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Children’s Eye Health: Important Insights Curated By Some of The Best Eye Doctors in Kolkata

Did you know a newborn’s eyesight is between 20/200 and 20/400 at birth? Their eyes are so sensitive to bright light after their birth that they are more likely to open their eyes in low light. 

Children learn through their eyes. To read, to write, and to play – kids need healthy vision. Therefore, you should pay attention to your child’s eye health and look for signs that you may think can cause problems. 

Experts say the best ways to monitor a child’s eye health are:

  • Looking for symptoms
  • Make your child undergo regular eye exams 
  • Provide appropriate diet

Here we share with you important insights on children’s eye health: curated by some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata

1. Infants can see when they are born but they cannot focus accurately: Babies’ vision at birth is abuzz with visual stimulations. Their eyes don’t always focus accurately in the beginning. It is only by the time they are two months old, a baby can easily focus on the people or objects close to them.

Fact: Smoking when pregnant can harm a baby’s vision. It increases the risk for premature births, and further leads to higher refractive errors and problems with the retina of the baby.
2. Far and short-sightedness: Easily treated with prescription spectacles, , far and short-sightedness conditions often run in families.

Far-sightedness: People with farsightedness have a difficult time focusing their eyes on objects that are close. For instance, people with farsightedness may find it difficult to read words written in a book.

Short-sightedness: Short-sightedness is a common eye condition that causes faraway objects to appear blurred. Objects that are near can be seen clearly. 

Did you know? Myopia or nearsightedness has a higher incidence in school going children in India, especially in urban school-going children from  11 to 15 years of age. 

3. Lazy eye and squint: A fairly common eye problem in India, lazy eye condition is clinically known as amblyopia. It is when one of the eyes of the child does not develop as it should. If the child is treated sooner, it is more likely that they have a good vision.

4. Colour blindness: You would be surprised to know that 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women have colour vision problems. They find it difficult to distinguish between red, green and yellow. If you suspect your kid to have colour deficiency vision, or if there is any family history related to it, take your child to the optometrist. Although there is no way to cure or prevent this condition, knowing about the problem can help you teach your child to use colours appropriately.

When should parents take their children for a full eye examination? 

An eye test is important when:  

  • A child has any special needs
  • There is a history of eye problems such as colour blindness or lazy eye in the family 
  • The family member wore spectacles when they were children 

What are the signs of eye problems you should look for in your child?

Look for the following signs of eye problems in your child: 

  • They rub their eyes a lot
  • They have watery eyes
  • They have poor hand and eye coordination
  • The child avoids reading, writing or drawing
  • They complain about blurred vision
  • They sit very close to the TV

 

Looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata?

To consult the best eye doctor in Kolkata for children, visit Disha Eye Hospitals or book online consultation. We have a dedicated paediatric ophthalmology department that takes care of all the paediatric eye problems, be it squint, strabismus or amblyopia. From visual acuity tests to surgical procedures, Disha Eye Hospitals offer affordable eye care.  

 

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8 Causes of Peripheral Vision Loss

Peripheral vision loss is the loss of side vision. Peripheral vision helps you see the surrounding objects without turning your head or moving your eyes. It also helps you sense motion and lets you carry various activities such as running, walking, and driving without crashing into anything. To understand more about peripheral vision, let us first give you a brief insight on the retina. 

8 Causes of Peripheral Vision Loss

2 types of cells in the retina 

There are 2 types of light-sensitive cells in the retina: rods and cones. The cones help us see colour and are concentrated in a small central area of the retina called the macula. Rods are responsible for peripheral and night vision. Loss of peripheral vision or tunnel vision typically results from eye conditions that inhibit the normal functioning of the rods. 

Symptoms of peripheral vision loss – when to see an eye specialist? 

When people suffer from moderate to severe peripheral vision loss, they feel as if they are looking down a narrow tube. Some of the other symptoms of peripheral vision loss include: 

  1. Poor night vision
  2. Blind spots
  3. Eye pain
  4. Headaches 
  5. Nausea
  6. Increased or decreased light sensitivity
  7. Change in the size of the pupils 
  8. Seeing glare around lights

If you are noticing any of these symptoms, book an appointment with an eye doctor in Kolkata. 

