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Rubbing Your Eyes: Is It Bad?

Most people rub their eyes inadvertently. Though it may seem harmless, rubbing eyes can be dangerous and can even damage the cornea. If you find yourself constantly rubbing your eyes due to dryness, you should consult an eye doctor. 

What makes you rub your eyes?

Rubbing the eyes can be an after-effect of  eye conditions such as:

  1. Eye infections: There are many kinds of eye infections that make our eyes itchy. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye infections that causes redness or pinkness in the eyes and makes them itchy. Usually, eye infections are caused due to bacteria and viruses. Touching eyes with dirty hands can easily transmit the virus or bacteria to the eyes. Conjunctivitis is contagious and easily spreads to one another. 
  2. Allergies: According to a study, when you have an allergy-causing virus/ bacteria in the eyes and you rub them, you will feel like rubbing the eyes more. Allergies make your eyes itchier. Itching can be accompanied by a stuffy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Some people can also be allergic to food, insect stings, or medications.
  3. Prolonged use of contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses too can also cause eyes to itch. 
  4. Additional causes for rubbing of eyes could include dry eyes, eye strain, and blepharitis.

What rubbing your eyes can lead to.

  • Hands are generally dirtier than any other part of the body. When the hands touch the eyes it leads to the transfer of germs. 
  • If there is already something foreign material in the eyes, rubbing at that point can make the situation worse.
  •  Many people suffer from conditions such as myopia, glaucoma, and many other conditions. Excessive rubbing may lead to worsening of the eyesight by damaging blood vessels. 
  • Excessive rubbing may lead to thinning of the cornea. This condition is known as keratoconus.

Tips to stop rubbing your eyes

The best way to stop rubbing your eyes is to treat the underlying cause that is making them itch. Your doctor will guide you through the practices that may prevent you from rubbing your eyes. He can also prescribe some medication at https://xanaxtreatanxiety.com to relieve anxiety and the itchiness. Saline and eye drop prescribed by your doctor can be used for relieving the irritation. You may also apply a warm compress to your eye but it should be done only after consulting an eye doctor.

Sometimes rubbing is due to habit and because of any medical condition causing itching. In this case, the following methods can be used to stop this:

  • Be conscious of what you are doing using your hands. Resist the urge and try to deviate your mind to not rub your eyes.
  • Wear gloves when you are finding it hard to keep your fingers from your face. Covered fingers make rubbing difficult.
  • Try to engage your hands in some other task. Squeezing a stress ball or rubbing a smooth rock might be useful.

Are you looking for an eye doctor in Kolkata?

Disha Eye Hospitals is a leading eye hospital in West Bengal. Our eye doctors of different caliber are on board. Our doctors are well-versed in the latest medical technology and our hospitals have all the modern equipment to support our doctors in providing the best patient care possible. 

 

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Useful insights on blue light

Blue light is a part of the visible light spectrum; it can come from digital devices, fluorescent lighting solutions, and of course, the sun. Researchers have found that exposure to blue light at night from phones can disrupt your ability to fall asleep as blue light suppresses the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that tells us when it is time to sleep. In addition to disrupting sleep, blue light can lead to retinal stress, which can cause an early onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  As one of the best eye hospitals in Kolkata,  we have curated a list of useful insights on blue light and its effect on our health: 

Useful insights on blue light

  1. Blue light affects sleep cycle: Exposure to artificial blue light closer to bedtime can disrupt the circadian rhythm —- internal process that regulates the sleep–wake cycle. During the day, blue light from the sun has been found to help people stay focused and alert. It also boosts memory and cognitive functions. However, when a person is exposed to blue light in the evening hours, the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone, is suppressed. Harvard researchers conducted an experiment where they compared the effects in people who were exposed to 6.5 hours of blue light versus 6,5 hours of green light. It was found that blue light suppresses melatonin for about twice as long as the green light.
  2. Blue light may cause eye strain: Often many people experience discomfort after looking at digital screens. This is called digital eye strain. When looking at screens, people often blink less. Blinking keeps the eyes moistened and cleans the surface of the eyes of any debris or dirt. When one blinks less, the eyes dry up which can lead to irritated and dry eyes. The best way to protect the eyes against digital strain is to take frequent breaks and blink more often.
  3. Use devices on night mode:  Digital devices come with a night mode that reduces screen brightness, which can reduce eye strain. The night mode reduces glare and helps your eyes adjust to the surrounding light.
  4. You get more blue light exposure from the sun than any other source: People often associate blue light with digital devices whereas the largest source of harmful blue light is sunlight. A study found that higher levels of  sun exposure in teenage and early adult years were associated with early age related macular degeneration. To protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the blue light, wear sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB light. Also, it is important to wear sunglasses throughout the year , even during winters. Here is a useful read on choosing the right types of sunglasses for your eyes. 

If despite cutting back on your screen time and exposure to bright light the eye strain persists, see an eye doctor to find out the causes and the solutions to protect your vision. If you are searching for the best eye hospital in Kolkata and other cities in West Bengal, visit the nearest branch of Disha Eye Hospitals. You can also book an online consultation. 

 

 

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Things to know about an eye strain headache

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

eye strain headache

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

What are the signs of eye strain headache?

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

What causes eye strain?

  • Continuous use of the digital screen: Staring at a digital screen for a long period of time is the most common cause of eye strain. 

When you focus on the screen, you blink less often, which can lead to dry eyes and cause irritation  

  • Prolonged focus on a single task: Your eyes get tired when you continually focus on a single activity for a long time, for instance, driving, reading a book or even drawing.

 

  • Vision problems:  You may experience eye strain if you have vision problems. When you have problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, your eyes work harder to see things, making the eyes tired and leading to an eyestrain headache. 

 

 

  • Bright or dim lights: If the light is too bright or too dim, it is difficult to see clearly. Trying to focus in such situations is tough, making your eyes tired and strained.  

How to prevent eye strain?

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

Looking for an experienced eye specialist? 

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

 

 

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Cataract Surgery And Your Options

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

What is cataract surgery?

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

Cataract surgery and your options

Benefits of cataract surgery 

1. Improves vision

2. Helps in seeing things in focus

3. Improves the quality of life

4. Protected eye health

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

1. Monifocal lens

2. Multifocal or accommodative lens

3. Toric lens

What is vision correction cataract surgery? 

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

Looking for cataract surgery in Kolkata? 

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

1. Phacoemulsification with foldable IOL implantation 

2. Manual small incision cataract surgery

3. Laser cataract surgery

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Why should you not ignore blurry vision?

Does your vision sometimes appear blurry? Often, people do not take blurry vision seriously. However, the fact remains that blurred vision can be an indication of an eye problem.

blurry vision

As one of the leading eye hospitals in West Bengal, we do not take complaints of headaches and blurry vision lightly. We advise our patients to get an eye examination if they experience any changes in their vision, be it a blurry vision, double vision or seeing spots.

Blurry vision: Why should you visit an eye hospital?

Well, not all causes of blurry vision are a reason to worry. Many vision problems are treatable with medications and eye drops or prescription eyeglasses. However, in some cases, blurry vision can be a sign of a serious eye condition and if left untreated for long, it may cause irreversible damage to your eyes.

 

Here we discuss some of the eye problems that can cause blurry vision:

Blurry vision can be a sign of the following vision problems:

  • Refractive errors: Refractive errors, such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, or astigmatism are some of the most common causes of blurry vision. It occurs due to a change in the shape of the eye that causes vision to become blurred. If corrective measures are not taken, these eye problems can deteriorate your eyesight slowly. Using eyeglasses or contact lenses prescribed by an eye doctor can correct refractive errors.
  • Glaucoma: One of the many symptoms of glaucoma is blurred vision. It is a common age-related vision condition that usually affects people over 60. The eye condition damages the optic nerve by causing abnormally high pressure in the eye. Diabetic people are twice as likely to develop glaucoma than non-diabetics. High blood sugar levels cause the blood vessels to bulge. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness after cataracts and trachoma. As glaucoma doesn’t show any early signs of vision problems, it is important to get your eyes checked regularly. Treatment includes prescription eye drops, medications, laser treatment, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition, https://medfitnetwork.org/public/ambien-zolpidem-info/.
  • Cataracts: Blurry vision is the most common symptom of cataracts. People with cataracts usually find it difficult to read or drive at night. If left untreated for a long time, cataracts can cause blindness. Cataracts can be removed with surgery – where the damaged lens is replaced with an artificial lens. Here are some frequently asked questions on cataracts that will help you understand the condition better.
  • Eye infections: Blurry vision can be caused due to eye infections – which also cause redness, itching, and swelling. Though not all eye infections are serious, seeking early treatment is the best to prevent any risk of irreversible vision damage.
  • Diabetes-related eye conditions: Diabetes can lead to blurry vision in many ways. If you have diabetes, you’re at an increased risk of suffering from diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, cataract, and glaucoma. High blood sugar levels cause the lens of the eye to swell. This makes it difficult for the eyes to focus, so things may look blurred.

Consult the best eye doctors in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospitals

If you suddenly start to feel any change in your vision, get your eyes checked for correct diagnosis and treatment. We offer diagnosis and advanced treatment for patients with a wide range of vision problems. Book an online consultation or call for an in-person visit.

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What is retinal artery occlusion?

A very rare eye condition, retinal artery occlusion (RAO) is an ophthalmic emergency, which often results in acute vision loss. In the United States, the incidence of vision loss due to retinal artery occlusion is 1 to 2 cases per 100 000 per year. The patient with RAO requires prompt medical attention and should be transferred to a stroke centre. Retinal artery occlusion refers to the obstruction or blockage of blood to the retina of one eye, causing vision loss.

As a leading eye hospital in Kolkata, we share with you insights on this rare eye disease.

eye hospital

What are the risk factors?

Anyone who is old or has other medical conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure are at higher risk to have RAO. Here we have listed down a few of the risk factors:

  • Old age
  • High cholesterol 
  • Male 
  • Heart disease
  • Smoking
  • Damage from radiation treatments 
  • Birth control pills
  • Hypertension
  • Obesity
  • Cardiovascular disease

Symptoms of retinal artery occlusion:

One of the main symptoms of eye stroke or retinal artery occlusion is a sudden painless change in vision. It often happens in only one eye. 

Apart from a sudden change in vision, one may notice the following signs or symptoms:

  • Blurry or distorted vision
  • Blind spots
  • Sudden blindness of one eye

How is the eye condition diagnosed?

  1. The condition is diagnosed by a dilated eye examination. 
  2. The retinal artery occlusion is an area with retinal whitening along the blocked blood vessel. This whitening lasts for around 4 to 6 weeks before it starts fading away.
  3. Fluorescein angiography is employed to record the blood flow in the retina. It shows a delay in filling the retinal arteries.  
  4. Optical coherence tomography gives detailed images of the central retina. It shows the swelling in the inner layers of the affected area. 
  5. The eye doctor may check the other medical conditions of the patient that are related to retinal artery occlusion.

Treatment for retinal artery occlusion:

Retinal artery occlusion has no clinically proven treatment. However, several therapies are used to treat RAO, including:

  1. Hyperventilation— In this therapy, the patient is made to inhale carbogen — a mixture of oxygen (95%) and carbon dioxide (5%). Through this, the eye doctors attempt to dilate the retinal arteries and make the blood clot move.
  2. Paracentesis: In this procedure, fluid is removed from the front of the eye using a small-gauge needle. It is done to lower the intraocular pressure to further dislodge the blood clot.
  3. Using different medications to lower the intraocular pressure.
  4. Giving an ocular massage with a thumb to move the embolus.

Looking for a leading eye hospital for retinal problems? 

We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have dedicated retina specialists, who offer the best ophthalmic care possible. As a leading eye hospital, we offer high-quality treatment for retinal conditions as well as for cataracts and glaucoma.

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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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Ocular migraine: What causes it and how is it diagnosed ?

Ocular migraine or retinal migraine is an eye condition. It causes temporary loss of vision in one eye or visual problems like blurry vision and flashing lights. Although these temporary visual disturbances can be alarming, in most cases they are harmless and the symptoms usually disappear on their own after around 20-30 mins. Most people don’t need any treatment. However, if you have any concerns, visit an eye hospital near you. 

Ocular migraine

Want to know more on ocular migraine? 

Check this read where we discuss ocular migraine in a detailed manner: 

 

  • Causes of ocular migraine:

 

When the blood vessels to the eye suddenly narrow, the blood flow to the eye is reduced which causes ocular migraine. Here are a few triggers that can cause the condition:

  • High blood pressure 
  • A family history of migraines
  • Stress 
  • Low blood sugar
  • Dehydration
  • Excessive heat 
  • Oral contraceptive pill 
  • High altitude 

 

  • Signs and symptoms:

 

An ocular migraine does not affect everyone in the same way. As a result, the signs and symptoms vary from person to person. The following are some of the most common ones:

  • Partial or total loss of vision in one eye – this can last anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes. And then the vision gradually returns to normal. 
  • Headache during or after vision less 

In most cases, the same eye is affected every time. 

 

  • Diagnosis and treatment:

 

An eye doctor will examine your eyes and will ask you a few questions related to your symptoms to rule out other conditions that could cause similar problems, such as:

  • Blockage in the artery that leads to the eye
  • Spasms in the artery that carries blood to the retina 
  •  Inflammation in blood vessels
  • Stroke 
  • Blood vessel disorders related to autoimmune diseases
  • Drug abuse

Once diagnosed, your eye doctor will give you medical advice. Normally, treatment isn’t required for ocular migraines as symptoms usually go away on their own after sometime. However, when the attacks happen, we would recommend you to rest your eyes until the symptoms pass. Your doctor may advise you to take painkillers to get relief from headaches. If you are worried about the frequency of the attacks, consult your eye doctor. 

Looking for an eye hospital in Kolkata? 

Visit Disha Eye Hospitals – we provide the best eye care services at affordable costs. We offer the latest technology in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases including glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. 

 

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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.