyes. This causes oxidative stress to your eyes and can damage your retina causing the death of cells in that area and a number of other visually impairing eye conditions.

16.    Never ignore any vision-related symptoms
Whenever you notice any changes in your vision, get in touch with your eye specialist. Ignoring these symptoms (howsoever minor it may be) is the biggest mistakes that you will be making. Often, minor symptoms may trigger major issues and cause progressive vision loss.

People usually ignore these symptoms thinking of them as a minor issue. And when they realise, the harm is already done. So, never ignore any symptoms. Get in touch with your eye care specialist today and get a comprehensive eye examination done.

Also, always wear quality sunglasses whenever going out in the sun. Be careful when selecting a sunglass. It’s because not all sunglasses can protect you from the harmful UV rays that damage your eyes. Ensure that the sunglass that you are buying blocks at least 95% to 99% UV rays (if it’s 100% then better).

17.    Let your eyes rest for a while in between work

Overstressing your eyes can harmful. So, whenever you are working in front of your computer for long periods, give them a break in between your work. Take frequent screen breaks and look to any distant object for a brief period.

You may try the 20-20-20 rule. Try looking at an object located at a distance of 20 feet for 20 seconds. Do this every 20 minutes while you work. This relaxes the eye muscles and adjusts their focusing ability.

Eye strain is mainly caused by muscle strain and when your eyes dry out.  Try setting up your computer at the corner of your room. You may try setting it up near a window. You may look out of the window. This not only refreshes your mind but also keeps your eyesight healthy. Also, keep your hands clean. Knowingly or unknowingly you are always touching your eyes. This increases the risk of eye infection. This is particularly true when you are wearing contact lenses.

Foods for a healthy eyesight and 20/20 Vision
Include these food items in your diet for a 20/20 vision or healthy vision:

18.    Kale and Spinach: Dark green leafy vegetables such as Spinach and Kale are excellent for your eyesight. These contain high amounts of antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin. These two nutrients are found in your eyes and help in lowering the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

People who eat a high amount of lutein and zeaxanthin are less likely to develop eye conditions such as cataracts. If you do not like eating Kale and Spinach then you may eat other leafy veggies such as Collards, Romaine Lettuce, and Turnip Greens.

These also contain high amounts of Zeaxanthin and Lutein. Other vegetables that contain these two anti-oxidants include corn, peas, and broccoli. Also, eggs are a good source of Lutein and Zeaxanthin.

19.    Black-eyed peas and Legumes: Any and all kind of legumes are good for your eyes. Be it black-eyed peas, lima beans, and kidney beans- these contain high levels of zinc. This is an essential trace mineral that is also found in your eyes. Zinc helps in safeguarding your eyes from the light. Other foods items that contain high levels of zinc include lean red meat, oysters, fortified cereals, and poultry.

20.    Salmon: A diet rich in Omega-3 fats is extremely good for your eyes. Coldwater fishes such as Sardine, Salmon, Tuna, and Halibut are rich in Omega-3 fats. These help in preventing the risk of eye issues later in your life. People who eat a diet high in omega-3 fatty acid are less likely to develop Age-related Macular Degeneration than people who don’t.

Also, eat plenty of citrus fruits such as tangerines, oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. These contain high levels of vitamin C, an antioxidant that’s crucial for your eye health. Your eyes need a steady supply of Vitamin C for functioning properly and high levels of antioxidants for preventing or delaying the development of AMD and cataract. Other food items containing Vitamin C include tomatoes, strawberries, peaches, red peppers, and oranges.

Get in touch with the Experts
If you think you have refractive errors, it’s better to get in touch with the eye specialists for evaluation of your vision. If you have a minor refractive error, you may undergo LASIK Eye Surgery in Kolkata to improve your visual acuity.

Vision errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can be corrected with glasses and contact lenses. However, if you want to get rid of the glasses and do not enjoy wearing a contact lens, you can undergo a LASIK eye surgery.

LASIK eye surgery doesn’t cost much and is a matter of only a few minutes. If you want more information on LASIK or want to undergo LASIK eye surgery in Kolkata, get in touch with the experts at Disha Eye Hospital. Contact us today at http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment.

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Dry Eye: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Has it ever occurred to you that your eyes become dry and irritated to the extent that you find it discomforting to look at an object continuously? If yes, you may have experienced one of the symptoms of Dry eye.

Dry Eye, or Dry Eye Syndrome is one of the most common eye problems faced by people all over the world. Cut some slack if you suffer from the condition as you are not the only one.

Here’s everything you should know about Dry Eyes:

A Simple Understanding of the eye Condition

Dry Eyes, as the name suggests, is a condition in which the eyes become irritated due to lack of sufficient lubrication on the surface of the eyes. Some of the alternative medical terms of eye condition include:

  • Dysfunctional tear syndrome
  • Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
  • Keratitis sicca

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Causes Dry Eyes?

One of the fundamental elements of healthy eyes is tears; a uniform layer of tears on the surface of the eyes is important for lubrication and preventing infections which might be caused by microscopic foreign particles.

When there’s insufficient amount of tears on the surface of the eyes, the cornea can be irritated and damaged by dust particles and microorganisms. Moreover, the cornea can be susceptible to infection.

The tear is a special fluid as it consists of three components:

  • Mucin – a mucous-like component which helps tear film to adhere to eye surface
  • Aqueous – a watery component that gives a watery nature to tear film
  • Lipid – an oily component which delays the evaporation of the tear film

The critical functioning of these components makes tears. If there’s a problem in any of these components, then it can cause tear instability which can escalate to cause Dry Eyes.

Now here’s the most interesting part; there are different types of Dry Eyes which are determined on the basis of the part of tear film that’s affected. For instance, insufficient secretion of meibum causes the tear film to evaporate quickly which leads to a condition called ‘Evaporative Dry Eye.’

As for the common type of Dry Eye, the Lacrimal Glands fail to produce sufficient aqueous fluid to moisten the eyes.  

Risk Factors

Did you know that the activities that we do every day increase the risk of developing Dry Eyes? Well, if you didn’t think of so, here are some of the common risk factors:

  • Ageing– although anybody can develop Dry Eyes, people aged 50 years and above stand at twice the risk of the condition.
  • Computer use– have you noticed that we tend to blink less whenever we’re engaged in using our computer, smartphone, or any other electronic gadget? Blinking infrequently causes tear to evaporate quickly and trigger the symptoms.
  • Outdoor environment– windy weather and arid climates are some of the environmental conditions that increase the risk of Dry Eyes.
  • Contact lens -although contact lens might not be the sole reason for Dry Eyes, most people discontinue wearing lenses as they experience dry eye discomfort.
  • Eyelid problem – it is possible for the eyelids to fail in closing completely while blinking or sleeping. This condition, known as Lagophthalmos, can lead to severe Dry Eyes.
  • Indoor environment– air heating systems, ceiling fans, and air conditioning can lower indoor humidity and quicken tear evaporation.
  • Medication– prescription as well as non-prescription medicines can increase the risk of Dry Eyes.
  • Smoking– smoking not just causes Dry Eye but also is the cause of a number of other eye conditions.
  • Frequent flying – people who frequently travel by flight experience Dry Eyes as the air inside the aeroplane cabins are dry.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes involve a number of symptoms with which it can be diagnosed. Some of the common symptoms include:

  • Eye redness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Scratching, stinging, burning sensation
  • Eye fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Low night vision
  • Foreign object sensation
  • Watery eyes
  • Discomfort while wearing contact lenses
  • Itchy eyes
  • Heavy eyes
  • Dryness sensation
  • Sore eyes.

