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Do Carrots Really Improve Eyesight?

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

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

Do carrots really improve eyesight?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See through the myth and get your eyes checked every year

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

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

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

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Difference Between Cataracts and Glaucoma

Difference between cataracts and glaucoma

Cataracts and Glaucoma are two of the most serious eye complications. Both the degenerative eye diseases occur as the natural part of the aging process and cause vision impairment. However, the eye diseases have stark differences in between them.

Let’s uncover the key differences between these two serious eye complications to get a clear picture: 

1) Symptoms: While symptoms including eye pain and vision blurriness are common in both eye complications, the other symptoms that are different:

Cataracts:

  • Double vision in the single eye
  • Yellowing of colours
  • Clouded vision
  • Appearance of cloudy formation on eyes’ lens area
  • Lowered vision in dimly lit areas

Glaucoma:

  • Seeing coloured rings around lights
  • Sudden disturbances in vision
  • Eye redness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Book an eye test online:

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure to seek medical advice. We, at Disha Eye Hospital, have a team of some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata. Book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment and get a proper diagnosis of your eye health.

2) Causes:- 

The way Cataracts and Glaucoma cause vision loss are completely different from each other, and so are the factors that cause them.

Cataracts: The eye complication occurs when the eye lenses become stiffer, start breaking down, and form clumps as you age. As the eye disease progresses, the clumps become denser and start clouding the lens. This, in turn, obstructs light to completely pass through and reach the retina which results in blurred vision. Cataracts can either develop in one eye or both eyes. In cases where cataracts form in both eyes, the clouding of the lens is not even.

Glaucoma: Glaucoma occurs when the intraocular pressure (IOP) increases above normal levels and damages the optic nerve. The IOP increases when the fluid (aqueous humour) in the front of the eye builds up when it is not drained as properly as it should.

As the IOP increases with time, more damage is done to the optic nerve, which, in turn, leads to gradual vision impairment.

3) Vision loss restoration:-
As discussed above, both the eye diseases cause vision loss. However, vision loss can be restored and reversed only in Cataracts and not in Glaucoma.

Cataract: Cataract surgery, the go-to treatment option for cataracts, involves replacing the clouded lens with an artificial lens. Before the surgery, the doctor takes into account the refractive error of the patient to choose an artificial lens accordingly to correct the vision.

Glaucoma: The goal of treatment options for Glaucoma, including eye drops and surgery, is to reduce and stop vision loss from worsening by lowering IOP. Depending on the severity of your Glaucoma, the eye doctor may start treatment by prescribing eye drops or schedule a surgery.

4) Prevention

Both Cataracts and Glaucoma cannot be entirely prevented. However, you can take certain steps to lower the risks. Some of these include:

  • A healthy and balanced diet:

    Eating healthily is key to maintaining good eye health and lowering the risk of complications. Add green vegetables, colourful fruits, fresh eggs, and lean fish and meat to your diet to make sure you get proper nutrition intake.

  • Regular exercise: 

Exercising regularly helps improve blood circulation in the eyes. Another key benefit of regular exercise is it helps you maintain healthy body weight. Being overweight and obese increases the risk of diabetes which, in turn, can cause a vision-threatening eye disease known as Diabetic Retinopathy.

Consult best retina specialists in Kolkata

If you are suffering from diabetes, you are at an increased risk of Diabetic Retinopathy. Our team of some of the best retina specialists in Kolkata can guide you on taking important steps to lower the risk.

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Top Reasons for Eye Irritation

Top Reasons for Eye Irritation

Do you get a feeling that something’s stuck in your eyes? Are your eyes red and irritated? Are you wondering what’s bothering you? Eye irritation, one of the most common eye-related complications, can occur for many reasons. It is also a common symptom for a host of eye diseases and conditions. It can also result from minor to severe eye injuries.

Consult best eye hospital in West Bengal

If you are experiencing eye irritation, it’s important to consult an eye doctor. You can get a proper diagnosis of your eye-related symptoms from one of our eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospital, a leading eye hospital in West Bengal. Book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment.

