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Know Your Risk Of Developing Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects the eyes. This condition occurs in people suffering from type1 and type 2 diabetes. In this condition, the blood vessels in the retina get damaged.  The retina senses the light and sends images to the brain, helping the eyes to see. However, if not timely treated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss. Those with uncontrolled diabetes are at high risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. 

Symptoms 

 In the beginning, you might not experience any symptoms or only mild vision issues. With time you may experience symptoms such as:

  • Dark floaters in the vision
  • Blurred and fluctuating vision
  • Dark areas in the vision
  • Vision loss during advanced stages

Risk factors: 

Diabetic retinopathy can occur in any person suffering from diabetes. Other risk factors that may lead to this condition are: 

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Tobacco use
  • Pregnant women with gestational diabetes 

Prevention:

You can’t completely prevent diabetic retinopathy. But visual loss from diabetic retinopathy is preventable and can be treated. Medical management of diabetes, early detection of the condition, and timely treatment can reduce the risk of visual loss.

If  you have diabetes, reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy by doing the following:

  • Make a healthy diet part of your daily routine.
  • Attempt to get something like 150 minutes of light to moderate, exercise such as walking, yoga, or aerobics every week.
  • Take diabetes medicines as prescribed.
  • Screen your glucose level regularly. You may have to check and record your glucose level a few times each day.
  • Quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk of diabetes-related complications, including diabetic retinopathy.

Taking an active role in diabetes management can go a long way toward preventing eye complications. If you have diabetes or you know someone who is suffering from diabetes, it is important to get regular eye exams. 

Looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata? 

At Disha Eye Hospitals, we have some of the best retina specialists who can help treat diabetic retinopathy, retinal tear, and retinal detachment. If you are looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata, book an online consultation or visit our eye hospital. 

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Diabetes and Eye Surgery FAQs

Diabetes and eye health are closely interlinked. Those with diabetes should make it a point to see an eye doctor at least once a year. Those with high blood sugar are at high risk of developing blurry vision, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Some of these eye conditions may require surgery. If you or any of your family members have diabetes, you are bound to have questions regarding surgery. 

As one of the leading eye hospitals in Kolkata,  we answer some of the frequently asked questions on diabetes and eye surgery: 

Question 1: Can diabetics have eye surgery?

Yes, diabetics can undergo any type of eye surgery. However, the type of eye surgery depends on your general health and the eye condition that you have. In some cases, you may have to wait until your general health has improved. An eye doctor can advise you on whether eye surgery is suitable for you and if yes, when is the most suitable time. 

Question 2: Do I need to keep sugar levels under control before surgery?

Yes, doctors will recommend you keep your sugar levels under control. High sugar levels increase the risk of complications after surgery such as: 

  • Slow healing 
  • Infection
  • Heart problems

Your eye doctor and endocrinologist will help control your diabetes. This may mean that your average sugar level reading or the three-monthly HbA1c reading needs to be in a particular range. 

Question 3: Do I need to fast before eye surgery?

For all types of eye surgeries, patients are instructed to not eat or drink 12 hours before eye surgery. This is because before the surgery muscle relaxing medications are given. If the stomach has food and drinks inside it, the chances of vomiting are there. If that happens, the food could enter the lungs and affect breathing. 

Question 4: Do I need to stop diabetes medicine before eye surgery? 

Usually, you will be advised not to take diabetes medicine before eye surgery to reduce the chances of lactic acidosis. The condition can be a medical emergency.  It is best to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and follow his or her instructions if you need to stop any drug before surgery. 

Question 5: I have diabetes, how do I prepare for eye surgery? 

The best way to prepare for eye surgery is to follow the advice given to you by your eye doctor and general practitioner or endocrinologist. Remember, the longer your sugar levels are under control, the outcomes of the surgery will be better and the recovery period will go well.

Question 6: What to expect after the surgery? 

After surgery, you will need to see your ophthalmologist frequently, so that he or she can monitor any effect that your diabetes may be having on the eyes. 

