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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.

 

 

 

 

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Angle Recession Glaucoma: check out these insights curated by some of the best doctors in Kolkata

 

Angle Recession Glaucoma develops after an injury or trauma to the eye. In this type of glaucoma, the tissue in the eye’s angle is damaged, resulting in elevated pressure within the eye. This elevated eye pressure eventually damages the optic nerve resulting in angle recession glaucoma. Though this condition cannot be cured, there are many treatment options available to prevent loss of vision, if the condition is diagnosed early. Glaucoma can cause irreversible damage to your vision. Here are useful insights curated by some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata on angle recession glaucoma and what can be done to treat the condition: 

Glaucoma

 

Insight 1: An eye injury can lead to angle recession glaucoma 

When the eyes are healthy, clear fluid in them flows around the front part and drains through tiny canals near the outer edge of the iris. This spot is called the ‘drainage angle’. This continuous drainage of fluid keeps the pressure inside your eye at a healthy level. However, an eye injury can cause the fluid to build up – as a result, there is an increase in pressure inside the eye. This increasing pressure can damage the optic nerve causing blurry vision and light sensitivity.  However, not every injury leads to angle recession glaucoma. 

Insight 2: A blunt trauma is the most common cause of angle recession glaucoma 

A blunt trauma is the most common cause of angle recession glaucoma. Some of the most common types are: 

  • Sports injuries such as getting punched or elbowed in the eye or hit with an object in the eye
  • Car accidents that cause facial trauma
  • Physical assault
  • Severe falls
  • Industrial injuries

Insight 3: There may not be early warning signs 

There are no early signs of glaucoma. And, it is the same with angle recession glaucoma. The high eye pressure slowly damages the fibres in the optic nerve. By the time you will notice any change in vision, the condition would have worsened. Loss of peripheral vision is one of the most common symptoms of angle recession glaucoma. 

Angle recession glaucoma can develop even years after the injury. Some people even forget about the injury by the time glaucoma develops. It is, therefore, important to schedule annual eye exams with an ophthalmologist. This is all the more important if you have suffered an eye injury. You will be screened for angle recession and timely treatment can be started to protect your vision.  

Insight 4: For diagnosis, eye pressure and drainage angle needs to be checked 

The two most common tests that your ophthalmologist will conduct to check for glaucoma are — tonometry and gonioscopy. Tonometry is done to determine the pressure inside the eye while gonioscopy helps to check the drainage angle of the eye. The eye doctor may also ask you to get 

a visual field test to check the peripheral vision for losses you may not have noticed yourself. 

Insight 5: Glaucoma damage cannot be reversed but more vision loss can be prevented

The damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. However, by seeking  timely treatment, further damage can be slowed. The severity of the eye injury will decide the course of treatment. Some of the treatment options are: 

  • Medication: Prescription eye drops medications lowers the amount of fluid and, thus, lower eye pressure. Usually, eye doctors prescribe the medications and monitor the eye pressure every month. 
  • Laser treatment: Laser treatment may be recommended when the medications are not effective at lowering excessive eye pressure. 
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be suggested. During the surgery, a new opening in the white of your eye is created. This opening allows fluid to drain and this reduces eye pressure. 

Insight 6: To prevent angle recession glaucoma, protect your eyes from injuries 

Angle recession glaucoma may not be entirely preventable in every case. But you can reduce the risk by taking certain precautions such as wearing safety glasses when working with tools or when you play sports. 

 

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Retina FAQ: A guide curated by some of the best retina specialists in Kolkata

The retina is an essential part of your vision as it’s responsible for turning light rays into images through signals to the brain. When there’s a problem with the retina, you run the risk of having vision problems. Our retina specialists in Kolkata, who specialize in diagnosing and treating retinal conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal detachment, answer some of the frequently asked questions on the retina:  

1.What is the retina? 

 

The retina is a layer of cells at the back of the eye. The job of the retina is to receive light, convert that light into a neural signal, and send the signal via the optic nerve to the brain. The brain interprets these signals and creates an image.

retina specialist in kolkata

2.What are the different parts of the retina? 

The retina is nearly 0.5 mm thick and lines the back of the eye. It contains 200 million neurons and different parts of the retina are responsible for various vision functions. The macula is the most important part of the retina as it allows you to controls your central vision. It is the macula that allows you to see fine details, color, recognize faces and read.  and more.

3.What are the different types of retinal conditions? 

Some of the common retinal conditions are 

  • Macular degeneration
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Retinal detachment
  • Retinal tear.

