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How to manage your eyesight when waiting for cataract surgery?

Following the pandemic, many things have taken a backseat and routine eye surgeries such as the ones for cataracts are no exception. This may mean to experience an extended period of delay in getting your cataract surgery. Though delay in cataract surgery doesn’t put your vision at permanent risk or doesn’t increase the risk of any surgery complications, it is important to take care of your eyesight while waiting for the surgery. As one of the leading eye hospitals in West Bengal, we share with you some important information on managing cataracts while you wait for surgery:

How to manage your eyesight when waiting for cataract surgery

 

  • Remove or reduce tripping hazards: When the vision is deteriorating, simple tasks inside the home can be hazardous. It is, therefore, important that you look around your home and identify things that may pose a tripping and falling hazard. Make sure your house has anti-slip rugs not just in bathrooms and kitchens but also in the living room and other areas. Ensure that there are no uneven surfaces and there is adequate lighting in the entryway and staircase. Remind family members not to leave objects in the walkways.

 

    1. Seek help to read: The cloudiness and sensitivity to light caused by cataracts can make reading difficult. If you are struggling with reading, audiobooks and podcasts are good alternatives. There are many popular newspapers and magazines that are available in digital formats wherein you can increase the font.
    2. Watch accessible TV shows: For many people, TV is an entertaining pastime. However, cataracts may interfere with it and make it difficult to see finer details. Watching shows with audio description is a great way to enjoy television without missing what is happening on the screen.
    3. Avoid harsh lights: Light sensitivity is a common symptom of cataracts. The glare of bright lights can be painful in some cases. Use thick curtains or blinds to block bright sunlight. Avoid the use of fluorescent lighting at home. Use warm white LEDs to cut the glare.

 

  • Quit smoking: Smoking has a direct negative effect on eyes. The free radicals in smoke from cigarettes and other tobacco products weaken the protein and the vital cell membrane of the eyes’ lens. You should try to quit smoking. You must also refrain from smoking immediately after the surgery.
  • Seek help with household chores: A healthy lifestyle is really important for your overall good health. If you are struggling with household chores such as cooking and cleaning, seek help from a friend or hire a professional. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly play an important part too in eye health.
  • Discuss your medications with your eye doctor: Let your eye doctor know of any medications that you may be taking for other health conditions. . Also, if you are struggling to see your medication, seek help from a family member to organise your medication in such a way that you can take them safely. Otherwise speak to your pharmacist and use a medication organiser, https://neurofitnessfoundation.org/xanax-alprazolam/.

 

After cataract surgery, vision can be significantly improved. Our experienced doctors at Disha Eye Hospitals perform cataract removal surgeries using the latest techniques and technologies for favourable outcomes. To know more about cataract surgery, get in touch with us.

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After Cataract Surgery: A Post-Surgical Guide

Cataracts can develop as people age. In addition to aging, cataracts can occur due to various reasons such as diabetes, glaucoma, exposure to UV light, or an eye injury. Younger people can also suffer from cataracts for a number of reasons. In fact, some babies are born with cataracts. At first, one may not have any symptoms. However, gradually the sight becomes cloudy and misty. Some people even complain of glare in bright light and deteriorating night vision. To know more, check this useful read on cataracts and their symptoms. If the symptoms affect your day-to-day activities such as reading or driving, it is better to have the cloudy lens removed.

cataract surgery

Cataract Surgery in Kolkata – Facts Vs Myths 

Unfortunately, there is a myriad of myths surrounding cataract surgery. If you too are worried about the safety of cataract surgery, check this article debunking some of the common myths related to cataract and cataract surgery.  If you want to know more about the cataract surgery procedure and treatment, here is a useful resource . Types of surgeries that we do include: 

  • Phacoemulsification with foldable IOL implantation. Femtosecond Laser is used to performing a few steps of surgery in phacoemulsification.
  • Manual small incision cataract surgery.

What Happens After the Surgery? 

After your surgery, the hospital will give you an eye pad or shield to cover your eyes. You must ask someone to drive you home after the surgery. Also, you will have to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light and glare. After the surgery, you may experience double vision, but your vision will gradually get better. 