Complications of Dry Eyes

Although Dry Eyes may not bother you much, you need to address it with proper treatment if it persists. If you don’t, then you might stand at the following risks:

  • Difficulty in everyday activities – with irritated eyes, it becomes difficult to perform everyday tasks such as reading books, driving, working on a computer, etc.
  • Damage to the eye surface– recklessness in treating the condition can lead to corneal abrasion, eye inflammation, corneal ulcer, and even vision problems.
  • Eye infections– insufficient tears in the eyes can lead to eye infection.

Treatment

Here’s a good news for you, Dry Eyes can be treated. However, there are a variety of treatment options to address the different causes of the condition.

Below, we have listed the most common treatment options used by doctors worldwide:

  • Artificial tears

Artificial tears, aka lubricating eye drops, is one of the most common treatment options prescribed by eye care specialists. The basic purpose of the eye drop is to ‘artificially’ lubricate the eyes.

With the number of brands available, lubricating eye drops vary in thickness and formulation. Patients who use artificial tears experience quick relief from it. However, the soothing effect fades quickly and patients might need to use it frequently.

  • Steroid eye drops 

Inflammation during Dry Eyes is what causes redness and burning sensation. Your doctor might prescribe you steroid eye drops to better manage the inflammation.

Steroid eye drops are used with artificial tears and for a short period of time. Often, doctors start the course with steroid drops of mild potency. However, if the symptoms are severe, the doctor may prescribe more potent steroid drop for a short term.

  • Nutritional supplements

Your doctor may recommend you nutritional supplement to lower the symptoms. Such supplements generally contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Food items such as cold water fish including herring, salmon, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

  • Punctal plugs

A punctal plug is a small medical device that is inserted on puncta (tear drainage ducts) on both the eyelids to prevent the tears from draining.

  • Warm compresses

Warm compresses are an excellent way to unclog meibomian glands to relive the symptoms.  Simply applying a warm compress to the closed eyelids will soften the hardened glands.

  • Meibomian Gland Expression

Meibomian Gland Expression is a procedure in which the doctor uses a forceps-type device to remove the clogged contents from the meibomian glands. Prior to performing the procedure, the doctor may apply warm compresses to unclog the pores or soften the clogging content.

  • Lacrisert

Unlike conventional eye drops, Lacrisert is a solid insert which slowly releases preservative-free lubricating agent to provide an all-day moistening effect. Lacrisert is meant to be placed under the lower eye.

Prevention

As now we know that Dry Eyes is largely caused by our surrounding environment and daily activities, the condition can be prevented. Here are some helpful tips for preventing Dry Eyes:

  • Take breaks when working or studying – it’s important to take periodic breaks when we are visually concentrating.
  • Avoid direct air blow to the eyes – fan, air conditioner, hairdryer, etc can pose the risk of direct air blow to your eyes. Use them mindfully.
  • Be alert to the surrounding environment – going out for a picnic? Carry sunglasses. Wear contact lenses? Use them carefully.  Going out on a windy day? Stay inside or wear wraparound eyeglasses.  No humidity inside the room? Use a humidifier.
  • Drink plenty of water– replenishing your body by drinking plenty of water is a good way to lower the risk.
  • Get sufficient sleep – good sleep is important for a good eye health.

Facts about Dry Eyes

Want to treat yourself more? Here are some of the interesting facts about Dry Eyes.

  1. Cold winters of Dry Eyes
    In a large number of cases, Dry Eyes is prevalent during winters as the air is dry.
  2. Eye drops’ effectiveness differ with brands   
    Different brands have a different formulation for their eye drops. The next time you plan on buying one, consult with a doctor.
  3. Blinking is more important than you might have thought
    When you blink, the moisture in your eyes gets replenished as the tear film is spread across the eyes. Blink more when you experience Dry Eye symptoms.
  4. Levels of Dry Eyes
    There are 4 levels of Dry Eyes. Symptoms of level 1 and 2 can be relieved with OTC eye drops while level 2 to 4 require comprehensive treatment.
  5. Medication that causes Dry Eyes
    Sleeping pills, diuretics, birth control pills, antidepressants, and antihistamines are some of the medication that causes Dry Eyes.
  6. Blame pollution for your Dry Eyes
    The prevalence of Dry Eyes is high in cities as there pollution in the air. Polluted air contains allergens and chemical compounds that can easily irritate the eyes or interfere with tear production.
  7. Don’t make assumptions based on the symptoms
    Although symptoms are a good way to diagnose Dry Eyes, you shouldn’t fully rely on it. Instead, see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
  8. Dry Eyes can be acute or chronic
    We all have experienced some form of Dry Eyes in our lives. However, some people experience it periodically.
  9. Contact lenses are helpful but can lead to Dry Eyes
    Long-term contact lens use can cause loss of sensation in the cornea which can lead to Dry Eyes.
  10. Pregnant women can develop Dry Eyes

Take care of your eyes

The key to preventing Dry Eyes and ever other eye disease and condition is to have a regular eye check-up. Consult with the eye experts at Disha Eye Hospital.

Disha Eye Hospital is a leading eye speciality hospital in Kolkata. We have highly trained and experienced eye care professionals and offer comprehensive treatment to major eye diseases such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Corneal Diseases, Diabetic Retinopathy, etc.    

Here’s an Infographic for a quick recap

Guide to Dry Eyes

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Lasik in Kolkata

lasik eye surgery in Kolkata

Somdatta was 5 years old when she got her first prescription glasses. She faced difficulty in seeing the blackboard across the classroom and other activities became difficult as well. With the help of the glasses, she was able to get a clear vision.

However, as she grew up, her prescription started getting worse. It was a gradual process but now that Somdutta entered college, she quickly moved to contact lenses. She was fed up with her glasses and contact lenses seemed like a breather to her.

However, soon she got a very bad dry eye. It was when she first heard about LASIK eye surgery. She was a bit sceptical in the beginning but after consulting her ophthalmologist, she decided to undergo the procedure. The surgery was pretty quick. Immediately after the operation, Somdutta’s vision was blurry. When she woke up the next day, she was able to read the printed ads on the billboard for the first time, that too without glasses. She noticed her world became more vibrant.

LASIK eye surgery is the most common surgery for correcting refractive errors. Like Somdutta, thousands of people across the country have been benefitted by this surgery. It eliminates the need for glasses and contact lenses.

When is LASIK eye surgery performed?