 

Question 7: How long is the recovery for diabetics after surgery? 

The recovery from eye surgery varies from one person to another. It is important that you follow post-operative instructions given to you by the doctor regarding eye drops and eye hygiene. 

 

Looking for an eye hospital in Kolkata? 

One of the best ways to lower the risk of diabetic eye diseases is to get your eyes checked once every year. Diabetic eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataract show no symptoms during their early stages. From diagnosis to eye surgery, you will find all eye care facilities at Disha Eye Hospitals, a leading eye hospital in Kolkata. 

 

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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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Tips To Prevent Diabetic Eye Diseases

The chances of developing serious eye complications such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts, increase if you are suffering from diabetes. In any case, there are a fair number of ways to lower this risk. Stated below are a compilation of simple and effective steps to protect your eyes from such complications:

1) Get your eyes checked annually
One of the best ways to lower the risk of diabetic eye diseases is to get your eyes checked once every year. Diabetic eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataract show no symptoms during their early stages.

An ophthalmologist can detect early signs that are invisible to the naked eye, by performing some diagnostic procedures. Diabetes causes more damage to the retina and optic nerve as compared to other eye parts of the eye. One of the expert eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospitals could help you in receiving a detailed diagnosis of your retinal and optic nerve health by performing a thorough examination. Book an appointment online with one of the eye specialists at http://www.dishaeye.org/organic/.

2) Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is undoubtedly one of the most efficient ways to control your blood glucose level and lower the risk of eye complications associated with health-related problems. Physical exercises not only help you in maintaining your blood sugar and cholesterol at healthy levels but also improve blood circulation in vital organs, including the eyes.

Perform light to moderate-intensity exercises such as jogging, running, walking, and cycling. Making healthy choices like walking the stairs instead of taking the elevator will boost your overall health and manage your diabetes.

3) Eat a healthy and balanced diet
The healthier your diet, the lower your risk of diabetes-related eye problems. As part of managing your diabetes and lowering your diabetic eye disease risk, include wholesome and organic food items in your diet. Make sure to limit your intake of packaged, processed food items as they contain high levels of artificial sugar and trans fat. Start drinking freshly-prepared juices, and avoid carbonated drinks with water.

4) Quit smoking
If you have diabetes and are smoking regularly, you stand at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma. Smoking impairs insulin absorption which, in turn, causes spikes in blood sugar level, worsening your diabetes. Quitting tobacco is mandatory when it comes to lowering the risk of diabetic eye diseases. If you are unable to give up smoking, professional help could prove to be useful.

Visit one of Disha’s eye hospitals in Kolkata & other places in West Bengal for a comprehensive eye checkup.
We are branched at various locations in West Bengal, including Behala, Barasat, Barrackpore, Siliguri, Gariahat, Durgapur, Burdwan, Berhampore, Mourigram, and Sheoraphully. Visit one of our branches for an advanced eye health checkup at an affordable cost. The team of doctors is trained in advanced treatment procedures to provide the best eye care. They could guide you in lowering your risk of developing diabetic eye diseases and maintaining good eye health.

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Thyroid Eye Disease: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

If you have thyroid, then you must get your eyes checked yourself for thyroid eye disease. People who have thyroid stand at an increased risk of an eye condition linked to the disease called thyroid eye disease. The eye condition occurs when the immune system attacks the tissues and muscles of the eyes.

Thyroid Eye Disease: Symptoms, causes and treatment

Schedule an eye checkup at Disha Eye Hospitals

If you have thyroid or Graves’ Disease, it’s important to get your eyes checked regularly in order to lower the risk of worsening of the eye condition. Visit Disha Eye Hospitals, leading eye hospital in West Bengal, to get high-quality eye care at affordable pricing. Book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/organic/.

