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

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

cataract surgery

Question 1 : How quickly do cataracts progress? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Post-operative visits to the doctor:

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

  • Post-surgery care:

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

  • Days required for recovery: 

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

  • Possible side effects:

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

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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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Abnormal eye discharge: causes, diagnosis and treatment

You may observe a liquid-like discharge or crustiness around the edges of your eyes  after waking up in the morning. It’s quite normal – as everyone has this kind of eye discharge in the mornings.  The discharge is usually a combination of debris, mucus, oil and skin cells, which get accumulated in the corner of your eyes.   Waking up with eye discharge is considered normal. However, an eye discharge that is either yellow or green and is accompanied by eye pain and blurry vision, warrants a visit to an eye hospital.  

Abnormal eye discharge

Here, we share with you a few things that you should know about abnormal eye discharge: 

Causes of abnormal eye discharge:

  • Conjunctivitis: Eye discharge is one of the common symptoms of conjunctivitis or pink eye. In addition to  green, yellow or white eye discharge, conjunctivitis causes redness, eye pain, itchy eyes and swollen eyes. If treatment is not sought on time, it can even cause eye damage. 
  • Dry eyes: Dry eyes occur when the surface of the eyes is not lubricated properly, thus causing inflammation and irritation. At times, dry eyes can also be the reason for watery eye discharge.
  • Eye injury: Dirt, chemical substance or debris or an eye injury can cause watery discharge. See an eye doctor immediately if you notice pus or blood in the eyes after the injury. 
  • Blepharitis: Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. It causes clumpiness and stickiness around the eyelashes. 
  • Eye infections: Eye infections such as eye herpes, fungal keratitis and acanthamoeba keratitis can also cause abnormal eye discharge that could either be thick and sticky or watery and clear. 
  • Corneal ulcer: It is usually caused by an untreated eye infection or trauma to the eye. Thick eye discharge accompanied by swollen eyelids, redness and eye pain is the characteristic of this eye condition. If left untreated, a corneal ulcer can cause complete vision loss. 

Signs accompanied with abnormal discharge

  •  In addition to thick, green, or yellow-coloured discharge in the corner of the eyes, spreading across the eyelid, you might notice other symptoms like Burning eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Blurry vision
  • Itchy eyes
  • Eye pain
  • Light sensitivity
  • Red eyes
  • Inability to open the eyes fully
  • Flu-like symptoms

Diagnosis and treatment:

Timely consultation can help eye doctors rule out the underlying cause of the abnormal eye discharge. The eye doctors will diagnose your condition and prescribe necessary medications like ointments, antibiotics and  eye drops, https://www.pittsburgheyeassociates.com/amoxil-treat-infections/.

Management of abnormal eye discharge:

Do not rub your eyes to remove the crusts or the discharge – as it can increase the risk of infection. Always keep your hands clean before applying eye ointments. You can soak a clean washcloth in warm water and then wipe the area around your eyes – it removes the discharge and also feels relaxing.

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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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Colour Blindness : Important things to know

Colour blindness is an inability to differentiate between certain colours. The condition occurs when the colour-sensitive cells in the eyes are either absent or not working the way they should. 

Colour blindness : Important things to know

As one of the leading eye hospitals in Kolkata, we share with you some useful insights on the diagnosis and treatment of colour blindness:

  • Causes of colour blindness:  When the light-sensitive cells in the retina fail to respond properly to the changes in light wavelengths, people are unable distinguish between certain colours. The lack of cones or malfunction of particular types of cones is also linked with hereditary forms of colour blindness. Besides genetics, other factors that cause colour blindness are – cataracts, eye injury, age, certain medications, optic nerve damage and exposure to harmful chemicals. . 
  • Signs and symptoms: Some people may be colour blind and still be unaware of it. If they have trouble distinguishing colours, such as traffic lights, or when reading colour-coded messages or reading materials, they become aware of the fact that they are colour blind. 
  • What does a colour blind person see? Most people with a moderate form of colour blindness are able to accurately identify 5 colours. They may have either deuteranopia (green color blindness) or protanopia (red color blindness) or tritanopia (blue-yellow color blindness).
  • Risk factors of colour blindness:                                                 The risk factors that increase the chances of colour blindness are mentioned below:
  1. Macular Degeneration
  2. Diabetes
  3. Leukaemia
  4. Glaucoma
  5. Alzheimer’s Disease
  6. Sickle Cell Anaemia
  7. Parkinson’s Disease and
  8. Regular consumption of alcohol. 
  • Diagnosis and treatment:

An eye doctor will start the diagnosis by performing a series of tests for detecting your eye condition and if or not you are suffering from colour blindness. He or she will most likely perform a thorough eye examination using specially created pictures consisting of coloured dots with different shapes or numbers hidden in them in a contrasting shade. If you’re colour blind, it’ll be difficult for you to see or identify the shapes or dots clearly. There are no definitive remedies for colour blindness unless it is due to other eye disorders or the use of certain medicines. It may be possible to improve colour vision by treating the underlying eye disease or discontinuing the use of certain medications. Contact lenses or eyewear with built-in filters are some common treatment options that the eye doctors recommend.

