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60+ Eye Health: How to Maintain Healthy Eyes

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Though eye problems can occur at any age, they are more common in later years of life. Eye diseases such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma are more common among the elderly. Medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure increase the risk of age-related eye diseases. If you are above the age of 60, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle that promotes good eye health. Here we share with some useful insights for seniors on maintaining good eye health:

1. Include food that benefits your eye: The health of your eyes can be greatly determined by the type of food you eat. A study shows that certain types of diet can help improve your eye health.  Additionally nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc and vitamins C and E can prevent vision problems caused due to old age.

2. Quit smoking: Smoking is not only harmful to your lungs but also to your eyes. It can increase the chances of cataracts and macular degeneration.  Smoking can also affect the optic nerve, which can increase the chances of glaucoma. So if you  smoke, it is best to quit smoking.

3. Keep sugar levels and BP under control: Hypertension and diabetes are not just linked to cardiovascular diseases but they also increase the risk of eye diseases. These conditions lead to adverse changes in the blood vessels of the eyes. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, it is important to keep them under control and regularly see an eye specialist. 

4. Exercise regularly: Exercising regularly is good for the overall health as well as eye health.  Being physically active keeps blood pressure and glucose levels in check. Studies have shown that exercising regularly can improve eye health and  reduce the chances of eye diseases such as cataracts or macular degeneration.

5. Protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays:  Wearing protective sunglasses can greatly reduce the effect of UV rays on the eyes. Protecting your eyes is important because too much UV exposure might lead to the formation of cataracts or increase the chances of macular degeneration.

Note: If you wear prescription glasses, opt for  sunglasses with power lenses.

6. Visit an eye specialist at least once a year : One of the effective ways to keep your eyes healthy after the age of 60 is to visit an eye specialist at least once a year.  If you already have an eye condition, you may have to visit an eye specialist more frequently.  Regular eye check ups can help  detect eye diseases in the early stages. This can increase the chances of better treatment. 

Looking for an eye specialist in Kolkata? 

If you are looking to get an eye condition treated or just want to visit an eye specialist for a comprehensive eye check up, visit Disha Eye Hospitals.  We have over 90 highly experienced and qualified doctors in our 15 branches in West Bengal. Our eye specialists are well-versed with the latest medical techniques and have access to state-of-the-art medical equipment to give you the best possible care. 

 

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6 FAQs on Eye Floaters and Their Answers

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Are you one of the millions of people who experience eye floaters? If so, you may have a lot of questions about them. This blog post will answer six common questions about eye floaters. Keep reading!

1. Why do you get floaters in your eyes?

Floaters are tiny specks or strings that float in your field of vision. They’re usually harmless and don’t require treatment. Floaters are more common as you age, but they can also occur if you have certain eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma or uveitis. 

Most of the time, floaters are nothing to worry about. However, if you experience a sudden increase in the number of floaters or see flashes of light, you should see an eye doctor immediately.

2. How do you know if an eye floater is serious?

In some cases, eye floaters can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as retinal detachment. If you experience any sudden onset or change in your eye floaters, it’s important to see an ophthalmologist right away and get the right eye treatment. 

In addition to eye floaters, if you’re  experiencing symptoms such as vision loss and flashes of light, you may be suffering from a serious eye condition.

3. Can floaters affect vision?

Floaters are tiny clumps of gel or cells that float in the vitreous, the clear jelly-like substance that fills your eye. Although they may be annoying, floaters usually don’t affect vision. 

In some cases, however, floaters can interfere with vision. In such cases, consult an eye doctor immediately. The best way to treat floaters depends on the cause. If a tear in the retina causes them, surgery may be necessary.

Note:  In most cases, no treatment is necessary. If floaters are caused by debris in the vitreous, they will eventually settle at the bottom of your eye.

4. Can eye floaters go on their own?

When you first notice eye floaters, it can be a bit alarming. But rest assured, they are completely harmless in most cases and will eventually go away on their own. In fact, many people never even notice them after a while.

If you’re concerned about your eye floaters, the best thing to do is see an eye doctor. They can determine if there’s anything serious going on, and if not, they can offer some advice on how to best deal with them. In the meantime, here are a few things that may help you cope:

– Try to relax. Remember that eye floaters are usually harmless and will eventually go away on their own.

– Avoid staring at them. This can actually make them appear more prominent. Instead, try to look at something else.