There are other medical conditions that can occur, but these are some of the most common ones.

4.What is retinal detachment and what are the different types? 

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. It occurs when the retina detaches and pulls away from its normal position. A detached retina doesn’t hurt but it may cause the sudden appearance of flashes of light and floaters. If immediate treatment is not sought, retinal detachment can result in permanent loss of vision. There are three different types of retinal detachment: 

  • Rhegmatogenous: This is the most common type of retinal detachment.  A tear in the retina causes the fluid to accumulate. The fluid pulls the retina away. The detached portions lose their blood supply, which results in loss of vision. 
  • Tractional: This type of detachment happens when the scar tissue grows on the retina’s surface. This type of retinal detachment is seen more commonly in people with uncontrolled diabetes. 
  • Exudative: In this type of retinal detachment, fluid accumulates below the retina, but there are no holes in the retina. Age-related macular degeneration, an injury to the eye or tumors are some of the causes of this type of retinal detachment. 

5.Is retinal detachment different from retinal tear? Both retinal tear and retinal detachment have similar symptoms. The retina could tear before it detaches.

6.What symptoms should warrant a visit to a retina specialist?

Retinal problems vary widely. However, most of them cause visual symptoms. Some of the common symptoms that should prompt you to see a retina specialist are: 

  • The sudden appearance of floaters 
  • Blurred or distorted vision
  • Poor peripheral vision
  • Sudden loss of vision

 7.How are retinal problems diagnosed?

There are many sophisticated diagnostic tests such as optical coherence tomography, automated perimetry, and digital fundus photography that are carried out to detect a retinal condition. A retina specialist will recommend appropriate tests, depending on your symptoms.

8.How are retinal conditions treated? 

Treating retinal conditions can be sometimes complex. The nature of treatment depends on the condition, severity, and treatment options. From shrinking abnormal blood vessels to removing and replacing eye fluid, from injecting medications to laser surgery, there are many treatment options available. A retina specialist is the best person to suggest an appropriate course of treatment.

9.How to prevent retinal conditions?

Though some retinal conditions are out of your control, you must follow a healthy lifestyle for your overall eye health. Having a healthy diet and exercising regularly is good for your eyes and overall health. Smoking increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, quit smoking.

10. How often retinal exam is necessary? 

You must get your eyes tested once a year. If you are diabetic or have an eye condition, your doctor may suggest more frequent eye check-ups.

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Avoid digital eye strain while working from home

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people working from home has increased significantly since last year. However, this has resulted in people spending too much time in front of their digital devices, which in turn has led to an increase in complaints of eye strain and dry eyes. Staring at a screen for too long can also cause headaches, eye fatigue, shoulder pain and in some cases, deteriorated vision.

If you are working from home and are looking for useful tips to protect your eyes from too much screen time, here’s a useful read. These tips are curated by our eye doctors in Kolkata:

Avoid digital eye strain while working from home

Tip 1: Adjust the position of your screen:

The positioning of the screen of your digital device has a significant impact on your eyes. When working, make sure that the screen of your computer or laptop is just below your eye level.

Tip 2: Check the lighting of your room: 

Insufficient lighting as well as excessive lighting can put pressure on your eyes – which can cause discomfort and in some cases, vision problems. Usually lower ambient light levels are right for screen- intensive jobs. For paper-related work ( especially when the characters are small) , higher ambient light levels are recommended.

Tip 3: Don’t place the digital device too close to the eyes: 

By keeping the device close to your eyes, your eyes have to work hard to see the content. Ideally, you should keep your digital screen at least 50-100 cm away from your eyes.

Tip 4: Take frequent breaks: 

When working from home, frequent breaks are necessary as working continuously for a long period of time can affect your eyes and health. Also, taking short breaks enhances work productivity.

Tip 5: Wear computer eyeglasses: 

Computer glasses with anti-glare coating and blue light filtering can help you get relief from digital eye strain.

Tip 6: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: 

Your eyes, like the rest of the body, need regular exercise. The 20-20-20 rule is an easy exercise that you can do when working from home. After every 20 minutes, look away from your digital screen and focus on an object within 20 feet of you for 20 seconds.

Tip 7: Get your eyes examined annually:

A comprehensive eye exam is a must as it helps detect eye problems at an early age. Even if you don’t experience any change in your vision, make it a point to get your eyes checked at least once a year. Here’s a useful read on why you should be going for regular eye exams.

At Disha Eye Hospitals, we are passionate about providing world-class eye care affordable to all sections of the society. From vision correction surgery and cataract surgery to the treatment of very complex conditions, we offer a comprehensive range of services that meets everyone’s needs.