Here, we have shared the top reasons for eye irritation:

1. Dry Eyes:-

Dry eyes is one of the most common eye conditions with eye irritation as a primary symptom. The condition occurs when the tear glands aren’t able to either produce a sufficient amount of tears or quality tears.

Dry eyes is more common in older adults. Apart from irritation, other symptoms of dry eyes include itchiness, blurred vision, red eyes, fatigues eyes, and soreness.

2. Conjunctivitis:-

Eye irritation is also commonly associated with conjunctivitis, an eye condition in which a thin membrane covering the white part of the eyeball gets infected. Some of the common factors associated with the onset of the eye condition include reaction to eye drops and exposure to irritants such as pool chlorine and smoke.

Sensitivity to light, blurred vision, itchiness, excess tearing, constant eye irritation, and redness are some of the common symptoms of conjunctivitis.

3. Blepharitis:-

Blepharitis involves inflammation of the eyelids. It is also one of the most common causes of eye irritation. The complication often occurs when oil glands located at the base of eyelashes get clogged.

Other common symptoms of blepharitis include sticky eyelids, itchy eyelids, swollen eyelids, burning sensation in the eyes, loss of eyelashes, and abnormal eyelash growth.

4. Corneal abrasion:-

A corneal abrasion occurs when the cornea suffers a minor scratch from specks of metal, flying dust, fingernail, grains of sand, or other foreign objects. A corneal abrasion commonly occurs when the contact lens scratches the cornea.

Some of the common symptoms of the eye complication include eye irritation, eye redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.

5. Corneal Ulcer:-

Corneal ulcer, as the name implies, is an open sore in the cornea’s surface. The eye condition is common among people who wear contact lenses, especially those who forget to take them overnight.

Some of the common symptoms of a corneal ulcer include eye irritation, sensitivity to light, eye redness, eye discharge, watery eyes, and itchy eyes.

6. Eye makeup:-

Eye cosmetics contain a myriad of chemicals that are harmful to the eyes. Using eye makeup past their expiry date is one of the common cases of eye irritation, redness, itchiness, and blurriness. Avoid using any eye cosmetic product past its expiry. Also, make sure to avoid sharing your eye makeup with others to lower the risk of eye allergies.

7. Trichiasis:-

Trichiasis occurs when eyelashes abnormally grow in the wrong direction. The eyelashes that grow inwards can act like needles and scratch the eyes during blinking and eye movement, causing damage to the cornea over time. Eye irritation is one of the primary symptoms of the eye condition. Other symptoms include sensitivity to glare, tearing, redness, and pain.

For eye treatment in Kolkata visit Disha Eye Hospital

At Disha Eye Hospital, we are committed to providing high-quality eye treatment by using state-of-the-art medical technologies. Our eye specialists help different eye problems like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. An early diagnosis means timely treatment. Our focus is also towards ensuring affordability in our treatment so that people from all walks of life can access high-quality eye care at affordable prices. Learn more about the eye care services we offer at http://www.dishaeye.org

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Why You Should Go for Routine Eye Check Ups?

 

Why you should go for routine eye check ups?
Getting an annual eye exam is a crucial part of ensuring good eye health for yourself and your loved ones. The benefits of regular eye checkups go beyond preventing eye-related complication as it also helps in diagnosis underlying health conditions at early stages. This way, you can start early treatments and lower the risks of complications.

Consult best eye specialists in Kolkata

Book an appointment at Disha Eye Hospital to get a comprehensive eye exam from one of the best eye specialists in Kolkata. Visit http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment to book your appointment online.

Here are some of the important reasons for getting regular eye checkups:

1) Diagnosis of diabetes:

Blurry vision is usually one of the first warning signs of high blood sugar levels. When your body doesn’t produce enough insulin that helps break down sugar in the body, the blood vessels swell up. This swelling can cause the fluid to leak into the lens of your eye, making it difficult for eyes to focus. An early comprehensive eye exam conducted can not only lead to early detection of diabetes, but the eye doctor diabetes specialist can help you manage diabetes better.

2) Diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy:-

Diabetic retinopathy, as its name implies, is one of the complications of diabetes. As discussed above, diabetes causes damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, causing them to leak and swell. This can also cause the eyes to grow new, weak blood vessels which leak blood in the vitreous gel of the eye and lead to vision blurriness. The bleeding can form scars over time and detach the retina from the eye.