– Blink frequently. This can help to break up the floaters, so they’re less noticeable.

5. Can floaters cause blindness?

Floaters are usually harmless and do not cause any problems. However, in some rare cases, they can be a sign of a more serious condition such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.

6. Can floaters appear suddenly?

Yes, floaters can appear suddenly. However, they are usually not a cause for concern. If you experience a sudden onset of floaters, you should see an eye doctor to rule out any underlying conditions. 

Disha Eye Hospitals – One of the leading names in offering the best eye treatment in Kolkata and other cities of West Bengal 

Our team of specialists has the experience and expertise to provide you with the best possible care. We use the latest technology and techniques to help you regain your vision. Some of our services include cataract treatment, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma treatment in Kolkata and other cities of West Bengal. 

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Swimming Pool Eye Safety Tips by Some of the Best Eye Doctors in Kolkata

The water used in swimming pools contain chlorine and other chemicals to eliminate germs and algae. These chemicals can irritate the eye, making them more vulnerable to infections. Here are some common problems people face after swimming in the pool: 

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  • Red eyes
  • Burning sensation 
  • Discharge from the eyes
  • Corneal abrasion
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Swelling of the eyes
  • Excessive tears 
  • Light sensitivity

To avoid eye problems caused due to pool water, our eye doctors in Kolkata have put together a list of swimming pool eye safety tips:

1. Wear good swimming goggles: 

This is one of the most effective ways to protect your eyes from any infection. Buy good-quality swimming goggles. Before buying swimming goggles, make sure you try them on. The reason why swimming goggles leak is because they don’t fit well. While buying make sure they properly fit your head and the eyes.

2. Remove contact lenses when swimming: 

Wearing contact lenses while swimming can be dangerous. The lenses can absorb the water. This can cause bacteria, viruses or other pathogens to get into your eyes. Swimming in lakes, rivers and oceans can be all the more dangerous than swimming in a pool as the water may contain more bacteria, viruses and other harmful pathogens.

3. Apply lubricating eye drops for dry eyes: 

If you suffer from dry eyes, use prescribed eye drops or tear gel that help in keeping the eye moist. These drops and gels help protect the tear film and prevent entry of bacteria and infectants in the eye. Consult an eye doctor for suitable eye drops or gels.

Note :  Dry eyes is an increasing problem where the eyes don’t produce enough tears or tears are of a poor quality and hence can’t provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. 

4. Wash your eyes with clean water after swimming: 

This is one of the most important things that people often forget to do. Washing your eyes with clean water after swimming helps in removing chlorine and other chemicals that may be stuck to your eyelashes or eyelids. Always close your eyes before splashing fresh water onto them.

5. Wear sunglasses: 

Wearing sunglasses is a good way of protecting your eyes from the UV rays. Wear swimming goggles when swimming and sunglasses when not swimming by the pool. This is because UV rays can damage your eyes. 

6. Cold compress eyes if irritated: 

After swimming if you are feeling irritation or are developing symptoms of an eye problem, try applying cold compress on your eyes. If this does not help, it is best to consult an eye doctor without wasting time. 

Note: Staying hydrated is one of the most important things for swimmers.  Stay hydrated before, while swimming and after. This is because swimming burns a lot of calories and also results in quick loss of water. Dehydration while swimming can cause muscle fatigue, cramps and dizziness. Reduction in water level of the body can also result in dry eyes and can lead to sunken eyes.

Are you looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata? 

If you are suffering from any eye-related problems, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. We have some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata on board. Our eye doctors can not only help you get the right diagnosis of your symptoms but also guide you with the right treatment options. Our eye doctors have access to the latest diagnostic and imaging tools  to diagnose the cause of your problem.

 

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First Aid for Eye Scratches

Accidents happen in seconds and eye injuries are no exception. Household chores such as cooking and gardening or sports or playing with a pet can result in eye injuries. Eye scratches are the most common of eye injuries. Eye scratch is also known as corneal abrasion. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped layer that covers the eye’s iris and pupil. It focuses light in the eye.  

Here are some of the common causes of eye scratches: 

  • Fingernail scratch
  • Exposure to foreign objects such as dirt, metal particles and wooden particles 
  • Rubbing of the eye excessively
  • Long hours of exposure to ultraviolet light
  • Using inappropriate contact lenses
  • Eye injuries from makeup brushes.
  • Cuts
  • Chemical exposure

What does it feel like to have eye scratches? 

