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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. 

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Things to know about an eye strain headache

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

eye strain headache

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

What are the signs of eye strain headache?

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

What causes eye strain?

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

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

How to prevent eye strain?

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

Looking for an experienced eye specialist? 

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

 

 

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Cataract Surgery And Your Options

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

What is cataract surgery?

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

Cataract surgery and your options

Benefits of cataract surgery 

1. Improves vision

2. Helps in seeing things in focus

3. Improves the quality of life

4. Protected eye health

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

1. Monifocal lens

2. Multifocal or accommodative lens

3. Toric lens

What is vision correction cataract surgery? 

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

Looking for cataract surgery in Kolkata? 

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

1. Phacoemulsification with foldable IOL implantation 

2. Manual small incision cataract surgery

3. Laser cataract surgery

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Why should you not ignore blurry vision?

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

blurry vision

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

Blurry vision: Why should you visit an eye hospital?

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

 

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

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

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

Consult the best eye doctors in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospitals

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

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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. 

 

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What you should know about care after glaucoma surgery?

Glaucoma is a condition that occurs when the pressure in the optic nerve is abnormally high. The increased pressure in the eye can damage the optic nerve. If left untreated for ling, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss. Glaucoma surgery is done to reduce the ocular pressure by creating a separate pathway and allowing fluid to drain more easily. As the eyes are delicate organs, they need extra care, especially after a surgical operation such as glaucoma surgery.

eye specialist

Here our eye specialists share with you some useful insights on glaucoma surgery:

What to Expect After Glaucoma Surgery?

A patient is likely to experience mild discomfort after glaucoma surgery. However, the overall health of the patient plays an important role in the recovery process. The full recovery from the surgery takes around a period of one month. It is common for a patient to experience blurred vision or minor discomfort. It may also cause poor eyesight that can last a few days. However, it is important to consult the concerned eye specialist, if someone experiences any sudden loss of eyesight during this time. Loss of vision can be a sign of a complication that may have occurred as a result of surgery.

 

Things you should know about care after glaucoma surgery

  • Do not drive: It is advisable to not drive while recovering from glaucoma surgery. It is important to ensure that the patient has someone to drive home after surgery. This goes with the follow-up check-ups as well. 
  • Take proper rest: Take plenty of time to relax and heal while recovering. Do not participate in any sort of strenuous exercise. It is recommended to take some time off work if the job involves physical labour. 
  • Take time off from eye-intensive jobs: Any intricate tasks such as reading, writing, or typing should also be avoided in the process of healing. This will prevent the eyes from extra stress. 
  • Follow doctor’s instructions: A successful recovery from any surgery depends on proper post-operative care. The eye surgeon may ask the patient to wear padding to protect the eyes. It is important to keep it on until the doctor’s next instruction. Moreover, to ensure a successful recovery, eye drops should be taken properly. 
  • Follow-up appointments: The follow-up appointments will determine if the healing is happening properly. It will also detect if there are any signs of infection. The patient also may need to have new corrective glasses as recommended by the doctor. 
  • No rubbing of eyes: It’s important not to rub or touch your eyes if there is any discomfort in the eyes. It can have damaging effects on the eyes. 
  • Wash your hands before using eye drops: It is important to wash hands with soap and warm water before using eye drops. Moreover, there will be strict instructions from the doctor on when the patient will be able to shower. 
  • Wear protective eyewear if recommended: The doctors may advise using protective eyewear. Especially during summer, it is important to wear protective gear to prevent the damaging effects of the sun’s rays.

Though there is no cure for glaucoma, it can be managed effectively. Disha Eye Hospitals provide quality eye care  with a team of best eye specialists on board, specialized in treating eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and corneal diseases.

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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.

 

 

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What is retinal artery occlusion?

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

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

eye hospital

What are the risk factors?

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

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

Symptoms of retinal artery occlusion:

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

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

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

How is the eye condition diagnosed?

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

Treatment for retinal artery occlusion:

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

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

Looking for a leading eye hospital for retinal problems? 

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

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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.

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Can Cataract affect children?

Cataracts are often associated with ageing. Most people start getting cataracts around age 40 and symptoms appear as they age. Although very rare, children can get cataracts too. It is either present at the time of their birth or can happen due to some medical conditions.

eye doctor in kolkata

Cataracts in children can be:

  • Unilateral – Affect one eye
  • Bilateral – Affect both eyes

First, let us understand what cataracts are.

  • What are cataracts?

The clouding of the natural lens of the human eye is known as cataract. Seeing through cloudy lenses leads to blurry, unclear vision. For the eyes to see, the light rays pass through the lens and focus on the retina. With cataract, the eye lens becomes foggy, for which it cannot focus on the light in the same way.

 

  • Can cataracts affect children?

Yes, cataracts can affect children. Although it is very rare, some are born with cataracts. They can also develop cataracts at a very young age, which are known as childhood cataracts. 

  1. Congenital cataracts: Some children are born with cataracts, or may get them in childhood. This type of cataract mostly happens in both eyes and can affect the child’s vision. 
  2. Secondary cataracts: These cataracts form due to some other medical conditions. For instance, other eye problems, diabetes or even due to medicines. 
  3. Traumatic cataracts: Some cataracts happen due to eye injuries. A child may get cataracts directly after hurting the eye or can occur many years later.
  4. Radiation cataracts: Sometimes a child may get cataracts due to their exposure to some types of radiation.
  • What are the causes of cataracts in a child?

Some of the causes of cataracts in a child are:

  • Genetic fault inherited from parents
  • Certain genetic conditions 
  • Infections picked up by the mother during pregnancy
  • Eye injury after birth

 

  • What are the symptoms of cataracts in children?

Here are a few symptoms of cataracts in children: 

  • Misaligned eyes
  • A pupil that appears to be white when a flashlight is shined ito it
  • Eye movements that cannot be controlled
  • Blurry vision
  • Trouble seeing
  • Seeing a halo around an object

 

  • How is cataract treated in children?

Treatment of cataracts in children depends upon the child:

  • Age
  • Symptoms 
  • Health condition
  • The severity of the condition

The eye care doctor of the child will decide upon what treatment should be given to them. They may prescribe the child to:

  • Wear glasses or contact lenses
  • Go through surgery to remove the cataracts

If you are looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. We have paediatric ophthalmologists and specialists who are committed  to provide best possible care to patients. Our paediatric ophthalmologists deal with eye diseases, vision care and visual development of children.

Here are some eye disorders that our paediatric ophthalmologist and strabismologist treat:

  1. Paediatric strabismus
  2. Paediatric cataract
  3. Amblyopia
  4. Adult Strabismus
  5. Allergic disorders (red eye)
  6. Retinopathy of prematurity
  7. Paediatric glaucoma

We offer also offer diagnostic and imaging services. Advanced tests and diagnostic procedures help doctors to evaluate and treat different eye conditions.