The only way to detect the presence of diabetic retinopathy during early stages is through a comprehensive eye exam. This is because the eye disease does not cause any symptom during the initial stages. The eye doctor may conduct various eye tests, including a dilated eye exam (for a detailed examination of the eyes), and optical coherence tomography (to examine retina) to confirm the presence of the eye complication.

3) Keep your children’s eyes healthy:-

There’s no doubt that good vision helps your children learn better at school. However, children these days spend longer time using phones, tablets, and laptops which can take a toll on their vision.

The best way to ensure your children have a good vision is by taking them to annual eye checkups. The eye doctor can diagnose if your children have a refractive error and can suggest treatments and visual aids such as eyeglasses and contact lens accordingly.

4) Diagnosis of glaucoma:-

Glaucoma, apart from being one of the leading causes of vision loss, is also one of the most common eye complications. Glaucoma occurs when the passages in the eyes clog and prevent eye fluids from draining. As a result, the eye fluids accumulate and increase intraocular pressure in the eyes. This. in turn, causes damage to the retina and optic nerve, and leads to vision impairment.

By visiting an eye doctor every year, you can get the eye complication detected at early stages. As such, you can start early treatment to lower the risks of complications. To detect the presence of glaucoma, an eye doctor may perform several eye tests, including tonometry (for measuring pressure in the eyes), ophthalmoscopy (to examine the topic nerve), and perimetry (to examine the field of vision).

5) Diagnosis of cataracts:-

Common in older adults, cataracts is one of the most serious eye complications and leads to permanent vision loss. The eye complication occurs when protein builds up in the lens of the eyes and start forming clumps. As such, the protein build-up clouds the lens and obstruct light from fully entering into the retina.

Apart from older age, diabetes, family history of the eye disease, and physical injury to the eyes can also increase the risk of cataracts. During your annual eye exam, your eye doctor can detect early cataract symptoms such as abnormal changes in the lens area, nearsightedness, double vision, and sensitivity to glare. To confirm the presence of the eye disease, your eye doctor may conduct the three important tests, including visual acuity test, retinal exam, and slit-lamp exam.

Consult best retina specialists in Kolkata

If you are having blurry vision or you are diabetic, consult best retina specialists in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospital. Our retina specialists can help diagnose problems like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma etc. At Disha Eye Hospital, we use industry-leading medical technologies and equipment to provide high-quality eye care. To learn more about our eye care services, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/.

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10 Things to Know about Swollen Eyelids

Have you ever wondered why your eyelids look swollen? Well, it may be lack of sleep. But if it doesn’t go away in more than 48 hours then it’s a cause for concern. Eyes usually swell up when excess fluid accumulates near the area around the eyes. The swelling can happen in your upper or lower eyelid, much to your annoyance and discomfort. However, if the swelling remains longer than 48 hours, it’s time to see an eye doctor otherwise you run a risk of damaging your eyes. There are several factors that can cause your eyelids to swell. Here’s a low-down on why your eyelids swell up and what should you do to address the problem:

1. A symptom of an underlying condition: Swollen eyelids are more often than not a symptom of an underlying cause. They are themselves no problem but symptomatic of various eye conditions, like allergy or conjunctivitis. Often when you have swollen eyes, you experience irritation, sensitivity to light, and watery eyes. A combination of these symptoms suggests that there’s something severely wrong with your eyes.

2. Allergies can cause eyes to swell: Exposure to pollen, dust, and pet dander can cause your eyes to swell up. Sometimes expired eye cosmetics and contact lens solutions can also cause an adverse reaction, making your eyelids look puffy and making your eyes watery.

3. Conjunctivitis: One of the most common infections that cause your eyelids to swell up and turn red is conjunctivitis, a common infection caused by a virus, bacteria, allergens or other irritants. As the eyes turn pinkish red conjunctivitis is also called a pink eye.