Some common symptoms of eye scratches are: 

  • Eye pain
  • A feeling that something is stuck in your eye
  • Watery eyes 

What to do in case of eye scratches? 

If you have been into an accident and scratched your eyes, here are a few first aid tips that you can follow before visiting the eye doctor: 

    • Rinse your eyes with saline or clean water: This is one of the first things that should be done when your eye starts feeling uncomfortable. You can use an eyecup for this. You can also use a small, clean glass by resting the rim of the glass on the bone at the base of your eye socket and pouring the water slowly. This helps flush the foreign object from your eye.
    • Blink repetitively: When some particle gets in your eyes, you can get rid of it by blinking repetitively.
    • Try pulling your eyelids together: On doing this, the lashes from your upper or lower eyelid will help remove any solid particles or tiny objects stuck underneath the other eyelid.
    • Wear sunglasses: When you get your eye scratched, the eye sometimes becomes sensitive to light and causes light sensitivity and discomfort. Wearing sunglasses will reduce light sensitivity.
    • Avoid rubbing your eyes: When something goes in your eye, you may be tempted to rub it. However, sometimes aggressive rubbing of eyes can cause the scratch or make it worse and should be therefore avoided.
  • Avoid wearing contact lenses: When a corneal abrasion occurs, it is advised not to wear your contact lenses. Contact lenses can slow down the healing process and can cause complications.

Treatment for eye scratches 

Minor eye scratches heal on their own in a few days. But it’s good to see an eye doctor for an eye exam. Doctors may prescribe eye drops or ointment that may make the healing process fast. They might also prescribe steroid eye drops that will help in reducing any inflammation and avoid scarring. 

After first aid, see an eye doctor immediately: Looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata?

No matter how you got the eye scratches, it is important that you see an eye doctor at the earliest. If you are looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata, book a tele-consultation or visit the nearest branch. At our Emergency OPD,  patients are seen without any prior appointment. 

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Eye Health Tips for College Students

College students have a lot on their plate and they have a busy academic schedule and social life. Amidst this, eye health is often not a priority. Eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of the body that require care. When an eye problem is detected early on, the chances of treatment are often better. As one of the leading eye hospitals in Kolkata, we share a few tips for healthy eyes for college students:

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  • Reduce screen time: Digital eye strain is the most common problem faced by college students. With virtual classes, students are now spending more time in front of the screen. Eyestrain, headaches and  blurred vision are some of the symptoms of digital eye strain. To help alleviate digital eye strain, students must take a 20 seconds break after every 20 minutes and look at something (other than the screen) 20 feet away. This gives the eyes much needed rest.

  • Take care of contact lenses: There are no two ways that contact lenses are one of the most convenient tools to correct vision problems. However, they are medical devices that need proper handling. College students should make it a point to always wash their hands before touching contact lenses. Sleeping with contact lenses  can lead to eye redness, dry eyes and even eye infections.

  • Wear the right eyewear for outdoor activities: College students who are part of the sports team or who spend a good amount of time outdoors, should wear sunglasses. They should make sure that their sunglasses offer UV protection. Prescription sunglasses are a smart choice for those who need glasses.

  • Do not share makeup: Sharing eye makeup may seem to be harmless but it might lead to the spreading of infections.  Avoid using expired cosmetic products. If a particular product is causing redness in the eye or near the eye, it is best to not use it again.

  • Get proper sleep: Sleep plays an important role in the college student’s productivity level. Good sleep helps in maintaining their eyes health. Adults need at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Lack of sleep may lead to dry eyes.

  • Lead healthy  lifestyle: Physical exercise, healthy diet and not smoking are the three habits every college student should inculcate. According to a study, physical exercise is not just for physical fitness but also for good eye health. Healthy diet is very much needed for good eye health.  College students should  ensure that they are having a well-balanced diet that lowers the chances of obesity and type 2 diabetes, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults. It has been found that smoking increases the chances of cataract development. Students who smoke should quit smoking and those who don’t smoke should never start it.

  • Get comprehensive eye checkup done every year: While a routine visual acuity test is important, college students should get a comprehensive eye test done every year.  Performed by a qualified eye specialist or ophthalmologist, the eye test helps in detecting  eye conditions. 

Are you looking for an eye specialist in Kolkata?