Your eye doctor will give you post-operative eye drops – you will be given instructions on how and when to use them. Instructions you need to follow for at least 2 weeks after your operation include: 

  1. During the healing period, your eyes will be very sensitive. Hence, it is important to not rub or touch your eyes. 
  2. Wear your eye shield at nights during the recovery time. It is to ensure that you do not touch or rub your eyes in sleep. 
  3. Do not splash water directly into your eyes  until your eye has healed from surgery. Exposure to water can cause eye irritation or worse, it can put eyes at risk of infection. When taking a bath, avoid getting shampoo or soap in your eyes. Ask your doctor when it is safe to begin swimming or taking a head bath. In most cases, that will be a few weeks.
  4. Clean your eye shield every day. Dry them well before wearing them.  
  5. Avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting and gardening for a couple of weeks. Strenuous activities can increase your eye pressure which can affect the incision before it fully heals.
  6. If your eyes are sticky, clean the margins and eyelids with cotton wool dipped in cooled boiled water. Before cleaning your eyes, wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel. Gently wipe off the discharge. Do not rub your eyes while cleaning. 
  7. Your eye doctor will prescribe you antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. 
  8. Use your eye drops and take the medications as instructed by your doctor.
  9. Reduce the time spent on watching TV or digital screens. Do not put extra strain on your eyes during the healing period. 
  10. Do not resume driving without consulting your eye doctor. 
  11. To prevent infections, avoid meeting too many people.
  12. Follow your doctor’s instructions. 

Contact your eye doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after the cataract surgery: 

  • Eye pain
  • Loss of vision 
  • Floaters
  • Flashes
  • Nausea
  • Excessive coughing

Hope you found this information useful. To know more about cataract surgery in Kolkata and other cities of West Bengal, contact us. 

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How quickly do cataracts progress? How many days rest is required after cataract surgery? And other FAQs on cataract surgery

Cataracts are caused when the proteins in the eye’s lens break down and clump together. Cataracts develop as a normal part of the aging process. In the early stages, cataracts don’t cause any visible symptoms. One may notice blurred vision and other visual disturbances as the eye condition progresses. In fact, one of the FAQs on cataracts is how quickly do cataracts progress? Over here let’s look at the answer: 

cataract surgery

Question 1 : How quickly do cataracts progress? 

During the early stages, cataracts may have very little effect on your eyesight. Although cataracts progress in stages, the development of the eye condition depends on various factors such as age, diabetes, prolonged exposure to UV rays, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. To understand how quickly the eye condition progresses, you need to gain an idea about the various stages of cataract.

  • Early cataract: In this stage, the lens refracts light irregularly – as part of the lens is cloudy and the other part is transparent.  The signs and symptoms may include: 
  • mildly blurred or cloudy vision
  • increased light sensitivity
  • double vision
  • halos around light 
  • poor night vision 
  • frequent changes to the prescription glasses or contact lenses
  • Immature cataract: In this stage, proteins start to cloud the eye lens, especially in the center. The progression from the early stage to this stage may take some time, however, lack of treatment can worsen the condition. 
  • Mature cataract: In this stage, the eye lens becomes deep amber or completely white. Cataracts start spreading to the edges and impact the vision severely. The symptoms are almost the same as in the early stage, however, they are more severe and affect day-to-day life.
  • Hypermature cataract: The last and advanced stage, where cataracts become very dense, impairing vision to a large extent. It can lead to increased pressure and inflammation in the eyes, resulting in glaucoma.

When a cataract interferes with your day-to-day activities, such as reading, cooking, and driving, then surgery might be necessary. Cataract surgery is one of the most preferred and safest procedures to remove cataracts. The next commonly asked question about cataract surgery to our eye specialists in Kolkata is how long does cataract surgery take for one eye? Over here let’s look at the answer: 

Question 2: How long does cataract surgery take for one eye? 

Cataract surgery is usually performed on one eye at a time. After the first surgery is done, the eye doctor waits for a few weeks to perform the second one. The time delay allows recovery of the first surgery and vision stabilization. The surgery usually takes 15-20 minutes, but post-operative treatment can take up to an hour or even more than that. The procedure is painless and is carried out under general anesthesia. 

Question 3: How many days rest is required after cataract surgery? 

Many people can resume normal activities 1 to 3 days after the surgery. Here are some useful insights regarding post-operative care and recovery:

  • Post-operative visits to the doctor:

Although cataract surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, you will have to take proper care of your eyes after the surgery. Post-operative care includes follow-up medical care or procedures, medications, and routine check-up to check for complications that may arise after the surgery. A routine check-up helps curb the risks or complications associated with cataract surgery.