4. Sty: A sty looks like a boil filled with pus or a pimple or a red bump. It usually forms just at the edge of the eyelids. A sty is caused by an infection of oil glands in the eyelid and one must see an eye doctor if your eye condition does improve in 48 hours or the redness and swelling extend beyond your eyelids. Till you have sty, you should avoid using any cosmetics. Also, avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands. Applying a warm washcloth can help relieve you of discomfort. However, seeing an eye doctor is a must.

Consult best eye hospital in Kolkata

If your eyes are swelling up, get yourself checked by best eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospital, one of the top eye hospitals in Kolkata. To explore our eye treatments that are available at affordable prices, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/.

5. Chalazion: A chalazion is quite like a sty but only slightly bigger. Unlike a sty, it forms away from the edge of the eyelid. Both children and adults can develop styes and chalazia. See an eye specialist if a bump appears near your eyelids.

6. Crying: If you are going through an emotionally tough phase in your life, a good crying session can help you de-stress. However, the puffy eyes that don’t make things easy for you. Applying a cold compress or cucumber slices can help reduce swelling.

7. Physical injury: Getting hit by a cricket ball or some other object can cause eyelids to swell up. In such a scenario, first, wash your eyes with water. Then rush to the nearest eye hospital. If you think something is stuck in the eye, don’t try to remove it yourself as it can damage your eyes.

8. Life-threatening diseases: Some life-threatening diseases like orbital cellulitis, Graves’ disease, and ocular herpes can also cause eyelids to swell up. Orbital cellulitis is a dangerous infection, that affects the eyelids, eyebrows, and cheeks. It is commonly found among children below 7 years of age but the incidence of orbital cellulitis has gone down because of the vaccination. Graves’ disease is an immune system disorder that affects the overall well-being of the patient. Besides puffy eyelids, one may experience fatigue, anxiety, and weight loss. Ocular herpes is a common eye infection that affects the cornea. It can cause blindness if not treated on time. The disease can often be confused with conjunctivitis. Thus, it is very important to get the right diagnosis.

9. Avoid swollen eyelids: Getting yourself tested for allergens can help you prevent your eyelids from getting swollen after reacting to allergens like pollens and dust. Either avoid or reduce the use of eye cosmetics. If you still have to, you should opt for hypoallergenic cosmetics that will not cause flare-ups.

10. Proper hygiene: Those of you who wear contact lenses when handling your lenses make sure your hands are not just washed but sanitised too. Follow proper hygiene process while putting in or taking off your lenses. If your contact lens solution is causing you trouble, ask your eye specialist to suggest you a new one rather than just changing brands without knowing what is causing the irritation.

Get comprehensive eye check up at Disha Eye Hospital

If you have swollen eyelids or you are experiencing any form of irritation in the eye, let the best eye specialists in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospital diagnose your problems. At Disha Eye Hospital, we offer a range of ophthalmic services like LASIK and refractive surgeries and cataract surgery. Know more about services here http://www.dishaeye.org/.

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How to Know if LASIK is Right for You?

How to Know if LASIK is Right for You?

Your friend got a LASIK eye surgery done last month and she looks fabulous without her eyeglasses. Now, you are thinking of getting a LASIK eye surgery done for yourself to reduce the need of wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. But you don’t know whether you are a good candidate for it. The best way to know if you a good candidate for a LASIK is to take an appointment with an eye specialist.

For a LASIK surgery consult best eye specialists in top eye hospital in Kolkata

If you are in Kolkata and planning to get a LASIK surgery done, then look nowhere but at Disha Eye Hospital, one of the top eye hospitals in Kolkata. Besides LASIK, we offer a range of ophthalmic services like refractive surgeries and cataract surgery. To check our eye treatments that are available at affordable prices, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/.

A LASIK (Laser Intra-stromal Kerato mileusis) surgery is a common eye procedure that helps correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. It is an outpatient surgical procedure where the laser is used to make a small flap in the cornea and removes some of the tissue exposed by the flap. The operation takes around 10 to 15 minutes on one eye. Here’s some more information that can help you understand LASIK eye surgery and what it entails. However, only an eye specialist after a comprehensive analysis of your vision can tell you if LASIK eye surgery is right for you:

1. Are you above 18? You must be above 18 to qualify for the procedure. A person’s vision can change anytime during their lifetime and during adolescence, it changes dramatically. As the LASIK surgery is permanent, it is not recommended for anyone who is not an adult. Even those in their mid-20s are often encouraged to wait until their prescription may be more stable. In your early 20s, your prescription may change.