What causes peripheral vision loss?

Loss of peripheral vision may be the result of:

  1. Glaucoma: It is one of the most common causes of peripheral vision loss. Glaucoma causes elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Extremely high IOP results in optic nerve damage, which leads to a loss of side vision. People suffering from diabetes are at an increased risk of suffering from Glaucoma. Hence, it is important for Diabetics to visit their eye doctors regularly. If you are a diabetic and searching for the best eye doctor in Kolkata,  check our list of eye doctors – they are some of the best names in Kolkata. From reputed eye surgeons to the best retina specialist doctors in Kolkata, we have some of the leading names in our team. 
  2. Eye Stroke or Retinal Artery Occlusion: Eye strokes are caused by clots or narrowing of your retina’s blood vessels. When the blood flow to the retina is interrupted, it can result in various vision problems, including peripheral vision loss and even total vision loss. 
  3. Retinitis pigmentosa: It refers to a group of rare eye conditions caused by genetic mutations. These conditions are inherited genetically and affect the retina, resulting in night blindness, tunnel vision, and other vision problems.
  4. Cataracts:  It is a buildup of proteins in the lens, forming protein clumps. In many cases, cataract starts damaging the lens from the edges leading to peripheral vision loss. 
  5. Optic Nerve Atrophy: When the optic nerve is damaged it can affect your central vision, peripheral vision, and color vision. 
  6. Retinal Detachment: It is a painless yet serious condition that occurs when the retina separates from the back of your eye. It can be caused by tears or holes in the retina, an inflammatory disorder, Coats’ disease, or the contraction of scar tissue on the retina’s surface. Over time a detached retina can cause loss of peripheral vision. 
  7. Ocular Migraine: They happen when the blood flow to the eye is restricted. Someone who is suffering from ocular migraines can experience peripheral vision loss and other visual disturbances for a short period of time. 
  8. Papilledema: Swelling of the optic disc, called papilledema, can lead to vision problems including loss of side vision. 

How to test peripheral vision? 

Your eye doctor will perform a visual field test to check how much you can see out of the corners of your eyes. This is a simple, painless, and non-invasive procedure. 

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Everyday Habits That Are Hurting Your Vision

The eyes are major organs and they need proper care and attention. However, often people take their vision for granted – they do things that might be damaging their vision. As one of the top eye hospitals in Kolkata, we discuss with you a few everyday habits that can hurt your vision and cause eye discomfort, pain, and even eye infection. 

Everyday Habits That Are Hurting Your Vision

Habit 1: Rubbing your eyes: 

  • This may seem like a harmless thing to do, but rubbing your eyes vigorously can actually affect your eye health.
  • When you rub your eyes, there is a chance of keratoconus – which can weaken the structure of the cornea. 
  • Every day your hands come in contact with many bacteria and germs. When you rub your hands with dirty hands, you increase the risk of transferring the germs into your eyes, thus increasing the risk of eye infection.

Habit 2: Too much screen time:

  • Staring at digital screens all day can cause eye discomfort.
  • During the  Covid-19 pandemic, the digital screen timings have increased as education, work and entertainment have moved online.
  • According to a study, nearly 23% of the Indian population saw their eyesight weakening due to the increased screen time during the pandemic. The study found that in 2020, the average Indian spent around 6 hours 36 minutes staring at a digital screen. 
  • When you are spending too much time on TV, browsing the internet, or staring at your phone, you’re less likely to blink, which means your eyes can get dry, red and itchy. 
  • To avoid dry and itchy eyes, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 

Habit 3: Not wearing sunglasses outside

  • Extensive exposure to UV rays damages the retina, putting the eyes at the risk for eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium, and photokeratitis. 
  • Always buy sunglasses with UV protection.

Habit 4: Wearing old contact lenses or not storing them properly 

  • Wearing old contact lenses increases one’s risk of suffering from eye infections. 
  • Other reasons for eye infections include sharing contacts with others, sleeping in your contacts, and wearing ill-fitting contact lenses.
  • Store and keep your contact lenses in a hygienic way. Keep the case clean and replace the case every 3 months. 
  • Wearing contact lenses while showering or swimming can cause eye infections.