  • Post-surgery care:

Like any other surgery, it is important to take certain precautions after the surgery. Wear an eye shield or patch as recommended by your eye doctor. Although you can resume your daily activities after the day of surgery, avoid strenuous physical activities or driving immediately after the surgery. Do not splash water into the operated eye and avoid a head bath. Also, avoid using cosmetics such as eyeliners, mascara, and kohl. Follow your eye doctor or eye specialist’s instructions along with proper medical care and routine check-up.

  • Days required for recovery: 

You can resume your daily routine within 24 hours of surgery. However, it can take a few days to get completely accustomed to the situation and achieve the desired vision. Patients, in some cases, can experience halos around light or a crescent-shaped shadow, which will cure with time.

  • Possible side effects:

Cataract surgery is safe and has a high rate of success with very low chances of side effects. However, just like any other surgery, patients may experience some possible side effects like infection, bleeding, pain, and swelling if proper care is not taken. In rare cases, they experience severe complications. Follow your eye surgeon’s directions closely to reduce the likelihood of complications after cataract surgery, and report any complications right away.

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Cataract surgery cost, post-surgery care and other important factors discussed here

When cataracts make it difficult for you to carry out your normal activities like reading and driving, your ophthalmologist may suggest cataract surgery. During the surgery, a cut is made in the front of the eye and the clouded lens is replaced with an artificial lens. The surgery itself takes 15 to 20 minutes. Cataract surgeries is one of the most common form of surgeries with a very high success rate. 

However, post-operative care may take more than an hour. There are several factors that affect cataract surgery cost. The cataract surgery cost depends on the following variables:

Cataract surgery cost, post-surgery care and other important factors discussed here

  • Type of surgery: There are multiple ways to remove cataracts and it is for your ophthalmologist and eye surgeon to decide which type of eye surgery would be the best solution for you. Phacoemulsification is the most common procedure used for cataract removal nowadays. A small surgical incision is created and the cloudy lens is broken into tiny fragments. Once the fragments are removed, an artificial lens is placed. When phacoemulsification is not possible, extracapsular cataract surgery is performed. Intracapsular cataract surgery is rarely done these days but it can be useful in some cases. These days, these surgeries are done with the help of lasers. The laser makes the procedure precise and reduces healing time.

 

  • Cataract surgery cost: The cataract surgery cost can vary from case to case. For many people, it’s an outpatient procedure with no need for hospitalisation. However, if the case is complicated one may require hospitalisation and further medical observation. 

 

  • Types of IOL (intraocular lens): Intraocular lenses or the artificial lenses are implanted inside the eye to replace the eye’s natural clouded lens which are removed during cataract surgery. There are a wide variety of IOLs to choose from. There are affordable IOLs as well as premium ones. The best artificial lens for you depends on many factors, including your lifestyle and your specific visual needs.

 

  • Pre- and post-operative visits: Though cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, you will have to take care of eyes after the surgery. Post-operative care may include medications and follow-up procedures or medical care due to cataract surgery complications. 

 

Post-surgery care: What to do and what not to  

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgical procedures, and most people have excellent outcomes with no cataract surgery complications. Just like any other surgery, you need to take certain precautions. Here we discuss some of them: 

 

  • Wear your eye shield: After the surgery, make sure you cover the operated eye with the eye shield given for protection. This is especially important when you are sleeping so that you don’t end up rubbing your eyes unknowingly. Make sure to keep the eye shield clean. Wash your hands before handling the shield. 

 

  • Do not splash water into the eyes: When washing your face, make sure not to splash water into the operated eye. Use a soft cloth to wipe your face. 

 

  • Avoid washing your head: While you can bathe from the next day after the surgery, you should avoid head bath for a period of 3-4 weeks. This is to ensure that water doesn’t enter the operated eyes. 

 

  • Avoid using cosmetics: Avoid cosmetics like mascara and eyeliners for at least 4 weeks or till your eye doctor tells you. 

 

  • Physical activity: Though you can start walking immediately after surgery, strenuous activities should be avoided. Avoid lifting heavyweights. Avoid driving till the doctor gives permission.

 

Are you looking for affordable options for cataract surgery?  We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, deliver superior eye care services at an affordable cost. 

 

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Things You Should Know About Age-Related Cataracts

There are several factors of risk relating to cataract, and age is among the top factors. With age, the lenses become frosted and develop cloudy patches leading to impairment of vision, which, could interfere with day-to-day activities.