 

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How more remote work and virtual learning are affecting our eye health?

As the COVID-19 pandemic is showing no signs of easing, working professionals and students are spending more time in front of the screen. Even before the pandemic, many people were guilty of keeping their eyes locked on some type of screen, be it a smartphone or TV. Children from 5 years to 15 years are spending twice the amount of time in front of screens than what they did earlier while an average adult is spending over 13 hours a day in front of the screen, as per the 2020 Nielsen report. This increased digital interaction has put more people, both adults and children, at the risk of eye strain. Some of our best eye specialists in Kolkata share with you the relationship between screen time and your eye problems and what you can do to reduce eye strain: 

Problems that arise due to too much screen time:

best eye specialist

  • Dry eyes syndrome: For eyes to remain healthy, they need to be moist. Normally, people blink every 10 seconds or so. Blinking releases a tear film that soothes your eyes. But when you are working on a laptop, computer or watching TV, you tend to blink less. And when you blink less, your eyes, your eyes can get irritated. Those of you who suffer from dry eyes syndrome may experience a burning sensation in the eyes, sensitivity to light, redness in the eyes, difficulty wearing contact lenses and watery eyes. These symptoms may seem to get serious after spending prolonged screen time. 

 

  • Eye strain: Your eyes may feel tired after working on a computer for too long, reading a book for hours or driving a car for long hours. Unfortunately, eye strain has become common in today’s digital age. Eye strain caused by the use of digital devices is often called computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain. Though it can be treated with over-the-counter eye drops, prolonged eye strain can be a sign of something more serious. 

 

Tips to reduce digital eye strain

 

While many of you have transitioned to working or learning remotely, it is difficult to completely avoid the screens. However, here are some tips that you can follow to give your eyes some relief: 

 

  • Maintain proper distance: Positioning your computer monitor or laptop correctly is an important part of eye care. Avoid using digital devices when lying down as reading at this angle can cause severe eye strain. Position your computer or laptop in such a way it is at an arm’s length from your eyes. The screen should be positioned just below your natural line of sight. 
  • Incorporate breaks: Back-to-back virtual meetings or online classes can be quite tiring for your eyes. To relieve your eyes, take frequent breaks by looking away from your computer screen. Every 20 minutes, take a break of 20 seconds. You can also get up from the desk and walk around for a few minutes. 
  • Adjust the brightness of the digital devices: While a screen that’s too bright or too dim can cause eye strain. Make sure the screen of your digital devices are bright enough that you don’t have to squint. Use appropriate spectacles to reduce glare. 
  • Use eye drops: Focussing too intensely on a screen while working can result in a significant reduction in how many times you blink per minute. This can leave your eyes dry and irritated as well.  Using artificial teats can help you get rid of irritation and dryness. Always check with an eye doctor before using an eye drop. Also, instead of relying completely  on eye drops completely, try to blink more often when using a screen. 

 

Maintaining your eye health is key to avoiding serious vision problems. Schedule an eye check-up every year, especially if you have been experiencing long-lasting eyestrain. If you are looking for an eye doctor in Kolkata, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. In the wake of the pandemic, teleconsultation is also available. 

 

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Gonioscopy: What Is It And Why Is It Needed?

Have you or your family member been advised to undergo gonioscopy and you are wondering what the test is all about? Well, gonioscopy is done to evaluate the internal drainage system of the eye. The front part of the eye is filled with clear fluid. It is this fluid that nourishes the lens and maintains pressure within the eye. The fluid carries nutrients to the lens and cornea. The fluid naturally drains out of the eyes from the area between the iris and the cornea. An ophthalmologist performs a gonioscopy to check to see if this drainage system is working properly. Here is an overview of why gonioscopy is done and what does it entail by our eye doctors in Kolkata: 