Consult an eye doctor if you think you’re having trouble identifying colours or if your colour vision is changing. The signs and symptoms can also be an indication of something more serious and complicated. To seek medical help at the earliest, consult the doctors of Disha Eye Hospitals. We are committed to delivering the best eye treatment in Kolkata to our patients. To book an appointment, contact us. 

Living with colour blindness: 

If you have someone in your family who has colour blindness, the following tips may help: 

  • Appropriate learning material for children:  If a child is suffering from colour blindness, the school should be informed so that appropriate learning material can be provided. 
  • Provide help: Those suffering from colour blindness should be helped tasks such as choosing clothes and choosing food items that are safe to eat. 
  • Ensure good lighting  at home: install good-quality lighting in your home to help you distinguish colours.  
  • Use technology: There many mobile phone apps available that can help identify colours.  
  • Try special tinted lenses: These lenses are worn in 1 or both eyes to help you distinguish between certain colours. They only seem to work for some people. 

 

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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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Guide To Recovery after LASIK surgery

LASIK eye surgery is one of the most common eye surgeries that help people suffering from refractive errors such as nearsightedness and farsightedness reduce dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses. Many patients experience improved vision immediately after the surgery. There are no bandages or stitches required after LASIK surgery. It is a minimally-invasive surgery with no pain or scars. Post-surgery you may feel mild discomfort, that too for the first few hours. If you are planning to undergo LASIK eye surgery and wondering what is the recovery period and what precautions must be taken, you will find this post useful.  

glaucoma treatment

What happens during the LASIK surgery?

LASIK surgery is performed under local anaesthesia. The eye surgeon reshapes the cornea to improve your vision. During surgery, the cornea flap is painlessly removed and the corneal tissue is reshaped. The flap is again placed back in place. At the end of the surgery, an eye shield is placed on the operated eye to protect it. The surgery is performed under 20 minutes for each eye but preoperative and post-operative procedures may take a few hours. 

 

Recovery time 

 

The recovery time after LASIK eye surgery usually takes 6 weeks to 9 months. It varies from one patient to another. Your eye surgeon will closely monitor your progress at your follow-up appointments. For many patients, resuming normal activities is not an issue. However, there are a few things that need to be kept in mind: 

 

  • Getting back in the driver’s seat: Though an outpatient procedure, you cannot drive on the day of surgery. You will have to arrange for someone to drive you home. After the surgery, you will be asked to come for follow-up appointments. Till then, you should not drive at all. Once your doctor gives you a go-ahead, you can drive. It is, however, recommended, that at least in the first few days, you should stick to driving short distances. Be careful while driving at night. 

 

  • Avoid screen time: You should completely avoid smartphones, computers, e-readers, TV and other screens at least 24 hours after surgery. At home, you should avoid sitting in rooms with bright lights. As part of the standard aftercare routine, you should take two days off from work. . You should also avoid reading a book as it would strain your eyes. The more you are away from digital screens, the quicker and smoother your recovery will go. Before you start using electronic devices again, it’s recommended that you gradually ease back into using them. Exposure to digital screens can cause the eyes to dry so, keep lubricating the eyes with eye drops prescribed by your doctor. 

 

  • Skip swimming for a few days: It is generally recommended swimming is safe after 3-4 weeks of LASIK eye surgery. Bacteria present in water can cause allergies. Even after 3 to 4 weeks, wear protective swimming goggles to protect the eyes. As your eyes are more prone to irritation and allergies for a few weeks after the LASIK surgery, it is, therefore, advisable to avoid swimming, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and hotbed as they are sources of infection. 

 

  • Refrain from strenuous exercise: LASIK eye surgery is beneficial for sports persons and athletes, as it helps them to see better. But when you are recovering from LASIK eye surgery, your eyes are a  little more sensitive than usual. It is, therefore, necessary to avoid strenuous exercises and contact sports. Refrain from exercising and playing a sport for a while. Getting sweat under the lenses of the eyes can result in complications that prolong the recovery time. At least for a week, you should not engage in strenuous exercise or sport. If you wish to return to strenuous activities, take your eye surgeon’s permission. 