If you are experiencing any eye-related problems, visit Disha Eye Hospitals or book an  online consultation with our eye specialists. We offer quality eye care at affordable rates. We are a one-stop destination for eye care. We have diagnostic and imaging service centres, emergency OPD, optical store and a paediatric clinic all under one roof. 

 

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Watery Eyes: Causes, When to See an Eye Doctor and Treatment

It is common for everyone to experience water eyes at some point in their lives. Usually, people have watery eyes when  something gets in the eye. It could be a speck of dirt, dust, or even an eyelash.  But do you know that water eyes could be a sign of allergies or underlying medical conditions? Here’s an insightful read on what causes watery eyes and when should you see an eye doctor: 

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Causes of water eyes 

  1. Allergies: There could be many kinds of allergies that can cause eyes to water.   Exposure to pollen, pet dander, insects and fumes can also lead to watery, red and itchy eyes.  When it comes to allergies, people also experience other symptoms such as runny nose and coughing.

  2. Conjunctivitis: It is a condition in which your eyes turn pink or reddish with tears in your eyes. It might be inflammatory in some of the conditions. This condition could be due to some bacterial or viral infection. Avoid touching your eyes in this condition. Do not share towels or anything that touches your eyes.

  3. Blocked tear duct: When the tear duct of the eyes gets blocked or narrowed down. It creates problems for tears to run down into the nose and they remain in the eyes causing watery eyes. Some of the other signs include:
  •  Mucus
  • Crusty eyelashes 
  • Blurred vision 
  • Blood in the tears
  1. Dry eyes: If you are constantly suffering from dry eyes, the immune system will produce tears to keep the eyes moist.

  2. Eyelid problems: Eyelids are part of the drainage system of the eyes. If in some cases eyelid grows inwards, it may cause irritation leading to watery eyes.

  3. Bumps on the eyelids: A bump on the eyelid could be a stye or a chalazion. Mostly they are painless but sometimes could be annoying.

  4. Problems with cornea: The cornea is a very sensitive part of the eye. Even a minor scratch can be dangerous. Cornea can have many issues ranging from small scratches to ulcers. Any corneal condition can lead to irritation, strain, and watery eyes. 

Treatment of watery eyes: 

What is causing eyes to water will determine the course of treatment. Treatment options could include: 

  • Prescription eye drops
  • Antibiotics for eye infection 
  • Surgery if the tear ducts are blocked 


When to visit your doctor: 

You should consult your eye doctor if you face symptoms such as:

  • Vision loss or visual disturbances
  • Discharge or bleeding from your eye
  • Redness in the eye 
  • Eye pain 
  • Injury around the eye
  • Foreign object stuck in your eye on the inside of your eyelid
  • When water eyes do not go away on their own after a few days 

Are you looking for an eye specialist in Kolkata? 

We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata. They have years of experience and are well-versed in the latest medical technologies. 

We offer the best possible patient care. 

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Questions to Ask Your Child’s Eye Doctor

Good eyesight is important for children of all ages. Eye health is important for children’s academic as well as social development. Early education is based on visual aids and colours. As the children’s eyes are in developing stages, any problem detected early can have better chances of treatment. Therefore, parents should ensure that their child’s eyes are healthy. As parents, you should take your child for annual eye examinations. To make the most out of your appointment with your child’s eye doctor, it is important that you ask relevant and important questions. 

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Here we share with you questions that you can ask your child’s eye doctor: 

1. Questions Related to General Paediatric Eye Exams: Many children have vision problems but are not easy to to notice. Here are some general paediatric questions that you could ask the doctor: 

  • Is my child showing any kind of symptoms for any eye problem?
  • How to identify symptoms that my child may be suffering from?
  • How frequently should we perform our child’s eye test?
  • Does my child require prescription glasses because of the condition?

2. Questions about Eye Conditions: Treatment and frequency of appointments will vary depending on whether your child has an eye condition or not. However, if your child shows signs of an eye condition, it needs to be addressed by a paediatric ophthalmologist. Knowing about your child’s eye condition can help you give better support to your child. Some of the questions that you can ask regarding eye conditions are: 

  • Can you explain the condition of the eye?
  • Is the effect taking place in one or both eyes?
  • What could have developed this eye condition?
  • Is my child’s vision normal right now?
  • Will this eye condition worsen with age?

This knowledge can help families understand more about their child’s eye condition. 