Habit 5: Using expired eye makeup

  • Discard expired eye makeup. Using expired or old eye makeup can lead to eye irritation and infection. 
  • Before applying an eye makeup product, always check its expiry date.

Habit 6: Skipping regular eye exams

  • Regular eye checkups can help in the early detection of eye conditions. Some eye conditions do not show any early signs and they can be detected only through comprehensive eye exams.

Note: If you are looking for a top eye hospital in Kolkata for an eye check-up, visit or book an online appointment with Disha Eye Hospitals.

Habit 7: Uncontrolled smoking

  • Smoking is injurious to health. It can cause health problems such as cancer or lung disease and can also harm your eye health. 
  • A few of the eye conditions related to smoking are glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye, and macular degeneration. Gradually quitting smoking can help save your vision as well as your overall physical health.
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Cataract Surgery And Your Options

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest surgeries performed around the world. Approximately, 10 million cataract operations are performed each year in the world with a high success rate.

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is the procedure of replacing the lens of your eyes with an artificial lens. A cataract is clouding of the natural lens of the eye. The surgery is carried out to remove the damaged lens and replace it with an artificial lens. It is usually performed under local anaesthesia  where the patient will be awake but will not feel any pain during the procedure. 

Cataract surgery and your options

Benefits of cataract surgery 

1. Improves vision

2. Helps in seeing things in focus

3. Improves the quality of life

4. Protected eye health

Here we have shared a few things you should consider while opting for cataract surgery:

 

  • Deciding on the time for surgery: Cataracts are removed when it makes it difficult for the person to carry out normal activities, such as driving or reading. An ophthalmologist is the best person to suggest the best time for surgery.
  • Pre-operative assessment: An eye doctor carries out a pre-operative assessment before the surgery.

1. The general health evaluation of the patient includes checking the patient’s blood pressure levels, current medication, allergies, and other medical conditions. 

2. The doctor will further check the visual acuity of the patient. The refractive errors, dioptric error, and intraocular pressure of the eye are also measured before the surgery. 

 

  • Choosing the type of intraocular lens: Another option you need to consider for your cataract surgery is the type of intraocular lens (IOL). The doctor will remove your natural lens and replace it with any of these types of IOLs:

 

 

1. Monifocal lens

2. Multifocal or accommodative lens

3. Toric lens

What is vision correction cataract surgery? 

While undergoing cataract surgery, the surgeon can also correct the vision, giving the patient better vision he or she had before the surgery. 

Looking for cataract surgery in Kolkata? 

If you or your family members are looking for cataract surgery in Kolkata,  you can consider Disha Eye Hospitals. As one of the leading eye hospitals in West Bengal, we have some of the best and highly experienced doctors on board who will attend to all of your queries and guide you. The types of cataract surgery available in Disha Eye Hospitals are:

1. Phacoemulsification with foldable IOL implantation 

2. Manual small incision cataract surgery

3. Laser cataract surgery

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Things to know about an eye strain headache

People often experience eye strain. The term is often used by people to describe symptoms such as mild pain or discomfort in the eye. Usually, eye strain occurs when your eyes get tired due to overuse, such as driving for a long period of time or staring at the computer or mobile screen for too long. This can cause discomfort.  Eye strain is also known as asthenopia or ocular fatigue. Eye strain can sometimes also trigger headaches, the severity of which depends on the cause. They are known as eyestrain headaches. 

Eye strain headaches are basically the pain behind one’s eyes. Below we share a few signs of eye strain headache:

eye strain headache

What are the signs of eye strain headache?

  • Dry eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision
  • Sour eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Neck, shoulder, or back pain

What causes eye strain?

  • Continuous use of the digital screen: Staring at a digital screen for a long period of time is the most common cause of eye strain. When you focus on the screen, you blink less often, which can lead to dry eyes and cause irritation
  • Prolonged focus on a single task: Your eyes get tired when you continually focus on a single activity for a long time, for instance, driving, reading a book or even drawing.
  • Vision problems:  You may experience eye strain if you have vision problems. When you have problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, your eyes work harder to see things, making the eyes tired and leading to an eyestrain headache. 
  • Bright or dim lights: If the light is too bright or too dim, it is difficult to see clearly. Trying to focus in such situations is tough, making your eyes tired and strained. 