2. Does your eyeglass prescription qualify for a LASIK? After a thorough eye examination, an eye specialist will determine if your eyeglass prescription requires a LASIK. An experienced optometrist or ophthalmologist can evaluate your vision, your lifestyle needs and then tell you whether you are a good candidate for LASIK or not.

3. Do you have healthy corneas? A LASIK surgery involves the creation of a LASIK flap. To support this LASIK flap, you must have thick cornea. If your corneas are not thick enough, you are likely to experience some complications.

4. Do you have a stable vision? Your refractive errors need to be stable for at least a year before undergoing LASIK or other refractive surgery. Your eye specialist can tell you whether your prescription is stable or not.

5. Do you have cataracts? A LASIK surgery is generally not recommended for those who have cataracts.

6. Are you pregnant? It is not recommended for you to get LASIK done just before or after pregnancy. You may have to wait sometime. Women go through a lot of hormonal changes during and after pregnancy that can cause changes to a woman’s vision corrective prescription during pregnancy. A LASIK surgery during pregnancy can make the operations outcomes less predictable. Several prescription and non-prescription medications are given for a LASIK surgery and they may pose threat to the foetus.

7. Do you have any serious medical condition?

If you have no eye problems like active corneal disease, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or glaucoma, you can be considered for a LASIK surgery.

8. Do you have realistic expectations? A lot of people think that getting a LASIK eye surgery means never ever having to wear your eyeglasses. The idea of a LASIK surgery is to reduce your dependency on eyeglasses and contact lenses. But it cannot completely eliminate the need of eyeglasses. Many people don’t eyeglasses even years after the surgery but some do. The need for wearing eyeglasses totally depends on the health of your vision.

Choose Disha Eye Hospital for LASIK eye surgery at affordable cost

Our LASIK surgery department is the most researched one. We have the best technology, the Wavelight Allegretto AG (German) technology. The state-of-the-art technology screens out risk cases. Now, to book an appointment at Disha Eye Hospitals through WhatsApp, send an SMS or WhatsApp text on 9433311111.

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If Your Child Has Squint, Then Read These 5 Useful Insights

If Your Child Has Squint, Then Read These 5 Useful Insights

Squint, also called as Strabismus, can occur at any age, but is particularly common in young children. Squint can be temporary i.e. it may come and go, or persist (be permanent). These 5 insights can help you confirm the occurrence of squint in your child, choose proper treatment, and lower the risks of further complications:

1. Ensuring annual eye check-up of your child:

As a concerned parent, your first responsibility is to ensure that you take your child to the eye doctor every year for a comprehensive eye checkup. Doing this will help you identify the early symptoms of squint as well as other eye complications common in young children.

You can bring your child to our eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospital, one of the leading eye hospitals in West Bengal, for a complete eye exam. Our team of eye doctors uses the latest technologies and equipment for ensuring precise diagnosis.

2. Tips to identify whether your child has squint:

Identifying squint in your child is relatively easy. The first step is to take a closer look at your child’s eye; if the eye balls are deviated from each other at all times or when trying to focus on an object, it could indicate the presence of the eye condition.

Another sign to watch out for is whether your child is tilting his/her head to one side when doing everyday tasks or not. As squint can cause double vision, your child might try to close his/her eyes to correct vision.

3. Causes of squint in children:

There are several causes of squint. In children, the eye condition can be the result of the eye attempting to correct vision problems (refractive errors) such as far sightedness (hyperopia), near sightedness (myopia), and astigmatism (uneven curvature of the front part of the eyes).

In some cases, squint in childhood can be a symptom of retinoblastoma, a rare type of childhood eye cancer. Other rare causes of squint in children include developmental delays, genetic syndromes or conditions, and certain infections.

4. Complications of squint:

One of the biggest myths about squint in childhood is that children can grow out of the eye condition. This conventional belief is discarded by eye doctors and parents. Make sure not to believe in such myths and instead start early treatment upon diagnosis of the eye condition.