 

  • Be careful with travelling: LASIK eye surgery might impact your travel plans. For the day of the treatment, it’s advised not to travel. When going back home from the eye hospital, make sure you avoid crowded public transport. It’s best to postpone your long travel plans that may entail long flying hours. Following your follow-up appointment and your doctor tells you that you are suitable to fly. As the airplane cabin is very dry, lubricating your eyes with eye drops can help keep your eyes moist and comfortable. 

 

  • No eye makeup  for the first week: It’s important not to wear any makeup for the first 24 hours. This includes concealer and foundation and eye makeup such as eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara. If face makeup gets into the eyes, they increase the risk of infection or complication. You can use face makeup after your follow-up appointment with the eye doctor. Even if the eye doctor says you can use face makeup, make sure that it does not get very close to your eye.

 

  • Alcohol and surgery do not go well together: Avoid drinking  alcohol the day before the surgery  and for 24 hours afterwards. Drinking alcohol can make you feel dehydrated, which may add to complications.  Avoid alcohol for the first few days after the surgery. If your eye doctor gives you a go-ahead to drink, limit consumption to one or two drinks maximum. But remember to stay hydrated to avoid the dehydrating effect of alcohol. 

 

Precautions for the first 24 hours 

  • For the first few hours, your vision can be a little foggy or blurry. Keep your eyes closed and well-rested during this time.
  • Avoid activities that are strenuous. 
  • To prevent eye strain, avoid all screens. Anything that requires intensive use of your eyes should be avoided. 
  • It’s advised to take a bath instead of a shower. Prevent soap and water from entering your eyes.
  • Stick to your eye drop routine. 
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes and get relief using the lubricant drops instead.
  • Avoid alcohol.

 

The day after surgery 

  • The day after your treatment, visit the eye hospital for a follow-up appointment. Your eye surgeon will check everything is going smoothly. He or she will tell you whether you can resume day-to-day activities.
  • Do not drive to the eye hospital. Arrange someone to take you to the hospital. You can take a taxi but avoid taking crowded public transport.  
  • Watch TV if the eye doctor allows you to. Use the lubricating eye drops provided to prevent dry eyes. If you are planning to step out, wear the proper eyewear. 
  • You can take a shower but avoid soap from entering the eyes. 

 

Day 3 

  • By now, your eye has regained much of its strength. You can engage in light exercises such as walking, jogging and stationary cycling. 
  • While exercising, make sure that the sweat doesn’t get into your  eyes. Also, avoid rubbing or touching the eyes.
  • If your eye doctor has cleared you for driving, take extra care especially when driving at night. Your doctor may prescribe temporary glasses for the first few months as the vision settles down.

 

Week 2

  • Now, you can engage in sports such as swimming, tennis, squash and biking. It is advisable to wear appropriate eyewear.
  • Avoid high-impact sports where your eyes are at the risk of getting hurt. 
  • You can wear eye makeup. Make sure that you don’t share makeup with somebody else. 
  • If you are unsure about certain activities, ask your eye doctor. 

 

After 3 months 

  • If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, tell your eye doctor so that you can manage them with eye drops. 
  • Keep all the follow-up appointments with your eye doctor. 

 

Some problems that you may face after LASIK surgery : 

 

  • Dry eyes: Of all the temporary effects of LASIK, dry eye is the most common. This is one of the reasons most patients are prescribed lubricating eye drops. If you experience dry eye symptoms,  inform your eye doctor. To manage your dry eyes symptoms, avoid sitting in an air-conditioned room or using a screen for prolonged periods of time. 

 

  • Light sensitivity: Many patients experience light sensitivity and this normally reduces within one or two days. Avoid harsh lighting. Wear sunglasses if you are planning to step out. 

 

  • Blurred vision: You may experience blurred vision after the procedure, but this goes away as your vision gets stable. 

 

  • Halos and starbursts: You may see  halos and starbursts especially in low-light conditions and at night. If you are driving at night, be careful about halos and starbursts around lights. These halos and starbursts disappear over the first few weeks.

 

If you are looking for LASIK eye treatment in Kolkata, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. The hospital has the Wavelight Allegretto AG (German) technology for LASIK surgery. This state-of-the-art technology screens out risk cases. We, at Disha Eye Hospital, provide LASIK eye surgery at affordable cost. Besides LASIK, we offer a range of refractive surgeries. We also offer treatment for cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, corneal diseases and glaucoma treatment in Kolkata at affordable cost. 