How to prevent eye strain?

  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule:  Try to take frequent breaks when using digital screens. According to this rule, look at something at least 20 feet away for around 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
  • Avoid using digital screens in the dark: Your eyes need to do extra work when you stare at a digital screen in the dark, making your eyes tired sooner than they should. Therefore, avoid using a digital screen in the dark.
  • Blink often: Blink more than you do now.  Blinking moistens your eyes, keeping the risk of dry eyes away.
  • Keep your screen at a distance: Always your screen at least 25 inches away from your eyes and position it slightly below eye level.
  • Do not wear eye contact lenses for a longer period of time: Wearing contact lenses for a long time can cause eye irritation and strain your eyes. 
  • Adjust the brightness of your digital screen: Make sure that your screen is bright enough to not have shadows, and also not too bright that it’s hard to discern contrast.
  • Keep your surroundings clean: Keep your surroundings free from dust, which can disturb your tear ducts and lead to dry eyes.
  • Get enough sleep: Try to get around 6-8  hours of sleep. Stay hydrated and drink up liquids to avoid dry eye discomfort.
  • Wear anti-reflective lenses: The best way to save your sensitive eyes from eye strain from digital screens is to wear anti-reflective glasses. 
  • Get regular eye checkups: Weak vision can cause headaches, eye strain, and blurred vision. So, even if you don’t have any eye problems, you should visit an eye specialist and have your eyes examined at least once a year.

Looking for an experienced eye specialist? 

Getting your eyes checked by an eye specialist regularly can help stop vision problems from getting worse. As one of the reputed eye hospitals in West Bengal, we have some of the best eye specialists on board.  Our eye specialists are highly experienced and well-versed with the latest medical procedures. You can consult our eye specialist either in person or opt for online consultation. 

 

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Can Diabetic Retinopathy be cured? And other questions to ask your eye specialist

If you suffer from diabetes,  you should get your eyes tested for diabetic retinopathy annually. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of vision loss. The longer you have diabetes and the less controlled the blood sugar levels are, the more likely you are to develop this eye condition. Seeing an eye specialist can help you clear your doubts regarding the eye condition. One of the most asked questions about the eye condition is —- can diabetic retinopathy be cured? Well, the answer is no. There is no cure for diabetic retinopathy. However, early detection of the disease can help in slowing down the progression of the disease or delay or reduce vision loss.

diabetic retinopathy

Here are a few questions you can ask your eye doctor regarding diabetic retinopathy:

 

  • What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

The symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are:

  • Blurred or fluctuating vision 
  • Impaired colour vision
  • Seeing spots 
  • Vision loss

Fact: Do you know what is the underlying cause of diabetic retinopathy? It is high blood sugar levels and high blood pressure. Keeping the two under control can prevent the eye condition from worsening. 

  • What are the different types of diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy can primarily be classified into:

  • Nonproliferative: It refers to the early stage of DR, where the retinal blood vessels break and leak.
  • Proliferative: In this type of diabetic retinopathy, new blood vessels grow in the retina abnormally, which can cause retinal detachment or scarring. This can further result in vision loss.

 

  • What are the complications that diabetic retinopathy can cause?

Diabetic retinopathy can cause eye conditions such as:  

  • Diabetic macular edema: Due to the leaking of retinal blood vessels, the fluid gets accumulated in the macular part of the retina. This causes blurry vision.
  • Neovascular glaucoma: The growth of abnormal blood vessels due to DR blocks the fluid from draining out of the eye. This causes a neovascular glaucoma, which can further result in vision loss.
  • Tractional retinal detachment: DR can lead to formation of scars in the back of the eye. This condition is called the tractional retinal detachment.
  • What are the risk factors for diabetic retinopathy?

There are few factors that can increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy:

  • Poor control of blood sugar levels
  • High level of hemoglobin A1C 
  • Having diabetes for a long period of time
  • High blood pressure level
  • High cholesterol 
  • Tobacco use

Fact: The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in Indian urban diabetic population is around 18%. 

Looking for treatment for diabetic retinopathy in Kolkata?