Failing to address the eye condition with proper treatment can increase the risks of lazy eye. Lazy eye is when the brain stops accepting signals coming from the affected eye. Other complications of squint in younger children include double vision, vision impairment, and low self-esteem.

5. When to get medical advice?

This is one of the common questions concerning parents. It’s crucial to seek medical attention if your child is only three months or older and has a temporary squint. Also, seek immediate medical advice if you notice changes (even the most subtle ones) in the eye alignment and vision of your child. To identify vision changes, watch whether your child sits near to the screen while watching TV or brings books closer to the eyes while reading/studying.

For proper diagnosis and treatment of squint, consult with our eye care experts

From ensuring precise diagnosis to planning and choosing the right treatment option(s) such as patching of the healthy (unaffected) eye to force the use of the weak (affected) eye, our eye care specialists can help you effectively correct your child’s squint. Learn more about our paediatric squint treatment in Kolkata at http://www.dishaeye.org/content/paediatric-squint.

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Eye Donation: Don’t Let These Myths Confuse You

Imagine not seeing the rainbow, not seeing a loved one laugh when you crack a joke and not seeing a child dance. You can’t picture that because you are reading this right now and you know how these things look like. But not everyone’s as lucky as you are, at least not the 1.1 million Indians who suffer from corneal blindness and are waiting for the availability of donor eye tissue. ( Source – https://sites.ndtv.com/moretogive/donate-eye-every-fifth-blind-person-world-indian-1946/). If you want people to see the world through your eyes, long after you are gone, you are on the right page.
Unfortunately, some myths and misconceptions are stopping people from pledging to donate their eyes and letting people see the world through their eyes, long after they are gone. Before you become a donor, here are some information which will open your eyes to the importance of eye donation and will not let myths and misconceptions keep you from saving lives:

Myth: Doctors will make little efforts to save my life if they are aware I am a registered organ donor.
Truth: It’s the duty of doctors, nurses and other health experts involved to save your life. The role of transplant surgeons comes into the scene after all the efforts to save a life has been exhausted.

Myth: Eye donation will leave holes in the eye socket causing face disfigurement
Truth: Eye donation does not cause any disfigurement of the face. Only the cornea of the eye is removed and not the entire eye. Thus, this should not interfere with any customary funeral plans, including those with open-casket viewings. The dignity and respect for the donor is maintained at all times.

Myth: I wear spectacles, I cannot donate eyes.
Truth: You can donate your eyes even if you have poor eyesight. Cataract, poor eyesight, and age do not hinder eye donation.

Myth: My eyes will be sold to rich patients.
Truth: Eye donation is an act of charity and it is illegal to buy and sell human eyes, organs, and tissues.

Myth: If I am in a state of comatose, my eyes will be harvested.
Truth: Being comatose and being brain dead are two entirely different things. Patients in a state of comatose are alive and will not be considered for organ donation at all. A person can come out of a state of comatose but declared brain dead it is nearly impossible to for a person come alive.

Myth: I am old and frail. I won’t be considered for being an eye donor.
Truth: Anyone can donate eyes irrespective of their age. You can donate your eyes with certain illnesses except for HIV infection, active cancer, or a systemic infection. No matter how young or old an individual is, the transplant team will determine whether the donation is possible or not at the time of death.

Myth: I am under age 18. I am too young to make a decision on eye donation.
Truth: Legally, yes but your parents or legal guardians can authorise this decision. You can express to your family you wish to donate. There are thousands of children who are in need of organ transplants and they need smaller organs than those an adult can provide.

Myth: My family will be asked to pay for the procedure of retrieving the corneas.
Truth: The family of the donor doesn’t have to bear any expense of organ and tissue donation. The family, however, has to take care of the funeral expenses on its own.

Myth: The retrieval of the corneas is a long procedure and will delay the funeral procedure.
Truth: The whole procedure doesn’t take more than 15 to 20 minutes.

Myth: There’s no need to inform my family about eye donation and I can mention about it in my will.
Truth: If you’re not a registered eye donor, your family’s consent is required. By the time your ‘will’ will be read and executed, it will be too late for you to be a donor. It’s best to pledge your eyes and inform your family about your wish to be a donor.