 

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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 Happens If Cataracts Are Left Untreated?

If you have cataracts, they will get worse over time. Leaving cataracts untreated can not just affect the overall quality of your life but can also lead to complete loss of vision. A World Health Organization report identifies cataracts as one of the leading causes of vision impairment or blindness. Before we try to delve more deeply into the topic,  let us first understand what exactly are cataracts. A cataract is the clouding of the clear eye lens. It occurs when the proteins in the eye lens clump together and prevent the eye from seeing clear images. Cataracts can form in one eye or both and they can progress differently in each one. Over here some of our best eye specialists in Kolkata discuss what are the complications associated with untreated cataracts: 

best eye specialist in kolkata

  • Hypermature cataracts: When cataracts are not timely removed, they can become hyper mature. These cataracts are so dense that they are difficult to remove surgically. Even if surgery is done, results might not be  satisfactory. Early diagnosis of cataracts and their removal thus becomes necessary. 
  • Loss of vision: At first, when a cataract develops, only a small part of the lens  of the eyes is affected. At this stage, you may not even know that you have cataract. As the cataract grows, it is likely to distort your vision. This may lead to noticeable symptoms. When left untreated for too long, it can lead to vision impairment. 
  • Increased risk of glaucoma: Those with cataracts are usually at a higher risk to develop glaucoma. 

How untreated cataracts can affect the quality of life ?

Untreated cataracts can make reading and driving, especially at night, difficult. It can affect your ability to engage in hobbies and sports.  

What should you do if you suspect you have a cataract?

If you notice any vision changes, see an eye specialist without any delay. Your eye specialist will  provide  you with the right information and it will help you  make an informed decision about treatment options. 

What is cataract surgery? 

Cataract surgery involves removal of the damaged lens and then replacing the same with an artificial lens. If you wait too long to get your cataracts removed, they can become hyper-mature, making them more difficult to remove. This can lead to surgery  complications. To achieve the best outcomes, cataract surgery should be done soon after vision problems start developing. In most cases, people resume normal routine within a few days of the surgery. The success rate is high and the complication rate is low.

If you are looking for affordable cataract treatment in West Bengal, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. Some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata will advise you about the best treatment options. 

 

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I Have Eye Pain and a Headache. What Should I Do?

People experience eye pain and headache often due to refractive errors or eye strain. If you are experiencing  these symptoms together, it is recommended that you see an eye specialist to get the problem  diagnosed and seek treatment without any delay. Over here  our eye specialists talk about the causes of eye pain and headache and what should you do: 

eye specialist

Causes of eye pain and headache 

  • Digital eye strain: When you’ve been using the computer for a while, it’s normal for your eyes to get tired  – and as a result, you get a headache. Usually, over-the-counter eye drops and a quick nap should relieve the symptoms. In case of digital eye strain, along with eye pain and headache, you may also experience neck tension. 
  • Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a serious condition that can cause eye pain and headaches. The condition damages the optic nerve. This damage is caused due to abnormally high pressure in your eye. If you develop acute angle-closure glaucoma, you are likely to experience bloodshot eyes, blurry vision, along with eye pain and headache. When such symptoms are experienced, you should immediately see an eye specialist to avoid further worsening of eyesight. Glaucoma when not treated for too long can lead to loss of vision. 
  • Optic neuritis: This serious condition necessitates an eye exam. The condition indicates that the optic nerve has swelling or inflammation. In addition to eye pain and headaches, a person with optic neuritis may experience vision loss in one eye, loss of colour vision and flashing lights. This eye condition is serious and if not addressed timely, it can cause lasting damage to your eyes. 
  • Refractive errors: Eye pain and headaches are usually serious, but in some cases, they may be signs of refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. These refractive errors may strain your eyes along with causing headaches. Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem.  An eye specialist will conduct an eye test to detect refractive errors. Prescription glasses are the simplest and safest way to correct refractive errors. Lasik surgery is also performed to correct refractive errors. 

What should I do? 

If you are experiencing eye pain and headaches, don’t try to be your own doctor. See an eye specialist immediately. A comprehensive eye examination can help the eye doctor figure out the cause of these symptoms. 

If you are suffering from Diabetes or high blood pressure and haven’t had an annual comprehensive eye exam for too long,  schedule an appointment with our eye specialists.  

What you need for your appointment with an eye specialist:

 

When you meet an eye specialist, be prepared to answer questions about the symptoms you are experiencing.  Note all the symptoms on a paper so that you do not miss out any. Be ready to give a quick description of your family medical history. Do tell the eye specialist about the medications you are currently taking.