3. Questions Regarding Treatment: If your child is suffering from an eye condition, it is important that he or she gets appropriate treatment. Treatment options could be

  • Prescription glasses
  • Eye drops
  • Medication
  • Surgery or patching

Knowing the details regarding the treatment will help you to make a proper decision with the eye doctor for your child. Here are some of the questions that you can ask your child’s eye doctor regarding treatment:

  • What are the best options to treat this eye problem?
  • Are there any side effects caused by this treatment?
  • Besides treatment, what more can I do to help my child’s eye condition get better?

It is necessary for you to have proper information regarding your child’s eye treatment from credible sources, especially from your child’s eye doctor. 

4. Questions to Learn how Conditions may Affect your Child :  Paediatric eye conditions can cause a lot of problems in your child’s life. For instance, strabismus can cause double vision or lazy eye can cause problems in one or both eyes and the development of normal vision is disrupted. Refractive errors in children can make it difficult for them to study as they may struggle to see things clearly. 

Here are some questions you can ask to gain a better understanding of the situation if your child has an eye condition: 

  • Are there other problems associated with this eye problem?
  • Will my child face limitations because of the eye condition?
  • Will this eye condition affect my child’s day to day life?

Looking for a Paediatric Eye Surgeon in Kolkata?

We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have a dedicated paediatric ophthalmology unit.
Our paediatric eye specialists and eye surgeons diagnose and treat strabismus, paediatric cataract, retinopathy of prematurity, paediatric glaucoma and other paediatric eye problems. 

 

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Wrong Eyeglass Prescription: Check These Warning Signs

Eyeglasses are the most effective and affordable way to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. 

Eyeglasses are easy to handle and one of the most comfortable vision-correcting methods. Wearing prescribed eyeglasses have many advantages such as:

  • Improved vision
  • Better eye protection
  • Cost-effective 
  • Easy to maintain

However, if you do not have the right prescription for eyeglasses, it might lead to uncomfortable symptoms. As one of the leading eye hospitals in Kolkata, we share with you you some of the warning signs that may indicate that the eyeglasses you are wearing the wrong prescription: 

 

  • Frequent headaches: This is one of the first signs that you will observe if you are wearing the wrong prescription glasses or contact lenses. When you have a new prescription, you may experience frequent headaches a few days after wearing new glasses. However, the headaches may disappear when you take them off. In case of a wrong prescription, the eyes will strain along with a headache. In both cases, you must visit an eye doctor and get the prescription changed.

 

  • Vertigo: Normal dizziness can be cured within hours but vertigo is much more aggressive than dizziness. Vertigo gives you a feeling of being unbalanced while standing or sitting. This condition needs medical attention. It can be caused due to blurred vision. But if you already have this condition, the wrong prescription will only worsen the situation. Vertigo can affect depth perception. Without depth perception, you are at the risk of injuring yourself.  

 

  • Blurred vision: Blurred vision after prescribed corrective glasses can also mean the adjustment of the eyes to new lenses. This will get corrected after a few days but if the blurriness continues, you must visit the eye doctor to get the prescription correct. A wrong prescription may lead to further eye issues.

 

  • Eye fatigue: When you start feeling eye fatigue after the prescribed new glasses, this might be a sign that the prescription is wrong. 

Looking for an eye specialist in Kolkata? 

If you are experiencing any eye-related problem, get your eyes checked by an eye specialist. We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata on board. We offer quality eye care at an affordable price.

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Ageing And Vision Loss: Check These Useful Insights

Ageing causes a few changes in vision which mostly can be corrected by using corrective eyeglasses and improved lighting. However, some issues are serious and warrant medical attention. Ageing can cause many eye complications such as 

  • Losing the ability to see clearly.
  • Difficulty in differentiating between colours.
  • Taking time to adjust to different levels of light.
  • Dry eyes 
  • Tearing 

Ageing can cause some or other eye issues and the best way to prevent or handle them is to get eyes examined regularly.  The reason being there are many eye diseases that do not show any early symptoms. By the time a change in vision becomes noticeable, the disease would have progressed. Regular eye exams can spot the problems in their early stage.