As one of the leading eye hospitals in Kolkata, we, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have some of the best retinal specialists who can help diagnose and treat various retinal eye diseases  such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal tear and retinal detachment. Along with treatment for retinal diseases, we also offer treatment for cataracts, glaucoma,  and other eye conditions. Our highly experienced eye doctors ensure that you receive the best possible patient care.

 

 

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Chalazion FAQs

A chalazion is a painless eye condition, where a small lump or swelling develops on a person’s eyelid. These lumps are formed due to the blockage and swelling of an oil gland in the eyelid and rarely last longer than a few weeks. As a leading eye hospital in Kolkata, we have curated a list of FAQs on chalazion and their answers:

Chalazion FAQs

1.What causes a chalazion?

A chalazion develops when a meibomian gland that lines the margin of the eyelids is blocked. These tiny oil glands produce oil that lubricates the surface of the eye.

2.What are the symptoms of a chalazion?

The symptoms of a chalazion include:

  • Red, swollen area on the eyelid
  • Painless lump on either of the eyelid
  • Blurry vision
  • Mild irritation

3. Where to get the best treatment for chalazion in Kolkata?

If you are looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. We have experienced eye specialists on board for various eye conditions. Our specialists are well-versed with advanced diagnostic services and treatment.

4.Who is at risk to get a chalazion?

Adults are more at risk to get a chalazion than children. Chalazion is more common in people with:

  • Inflammatory conditions – blepharitis, seborrheic, acne rosacea
  • Diabetes
  • Viral conjunctivitis
  • Who had a chalazion before

5.How is a chalazion diagnosed?

Doctors closely examine the patient’s eye —- eyelid structure, skin texture near the eye, and eyelash appearance —- to diagnose a chalazion. The doctor may check the medical history of the patient to determine if any other health problem is contributing to the eye condition, https://accisotret.com.

6.What is the treatment for a chalazion?

A chalazion can be treated in the following ways:

  • Apply warm compresses on the affected area: Soak a cloth in hot water and apply on the affected area. Repeatedly soak the cloth in hot water to maintain the heat. Do it three to five times a day until the chalazion is gone.
  • Apply antibiotic ointments: Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment if the chalazion does not improve after warm compresses or if it keeps recurring.
  • Steroid injections: A steroid injection is also prescribed to reduce the swelling of a chalazion.
  • Surgical removal of chalazion: If the chalazion does not heal after all the other treatments or if it is affecting the vision, an ophthalmologist may perform a surgery to drain it.

7.How to prevent a chalazion?

The best way to prevent a chalazion from developing is by practising good hygiene. Here are a few things or steps you need to follow to prevent a chalazion:

  • Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
  • Everything that comes in contact with your eyes, for instance, your contact lenses, should be clean.
  • Wash your face to remove dirt before going to bed.
  • Your doctor may recommend an eyelid scrub to prevent a chalazion from occurring again.

8.What is the difference between a chalazion and stye?

Many people often confuse between a chalazion and stye as they both are lumps in or along the edge of the eyelid. The primary difference between the two is the cause behind their occurrence. While styes are caused by a bacterial infection in the oil glands of an eyelid, a chalazion is caused when the oil-producing gland of the eyelid is clogged or blocked. A stye is very painful and may make your entire eyelid swell, while a chalazion is not usually painful and rarely makes the entire eyelid swell.

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Eye Health FAQs

One of the most complex organs of the human body, your eyes are an important part of your health. They take in information and directly connect it with your brain, helping you to understand the world around you. Well, did you know that human eyes are made up of 2 million moving parts? Or the six muscles in each of the human eyes move faster than any other muscle in the body? As a leading eye hospital in Kolkata, we often receive a myriad of questions on eyes and eye health. Here we have curated a list of FAQs and their answers.

Eye health FAQs

1.What precautions should you take for the health of your eyes?

Keeping your eyes healthy is as important as keeping your body healthy. Here are a few steps you need to follow to keep your eyes healthy:

  • Eat healthy
  • Wear sunglasses under the sun
  • Wear safety eyewear while gardening, working in a factory or playing certain sports. 
  • Do not stare at computer or phone screen for too long.
  • Visit your eye doctor on regular intervals.