You may undergo LASIK eye surgery if you have the following condition:

  • Myopia: You are myopic when your eyeball is slightly elongated or longer than usual and as a result, the distant objects appear blurry to you. Your vision is also affected if the cornea bends the light too sharply and the light focuses in front of the retina. As a result, you cannot see distant objects clearly.
  • Hyperopia: You have farsightedness when you cannot see the nearby objects clearly. This happens when your eyeballs are shorter than usual or if your cornea is so flat that the light doesn’t bend properly and focuses behind the retina. As a result, you cannot see nearby objects clearly.
  • Astigmatism: This is a condition that causes overall blurred vision. It happens when the cornea has uneven surface it affects both near and far vision. Usually, Astigmatism can be corrected with contact lenses and glasses. However, with LASIK, the corneal surface is reshaped, and the light that enters your eyes focuses just on the retina.

Are your Eyes Fit for LASIK?

LASIK eye surgery is good for people who have a mild or moderate degree of refractive error and do not have any other serious vision-related issues.

Before LASIK is performed, the doctors will first evaluate your eyes to see if your eyes are healthy enough for the surgery or not. He or she will evaluate whether you have any conditions that might complicate the procedure or result in a poor surgical outcome. The doctor will evaluate if you have:

  • Any eye disease that might cause progressive deterioration of eyesight and thinning of the cornea (known as keratoconus). In case keratoconus runs in your family, and even if you do not have the condition at that time, the doctor may not recommend LASIK eye surgery for you.
  • Uveitis, keratitis, and herpes simplex affecting your eyes, and any other type of eye infections.
  • Eye injuries or eyelid disorders
  • Severe dry eyes. The doctor will evaluate the moisture in your eyes. If you have dry eyes, LASIK surgery can worsen the condition. In such cases, the doctors either would not recommend LASIK or may recommend it along with a precautionary treatment to reduce the risk.
  • Large pupils. If your pupils are large, especially in low light, then LASIK eye surgery isn’t appropriate for you. It’s because the surgery may cause symptoms such as halos, light sensitivity, ghost images, and starbursts.
  • Glaucoma. LASIK eye surgery can increase your eye pressure and this can worsen your glaucoma.
  • Cataracts
    Even some medical conditions that are not related to the eye can make LASIK risky for you and the outcome less predictable. The doctor may not suggest LASIK in case you:
  • Have any medical condition affecting your immune system. It’s because it will impair your ability to heal, making you prone to infections, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders.
  • Are taking any immunosuppressive medication
  • Have diabetes.
  • Suffer from depression or any particular chronic pain conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, and fibromyalgia. If you have one or more of these conditions, you may face problems with postoperative pain and dry eyes than any other people. The reasons for this are still not clear. It might be related to how you perceive pain.

Rethink your decision of having LASIK surgery if:

  • You suffer from severe nearsightedness or if you have been diagnosed with any severe refractive error.
  • You suffer from any age-related eye conditions that give you presbyopia.
  • You are actively involved in any kind of contact sports such as boxing, martial arts where you are at risk of eye injuries. LASIK surgery isn’t a good choice for you.

How LASIK Eye Surgery is performed?

Before the surgery, the doctor will apply eye drops to numb your eyes. This is for preventing any discomfort during the surgery. The doctor may also give you some medicines (maybe sedatives) to help you relax during the process, visit https://medfitnetwork.org/public/valium-diazepam-oral/.

After that, the doctor will position your eye under the laser. He or she will use a lid speculum for keeping your eyelids wide open during the surgery.

During the surgery, the first thing that the surgeon will do is cut a thin flap in your cornea using a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. He or she will then fold the flap to access the stroma. Using the excimer laser, the doctor will remove corneal tissue. This laser is a highly specialized laser that uses a cool ultraviolet light beam for removing corneal tissue in microscopic amounts and reshapes it in a way that the light can properly focus on the retina.

If you are nearsighted, the doctor will flatten the cornea and if you are farsighted, then he or she will make the cornea steeper. The excimer laser is also used for correcting astigmatism by smoothing the irregular cornea and give it a regular shape.

Once the cornea is reshaped, the flap is put back in place. The cornea is then left to heal naturally. LASIK or any other laser eye surgery is done with topical anaesthetic drops. It doesn’t involve bandages and stitches.

What to expect immediately After the Surgery?

Once the procedure is over, you may feel an itching or burning sensation in your eye. Don’t worry, this is temporary. The doctor will then conduct a brief post-operative examination before releasing you. You cannot drive immediately after the surgery until the doctor gives you the clearance as your eye will be recovering. It’s better to bring someone to drive you back home.

Following the procedure, you will experience a hazy and blurry vision. However, from the following day, your vision will start improving. The vision takes some time to adjust and stabilise. Usually, this happens in just a few days. In very rare cases, the vision takes several weeks or longer to stabilise.

It is highly recommended that you stay away from strenuous exercise for at least a week following the surgery. This can cause trauma to the eyes and hamper the healing process.

You have to come for a routine checkup after the surgery. The doctor needs to monitor your eyes and how they are healing. During the routine check-up, the doctor will check your vision.

Follow the doctor’s instructions and ensure that you are taking the prescribed medications properly. Also, avoid touching or rubbing your eye as it might dislodge the corneal flap.

Benefits of LASIK eye surgery

LASIK eye surgery has numerous benefits. These include:

  • LASIK has 96% success rate. In most of the cases, those who have undergone LASIK eye surgery have experienced improvements in vision. You will see a dramatic improvement in your vision after the day of your surgery or after a few days.
  • This is a painless process. It also doesn’t take much time but less than an hour to perform the surgery.
  • Recovery is extremely quick as it doesn’t require any stitches after the surgery.
  • In some cases, you may need a second surgery (if your vision changes with age) to correct your vision further.
  • After having LASIK eye surgery, most patients do not need glasses or lenses.

Preparing For LASIK Eye Surgery: Things to Consider

Before the surgery, you need to keep a few things in mind:

1. You cannot wear contact lenses for a long period. Before you undergo the procedure, you have to stop wearing contact lenses (if you wear). Do this at least several weeks prior to the surgery. It’s because the lenses will affect the shape of your eye lens and affect the outcome of the surgery.

2. Bring someone along with you to accompany you. It’s because your vision won’t be clear immediately after the procedure.

Once the surgery is over, follow these tips to ensure a fast recovery:

  1. Protect your eyes. Always wear protective goggle for covering your eyes after the surgery. Immediately after the surgery, the eye shouldn’t be exposed to light and dust and also, you need to avoid touching it. Sleep in your protective eye gear to avoid touching your eyes.
  2. Never rub the eyes. The corneal flap is still not secure and can dislodge if you rub or press your eyes. Even if you feel an itching sensation in your eyes, avoid touching it. Follow this for at least a week after the surgery.
  3. Apply the eye drops that are provided to you by the doctor. It’s an important part of the healing process and also minimises the risk of eye infection.
  4. Give your eyes rest. Plenty of rest is crucial for healing. Sleep. It’s because your body repairs itself while you are asleep.