If left untreated, cataracts could result in complete blindness.

6 things worth knowing about age-related cataracts:

1) A common problem linked with ageing

Men and women who are 40, and above, stand at a higher risk of developing cataracts.

2) Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of age-related cataracts include:

  • Low vision
  • Blurred vision
  • Seeing floaters
  • Discoloured pupils
  • Seeing halos around light
  • Double vision in a single eye
  • Nearsightedness
  • Farsightedness
  • Sensitivity to glare
  • Frequent changes in eyeglass/lens prescription

    If you experience notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical advice, and receive a proper diagnosis. By beginning an early treatment, you could prevent the eye condition from worsening. Visit Disha Eye Hospital to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. Disha has a team of the best eye specialists in Kolkata and will take care to ensure quality eye care at an affordable cost. To book an appointment with us, visit http://www.dishaeye.org

    Things you should know about age-related cataracts

3) How do cataracts form?

The lens is made up of epithelial cells which are rich in protein; the cells tend to degenerate with age. As a result, the denatured protein may start to form clumps, and gradually limit the amount of light entering the eye, leading to impaired vision.

4) Poor quality of life due to decreased vision

As people suffering from cataracts experience progressive decline in vision, they could encounter several problems in their routine such as driving at night or experience difficulty in seeing properly under low light.

In many cases, it is usual for patients to experience nearsightedness as the cataract alters the shape of the lens.  As a result, activities such as reading fine print, and knitting, may become inconvenient. Decreased colour vision is another common complication of cataracts.  

5) Testing for age-related cataracts

When you visit an eye specialist, they will conduct a series of eye tests for a proper diagnosis. The common eye tests that eye specialists perform for the diagnosis of cataracts include visual acuity test, slit-lamp examination, and retinal examination.

6) Surgery as a treatment for cataracts

Surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts. Depending upon your medical history and eye health, the eye doctor will determine whether or not cataract surgery is a feasible option for you.

Prior to scheduling the date for the surgery, the doctor may recommend period follow-up examinations to determine whether or not the symptoms are worsening.

7) Cataract surgery

During a cataract surgery, the eye surgeon will remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear, artificial lens called intraocular lens. Apart from ensuring a clear vision, artificial lens can correct visual acuity and eliminate the need for prescription eyeglasses.

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure; you don’t have to stay at the hospital after the surgery. In cases where surgery is required in both eyes, the doctor will schedule the next surgery after you’ve properly healed from the first surgery.

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Commonly Asked Questions On Cataract Surgery

Are you or any of your family members facing difficulty while reading, or experiencing blurred vision? Did the doctor mention cataract surgery? If you are anxious about the surgery and have several unanswered questions regarding it, then you are on the right page.

People above the age of 60are usually more vulnerable to cataracts, however, cataracts could target people of all ages (including children). As people develop cataracts, their vision becomes cloudy. The proteins that form in the eyes cloud the lens, making it difficult for a person to read, drive, and perform other chores. The need for surgery can only be suggested by an eye doctor.

1. When is the right time for cataract surgery? 

The doctor may not suggest surgery right away because of the presence of cataracts. If the cataracts are not causing blurred vision or interfering with daily activities, then the doctor may not suggest surgery but if an individual is finding it difficult to perform daily activities such as reading, cleaning, cooking, and driving, they may suggest going for surgery as quickly as possible. So, it depends on the urgency, which could vary from person to person.

 2. Can cataract surgery be performed on both eyes at one go?

Surgeries are usually performed on one eye at a time. Cataract surgery is first performed on one eye, a couple of weeks later, it is performed on the other eye. The time gap allows the first eye to recover and the vision to stabilise. The chances of getting an eye infection and other serious complications from cataract surgery is very low, nonetheless, preventive measures are taken to keep infections at bay.

3. How is cataract surgery performed?

The surgeon makes an incision in the front of your eye; which is usually done with the help of a laser. Once the cut is made, the clouded lens is replaced with an artificial lens. The surgery usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes, but post-operative care might take more than an hour.

Commonly Asked Questions On Cataract Surgery

 4. Is cataract surgery painful?

Cataract surgery is painless because patients are put under general anaesthesia. Some patients do experience some amount of discomfort during cataract surgery, but for most patients the procedure is painless. The eye surgeons take the utmost precautions to make sure that the pain is minimal, visit https://mentalhealthinnovation.org/valium-diazepam/. Patients are given oral medications before the procedure so that they do not experience any discomfort.