Myth: After pledging my eyes, I can not go back to being a non-donor.
Truth: The reality is that you can change your mind anytime you want. By informing the registry you can withdraw your registration. You can inform your family about your decision and tear up the donor registration card.

How can I become an eye donor?

Now that you are armed with facts and information, you can give the gift of eyesight to others and make your eyes immortal. Get more information here http://www.dishaeye.org/donate-your-eyes.

We at Disha Eye Hospital are committed to the cause of eye donation. Pledge your eyes with our eye bank and take a step towards a noble cause of giving some the gift of sight. This Diwali we created an eye donation awareness campaign on lighting up lives that were spent in darkness.

Do watch it. And you can also be a part of the campaign by sharing and liking it https://www.facebook.com/dishaeyehospitals/videos/2282826095337762/.

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8 Facts on Cornea and Corneal Disease

8 facts on cornea and corneal disease

The cornea, apart from being one of the main components of the eye, is sensitive and prone to complications. Maintaining a good eye health goes a long way in keeping the cornea healthy and lowering the risks of corneal diseases.

These 8 interesting facts about cornea and corneal disease can help you take better care of your eyes:

1. Where is the cornea located in the eye?

The cornea is located in the outermost dome-shaped layer of the eyes. Cornea covers the front part of the eyes and plays a crucial role in focus of the vision.

2. The cornea is a highly organised tissue:

The cornea may seem a clear covering but the tissue is much more than that as it is made up of three multiple layers, including Epithelium, Bowman’s Layer, Stroma, Descemet’s membrane, and Endothelium.

3. Tears are important to the cornea:

The cornea is different from most of the other tissues in the body; it doesn’t contain any blood vessel which can nourish it. Instead, it’s the aqueous humor and tears that nourish the cornea.

Every time we blink, the tears get distributed across the cornea to keep the eyes moist, protect against infection, and help heal wounds.

4. Importance of cornea:

One of the main purposes of the cornea is to focus light on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The cornea refracts the incoming light onto the lens which, in turn, refocuses to the retina. Apart from redirecting light, the cornea protects the lens and the retina from the harmful ultraviolet rays present in sunlight. The cornea also provides an overall protection to the eyes by acting as a barrier against germs, dirt, and other particles.

5. The cornea can heal itself:

The cornea can heal in its own from minor scratches and injuries. However, serious injuries can cause scarring in the cornea which, in turn, can lead to vision impairment. Some of the common implications of serious injuries in the cornea include:

  • Reduced vision
  • Blurred vision
  • Pain in the eye
  • Headache
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Inflammation in the eye
  • Redness in the eye

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you can consult with our eye specialists in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospital. To book an appointment, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment.

6. Different types of corneal diseases:

There are various disorders that affect the cornea. Some of the common ones include Keratitis, Corneal Ulcer, Keratoconus, Bullous Keratopathy, Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy, Recurrent Corneal Erosion, Corneal Perforation, Corneal Neovascularisation, Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome, and Corneal Dystrophy.

7. Common causes of corneal disorders:

There are several causes of corneal disorders. The common ones include infections, trauma, allergies, thinning (Ectasia), nutritional deficiencies, and autoimmune disorders. Damages to the cornea can also be caused by common eye conditions such as glaucoma, eyelid disorders, and dry eye (tear film abnormalities).

8. Complications of corneal disorders:

Corneal disorders, if not treated, can worsen and lead to complications such as eye pain and vision loss. If you have a corneal disorder, it is crucial to review the treatment options with an eye specialist.

Taking good care of your eyes doesn’t have to cost a lot

At Disha Eye Hospital, some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata, come together and strive to improve eye health of people from all walks of life. Learn more about the eye care services we offer at http://www.dishaeye.org/.

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Diabetic Retinopathy: Important Pointers for the Patients

Diabetic Retinopathy: Important pointers for the patients

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

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

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

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

There are two stages of Diabetic Retinopathy:-

  • NDPR (Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy)

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

  • PDR (Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy)

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

Identifying Diabetic Retinopathy

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

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

Diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy:-

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

Managing Diabetes to manage Diabetic Retinopathy:-

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

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

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

Eye health maintenance tips:-

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

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

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

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