Other Options

If you are not fit for LASIK, you have plenty of other options:

  • Epithelial laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis or epi-LASIK: In this procedure, the surgeon first separates the corneal surface or the epithelium from the Stroma (the middle part of the cornea). The doctor uses an Epikeratome, a mechanized blunt blade device for reshaping the cornea using a laser. This procedure is very similar to LASEK.
  • Photorefractive keratectomy or PRK: Here, instead of cutting a flap, the surface of the cornea is scraped away. You may initially feel moderate pain in the eyes and blurry vision but this corneal abrasion heals within 3-4 days. However, compared to PRK, LASIK is a better option for correcting severe myopia.
  • Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy or LASEK: This surgery is very similar to LASIK. The only difference is the flap is created with a microkeratome and exposing the cornea to ethanol. In this surgery, the surgeon can remove very less amount of corneal tissue. LASEK is a good option for those who have thin cornea and cannot undergo LASIK eye surgery.
  • Corrective lenses: The lenses can be surgically implanted in your eye for improving your vision. This is usually done for cataract surgery where implantable lenses are put in place of the cloudy natural lens. This may also be an alternative for LASIK for elderly who may need cataract surgery in the future. People who have severe nearsightedness which cannot be corrected with corrective lenses are also given implantable lenses. However, this procedure is usually not followed for everyone.
  • Bioptics: This procedure involves several techniques such as LASIK, implantable lenses for correcting nearsightedness or farsightedness. Like the above procedure, this is not followed for everyone who seeks vision correction through LASIK eye surgery.

LASIK Eye surgery in Kolkata

LASIK eye surgery cost in Kolkata depends on the severity of your condition. If you want to consult a specialist before the procedure, get in touch with us at http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us.

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Reasons you Have Puffy Eyes

eye hospital in Kolkata

Waking up every morning with puffy eyes is a real bummer. Especially when you have to have to leave for work early and are expected to look fresh and bright. Even worse is when the puffiness comes with dark circles and under eye bags. If you have been wondering about your blowfish look every morning, we have got the answers.

Let’s dig deeper.

Why your eyes are puffy just after you wake up?

It’s because while you are asleep, you do not blink. When the eyelids are idle for long hours, it develops swelling. As soon as you wake up and start blinking, the puffiness vanishes in an hour or so.

This is also determined by your sleeping position. If you lie flat on your back, it can result in fluid build-up under your eye. What you can do is, put an extra pillow under your head to tilt it up a bit. In this way, the gravitational forces pull the fluid away from the area around your eyes. Even the duration of your sleep is also a factor behind puffy eyes.

If you had a sleepless night or if you haven’t slept well, then it reflects in your eyes. It not only becomes puffy and swollen but you’ll also get dark circles. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for reducing inflammation in your body, https://www.pharmacybc.com/ambien-zolpidem/. When you do not get enough rest, the blood vessels under your eyes are dilated. They come closer to the skin surface making the area swell and appear blue or blackish.

Puffy Eyes may indicate medical conditions

If your eyes are puffy for no apparent reason and occur unexpectedly, it might indicate an underlying medical problem. People with thyroid eye disease develop swelling of the tissues and muscles around the eyes. Bulging eyes may also result from Graves ’ disease, a type of thyroid disorder.

Your eyes may appear swollen and puffy if you have hay fever. This is an allergic disorder and is caused by allergens such as pollen grains. Any other type of allergies, chemical and food reactions can also cause swollen eyelids. When you get an allergic reaction, there are certain cells in your body that release a chemical called histamine. This chemical affects various tissues in your body including leakage from the blood vessels. The surrounding tissues trap this fluid and cause oedema.

Conjunctivitis or Pinkeye also gives you puffy and swollen eyes along with dark circles. The infection causes inflammation of the adjoining area, making your eyes swell. Even if you have dry eyes your eyes may appear puffy and swollen.

Often, systematic diseases such as kidney failure result in swelling throughout the body, including the area around your eyes.

http://www.allaboutvision.com/cosmetic/puffy-eyes.htm

Consult an eye doctor and get your eyes examined in case you experience unusual puffiness and swelling in and around your eyes. However, there are certain things that you may try to reduce puffiness.

How to reduce puffiness?

Here are 10 secrets of avoiding that blowfish-look:

1. Cut down Salt

Excessive salt intake makes your body retain water and appears bloated. The skin under your eyes is extremely thin and when your body starts retaining water, they appear swollen and puffy.

2. Take care of your allergies

Allergy seasons are always accompanied by a runny nose and water and swollen eyes. But, the good news is, medicines for allergies and sinus infection can help you get rid of those swollen eyes along with your runny nose.

3. Try using a Neti Pot

This might sound a bit weird to you but using a neti pot can help you get rid of swollen eyes. A neti pot looks like a small teapot. Put salt water in it and pour it into one nostril and let it run out of the other. This helps in flushing out all that additional moisture in your sinuses that you get from cold and allergic reactions.

4. Change your sleeping position

Try adding an extra pillow under your head and sleep on your back to avoid waking up with those pesky swollen eyes.

5. Clean your makeup before retiring for the day

Always remove each and every trace of eye makeup before going to sleep. It makes the eyes watery and may result in puffiness in the morning.

6. Lower alcohol consumption

A glass or two is fine but not more than that. Why? Because alcohol draws water out of your skin and weakens it. Since the area around the eyes is delicate, it tends to sink into a pouch. Try drinking water before going to bed and use a moisturiser around eyes.

7. Protect the area around the eye from UV rays

Take care of the area around your eyes. Too much exposure to the sun results in wrinkles around your eyes. Always use sunglasses and sunscreen when you go out in the sun. Add an extra layer of protection with a hat.

8. Avoid Smoking

Here’s another reason to kick the butt. Smoking is not only bad for your health but it also makes the skin on your face dry and weak. Say goodbye to the smokes to avoid wrinkled and droopy eyes.

9. Let your eyes chill

A cold compress is the best remedy for puffy eyes. You may try chilled spoons, tea bags, and cucumber slices to reduce puffiness.

10. Try an Eye Cream

Eye creams with retinol are good for skin around your eyes.

Source: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-banish-the-bags-under-your-eyes

Disha Eye Hospital

You can inherit the puffiness from your parents as well. In such cases, there’s no other way to get rid of puffiness but cosmetic options. But before opting for any solution, get your eyes checked. Consult an eye expert and find out the exact cause of your condition- whether it’s due to an eye issue or not. If you are looking for eye hospitals in Kolkata then you may consult the experts at Disha Eye Hospital.

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Common Eye Problems that Aged Ones Suffer From

You will notice a change in your vision once you are in your 40s. You might notice that you are having a tough time seeing distant or nearby objects, reading books, or having trouble adjusting to the glare. These problems worsen with age.

Just like grey hairs and wrinkles on your skin indicate ageing, your eyes too are affected by age and therefore show symptoms of the ageing process. Some of these changes are normal and are age-related developments.

However, certain conditions may indicate the vision-threatening condition. And this is the reason why it’s important to visit an ophthalmologist regularly for monitoring your eye health and to ensure an early diagnosis and timely treatment.