eye doctor in kolkata

  • Why is gonioscopy  done? Gonioscopy is recommended if your ophthalmologist thinks you should be checked for glaucoma. The eye condition damages the optic nerve. There are many types of glaucoma. They do not have any warning signs. By the time noticeable symptoms such as blind spots and floaters appear the condition is in advanced stages. If you have glaucoma, gonioscopy can help your ophthalmologist see which type of glaucoma you have. Early detection of glaucoma is the best way to prevent vision loss due to the condition. 
  • How glaucoma affects the eyes? In most types of glaucoma, the eye’s drainage system doesn’t work as it should and the clear fluid cannot drain. The excess fluid builds pressure inside the eye. This increased pressure damages the sensitive optic nerve fibres, which if not treated can result in vision loss. 
  • What to expect during the test? For a gonioscopy exam, your eyes will be dilated with eye drops. This is done so that the ophthalmologist can fully examine the health of the optic nerve and retina. Once the pupils are dilated, you will rest your head in the chin holder of a slit-lamp microscope. Through the instrument, your ophthalmologist will look into your eyes. Now, the doctor will direct a beam of light into the lens of the eyes. It is a painless examination. 
  • Should everyone get gonioscopy done? Early signs of vision changes and eye disease often start at around 40. All adults should get a baseline eye screening by an ophthalmologist at 40. Those who have diabetes need eye exams more frequently. Your ophthalmologist will tell you how often to have follow-up exams such as gonioscopy based on the results of this screening. 
  • Who should get gonioscopy done? Some people are considered glaucoma suspects. Their ophthalmologist may recommend gonioscopy and other glaucoma screenings regularly. When it comes to glaucoma, time is of the essence. Regular exams can save your vision.
  • How often should gonioscopy be done? Gonioscopy is suggested every 1 to 5 years, depending on the type of glaucoma. For closed-angle cases, the test is recommended at regular intervals. In open-angle cases, the test is performed at least once a year. 

At Disha Eye Hospitals, we offer high-quality eye care and a wide range of diagnostic and imaging services including gonioscopy. Our team of eye doctors in Kolkata include optometrists, surgeons, ophthalmologists and paediatric ophthalmologists will help you understand your eye condition and will offer the best patient care possible. 

 

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What is a mini stroke in the eye?

Do you know that strokes don’t only happen in the brain? They can happen in the eyes too. Like the stroke in the brain, when blood flow is blocked in the retina it can cause a stroke in the eye which is also known as retinal artery occlusion. Just like a brain stroke, a stroke in the eye is a medical emergency that needs immediate medical attention. If you don’t get treated right away, an eye stroke can cause loss of vision. 

Over here we discuss the causes and symptoms of an eye stroke so that medical help can be sought in the hour of need: 

eye doctor in kolkata

Causes of an eye stroke: 

Much like a brain stroke, an eye stroke is caused due to poor circulation in the blood vessels. When the blood to the brain is reduced or cut off, the retina loses its blood and nutrient supply. This damages the nerve tissue, resulting in a sudden loss of vision. 

Symptoms of an eye stroke: 

An eye stroke is a medical emergency and usually comes without pain and thus, it is important that you are well aware of all the symptoms. If you or your loved one experiences any of the following symptoms, rush to an eye hospital: 

  • A sudden change in vision or loss of vision in one eye. 
  • Some people may experience loss of peripheral vision only. 
  • Blurry or destroyed vision. 
  • Vision changing or getting worse within hours. 

Who are at the risk of having an eye stroke?

Though anyone can suffer from an eye stroke, certain people may have a higher risk than others of having an eye stroke. The risk factors are similar to those of a brain stroke. The risk factors include: 

  • Blocked arteries
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Previous heart attack or stroke
  • Chest pain
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Diabetes or a family history of diabetes
  • Glaucoma

How is an eye stroke diagnosed? 

If your eye doctor suspects an eye stroke, he or she will review your medical history. Your blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels will be measured as well as your central visual acuity and visual field. The affected eye will be compared to the normal eye. He or she will ask about symptoms such as fever, headache, jaw pain and weight loss. 

Treatment plan 

When a person is suffering from an eye stroke, every minute counts. 4 hours of blockage can damage the vision permanently. Treatment may involve medication to dissolve blood clots or laser treatment that move the blood clots away from the retina. In some cases, eye doctors may recommend widening of the arteries in the retina. Lasting injury can be avoided if blocked arteries are cleared and blood flow is restored. Also, long-term follow-up care is needed after a person suffers from an eye stroke. 

How to prevent an eye stroke?

The most essential and important part of preventing an eye stroke is to keep your heart in good health. Ensure that your blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels are within the optimal range. Embrace a healthy lifestyle that includes a good diet and exercise. Smoking increases the risk of all types of stroke. If you smoke, try to quit it gradually.  If you have glaucoma, get your eye checked regularly.

When to see an eye doctor?

Eye stroke is a medical emergency, get medical help right away. The emergency OPD at Disha Eye Hospitals has a dedicated eye doctor. Patients with eye emergencies are seen without any prior appointment. You can also tele-consult our eye doctors in Kolkata. However, in case of an emergency, rush to our nearest branch.