Symptoms:

Thyroid eye disease affects the eyes in many different ways. In most cases, the physical appearance of the eyes changes. The eye complication also affects the area surrounding the eyes. The symptoms of thyroid eye disease make it easy to diagnose. Here are some of the common symptoms of the eye complication:

●Difficulty in moving the eyes

●Redness in the eyes

●Persisting itching sensation

●Dryness in the eyes

●Swelling of the eyes and the surrounding tissues

●Sensitivity to light

●Baggy eyes

●Grittiness sensation in the eyes

●Swelling of the eyelids

●Blurriness in vision

●Double vision

●Pain behind the eyes

Causes:

As mentioned earlier, thyroid eye disease is associated with the thyroid. Also, people with Graves’ Disease stand at a heightened risk of the eye complication. In many cases, people with thyroid are at the risk of a mild form of thyroid eye disease.

In order to lower your risk of thyroid eye disease, it’s important that you recognise the risk factors of Thyroid and Graves’ Disease and take necessary precautions. The risk factors of the two eye complications include:

Thyroid Disease:

●Current or recent pregnancy

●Post trauma to the thyroid gland

●Selenium and Vitamin D deficiency

●Family history of autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Celiac.

●Gender (women are at higher risk)

●Existing autoimmune disease such as Celiac or Type 1 Diabetes)

Graves’ Disease:

●Food items high in iodine (dulse and kelp)

●Iodine supplements

●Being in the age group of 30 and 50

●Family history of the disease |

●Women are at higher risk

Diagnosis:

Moderate to severe cases of thyroid eye disease can be easily diagnosed. However, eye doctors perform several tests in order to confirm the presence of the eye complication. Eye doctors often perform visual field assessment, vision test, orbital ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography, fundus and external photography, sensorimotor evaluation, and eyelid measurement.

Treatment:

Eye doctors choose artificial tear drops, nighttime ointment/gels, and cool compresses as a treatment option for mild cases of thyroid eye disease. For moderate or severe cases of the eye complication, eye doctors choose radiation, anti-inflammatory medication, and surgery as the treatment options. Surgical options are beneficial not only for restoring vision but also for improving the overall eye health and appearance.

Complete eye care at Disha Eye Hospital

At Disha Eye Hospitals, we provide advanced medical technology-led diagnosis and treatment for different types of eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, uveitis, and diabetic retinopathy in Kolkata.

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Common Retinal Diseases and Their Symptoms

Mr. Ghosh of Kolkata was seeing floating specks. He thought this will go away on its own but in a few weeks, the number of black spots increased. Eventually, he developed a cloudy area is his vision field. On his family’s insistence, he went to see an ophthalmologist. After consulting the doctor, he was diagnosed with Diabetic Retinopathy. He realised the gravity of the situation. If he hadn’t gone to the doctor for long, he would have lost his vision.

There are several types of retinal diseases and they can be caused due to ageing, diabetes or other health factors. Usually, most of the retinal diseases show visual symptoms. The retina is the layer of tissue that helps in sending images to your brain. Anything that affects your retina will affect your vision.

Common retinal diseases and their symptoms

If left unattended for long, a retinal disease can lead to loss of vision. How would you know that you have a retinal disease? An eye specialist can do the diagnosis and look for signs of retinal disorders.

Looking for the best eye specialists in Kolkata?

If you are looking for one of the best eye specialists in Kolkata, then visit Disha Eye Hospitals. We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, are committed to providing quality care at affordable cost. We have the best retina specialists in Kolkata who can diagnose retinal and vitreous diseases through a comprehensive eye examination. If you want to know more about retinal disorders, or if you would like to set up an eye exam, book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us. You can also book an appointment through WhatsApp (9433311111).

Here are common retinal diseases and their symptoms:

1. Floaters: If you notice spots, grey specks or cobwebs in your vision, then you have eye floaters. As we age, jelly-like substance in eyes become liquid and this casts a shadow on the retina. However, floaters can also be caused if the retina is torn. If the torn retina is not fixed, this can lead to retinal detachment.  An ophthalmologist may suggest surgery to make the spots less noticeable. However, surgery can remove some of the floaters but not all.