The eye undergoes a number of changes with age. The eye lens begins to stiffen. This makes focusing on close objects tough. The eye lens also becomes denser and makes seeing in dim light harder. Even the pupil reacts slowly to the changes in light. You will also notice that the lens becomes yellow and changes the way you perceive colours. With age, the number of nerve cells in your eyes decreases. This impairs the depth perception. Moreover, your eyes produce less fluid, making them dry.
These changes in your eyes often contribute to serious eye conditions. This includes:

1. Presbyopia

All over the world, about 1.3 billion people have this condition (as of 2011) and it is estimated that by 2020, the number will reach 2.1 billion. The condition involves the eyes to lose the ability to focus light properly.

It’s impossible to prevent presbyopia, even if you have maintained eye health all your life. If you are nearsighted, you will see that your near vision is hazy even when you are wearing your usual glasses and lenses.

Symptoms

If you have presbyopia, you will notice that:

  • You have to hold your books and smartphone far away from your eyes to see clearly.
  • Even if you can see well up close, Presbyopia will cause eye strain, headaches, and fatigues. You will notice that near vision tasks become more tiring.

Causes

This is an age-related process. It is believed that it is caused by the gradual thickening of the lens and due to the loss of flexibility of the eye’s natural lens. The age-related changes occur mainly within the protein in the eye lens making the eye lens hard and inflexible with time. Age-related changes also occur in the muscle fibres surrounding the eye lens. As elasticity diminishes, the eye has a tough time focusing up close.

Treating Presbyopia

The most popular treatment for Presbyopia is using glasses with Progressive Lens. This is a common solution for people over 40. Another option is using bifocal lenses. However, this is less popular as it offers a limited range of vision. The doctor may also prescribe reading glasses. Unlike bifocals and progressive lenses, you cannot wear reading glasses all day long. These are worn only when you need to see smaller prints.

2. Dry Eyes

This is a condition where your eyes do not get enough lubrication due to an insufficient amount of tears. This is a very common and chronic problem, especially in older adults.

Causes

  • Age: Dry eyes are a part of the ageing process. Most of the people who are over 65 years experience dry eyes.
  • Gender: Women are more prone to this condition. It’s due to the hormonal changes that occur in them after pregnancy, menopause, and/or use of oral contraceptives.
  • Medications: Certain medicines including medicines for blood pressure, antihistamines, antidepressants, and decongestants may affect tear production, https://www.cdhfinechemical.com/cdh_data/ambien-zolpidem/.
  • Medical conditions: If you have diabetes, thyroid issues, and rheumatoid arthritis, you are more likely to have dry eyes. Also, conditions such as blepharitis, inflammation of the eye surfaces, can cause dry eyes.
  • Environmental conditions: Excessive exposure to dry climate, wind, and smoke increase tear evaporation causing dry eyes. Often, staring at the computer screen for a sustained period of time makes the eyes dry.

Treatment

Treatment options include:

1. Lubricant eye treatments

If you have mild to moderate level of dry eye syndrome, the doctor usually treats this condition using ointments, eye drops, and gels.

2. Preservative-free drops

Many eye drops contain preservatives to prevent bacterial growth in the bottle. However, if you need to use the drops more than six times a day, it’s better to choose preservative-free eye drops.

3. Special tear eye drops

Many eye drops that restore the oily part of the tear film and prevent evaporation are also used widely. These medications include liposomal sprays.

4. Anti-inflammatory medicines

Anti-inflammatory medicines such as Corticosteroids can be used as ointments and eye drops in severe cases.

5. Serum eye drops

These are needed in very rare cases where all other options have failed.

3. Cataract

This is the clouding of the natural eye lens that makes your vision blurry and hazy.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of Cataract include:

  • Cloudy or blurry vision
  • Colours appearing faded
  • Light sensitivity. You may also see a halo around lights.
  • Poor night vision
  • Double vision (This happens when the cataract gets larger.)

Causes

The eye lenses lie just behind the iris and the pupil. It is mainly composed of water and protein. As you age, the protein may clump together forming a cloud in a small area of the lens. This is called a cataract. Diabetes and smoking are several causes of cataract. It may be also caused by the changes in the protein due to years of wear and tear of the eye lens.

Treatment

You have to undergo a Cataract surgery for removing cataracts from the eyes.

4. Glaucoma

This is a condition that damages the eye’s optic nerve. It gets worse with time. Glaucoma is caused by the pressure build-up inside your eye.
Most of the people do not show early symptoms or pain. A comprehensive eye examination is the only way to diagnose glaucoma.

Causes

Normally, the fluid in your eye (also known as aqueous humour), flows out of your eye through a channel. When this channel is blocked, the liquid accumulates in your eyes increasing the pressure. That’s what causes glaucoma. The reason for the blockage is not known but experts believe that this condition can be inherited.

Treatment

Your doctor may recommend prescription eye drops, microsurgery, or laser surgery depending on the condition. The eye drops may either reduce the fluid build-up or increase its flow.

5. Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a problem that affects your retina. It is caused when the macula, the central part of your retina is damaged. AMD affects your central vision.

Symptoms

The first sign that you may notice is a sudden or a gradual change in your vision. Straight lines may appear distorted to you. The situation might escalate quickly causing a dramatic loss of central vision.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Dark areas in your line of vision or whiteout appearing in your central vision
  • In rare cases, you may also notice a change in colour perception

Causes

The exact cause of AMD is not yet clear but this condition develops as you get old.

Treatment

There’s no cure for AMD, however, treatment will slow down the disease and prevent severe vision loss. Treatment options include:

Anti-angiogenic drugs: This medicine is injected into your eyes and is used for stopping the formation of new blood vessels. This also blocks the leakage from the abnormal blood vessels.

Laser therapy: Doctor may also recommend treating your condition with high-energy laser light. This often destroys abnormal blood vessels that are growing actively.

Photodynamic laser therapy: This is a two-step treatment using a light-sensitive drug for damaging the abnormal blood vessels.

Submacular surgery: In this surgery, the surgeon removes the scar tissue, abnormal blood vessels, and blood.

Retinal translocation: In this procedure, the doctor destroys the abnormal blood vessels in your eye that are located just under the centre of the macula. This is a spot where the doctors cannot reach safely using a laser beam.

6. Diabetic Retinopathy

People who have diabetes can get this condition. Diabetic Retinopathy is caused when high sugar levels in your body damage the blood vessels in your retina. These blood vessels often swell and leak. Or they may get blocked completely. Sometimes abnormal blood vessels also grow on your retina. All of these changes can cause vision loss.

Symptoms

You can notice symptoms only when the disease advances. Typical symptoms include:

  • Sudden changes in vision
  • Hazy vision
  • Floaters in your vision
  • Double vision
  • Pain in the eye

Causes

Diabetic retinopathy is caused due to high blood glucose levels over a period of time. High sugar levels weaken and damage the blood vessels in the retina. This causes haemorrhages and retinal swelling. This also blocks the flow of oxygen to the retina, causing abnormal growth of blood vessels. Controlling your blood sugar levels lowers your risk of getting retinopathy.

Treatment

Diabetic retinopathy affects your vision, Treatment options include:

  • Laser treatment: This is for treating the growth of new blood vessels in the retina in cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Laser treatment is also used for stabilising some cases of maculopathy.
  • Eye injections: The doctor may administer eye injections for treating severe maculopathy.
  • Eye surgery: This surgery is done for removing scar tissue or from the eye. Surgery is only done if laser treatment isn’t possible due to the advanced stage of retinopathy.