2. What health problems affect your eyes?

You would be surprised to know that there are a few health conditions that have no connection with your eyes per se, but can lead to eye problems. A few of them are: 

  • Diabetes: High blood sugar level can lead to several eye problems like blurry vision, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. These eye conditions can cause vision loss or blindness in people. 
  • High Blood Pressure:  High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels that supply blood to the eyes. It can cause damage to your retina, build up fluid under it, and can also damage your optic nerve. 
  • Measles: A highly contagious virus, measles can harm the front or back of the eye, which can lead to vision loss or blindness. It can lead to conjunctivitis, keratitis, retinopathy, optic neuritis, and corneal scarring. 
  • Liver Disease: The whites of a person’s eyes become jaundiced or yellow when they have any liver disease. Most of the common symptoms of liver cirrhosis can be felt in the eyes like itchiness and dryness. 

3. How to get the best eye treatment in Kolkata?

You can visit Disha Eye Hospitals in Kolkata to consult the best eye doctors. We are committed to providing our patients with the highest possible standard of ophthalmic care in an affordable manner. Our services include cataract surgery, lasik & refractive surgery, glaucoma treatment, diagnostic and imaging services.

4. What is an eye stroke?

An eye stroke is when blood flow is blocked in the retina due to blood clot. Without proper blood flow, the retina does not get sufficient oxygen, which may lead to serious consequences. An eye stroke should be treated immediately as any delay can damage one’s vision permanently.

5. What are the symptoms if you have a cold in your eye?

The symptoms if a person has an eye cold are:

  • Reddening of eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision
  • Itchiness or burning sensation
  • Watery eyes
  • Cold or flu-like symptoms

6. Which fruit is the best for the eyes?

Fruits rich in antioxidants can protect your eyes such as guava, kiwi, red berries, orange, and grapefruit.

7. How can I clean my eyes daily?

Always rinse your eyes with clean cool water for at least 15 minutes. Wash your hands before cleaning your eyes. You can do this while you are in the shower or over a sink. Finally, wipe your eyes with a clean cloth. 

8. Why do I have so many tears in my eyes?

There are several possible reasons to have watery eyes:

  • Due to allergies
  • Blocked tear ducts
  • Conjunctivitis 
  • Dry eyes
  • Problems with cornea

9. When should you see a doctor for watery eyes?

Although watery eyes clear up on their own sometimes, it may lead to serious consequences in a few cases. Seek medical help immediately if you have watery eyes with:

  • Pain or bruising around your eyes
  • Bleeding from eye
  • Severe headache
  • Reduced vision
  • Foreign particle stuck in your eyes

10. How do you stop a watery eye?

A few of the common remedies to stop a watery eye are: rinsing your eyes with water, using eye drops, removing eye irritation elements like dust and makeup from the eyes. If these don’t work, see your eye doctor who can diagnose the condition better with tests and treatment.

11. What is the best medicine for watery eyes?

Consult your eye doctor. He/she will prescribe you the right eye drops for watery eyes. If you have watery eyes due to any allergy, treat the allergies first. Your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics for infection or a surgery to clear your blocked tear ducts.

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Difference between an Ophthalmologist, Optometrist and Optician

 

If you ever had to search for an eye care provider, there are chances that you stumbled upon three words: Ophthalmologist, Optometrist and Optician. Each of these eye care practitioners plays a significant role in maintaining your eye health. However, you must understand their individual significance before deciding whom to approach and when.

As a leading eye hospital, we have listed down the difference between the three types of eye care providers:

Difference between an Ophthalmologist, Optometrist and Optician

1.Ophthalmologist: An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who provides complete eye and vision care services. The services include diagnosis and treatment of eye problems due to other health conditions, medical and surgical eye care, and plastic surgery near the eye area. What makes an ophthalmologist different from an optometrist and optician is their level of training. As a medical doctor, an ophthalmologist undergoes extensive training and is authorised to practise medicine and surgery. They can also prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct a patient’s vision problems.

Here are some suggestions for questions you can ask your ophthalmologist during an eye examination:

  • Can you let me know what eye tests should be done?
  • What is the cause of my vision loss?
  • Do I have peripheral field loss?
  • How is my eye condition? Is it stable? 

Why would you be referred to an ophthalmologist?