 5. Is there any other alternative for cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is the best treatment available for cataracts. The surgery is a product of advanced technology, that has a high rate of success. You can delay surgery for a certain period of time as it is unlikely to change the outcome of the surgery. During the early stages, your eye doctor may suggest a change in glasses to improve your vision.

6. Are there any side effects?

Though the chances of complications are quite low, if you have other medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure then there might be a few complications. Before the surgery, your eye doctor will conduct all the necessary tests to ensure that you are fit to undergo it.

7. How to choose an eye hospital in West Bengal for cataract surgery?

The best way to choose a good hospital is by going for a hospital that has eye surgeons who have a good experience, and great practice in this regard. Disha Eye Hospitals, one of the leading eye hospitals in Eastern India houses a brilliant team of ophthalmologists that you could rely on, for the best possible treatment. To know the cataract surgery cost and other details, book an appointment at http://www.dishaeye.org/organic/.

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Food To Fight Cataract: Q&A

Your eyes need all the essential vitamins and nutrients to stay healthy and good food is, of course, the best gift to your eyes. Age-related cataract is an eye condition that often causes blindness and surgery is the only way to cure it. However, eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants helps in reducing the risk of cataracts.

Can Food help in Cataract Prevention?

A healthy diet consisting of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables helps in reducing the risk of cataracts. Fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals such as Vitamins A, C, and E along with lutein and zeaxanthin which help protect one’s eyes against cataracts.

Fish that are high in Omega-3 Fatty acid also helps in preventing cataracts.

There have been several studies that show that a healthy diet can actually help prevent cataracts.

Food to fight cataract Q&A

A 2014 study conducted in Sweden showed that women who consumed a diet with the highest Total Antioxidant Capacity are less likely to develop this eye issue. The study involved about 30,000 women of age 49 and older. The study found that fruits and vegetables contribute to the highest level of TAC (44.3%) followed by whole grains (17%), and coffee (15.1%).

(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24370844)

A study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found that a diet rich in carbohydrates may increase your risk of cataracts. So, avoid anything that is high in carbs. The study involved checking the eating habits of over 1,600 adults.

(https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2185988)

What should you include in your diet to reduce your risk of Cataract?

You may include these items:

  •    Dark green leafy vegetables and colourful fruits and veggies are excellent sources of antioxidants that are good for your eyes. These contain calcium and folic acid- two important nutrients that help in reducing the risk of cataracts. So, even though you hate eating broccoli or spinach, but think of your eyes and eat them!

  •    Also, apart from eating dark green leafy veggies, it’s important to avoid processed and fried foods, sugary drinks, candies etc. All these things increase your risk of cataracts along with other health issues.

  •    Reducing the sodium levels in your diet is also important. High salt intake increases your risk for cataracts.

Giving up oily fast food is not easy but it’s not tough as well. Once you get used to a healthy diet of whole grains, veggies, fruits, and fish you won’t miss any processed and junk foods. This will not only keep you healthy but also improve your vision and reduce your risk of cataracts.

Want to know about cataract surgery in Kolkata? Visit Disha Eye Hospitals

Know more about cataract surgery in Disha Eye Hospitals here http://www.dishaeye.org/cataract

While a healthy diet is essential to keep your eyes healthy, it’s also important that you visit an eye specialist to keep your vision healthy. At Disha Eye Hospitals, we are committed to taking care of your eyes and providing you with the best possible treatment. To book an appointment with some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment

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8 Common Signs of Vision Problems

Are you suffering from severe or sudden eye pain? Are you having a blurred or hazy vision? If yes, then you may ignore these signs as they may indicate that you have vision problems. Many people often live with poor vision without realising that they would benefit from vision correction. By putting off a visit to the doctor, you are putting your vision at risk. As soon as you notice any change in your vision or your eyes are paining, it’s time to see an eye doctor. Just like an annual physical examination, it’s equally important to have regular eye examinations. If you are suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and have a family history of eye diseases, then you should get your eyes checked twice in a year.

Book an appointment online with the best eye doctors in Kolkata to keep your eyes healthy

If you are suffering from dizziness and headaches, don’t ignore them. Consult the best eye doctors in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospitals, to know if the symptoms you are experiencing are not signs of underlying eye diseases. It is advisable to get your eyes checked at least once a year. To book an appointment online with the best eye doctors in Kolkata, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us.  You can also book an appointment through WhatsApp (9433311111).

