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. 

 

Paediatric Eye Exams: A Useful Guide For Parents

Since a child is born, he or she develops and learns about the world around them through their sense of sight. A good vision is key to a child’s development. Reading, writing and using a computer are among the visual tasks that children perform daily.  As learning in the classroom is mainly visual, if your child is having difficulty seeing clearly, his or her learning can be adversely affected. As parents, you must ensure that your child’s eyes are healthy by getting them checked at certain development stages. An eye examination is recommended as early as when your child is 6 months old.

eye hospital

 As a leading eye hospital in West Bengal, we share with you a useful guide that will help you ensure that your child’s eyes are developing normally:

 

  • First test at 6 months: An infant’s visual system starts developing over the first few months of life. Crucial milestones such as crawling, hand-eye coordination and walking are all dependent on the development of eyesight. Infants should have their first eye exam at 6 months of age. At this stage, the eye specialist will check whether  the eyes are developing at the right pace or not.  The doctor may also check the eyes for paediatric eye conditions such as strabismus, farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. If an infant is born premature or showing signs of developmental delay, more frequent visits to an eye hospital are required. 

 

  • Preschool to 5 years: As toddlers are about to start preschool, they learn to colour, draw, cut paper and play games. Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination are essential for them to read, write and take part in several activities.   Schedule an eye test when your child is about to start preschool. If you notice your child rubbing his or her eyes too much, squinting or sitting very close to the TV, you should see an eye doctor immediately. An eye doctor may recommend a series of tests such as a visual acuity test, colour vision test and ocular exam to check how well your child sees objects both near and distant.

 

  • Age 6 to 18: Poor vision can cause children and teens to suffer academically, socially and personally. If your child is having trouble in school or in other activities, get his or her eyes checked as there could be an underlying vision problem. Children who find it difficult to read or coordinate their hands and eyes may exhibit behavioural problems out of frustration. They may be facing problems in seeing things properly but may not know how to express themselves. An eye doctor will check near vision, distance vision, binocular vision (ability to use both eyes together for depth perception) and peripheral vision. 

 

Common eye tests for children include  

  • LEA symbols test: This test is just like regular eye tests. For children and toddlers, instead of alphabets, there are symbols. This test is one of the most common vision screening tests in preschool and school age.
  • Retinoscopy: This test is done to detect refractive errors in children. The test is done by shining a light into the eye and observing the back of the eye. This helps the eye doctor to determine if your child needs eyeglasses or not. The eye prescription is determined by this test. 
  • Random dot stereopsis: This test is done to measure how well a child’s eyes work together. The test has a high success rate in the preschool age. It can be carried out easily to detect strabismus and amblyopia. 

 

Common eye problems among children

When it comes to vision, children face many problems. Some of them include: 

  • Eye allergies: Eye allergies can affect everyone, including children. Allergies caused by pet dander, pollen and mold can cause eyes to water or become red.
  • Conjunctivitis: Though easily treatable, conjunctivitis is highly contagious. 
  • Amblyopia or lazy eye: This disorder typically appears during infancy and early childhood. It affects the development of vision and should be treated without any delay. If left untreated, it can cause long-term vision problems. 
  • Refractive errors: Farsightedness and nearsightedness are very common among toddlers and children. These errors can be corrected with prescribed eyeglasses.
  • Strabismus or crossed eyes: This eye condition occurs when the eyes do not work as a team or are misaligned. Early treatment options such as special eyewear or the use of an eye patch can help in correcting the condition. 

 

Signs that your child is struggling with an eye problem 

  • Delayed motor development 
  • Squinting 
  • Frequent eye rubbing 
  • Not maintaining eye contact 
  • Misalignment of the eyes 
  • Not tracking objects 
  • Short attention span
  • Headaches 
  • Constant blinking 
  • Avoiding activities that require visual attention 
  • Tilting the head to one side
  • Watching TV closely or reading a book too close 

 

When to see an eye doctor? 

During childhood, vision changes frequently. Your child should receive an eye examination every year or more frequently if specific problems have been detected. Most vision problems are treated properly if they are detected and corrected as early as possible. Do inform the eye doctor if you have a family history of eye diseases. 

 

If you are looking for an eye hospital with a dedicated Paediatric Ophthalmology unit, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. We conduct various eye tests for toddlers, pre-school children and verbal children. Our paediatric ophthalmologist & strabismologist are experienced in treating paediatric strabismus, paediatric cataract, amblyopia, allergic disorders (red eye) and paediatric glaucoma.

 

What can an eye specialist detect?

When was the last time you had a comprehensive eye exam? If it has been over a year, then you are due for one. During a comprehensive eye exam, an eye specialist can detect several health problems that may have otherwise gone undetected. These health problems might not be  just limited to eyes. The health of your eyes give the eye specialist an idea about how your blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues are functioning, thus giving an idea about your overall health. 

 eye specialist

Here are 5 common health problems an eye specialist can detect: 

 

  • Diabetes: Your eye health and diabetes have a close relation. High blood sugar levels cause the tiny blood vessels in the eyes to bulge and eventually leak fluid.  An eye specialist can identify diabetes just by looking at the condition of the blood vessels in the eyes during a comprehensive eye exam. Diabetic people often have bulging blood vessels in the eye. Having diabetes also puts a person at the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic macular edema.  

 

  • High blood pressure: When you have high blood pressure, the blood vessels in the eyes can get damaged. While examining your eyes, an eye specialist can tell if you have high blood pressure.  To keep eye diseases at bay, it is essential that you keep your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure is one of the risk factors for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases. 

 

  • High cholesterol: High cholesterol can also be detected during a comprehensive eye examination. Deposits in the blood vessels can indicate high cholesterol. 

 

  •  Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can cause severe pain in the joints. If you think that the effects of  rheumatoid arthritis are limited to joints, then you are wrong.  One of the areas in your body where you might feel the most pain is in your eyes. A comprehensive eye examination can help your eye specialist to spot signs of inflammation in the white parts of the eyes. With therapy  rheumatoid arthritis can be managed, hence it is important to get an accurate diagnosis done so that timely medical help can be sought. 

 

  • Certain types of cancer: There are certain types of cancer that can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam. Blood cancer, leukemia, skin cancer and tissue cancer can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam. Brain tumours can also be diagnosed based on vision changes. 

 

You must remember that the  symptoms discussed above do not necessarily mean that you have a certain health condition. If an eye exam reveals a possible health problem, your eye specialist will ask you to consult a specialist for further testing. 

 

What is a comprehensive eye exam? 

As you can see, a comprehensive eye exam assesses more than just your visual health. A comprehensive eye examination can last up to an hour or more as there are a number of eye tests that are performed. These include visual acuity test, refraction test, slit lamp exam, pupil dilation test and eye movement test.  We at Disha Eye Hospitals have a complete set-up for diagnostic and imaging services

 

 

 

Eye Emergencies: When Should You Visit An Emergency OPD

An eye emergency refers to a situation where there is an obvious eye injury or there are sudden changes in the vision. If you experience severe eye pain, blurriness, or a feeling that a foreign object is stuck in your eye, you must seek medical attention at the earliest. Without proper treatment, you may put yourself at the risk of losing your eyesight, partially or fully.

eye specialist

As an emergency can occur at any time, patients are seen without any prior appointment at Disha Eye Hospitals. Our Emergency OPD always has a dedicated doctor.

Important facts on eye emergency: 

You must be wondering what constitutes an eye emergency. From eye injury to retinal detachment, there are many kinds of eye emergencies that should not be ignored. Here are some common eye emergencies that you need to be aware of:

  • A sharp object is stuck in your eyes: If a sharp object like glass or metal is stuck in your eyes, it is a medical emergency. Do not try to remove it on your own as you may inadvertently end up causing more damage. Until you reach the hospital, do not move your eyes too much. Cover your eyes with a cloth to avoid any further problem.

 

  • A small object is stuck in your eyes: Though it is common for sand or dust to cause irritation in the eyes. If you think something small is stuck in your eyes, rinse your eyes. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes. Use artificial tear eye drops to help rinse out the foreign body. However, even after doing all this, you still feel that something is stuck inside the eyes, t you should rush to the hospital.

 

  • Chemical burns: If by accident cleaning products or industrial chemicals get into your eyes, you must immediately rush to an emergency OPD. Cleaning agents contain chemicals that can permanently damage your eyes and, thus, you must not delay a visit to an eye specialist.

 

  • Blackeye: If you have suffered a bruise around the eye due to an injury to the face or the head, rush to an emergency OPD to ensure there is no internal bleeding. If there’s bleeding or there has been excess pressure on the eyeball, it can affect the cornea and vision. If after an injury you experience pain around the eye, blurriness, double vision and inability to move the pupil, it requires immediate medical attention.

 

  • Cut or scratch on the eyes: If you have a cut or scratch to your eyeball or eyelid, you need to see an eye specialist without any delay. You may apply a bandage while you wait for medical treatment, but you must not apply any pressure.

 

  • Sudden change in the vision: Sudden unexplained change in your vision could be a warning sign that you have a serious eye condition. You experience any sudden changes in your vision, you must go to an emergency room and get the evaluation done. Retinal detachment, wet macular degeneration, and stroke can cause blurred vision and they require prompt treatment. The warning signs of uveitis come suddenly and without any medical treatment, it can get worse. The repeated occurrence of uveitis can also lead to blindness.

If you have an eye emergency, don’t delay treatment. Timing is everything. For non-urgent problems, you can book an online consultation with our eye specialists in Kolkata.

FAQs On Eye Inflammation

Have you ever experienced pain in the eye along with redness? Well, it could be a sign of eye inflammation. There are many reasons behind eye inflammation. Bacterial or viral infection or an underlying medical condition can cause eye inflammation. Further reasons for eye inflammation could be allergic reactions to environmental irritants such as dust particles or pollen or mold.

eye inflammation

To help you understand eye inflammation better, our eye specialists have curated a list of FAQs and their answers:

Q1. What is eye inflammation?

The term eye inflammation is an umbrella term for various inflammatory diseases and infections. It can refer to the inflammation of the eyelids or inflammation of the uvea (middle layer of the eye). An injury to the eye, a viral or bacterial infection, and some underlying diseases may cause eye inflammation. When left untreated for long, eye inflammation can result in a serious problem.

Q2. How do I know I have eye inflammation?

The symptoms may vary from one person to another, depending on the part of the eyes affected. Often symptoms of different inflammatory diseases overlap. However, here are some of the common symptoms :

  • Eye pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Eye redness
  • Light sensitivity
  • Burning sensation
  • Itching
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Watery eyes
  • Swelling

 

Q3. What are the causes of eye inflammation?

There are different causes of different kinds of eye inflammation. Allergies, bacterial and viral infections can cause eye inflammation. Here are some common causes of eye inflammation:

  • Allergies
  • Inflamed eyelids (blepharitis)
  • Pinkeye (conjunctivitis)
  • Shingles
  • Chalazion
  • An eyelid infection (stye)
  • An infection around your eye socket (orbital cellulitis)
  • Thyroid conditions such as Graves’ disease

Q4. How is an eye inflammation diagnosed?

An eye specialist will ask about the symptoms you are experiencing. With a special slit lamp, the eye specialist will determine which part of the eye is affected and accordingly, the problem will be diagnosed.

Q5. When should you see the eye doctor?

If your eyes do not get better in one or two days, you must see an eye specialist. An eye inflammation, when recognised and treated in a timely manner, is harmless. However, when the treatment is delayed, it can lead to serious problems. Therefore, if you suspect any problem in your eyes, it is best to seek immediate medical attention.

Q6. What are the treatment options for eye inflammation?

Treatment depends on the cause. If you have an infection, the eye specialist may suggest you to use antibiotic eye drops or ointment. You may also be asked to take antibiotics orally. In some cases, steroids may also be prescribed, https://www.cdhfinechemical.com/cdh_data/antibiotics-online/. If the inflammation is caused due to an allergic reaction, then the allergen should be avoided. The eye specialist may prescribe special drops to alleviate the symptoms.

Looking for eye specialists in Kolkata?

If you suspect that you have an eye problem, you can consult eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospitals. In the view of COVID-19 pandemic, you can book an online consultation with our eye specialists. Our experienced eye specialists deliver superior eye care services at an affordable cost. Regular eye checkup will give you a better chance at treatment. We offer a wide range of ophthalmological services; know more about us here.

 

 

When To Call Your Doctor About Floaters?

Eye floaters are small dots or specks that float across your vision. You are likely to notice them when you are looking at a bright plain surface like a white wall or the sky. Nearly everyone at some point in their lives has experienced eye floaters and most of the time they are harmless. Most eye floaters are caused due to ageing. However, if you notice that the eye floaters are increasing in number and they are distracting you from doing your everyday chores, they may be a sign of serious eye condition.

You should call a doctor if you notice these:

  • Eye floaters that don’t go away
  • A sudden increase in the frequency of floaters
  • You see flashes of light
  • Your peripheral vision is impacted
  • You have trouble seeing
  • Your eyes are paining

 

 

Floaters can be symptoms of the following eye problems that need immediate medical attention:

 

  • Retinal tear or retinal detachment: Sometimes appearance of floaters can be a sign of a retinal tear. The retina is the inner lining of the eye. When the retina develops a crack or a hole, it’s known as a retinal tear. If the retina is torn, you may experience various symptoms along with the appearance of eye floaters. You may see flashes of light and experience pain in the eye. A retinal tear can increase the chances of retinal detachment i.e. when the retina moves from its normal position at the back of the eye. Some of the factors that increase the risk of retinal detachment are: family history of retinal detachment, old age, retinal detachment in one eye, extreme myopia and severe eye trauma.

 

  • Inflammation (uveitis): Eye floaters that are dense can be a sign of uveitis. It usually affects both of your eyes. Besides seeing eye floaters, you may also experience sensitivity to light and blurry vision. Those with chronic uveitis may need long-term care and need to see an eye doctor regularly.

 

  • Vitreous Haemorrhage: The eyes are filled with a clear Vitreous ‘gel’. Vitreous Haemorrhage occurs when the blood vessels of the retina damage and blood leaks into this gel. Besides eye floaters, you may also experience blurred vision. The blurriness and other symptoms may vary from mild to severe. Though it is an alarming situation, once the bleeding is treated, your vision will be restored.

 

  • Eye Melanoma: Eye floaters in your vision, change in the shape of the pupil and loss of peripheral vision can be signs of eye melanoma, a type of cancer that affects the cells that produce melanin — the pigment that gives your skin its colour.

 

 

Treatment for eye floaters in Kolkata

If you are experiencing eye floaters, then an eye doctor in Kolkata can help you. . In some cases, the eye doctor may suggest laser treatment to break the eye floaters into small pieces and make them less noticeable. Surgery may also be recommended in some cases to remove the eye floaters.

 

Schedule appointment with the best eye doctors in Kolkata

If you are noticing eye floaters frequently, visit an eye specialist at the earliest. Though these eye floaters may be harmless, it is best to rule out any serious eye disease. Consult some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospitals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we request you to book an online consultation with our eye doctors in Kolkata.

 

All About Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune disease which affects the muscles and other tissues in the orbits. People who suffer from systemic/overactive thyroid problems are more likely to suffer from TED.  People affected often look like they are staring at a point, have swollen upper and lower lids and protruding eyes. Over here let’s discuss more about the disease, its symptoms and treatment.

 

TED occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the tissue near the eyes. As a result, the muscles and other tissues are inflamed, swollen and often become stiff. In most cases, thyroid eye disease only causes irritation and swelling of the eyes. People affected may feel the discomfort for a few months or maybe a year before the problem settles down. However, in some rare cases the problem can be serious and even lead to vision loss.

 

It’s important to note that eye and thyroid problems are connected but they have different courses of treatment. The medications for thyroid problems can’t help you manage the symptoms associated with the eye disease.  A CT scan or an MRI is a very important test for the diagnosis of the disease.

 

 

How does TED affect the eyes?

 

When the muscles behind the eye are swollen, they push the eye forward – which can impact the eye movement causing the patient to complain of double vision. In rare cases where the eye muscles get severely swollen, the optic nerve is pushed which may lead to visual loss.

 

Symptoms of TED

 

  • Eye irritation
  • Dry or gritty eyes
  • Double vision
  • Teary eyes
  • