Posted on

A useful guide on LASIK

A type of refractive eye surgery, LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. The procedure can correct refractive errors — nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. As the surgery has a good track record, it is often chosen by many patients. The procedure is safe and quickly restores the vision.

A useful guide on LASIK

Requirements for a good LASIK surgery candidate:

1. Candidate’s eyes should be healthy: The eyes should be healthy. If there’s any active eye infection or abrasions, they must be treated before the surgery.

2. The eye condition is within range: LASIK eye procedures treat a wide range of eye conditions, including hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism. An eye doctor is the best person to tell whether LASIK is the best treatment for a particular eye condition or not.

3. The vision should be stable: Stable vision reduces the risk of regression and the need for a touch-up procedure. 

4. The candidate should be an adult: The patient has to be at least 18 years old to undergo LASIK surgery.

What is the procedure for LASIK?

Before a LASIK procedure, the eye surgeon will/may:

  • Assess the overall health of the eye. 
  • Prescribe mild medication a few days before the procedure. 
  • Put numbing drops in the eyes before the operation starts.

LASIK treatment:

LASIK surgery can be performed with Excimer Laser as well as Femtosecond laser. While the former uses a blade during the procedure, the latter is a bladeless procedure.

The laser physically corrects the glass prescription by reshaping the cornea during the surgery. Thus, correcting myopia, hypermetropia or astigmatism using this technology.

The LASIK surgery usually requires less than 30 minutes of operating room time. The laser is for less than a minute on each eye. However,  preoperative preparation and post-operative observation may take hours.

LASIK with Excimer Laser

The procedure involves two steps:

  • Creation of thin-film or flap on the surface of the cornea by a precision flap-making instrument
  • Reshaping the cornea with excimer laser by removing tissue from the middle layer of the cornea

The procedure in detail:

  • After numbing the eyes, the patient is asked to relax on the treatment bed. The eyelids of the patient are held open with a precision flap making instrument, microkeratome. It is an extremely fine instrument with precise delicate gears.
  • The patient is then asked to focus on a special fixation light. The eye surgeon uses a precision instrument. The instrument folds away a corneal flap within seconds, revealing the middle layer of the cornea.
  • During the creation of the flap, the pressure in the patient’s eye rises and their vision may grey out.
  • The cornea is reshaped using an excimer laser. 
  • After this, the flap is returned to cover the exposed area. And the treatment is completed.
  • Eye drops are put in the eye and a shield will be placed to keep the eye protected.

LASIK with Femtosecond Laser

The following steps are followed on the day of surgery: 

  • The patient is brought to a procedure room and is asked to lie on their back under the laser system and a computer screen.
  • Numbing drops are put into the patient’s eyes. 
  • The patient’s eyelids are kept open during the procedure using a machine called eye speculum.
  • A suction ring is centered over the pupil and suction is applied. A glass lens holds the globe of the eye steady and flattens the cornea.
  • The laser is used to create a flap in the surface of the cornea and suction is released.
  • The cornea is reshaped as required.
  • The flap is replaced once reshaping is complete. 
  • The flap will heal without stitches.

Note: If you are looking for the best eye hospital in Kolkata for bladeless, femtosecond LASIK surgery, you can visit us. We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, are committed to providing our patients with the highest possible standard of ophthalmic care in an affordable manner. Along with LASIK surgery, a few of our other services include cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, diagnostic and imaging services.

Although each of the LASIK procedures has its own features and benefits, there are a few advantages of femtosecond laser LASIK:

  • Puts patients at greater ease as no blade is used during the process
  • The decreased potential risk of corneal abrasion
  • Helps surgeons to customize LASIK procedure
  • Creates corneal flap with edges, enabling it to fit securely in place after the LASIK procedure, decreasing the risk of dislocation of flap post-surgery

What to do after LASIK surgery?

After LASIK surgery:

  • The patient should avoid rubbing or squeezing their eyes for the first week. 
  • They should take care of the eye to ensure that they do not displace the flap.

 

Posted on

Why are dry eyes an increasing problem?

If you’ve ever experienced irritation, itching, or scratching sensation in your eyes,  you are not alone. These are the symptoms of dry eyes. Dry eyes is an eye syndrome that occurs when tears fail to provide adequate lubrication to the eyes. 

Why are dry eyes an increasing problem

Dry eyes may sting or burn. In some cases, dry eyes are uncomfortable, disrupting day-to-day activities. Dry eye syndrome is on the rise, affecting around 344 million people across the globe. 

Note: We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to help diagnose and treat dry eye syndrome. We have some of the best doctors, ophthalmologists, and eye surgeons in Kolkata on board .

Causes of dry eye: 

  • Weather conditions: Different weather conditions, such as cold climate and exposure to winds can result in tears evaporating too quickly, further leading to dryness in the eyes. Dry air can also lead to dry eyes. 

 

  • Air conditioning: Today, air conditioners have become a part of homes and offices, especially in areas with high humidity. While air-conditioned homes and offices make your indoor environment more pleasant, it also drains the humidity from the air, resulting in loss of moisture in the eyes. This can result in dry eyes. 

 

 

Extended screen time: One of the noticeable and recent effects on eye health is extended screen time. Blinking helps in keeping the eyes lubricated. When people look at a screen for extended periods, they tend to blink less. This causes faster evaporation of the film of tears that protects the surface of the eye, leading to dry eyes. 

 

Wearing contact lenses: Contact lenses can also put one at risk of dry eyes. Wearing contact lenses for more than the recommended hours per day can increase the risk of developing dry eyes.   Not handling contact lenses properly can result in dry eye issues and can also exacerbate dry eye symptoms for those who are already suffering from the condition. 

Posted on

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. 

 

 

Posted on

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

Posted on

Dos and don’ts of contact lens wear

Rohan Basu, a 36-year-old from Kolkata, is a regular contact lens wearer. He was experiencing problems such as itching, burning or stinging sensation and watery eyes for quite some time. Finally, he decided to visit an eye hospital. Upon seeing an eye doctor he realised the mistakes that he had been making while using contact lenses. From wearing contact lenses to bed to wearing them to swimming pools, he had been using the contact lenses in the wrong way.

Dos and don'ts of contact lens wear

If you too are a contact lens wearer, it is important to know the dos and don’ts so that you do not put yourself at risk of developing eye infections. As a leading eye hospital in West Bengal, we share with you a few Do’s and Don’ts you must follow if you wear contact lenses. 

DO’s:

  • Do keep your hands clean. Your hands may be covered with germs, so always wash and rinse them thoroughly before touching the contact lenses. 
  • Do clean the lenses. Also, clean the lenses after removal as instructed by the eye care professional using the recommended solution. Also, keep the lens case clean. 
  • Discard all the lens solutions after the expiry date, even if there is any solution remaining.
  • Do carry your lens storage case and solution at all times if possible.
  • Keep your spectacles up to date. You can immediately use them if you lose your contact lenses. Or in case your doctor advises you to not wear contact lenses.
  • Wear swimming goggles while swimming with contact lenses. Also, wear protective glasses if you are dealing with dust, sand grit, or other foreign material. 
  • Always remove lenses before removing your eye make-up. Remove make-up with a good oil-free hypo-allergenic remover.
  • Clean your lenses immediately if you get any make-up on your contact lenses.

DON’Ts:

  • Don’t use tap or running water to rinse or soak your lenses.
  • Don’t rub your eyes vigorously while wearing contact lenses.
  • Don’t mix up your lenses. Always keep the right eye contact lens away from the left lens. This is especially important if the prescription numbers of both eyes are different. 
  • Don’t expose your contact lenses to sunlight.
  • Don’t apply any eye cosmetic products if you have swollen or red eyes or eye infections.
  • Don’t allow make-up to come in contact with your contact lenses. 
  • Do not share your contact lenses, even if they are zero power.