8 common signs of vision problems

Here are a few common signs of vision problems that you must watch out for:

  1. Blurred vision: If you are you finding it difficult to get a clear view, then you must visit an eye doctor. The blurred vision can be a sign of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Prescription glasses can help you see better. However, sudden blurriness is a cause of concern. It can be a sign of underlying eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma that show symptoms only after the diseases have advanced.

  2. Pain in the eye: Often people experience pain in the eye. In some cases, it can be harmless as it can be due to tiredness. In some cases, it’s an indication of problems like corneal abrasion, conjunctivitis, and dry eyes. All these can be cured with the right treatment. However, eye pain caused due to glaucoma and optic neuritis should not be ignored.

  3. Difficulty seeing at night: If you are not comfortable driving at night or you need extra light to read at night, let your doctor know about this. Difficulty seeing at night can be caused by a variety of reasons. From sun exposure to cataracts, a wide range of issues can make it hard to see at night.

  4. Frequent headaches: Frequent headaches: A headache can sometimes be a sign that your vision is changing. Eye strain, farsightedness and Presbyopia can cause severe headache or frequent headaches. Therefore, recurring headaches should always be taken seriously.

  5. Double vision: Double vision can happen for many reasons. While drinking too much alcohol can also cause short-term double vision,  double vision that keeps coming back is of grave concern. Cataract, corneal irregularities and eye conditions can cause double vision.

  6. Eye fatigue: Spending too much time on a computer, smartphone, or game console can cause eye fatigue, also called digital eye strain. This quite common among adults and children who spend a lot of time either working on a computer and other digital devices.

  7. Seeing halos and glare: If you are seeing halos and glares, then you must see a doctor at the earliest. Halos and glares indicate that vision problems are preventing light from correctly on the retina.

  8. Floaters and specks: It’s common to see floaters and specks when you are exposed to too much sunlight and you suddenly enter a dark place. However, if you frequently see floaters and specks especially on blank surfaces like a white wall or the sky, then it may be a symptom of a vision problem.

If you fear that you have an eye problem, schedule an eye exam with us as soon as you can. At Disha Eye Hospitals, we have highly experienced ophthalmologists who can help you with the right treatment for different kinds of eye problems. Disha Eye Hospitals are the best for cataract surgery in Kolkata. To know more about us, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/.

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Top Causes of Eye Pain

Experiencing pain in the eyes, at times, is common for everybody. However, if the pain persists, it is signalling trouble. Apart from physical eye injuries such as black eye (eye swelling) and corneal abrasion, there are tons of eye complications that have eye pain as a symptom.

If you are experiencing discomfort in your eyes, do not ignore it and instead seek medical help. You can consult with one of our eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospital, a renowned eye hospital in West Bengal. Book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment.

Top causes of eye pain

Here are some of the eye complications that cause eye pain:

1) Dry eyes: Dry eyes is one of the most common causes of eye pain. The eye condition occurs when there’s a lack of sufficient or quality lubrication in the eyes due to decreased tear production. In some people, the condition occurs when there’s an imbalance in the tear makeup or increased tear evaporation.

Apart from eye pain, foreign sensation in the eyes, blurred vision and eye tiredness are some of the other symptoms of dry eyes. Some of the common risk factors of the eye complication include lack of sufficient nutrition in diet, wearing contact lenses, using electronic gadgets (phone, laptops, TVs) for long periods, and aging. Eye drops and nutritional supplements are two common treatment options for dry eyes.

2) Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a serious eye complication that causes eye pain as one of its symptoms. Glaucoma occurs when the pressure in the eye increases due to the build-up of fluid in the anterior chamber. If left uncontrolled, the increased eye pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve. This, in turn, can lead to loss of vision. Some of the biggest risk factors of Glaucoma include diabetes, trauma to the eyes, being at the age of 40 or older, and family history of the eye complication. The two common treatment options, eye drops and surgery, are aimed at lowering eye pressure.

3) Abrasions: Accidental injuries to the eyes also cause eye pain; abrasions caused by foreign objects are the most common types of eye injuries. Eye makeup applicators, contact lenses, fingernails, jagged objects/toys, and particles from the wind are the common factors that cause abrasion to the cornea. Although the cornea can heal itself, it is crucial to seek professional treatment to lower the risk of eye infections. It is not possible to entirely prevent corneal abrasion. However, you can lower the risks by taking measures such as wearing protective eyewear when working in a workshop and playing outdoor sports.

4) Endophthalmitis: Endophthalmitis is a severe inflammation inside the eyes caused by an infection. There are two types of endophthalmitis, exogenous endophthalmitis, and endogenous endophthalmitis. Exogenous endophthalmitis results when cuts to the eye from an external source cause infection. On the other hand, endogenous endophthalmitis occurs when infection from another part of the body travels to the eyes. Some of the common symptoms of eye complication include eye pain, eye redness, & swollen eyelids.

5) Uveitis: Uveitis occurs when there’s inflammation in the pigmented lining of the eye. The inflammation can result from an autoimmune disorder, an injury, or an infection. Eye pain, loss of vision, and eye redness are some of the common symptoms of the eye complication. If left untreated, Uveitis can cause permanent damage to the eyes and lead to vision impairment. Eye drops, drugs, and surgery are three treatment options for Uveitis.

Maintain good eye health with Disha Eye Hospital

We are committed to ensuring good eye health for everybody through our quality and affordable eye care services. We offer treatment for Glaucoma, Cataracts, Uveitis, and Diabetic retinopathy in Kolkata.

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Difference Between Cataracts and Glaucoma

Difference between cataracts and glaucoma

Cataracts and Glaucoma are two of the most serious eye complications. Both the degenerative eye diseases occur as the natural part of the aging process and cause vision impairment. However, the eye diseases have stark differences in between them.

Let’s uncover the key differences between these two serious eye complications to get a clear picture: 

1) Symptoms: While symptoms including eye pain and vision blurriness are common in both eye complications, the other symptoms that are different:

Cataracts:

  • Double vision in the single eye
  • Yellowing of colours
  • Clouded vision
  • Appearance of cloudy formation on eyes’ lens area
  • Lowered vision in dimly lit areas

Glaucoma:

  • Seeing coloured rings around lights
  • Sudden disturbances in vision
  • Eye redness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Book an eye test online:

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure to seek medical advice. We, at Disha Eye Hospital, have a team of some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata. Book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment and get a proper diagnosis of your eye health.

2) Causes:- 

The way Cataracts and Glaucoma cause vision loss are completely different from each other, and so are the factors that cause them.

Cataracts: The eye complication occurs when the eye lenses become stiffer, start breaking down, and form clumps as you age. As the eye disease progresses, the clumps become denser and start clouding the lens. This, in turn, obstructs light to completely pass through and reach the retina which results in blurred vision. Cataracts can either develop in one eye or both eyes. In cases where cataracts form in both eyes, the clouding of the lens is not even.

Glaucoma: Glaucoma occurs when the intraocular pressure (IOP) increases above normal levels and damages the optic nerve. The IOP increases when the fluid (aqueous humour) in the front of the eye builds up when it is not drained as properly as it should.

As the IOP increases with time, more damage is done to the optic nerve, which, in turn, leads to gradual vision impairment.

3) Vision loss restoration:-
As discussed above, both the eye diseases cause vision loss. However, vision loss can be restored and reversed only in Cataracts and not in Glaucoma.

Cataract: Cataract surgery, the go-to treatment option for cataracts, involves replacing the clouded lens with an artificial lens. Before the surgery, the doctor takes into account the refractive error of the patient to choose an artificial lens accordingly to correct the vision.

Glaucoma: The goal of treatment options for Glaucoma, including eye drops and surgery, is to reduce and stop vision loss from worsening by lowering IOP. Depending on the severity of your Glaucoma, the eye doctor may start treatment by prescribing eye drops or schedule a surgery.

4) Prevention

Both Cataracts and Glaucoma cannot be entirely prevented. However, you can take certain steps to lower the risks. Some of these include:

  • A healthy and balanced diet:

    Eating healthily is key to maintaining good eye health and lowering the risk of complications. Add green vegetables, colourful fruits, fresh eggs, and lean fish and meat to your diet to make sure you get proper nutrition intake.

  • Regular exercise: 

Exercising regularly helps improve blood circulation in the eyes. Another key benefit of regular exercise is it helps you maintain healthy body weight. Being overweight and obese increases the risk of diabetes which, in turn, can cause a vision-threatening eye disease known as Diabetic Retinopathy.

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If you are suffering from diabetes, you are at an increased risk of Diabetic Retinopathy. Our team of some of the best retina specialists in Kolkata can guide you on taking important steps to lower the risk.