7. Arcus Senilis

This is an age-related eye issue where you will see grey, white, or blue ring in the margin of the cornea (peripheral corneal opacity), or white ring in front of the periphery of the iris.

It is present in infants at birth but gradually, it fades; however, these rings can be commonly seen in the eyes of the elderly. Arcus senilis is generally harmless, although it can sometimes be a sign of high cholesterol in people under 45 years of age.

Symptoms

  • A white, grey, or blue circle or arc around the cornea of the eye.
  • The circle or arc will have a sharp outer border but a blurred inner border.
  • If someone has an arc, the lines could grow to form a complete circle in front of the iris.

Causes

Arcus senilis is a condition affecting only older adults. It occurs due to fat deposits or a lipid that forms in the outer part of the cornea. These fat deposits in your blood come from the fatty foods in your diet. The liver also produces fat.

Cholesterol is a type of fat that’s found in the blood. However, if Arcus Senilis occurs, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have high cholesterol. The blood vessels in your eyes widen with age. When you age, your blood vessels allow cholesterol build-up in your eye. In case Arcus Senilis occurs in people under 40, the doctor will do tests for checking high cholesterol.

Treatment

There is no cure for arcus senilis. Once you get it, it won’t disappear. If you got this condition due to high cholesterol, the doctor may recommend a diet low in saturated fats. Exercise and quitting smoking may also help.

Medicines that are used for lowering cholesterol levels include:

  • Statin drugs: These medicines block a particular substance that the liver uses for making cholesterol. The doctor may prescribe medicines such as pravastatin (Pravachol), atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin, and fluvastatin.
  • Resins for binding Bile acid: These resins prompt your liver to use the cholesterol for producing more bile acids. This lowers the amount of cholesterol in your blood. The doctor may prescribe cholestyramine, colestipol, and colesevelam.
  • Inhibitors for Cholesterol absorption: These helps in reducing the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed by your body. The doctor may prescribe ezetimibe to you.

Cataract Surgery in Kolkata

Do not let cataracts affect your vision and your quality of life. Cataract surgery costs in Kolkata are quite reasonable. If you are looking for a good hospital for the surgery, get in touch with Disha Eye Hospital today.

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Cataract Surgery Do’s and Don’ts

Cataract surgery in Kolkata

Being a myopic since childhood, Mr Bose started experiencing vision problems for the past few months. At 65, he thought he might need to change his glasses and need a new prescription. But gradually, his eyesight became so blurry that he didn’t have clear vision even when looking across the room.

A visit to the eye specialist revealed that he had a cataract in both the eyes. The left eye needed immediate operation while the cataract in the right eye was still at its initial stage. The doctor immediately recommended surgery for cataract removal on the left eye. The operation didn’t take much time but Mr Bose was worried about the recovery process. Since it was a matter of his vision and he didn’t want to take any risk.

The recovery process for cataract is short and usually do not cause any major issues as long as you don’t have any other serious eye issues. In most of the cases, the patients experience improved vision shortly after the surgery.

Usually, a cataract surgery does not take more than 10 minutes. Immediately after the surgery, you will need to rest for about half an hour as it takes a bit time to recover from the effect of anaesthesia.

Almost everyone who has undergone cataract surgery is provided with Intraocular Lens (IOL). These lenses help in focusing the light properly on the retina. This lens becomes a part of your eye permanently and needs no additional care.

There is a wide range of IOLs available and it’s the eye specialist who decides which lens will work the best for you. However, before the surgery, the eye specialist usually discusses the options with you and then decides which lens will best suit your lifestyle.

IOLs are made of various materials such as silicone, acrylic or plastic. Some IOLs can block UV rays. Some lenses are made of rigid plastic. These plastic lenses are usually implanted through an incision which needs stitches for closing them. However, some IOLs are extremely flexible and need a small incision that requires just a few or no sutures at all. During the surgery, the eye surgeon folds such lenses and put them into the empty capsule, replaces the natural eye lens. Once inside, the folded IOL unfolds and takes the empty place.

Types of IOLs include:

  • Fixed-focus monofocal: This lens has single focus strength for distance vision. For precision activities such as reading, you will need to use reading glasses.
  • Accommodating-focus monofocal: This lens has a single focusing strength but they can adjust with the movement of the eye muscle and can shift focus as needed.
  • Multifocal: This type of lens is similar to progressive lenses or bifocal glasses. The lens has multiple focusing strengths that allow near, medium, and far vision.
  • Toric Lenses: This lens is mainly used for correcting astigmatism.

What to Expect During the Surgery?

Cataract surgery usually doesn’t take much time to perform. It takes less than an hour for the surgery. The doctor first puts eye drops in your eye for dilating the pupil. You will be given local anaesthetics for numbing the area. The doctor may even give you a sedative to help you relax. If you’re given a sedative, you will remain awake throughout the procedure but a bit groggy.

The doctor will then remove the clouded lens, and replace it with a clear artificial lens. In some cases, the cataract is also removed without implanting an IOL.

The surgical processes involved in Cataract surgery include:

  • Using ultrasound probe: Often, an ultrasound probe is used for breaking and removing the lens. The process is usually called Phacoemulsification. Here, the surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea. He/she will insert a thin needle-like probe into the lens where the cataract has formed. The probe transmits ultrasound waves for breaking the cataract. Using the probe, the doctor suctions out the broken lens fragments. The lens capsule is left intact. It is here where the artificial lens rests. The doctor may or may not put stitches for closing the small incision in the cornea after completing the process.
  • Using advanced laser technique: Laser-assisted cataract surgery is another technique for cataract removal. The surgeon uses a laser for making incisions and then softens the cataract before removal.
  • Extracapsular Cataract Extraction: This is a less frequent process where the doctor removes the lens without breaking it. This needs a larger incision than that is made for phacoemulsification. Through this incision, the surgeon removes the front capsule of the lens with the surgical tools along with the cloudy part of the lens containing the cataract. The back capsule of the lens is left in place for holding the artificial lens. This procedure is only performed when you have certain eye complications. The incisions are stitched up after the surgery.

After Cataract Surgery

After cataract surgery, you will see that your vision has started to improve within a few days. Don’t be alarmed if you see that your vision is blurry or wavy. It’s normal for the eyes to adjust to the new vision. It takes time to heal and then adjust. After that, you will be able to see clearly. The colours will appear brighter as you are seeing through a new lens after the surgery. A cataract is usually brownish or yellowish tinted and that’s why you see muted colours.

You need to follow up with your eye doctor a day or two after the surgery. Visit him or her as per the schedule. This is important as the doctor needs to monitor your healing process.

Do not be sceptical if your eye feels itchy. It’s absolutely normal to feel mild discomfort along with itching for a few days post-surgery. Avoid touching your eye. You may even develop bloodshot eyes. Don’t worry. This happens as the blood vessels in the eye surface (the white part) are temporarily damaged due to the surgery. It takes a few days for the vessels to heal completely. As your eye heals, you will see that the redness has vanished within a few days.