Symptoms:

  • Dark grey specks or transparent strings may appear in the vision
  • Spots float ie when you move your eyes, the spots too move quickly
  • Spots become noticeable when you look at plain backgrounds like a white wall or the sky

    2. Macular degeneration:      As you age, the centre of your retina starts to deteriorate, this affects your central vision, making it difficult for you to see things in a straight line. There’s no cure for macular degeneration but there are options to slow down its progression. Early diagnosis of macular degeneration can help minimise vision loss.

Symptoms:

  • Trouble in identifying faces
  • Straight lines may appear distorted
  • Need for bright light for doing daily activities
  • Blurry vision

3. Diabetic retinopathy:  Diabetes often causes tiny blood vessels to swell up. These blood vessels can burst and leak fluid, distorting or blurring vision. Depending upon the type of diabetes you have, new blood vessels may grow, furthering causing more damage to the retina. With a comprehensive dilated eye test, an ophthalmologist will be able to diagnose the disease. If you have diabetes, then you should go for a comprehensive test every year. You can prevent diabetic retinopathy from getting worse by keeping your blood pressure and diabetes under control. An eye doctor will suggest a laser surgery that will destroy leaking blood vessels.

Symptoms:

  • You will find it difficult to see while driving and reading
  • Difficulty in identifying colours
  • Vision may seem blurred
  • Black spots may appear
    4. Retinal detachment:     Retinal detachment happens when the retina separates from the back of your eyes, this can cause loss of vision either partially or fully. It is an emergency situation that requires you to immediately consult an eye specialist. Though retinal detachment is painless, there can some warning signs before the disease occurs or advances. Surgery is usually necessary to repair the detached retina. Retinal detachment can be caused by an inflammatory disorder or cancer behind your retina.
    Symptoms:-
  • Blurred vision
  • Partial vision loss, especially peripheral vision
  • Sudden appearance of floaters or flashes

If you are in Kolkata and experience eye problem, visit Disha Eye Hospitals – the best eye care hospital 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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Do Carrots Really Improve Eyesight?

We have been told since childhood that eating carrots improves our vision. But is it true that eating the root vegetable will do wonders to our eyes?

The notion that eating carrots improve vision dates back to World War II when the British Air Force gunned down German aircraft in the dead of night. It is believed that the British Air Force popularised the carrot myth to keep its radar technology a secret.

Do carrots really improve eyesight?

1. Carrots are good for the eyes: There’s no doubt that carrots are indeed good for the eyes as it contains beta carotene. The body uses beta carotene to make Vitamin A which are antioxidant compounds essential to good vision. According to the World Health Organisation, Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common causes of preventable blindness in children.

2. Eating carrots alone will not help you maintain overall good eye health: Although carrots are a rich source of beta carotene, relying only on the root vegetable will not help you maintain good overall eye health. A randomised trial of US physicians found out that long-term intake of beta carotene did not decrease or increase the risk of Age-related Macular Degeneration.

3. Combine carrots with other nutritional vegetables and fruits in your diet: The best way to ensure good eye health for yourself and your loved ones is to eat a diet that contains all the essential nutrients. Make sure to include fresh vegetables, fruits, farm-fresh eggs, nuts, and lean fish and meat in your diet.

4. Here are some of the food items, apart from carrots, that are beneficial for the eyes:

●Almonds: Almonds are a rich source of Vitamin E which maintains eye tissue health. Apart from being a great source of snack, almonds are also a nutritional addition to breakfast cereal and salads. Soak a handful of almonds in water overnight and consume them in the morning the way you want to.

●Salmon: Salmon is a storehouse of omega-3 fatty acids, or better known as healthy fats. Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to vision development. To get the most out of these healthy fats, include salmon in your meal plan for 2 to 3 days a week.

●Eggs: Eggs are another rich source of Vitamin A; it also contains zinc, zeaxanthin, and lutein, all of which improve eye health. The best part? Eggs are a versatile food item; you can eat them for your breakfast and in your lunch and dinner.

●Oranges: Oranges are loaded with Vitamin C which promotes eye blood vessel health. Eat oranges as snacks, or juice them for breakfast. Adding them to your fruit salad is also a great option.