Some of the age-related eye diseases are

  • Cataracts: It is a medical condition in which a person’s lens becomes cloudy and appears like frosted ice. Lenses of the eyes become hard and cloudy and do not allow all the coming light rays to pass through it and reach to the back of the eye to form an image on the retina. Some of the light gets scattered in different directions by the cloudy lens. It may also cause redness, tearing, blurriness, a halo around the objects in the eye. For the removal of the cloudy lens, surgery is the best option. During the surgery, the damaged natural lens is replaced with a new artificial lens. 
  • Glaucoma: It is an eye condition that affects the optic nerve by excessive pressure in the eye. The optic nerve is an important part of the eye that helps in transferring the sensory information to the brain in the electrical impulses. If it is not treated on time then it may cause permanent vision loss. To identify glaucoma, the doctor will inspect the eyes to see the condition of the optic nerve, measure the pressure and test the visual field. Glaucoma treatment includes a combination of eye drops, oral prescriptions, laser treatment or medical procedures.
  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can affect the central vision needed to see objects clearly and to do common activities such as driving and reading. Though there’s no cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with timely treatment the disease can be slowed down and vision loss can be prevented.  
  • Diabetic retinopathy: This problem occurs when the blood vessels in the retina get damaged. In diabetic retinopathy, the blood vessels leak and release fluid, causing blurred vision. As the condition progresses, the patient may see floaters and dark spots. Advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy need laser surgery but mild cases can be managed by controlling diabetes. 
  • Conjunctivitis: It causes redness, itching, burning or tearing in the eyes. It can happen in all age groups but elderly people are more prone to irritants or allergies. It can be caused by bacteria or viral infection.

Ageing causes many eye-related issues. Some of these issues are difficult to spot. The best way to timely detect eye conditions is to get your eyes examined once a year. If you are looking for an eye hospital in Kolkata, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. We provide the best possible patient care at affordable rates. 

 

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FAQs on Inherited and Genetic Eye Diseases

There are many factors that play an important role in determining overall eye health. Genetics is one of the most significant ones. Many eye diseases, including those that cause blindness among infants, children and adults, are inherited. In some cases, early diagnosis and effective treatment for inherited eye disorders can help prevent the conditions from worsening. Therefore, it is important to know about these conditions. We have some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata. These eye specialists will answer some of the frequently asked questions on inherited and genetic eye diseases 

Question 1: What eye problems are genetic?

There are over 350 eye diseases that are genetic. A genetic eye disorder occurs when a child inherits a disease from one or both patients. Some of the genetic eye disorders are: 

  • Congenital cataracts
  • Congenital glaucoma
  • Retinal degeneration
  • Colour blindness 
  • Corneal dystrophies
  • Keratoconus

Note: In adults, glaucoma and macular degeneration are among the leading causes of blindness. Both seem to be hereditary.

Question 2: Can common vision problems be inherited?

Yes, common refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are also inherited. The risk of developing these conditions is higher if both the parents have the eye disorder. Strabismus and amblyopia can also be inherited. 

Question 3: Can genetic eye disorders be cured?

Early diagnosis and effective treatment of inherited eye disorders can help prevent the worsening of vision. For instance, congenital cataracts can be treated by removal as soon after the diagnosis. The surgery can be performed on an infant as young as 6 to 8 weeks. 

Question 4: What are the symptoms of inherited eye diseases? 

Symptoms vary depending on the type of eye disease. Some of the general symptoms include:

  • Abnormal appearance
  • Fluid in eyes
  • Impaired vision  

Question 5: How can genetic eye problems be diagnosed? 

The best way to protect a baby’s eyes from congenital or hereditary eye disease is through regular eye examinations. Certain eye diseases are present at the time of birth while some develop shortly thereafter. Therefore, it is important that the baby’s eyes are regularly examined by an ophthalmologist or paediatric ophthalmologist. When diagnosed early, the chances of treatment can be better and the impact of the disease can be minimised. 

Looking for the best eye specialist in Kolkata for children? 

We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have a dedicated Paediatric Ophthalmology unit with some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata on board. We conduct various eye tests for infants, toddlers, pre-school children and verbal children. We work closely with parents and children to integrate ophthalmologic treatment into the patient’s total care plan.

Question 6: What to expect during the evaluation? 

The paediatric ophthalmologist or eye doctor will completely review the test results. The parents will be asked about their family medical history, with particular attention given to signs and symptoms of genetic disorders. The child will have to undergo a comprehensive eye checkup. For this, the pupils will be dilated. Some of the common tests for diagnosing genetic eye disorders are: 

  • Electroretinography
  • Visual evoked potential testing
  • Optical coherence tomography
  • Fundus autofluorescence
  • Visual fields

 

Note: Additional tests may be recommended depending on the symptoms.