See an eye doctor if you experience an eye problem 

Contact lenses are convenient. However, improper use of contact lenses can raise the risk of an eye infection. If you experience any itchiness, redness, swelling or any other symptom in the eye, visit an eye hospital to get your eyes checked. Being one of the leading eye hospitals, we at Disha Eye Hospitals, have some of the best and highly experienced doctors, who will attend to your problem.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

Things to know about an eye strain headache

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

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

eye strain headache

What are the signs of eye strain headache?

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

What causes eye strain?

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

How to prevent eye strain?

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

Looking for an experienced eye specialist? 

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

 

Posted on

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.

 

 

Posted on

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.

Posted on

What You Should Know About Fuchs’ Dystrophy: insights curated by the best eye doctors in Kolkata

Fuchs’ dystrophy, also called Fuchs’ disease, is found within the cornea of the eye. Many people in their 30s and 40s may have Fuchs’ dystrophy but do not know it. Vision problems might not appear until age 50 or later. As Fuchs’ dystrophy is a relatively common condition affecting people, our eye surgeons in Kolkata have curated a list of important things you should know about the disease:

best eye doctors

What is Fuchs’ Dystrophy? 

Fuchs’ Dystrophy is a corneal disease. It occurs when endothelium cells in the corneal layer gradually die or do not work well. These cells are responsible for pumping the fluid and keeping the cornea clear. When these cells do not function well, fluid builds up and the cornea gets swollen, causing vision to get cloudy.

Symptoms of Fuchs’ Dystrophy

There are two stages of Fuchs’ dystrophy. The condition is progressive which means the symptoms worsen gradually.

First stage symptoms 

  • Vision may be blurry when in the morning but improve throughout the day. 

Second stage symptoms

  • The blurry vision will not get better as the day goes on. 
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Seeing small dots, stars, or shapes throughout the day
  • Eye swelling and pain
  • Eye problems get worse in humid areas
  • A gritty-like feeling in both eyes

Causes of Fuchs’ dystrophy

The condition is caused when endothelial cells in the cornea die. The precise cause of this cellular destruction is not known. The endothelial cells are responsible for balancing fluids in the cornea. Without them, the cornea swells because of the fluid buildup. As the cornea swells up, the vision is affected.

Who is at the risk of getting Fuchs’ dystrophy ?

  • Fuchs’ dystrophy affects more women than men. 
  • Those with diabetes are also at a greater risk. 
  • Smoking is also a risk factor.
  • Having a family history of Fuchs’ Dystrophy increases the risk.

How is Fuchs’ dystrophy diagnosed?

  1. Fuchs’ dystrophy is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. During the eye exam, they’ll look for signs of changes in the cornea.
  2. To check the thickness of the cornea, the eye doctor may suggest a few tests including pachymetry. These tests will give the eye doctors images of the cornea. Using these images, the doctor will count the endothelial cells. 
  3. An eye pressure test may also be suggested to rule out other eye diseases, such as glaucoma.

Fuchs’ dystrophy and cataracts

Some people can develop cataracts and have Fuchs’ Dystrophy. In this case, the person will need to undergo two types of surgeries at once: one for cataract removal and the other for a corneal transplant.

Treatment for Fuchs’ Dystrophy

  • Eye drops or ointments:  The early stage of Fuchs’ Dystrophy is treated with prescription eye drops or ointments. 
  • Corneal transplant: In case of significant corneal scarring, a transplant surgery may be done. There are two options
  1. Full corneal transplant: The damaged cornea will be replaced by the cornea of a donor. 
  2.  Endothelial keratoplasty: This involves transplanting endothelial cells in the cornea to replace the damaged ones.

Looking for an eye surgeon in Kolkata?  

If you are looking for eye surgeons in Kolkata, visit our Disha Eye Hospitals. Our eye surgeons in Kolkata specialise in treating several eye conditions including glaucoma, corneal diseases, retinal conditions and  cataract.