If, before the surgery, the doctor has given you an injection of anaesthesia just in the lower portion of your eye, you will also notice a small bruise that’s similar to black eye. This also fades within a few days.

You may need to wear an eye patch after the surgery. The doctor might suggest you wear it for a few days after the surgery. You have to wear it even when you sleep. This is just to make sure that you do not accidentally touch the eye.

The doctor usually prescribes eye drops or any other medication for preventing infection, reducing inflammation, and for controlling the eye pressure, http://www.papsociety.org/prednisone/. Sometimes, he or she may inject steroid medications into the eye during the surgery so as to avoid inflammation.

Your eyes might feel dry or you may experience scratchiness after the surgery. These sensations go away as your eyes heal unless you already have dry eyes prior to the surgery. After a couple of weeks, most of the problems subside. In majority of the cases, complete healing occurs within 8 weeks. In case you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

  • Vision loss
  • A persisting pain despite using over-the-counter medications
  • Increased redness in the eye
  • Light flashes
  • Multiple floaters in the line of vision

Usually, after cataract surgery, you have to wear glasses, at least for some time. Your doctor will examine the eye and let you know whether they have healed enough to get a final prescription for glasses or not. This is usually between one and three months after surgery.

If you have cataracts in both eyes, the doctor never operates on both the eyes at the same time. You will undergo the second surgery only after the first eye has healed completely.

Ensure the Best Recovery: Dos and Don’ts during the Recovery Period

You will be surprised to see that you are able to resume normal activities just a day after the surgery. However, everyone should observe a few precautions during the first week after the surgery. This is a must for avoiding any infection or to avoid sustaining an injury to the eye while it heals.

The doctor will give you an antibiotic eye drop for preventing infection and anti-inflammatory eye drop to reduce any internal inflammation. Depending on the post-operative inflammation that you have, you may need to apply the drops for a few weeks or about a month. Ensure that you are applying the drops as recommended by the doctor. The doctor may also prescribe oral painkillers (acetaminophen), if necessary.

Here are a few dos and don’ts that will ensure the best recovery:

Dos

  1. Apply the eye drops as per the schedule provided by the ophthalmologist. In any case, you have to strictly adhere to the routine provided by the doctor. Eye drop needs to be applied daily for a few weeks after the surgery.
  2. You may resume light day-to-day activities such as watching TV, reading, writing and walking. Always keep your physical activities light.
  3. Wear your protective eye cover always, even when you are sleeping. And always sleep on the side that hasn’t been operated on.
  4. When taking a shower, keep your eyes closed. Make sure that water or soap doesn’t enter your eyes.
  5. On the day of surgery, as well as the next day after the surgery, it is important that you rest and relax properly. This promotes healing.
  6. After the surgery, the doctor will provide you with a protective shield, and you have to wear it on your operated eye until the doctor says that your eyes are fit enough to go without the shield. The doctor will also give you special eye shades in case you have to go out.

Don’ts

  1. Never rub your eye or apply anything to your eyes, even water. This will increase the chance of infection.
  2. Immediately after the surgery, avoid bending. This prevents putting extra pressure on your eye.
  3. Never swim or use a hot tub, at least for two weeks after the surgery. Even a small drop of water makes your eyes vulnerable to infection.
  4. Do not drive for 24 hours after cataract surgery.
  5. Do not indulge in any strenuous activity, such as strenuous exercise, lifting weights etc. This should be followed for at least the first week following the surgery. Your eyes need about a month to fully recover. So it’s safe to avoid strenuous activity during this time.
  6. Do not wear any eye makeup until your ophthalmologist allows.
  7. Avoid any activity that exposes your eyes to dirt or dust. Patients who stay in dry and dusty environment should avoid going outdoors. When going out, you must wear a special protective eyewear provided by the doctor. Dust and sand particles may scratch your eye surface making the eye prone to infection.
  8. Be careful when walking around after surgery. Try not to bump into doors or any other objects.

Usually, after a cataract surgery, you should be able to perform these activities within a few hours:

  • Working on a computer
  • Watching TV (not for long hours)
  • Showering

Following the doctor’s suggestion is the best way to ensure a fast recovery. Follow the post-operative instructions as provided by your doctor as he or she is the best person to evaluate your condition and suggest the best possible way. The points discussed here is a handy guide to give you an overview of the things that you should follow during your recovery process.

Cataract surgery in Kolkata

Blurry vision? Do not ignore because it might be a symptom of cataract. Consult an eye specialist immediately. If you are looking for a good hospital where you can undergo cataract surgery or want to know cataract surgery cost in Kolkata, get in touch with us today at http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us.

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10 Questions that Diabetic Patients Should Ask Their Eye Doctors

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Diabetic patients are at greater risk of developing other diseases; especially eye-related conditions. We know that a visit to the doctor can be intimidating for some of you; however, being informed and aware of your condition is the best way to prevent it from progressing further.

How diabetes affects your vision?

Diabetes is a metabolic disease where either your body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin produced. Your body cells derive energy from the sugar and insulin helps your body in breaking down the glucose and delivers it to cells throughout your body.

When your body cannot use the insulin, sugar levels keep increasing in your blood. This condition is known as hyperglycemia and it affects each and every part of your body including the eyes.

Diabetes makes your vision blurry.

Blurry vision is the first sign that your blood glucose levels are high. Your vision gets blurry as fluid starts leaking through the lens of your eyes. As a result, the eye lenses swell and changes shape. This makes it tough for your eyes to focus and as a result, your vision gets distorted. To correct this condition, you have to bring down your blood sugar levels to normal.

Diabetes causes Cataract

Yes. Diabetes is one of the reasons behind cataract. This is a condition where your clear eye lenses become cloudy. While anyone can develop cataract, diabetic people get them earlier than non-diabetic people.

As your lens gets cloudy, your eyes cannot focus on objects properly and this affects your vision. You have to undergo a surgery for cataract removal. The doctor replaces cloudy lens with another artificial lens.

Diabetes can result in Glaucoma

Glaucoma is when the eye pressure increases to an unprecedented level. This happens when the eye fluid cannot drain properly. This damages the blood vessels in your eyes and can also damage the nerves. Open-Angle Glaucoma is the most common form of the condition. Doctors mostly prescribe medicines for treating Open Angle Glaucoma. The medicines help lower eye pressure, speed up the fluid drainage process, and also reduce the amount of liquid (aqueous humour) produced by your eyes.

This type of glaucoma often doesn’t cause any symptoms until it has progressed to an advanced level and you start losing your vision. Usually, it’s not possible to tell from the symptoms whether you have glaucoma or not. The initial symptoms are often misunderstood as being a minor issue. Primary symptoms include:

  • Watery eyes
  • Halos around lights
  • Eye aches or pain
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision

While it’s difficult for you to identify vision issues, an ophthalmologist can diagnose it in its early stage. And that’s why undergoing a thorough eye check-up is essential, especially if you have diabetes.

Treatment options can include medicine and eye drops. The eye care specialist may also prescribe laser treatment and surgery for improving drainage of fluid. If you have diabetes, you’re also at risk of developing a rare condition known as Neovascular Glaucoma.

In this condition, the blood vessels in the eye grow on the iris – the coloured part of your eye. This growth blocks the drainage of fluid and increases eye pressure. This condition is tough to treat; however, the doctor may try laser surgery to cut the additional growth. The doctor might also use implants for improving the fluid drainage.

Diabetic Retinopathy

As the name suggests, this eye condition is caused by diabetes. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in your retina, causing diabetic retinopathy.

The retina is a crucial part of your vision that takes in light, turns it into an image and then sends it to the brain through the optic nerve. This eye condition requires early treatment and failing to do so can cause permanent blindness. The longer you have diabetes, the more likely you are to develop diabetic retinopathy. The risk of eye condition can be lowered if you keep your blood sugar levels under control.

There are several other types of this condition:

Background retinopathy: In this condition, the blood vessels are damaged; however, your vision isn’t lost. This might get worse if you do not control diabetes.

Maculopathy: In this condition, the macula, an important part of the retina is damaged, affecting your vision.

Proliferative retinopathy: This condition develops when the cells at the back of your eye don’t get enough oxygen, causing growth of new blood vessels. These new blood vessels are so fragile that they bleed and lead to a clot.

This may cause scars, pulling your retina away. The detachment of retina cause vision loss and this cannot be treated. However, sometimes this condition can be treated. A laser procedure is used for burning the blood vessels. Surgery is also an option. This can prevent blindness in people with early retinopathy.

If you have diabetes and are concerned about your eyes, here are a few questions that you may find helpful:

1. What are the ways to test eyes for diabetic eye disease?

You will never know that diabetes is slowly deteriorating up your vision until it’s too bad. It’s possible for your doctor to identify it during the early stages if you go for regular eye examinations. The optometrist will conduct the following tests to detect diabetic eye disease:

  • Dilated Retinal Exam

The doctor will use a Snellen Chart (a chart with random letters of different size) for checking your vision. After that, he/she will apply eye drops to dilate the pupils of the eye. In this way, he/she can examine the back of your eye using a special magnifying glass.

The doctor mainly examines the back of the eye, the optic nerve, and the blood vessels in the front and middle of the eye. The doctor may also use a slit lamp to examine the cornea of the eye. The doctor might even take photographs of the back of your eyes for detailed examination.

  • The Tonometry Test

This test is for measuring the fluid pressure in your eye. This test is performed to check whether any eye disease (such as Glaucoma) is damaging the nerves in the back of your eye or not.

2. What are the ways of treating diabetic retinopathy?

Medication

One type of medication is called “anti-VEGF” medication. This helps in reducing the swelling of the macula and slows the process of vision impairment. This may also help improve your vision. This drug is given through injections in the eye.

Laser Surgery

Laser surgery might be used to help seal off leaking blood vessels. This can reduce swelling of the retina. Laser surgery also helps in shrinking blood vessels and prevents their recurrence. Sometimes, the doctor may carry out multiple treatments for curing the condition.

Vitrectomy

The ophthalmologist may also suggest vitrectomy. In this surgery, the ophthalmologist removes the vitreous gel and blood that’s leaking from the blood vessels in the back of your eye. This helps light rays to focus properly on the retina. During the surgery, the doctor also removes scar tissues.

3. What kind of diet should one follow?

A good and well-balanced diet not only helps in controlling your blood sugar levels but also keeps your eyes healthy. Eat food items rich in Vitamin A, zeaxanthin, lutein, and Omega-3 fatty acid. You may include food items in your diet such as-

  • Fish:

These are rich in Omega 3 fatty acid and are critical for maintaining the health of your retina. It also helps prevent dry eyes. Incorporate fish into your daily meal at least once a week.

  • Eggs:

This is a great food for your eye. It contains lutein, vitamin A, and zeaxanthin. These nutrients safeguard the eye from serious eye conditions and also, protect the retina.

  • Dairy Products:

Milk and yoghurt are good for your eye health. These contain zinc and vitamin A. Zinc is mainly found in the retina and the choroids. This essential mineral keeps your eyes healthy.

  • Citrus Fruit:

Citrus fruits contain Vitamin C which is vital for your eye health.

Follow a healthy meal plan comprising of fresh vegetables, lean meat, and wholegrain for keeping blood glucose levels in control and for maintaining eye health.

4. Foods that are to be avoided

Food items containing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and linoleic acid can put you at high risk for eye disease. Processed food, chocolate, margarine, french fries, chips, baked goodies such as cookies and cakes can increase your risk of eye disease.

Also, avoid aerated drinks. Junk food not only affects your cardiovascular health but also increase the blood glucose levels, exposing you to risk of developing eye conditions.

5. Who are at the risk of developing diabetic eye disease?

Anyone who has diabetes can develop diabetic eye disease; however, you are at greater risk if your blood glucose levels are extremely high and if you have high blood pressure. High cholesterol levels and smoking also increase your risk of developing diabetic eye condition. Diabetes during pregnanancy also increases your chances of developing eye issues. And in case you are at the initial phase of diabetic retinopathy, it can get worse during pregnancy.

6. What are the symptoms of diabetic eye disease?

The early symptoms of the diabetic eye disease are barely noticeable. You may not experience pain and even won’t experience any changes in your vision: meanwhile, your vision gets affected. This is especially true for diabetic retinopathy. Some of the initial symptoms that might occur include:

  • blurry, distorted or wavy vision
  • flashes of light
  • poor colour vision
  • dark areas in your visual field
  • frequently changing vision (sometimes vision may change from day-to-day)
  • spots or floaters in your visual field

Talk to your eye doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

7. Can diabetes cause cataract?

Yes. If you have Diabetes Mellitus then you are at greater risk of developing a cataract. The lens of your eyes derives its nutrients from aqueous humour, a fluid that fills the front part of the eye.

Aqueous humour provides glucose and oxygen. When you don’t have control over the blood glucose levels, the sugar levels increase in the aqueous humour. This causes the lens to swell, affecting your vision.

Moreover, the eye lens also contains an enzyme that converts glucose to sorbitol. When sorbitol accumulates in the lens, it affects the cells and the naturally-occurring proteins. This causes the lens to become less clear.

8. Can diabetes cause Retinal Detachment?

This condition is rare and is age-related. Retinal detachment occurs when the blood vessels responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the layer of cells located in the back portion of the eye starts pulling away. Prolonged levels of high blood sugar are one of the main reasons for retinal detachment. This damage results in the formation of scar tissue that can pull the retina out of position.

9. Who are at risk of retinal detachment?

You are at greater risk of developing retinal detachment if you are:

  • between the ages of 50 and 75 years
  • extremely short-sighted
  • have diabetic retinopathy

Those who are short-sighted are more likely to develop retinal detachment as they are usually born with a thinner retina.

10. What to do to prevent diabetes-related blindness?

Early detection and timely treatment are the only ways of lowering the risks of diabetes-related blindness. More than anything else, you have to control your blood sugar levels. This slows down the onset of diabetic retinopathy and also reduces the chances of undergoing sight-correcting surgery.

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