  • Kale: Kale is hailed as one of the best eye superfoods. The carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, found in kale promote retina health and vision. You can prepare kale as a side dish or as snack chips.

See through the myth and get your eyes checked every year

Every step you take to improve your eye health goes a long way in maintaining proper vision in the long run. If you notice any changes in your vision and overall eye health, do not neglect it as it can be symptoms of serious eye complications.

Consult with one of our eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospital, one of the best eye hospitals in West Bengal. We provide high-quality and affordable treatment for serious eye complications, including Cataracts, Glaucoma, Corneal diseases, Squint, Uveitis, and Diabetic Retinopathy in Kolkata.

We have a team of experienced eye specialists who are well-versed with leading medical tools and technology. Book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment.

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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.

Consult best retina specialists in Kolkata

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.

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Diabetic Retinopathy: Important Pointers for the Patients

Diabetic Retinopathy: Important pointers for the patients

If you have Diabetes, you are at the risk of developing Diabetic Retinopathy, a serious eye disease which can cause permanent vision loss if not treated. However, with good control of blood sugar levels, blood lipids, and blood pressure, you can lower the risk of the eye disease.

This article will help you understand the eye disease more and learn about ways how you can reduce the risk as well as identify it and seek proper treatment.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the complications of Diabetes that affects the eye. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. Due to the damage, the blood vessels swell and leak. The diabetic eye disease can cause vision loss and eventually lead to complete blindness.

There are two stages of Diabetic Retinopathy:-

  • NDPR (Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy)

    NDPR is the initial stage of Diabetic Retinopathy. It involves leaking and swelling of the blood vessels in the retina, which if not controlled can lead to loss of vision.

  • PDR (Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy)

PDR is the advanced stage of Diabetic Retinopathy. This stage involves the growth of new blood vessels which can bleed into the vitreous and either cause you to see floaters or dim/block your peripheral and central vision.

Identifying Diabetic Retinopathy

If you have Diabetes, an annual eye exam is a must for an early diagnosis. The following symptoms can indicate the occurrence of the eye disease:

  • Blurred vision
  • Dim vision
  • Vision loss
  • Impaired colour vision
  • Dark spots/floaters in your vision
  • Fluctuating vision

Diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy:-

As discussed above, getting an annual eye exam helps in early detection which, in turn, can help you treat the eye disease and prevent it from progressing. When you visit an ophthalmologist, he/she will ask you about your medical history and determine your vision through an eye chart test. The doctor will use an ophthalmoscope to examine your retina.

Managing Diabetes to manage Diabetic Retinopathy:-

Effective management of Diabetes is essential to lower the risk/manage Diabetic Retinopathy. For Type 1 Diabetes, it’s important to follow an insulin routine tailored to your need and an appropriate diet.

For Type 2 Diabetes, being physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight, following a balanced diet, and leading an overall healthy lifestyle are the proper management measures.

You can also join support groups/communities to learn more ways of managing your Diabetes to lower the risk of complications.

Eye health maintenance tips:-

These tips can help you maintain your eye health and lower the risk of Diabetes-related vision complication:

  • Keep your blood sugar levels in control:- Have an A1c blood test conducted several times a year to keep track of your blood sugar levels.
  • Quit smoking:-Smoking can worsen your blood sugar. It’s a must to quit smoking if you have Diabetes.
  • Check your cholesterol levels:- High LDL is linked to blood vessel damage. Make sure to get your blood tested for finding how much LDL and HDL cholesterol you have.
  • Check your blood pressure:- Make sure check your blood pressure every time you visit your doctor as part of your Diabetes management plan.

We hope you’ve gained useful information with this guide. Stay tuned to this space for more interesting write-ups about Diabetic Retinopathy and other eye health disorders.

For a proper Diabetic Retinopathy treatment, you can visit Disha Eye Hospital and consult with our eye specialists. We are a leading eye hospital in West Bengal that provides quality eye care at affordable rates. Learn more at http://www.dishaeye.org/vitreo-retinal.