You will be referred to an ophthalmologist if the optometrist who did your eye examination finds signs of any eye condition. He or she will refer you to an ophthalmologist who specializes in eye conditions and diseases.
Note: If you are looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata, visit our Disha Eye Hospitals. Our eye specialists specialize in diagnosing and treating several eye conditions such as glaucoma, corneal diseases, retinal conditions, cataract, and many other conditions.

2.Optometrist: An optometrist is a primary eye care professional who is trained to examine the eyes, detect any defects, provide low-vision aids and therapy, and prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses. They focus on the regular vision care of the eyes. 

Here are some suggestions for questions you can ask your optometrist:

  • What eye tests will you be running?
  • What do my symptoms mean? Is there any eye condition?
  • How do I maintain and monitor my eye health?
  • What are the treatments for my eye condition?

What can an optometrist diagnose?

An optometrist can find out about your health problems by examining your eyes. Along with diagnosing the eye problem, he or she can also treat the eye condition caused due to conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and others.

3.Optician: An optician is a trained technician to design, verify and fit your eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct your eyesight. They are not doctors, they follow the prescription given by your ophthalmologist or optometrist. The optician is not permitted to carry out eye tests or to diagnose and treat your eyes.

Here are some suggestions for questions you can ask an optician:

  • What kind of tests are involved in the eye exam I am prescribed?
  • Where do I find information about eye health?
  • Am I safe to drive?
  • What are the treatments available for my eye condition?

What does an optician look for?

An optician tests the eyes on the grounds of their ability to focus, coordinate, and see depth and colours accurately.

 

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FAQs On Eye Treatment in Kolkata

Our eye specialists are often asked questions such as why an annual eye examination is important or how diabetes affects eye health or how to avail the best eye treatment in kolkata. Here we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions on eye treatment that you might find useful:

  • Why are annual eye examinations important? Eye conditions such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma do not show any early symptoms. During a comprehensive annual eye exam, an eye doctor evaluates the health and condition of the eyes, giving you a better chance at getting the treatment at the right time. Certain conditions cannot be reversed but their progress can be slowed down with the right treatment. People suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure are often recommended to undergo frequent eye tests.
  • What is the most common eye treatment for refractive errors? Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem. Refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and presbyopia occur when there is a problem with the shape of the cornea and it cannot focus light accurately on the retina. Eyeglasses are the simplest and safest way to correct refractive errors. Some people also get refractive surgery like LASIK surgery done to change the shape of the cornea and reduce dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses.
  • What is diabetic eye damage and can it be reversed? High blood sugar levels are not good for your overall health and your eyes are no exception. High blood sugar can lead to eye conditions such as blurry vision, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. According to a study, diabetes is the primary cause of blindness in adults. Diabetes damages the blood vessels in the retina. The damage cannot be reversed but by seeking timely treatment the condition can be slowed down.
  • How to prevent diabetic eye conditions? If you are diabetic, get a comprehensive dilated eye examination at least once a year. Control your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Try to quit smoking. If you smoke, your risk of diabetes-related eye diseases is higher. Exercising regularly is good for your eyes as it helps you keep your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check.
  • How often should a child get his/her eyes tested? Infants should have their first eye exam at six months. Young children should have their eye tests latest by age three. Here’s a useful guide for parents on scheduling paediatric eye exams. In our Kolkata branch and other branches in West Bengal, we have highly experienced paediatric ophthalmologists who can help you ensure that your child’s eyes are developing normally.
  • What are cataracts and is surgery the best treatment option? Cataract forms when the proteins in the eyes clump together causing them to cloud the lens of the eye. As the condition advances, you may have problems with reading and driving at night. Cataract surgery is the best way to remove cataracts. During the surgery, the damaged lens is replaced by an artificial one.
  • Is there a treatment for glaucoma? Glaucoma is a condition that damages the eye’s optic nerve due to increased eye pressure. The condition worsens over time and can even lead to loss of vision. Though the damage caused can’t be reversed, treatment such as prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment and surgery can help slow or prevent vision loss, particularly when the condition is detected in its early stages.

If you have any doubts or concerns about your eye health, get in touch with our eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospitals. They can help you maintain good eye health by advising you the right eye treatment plan.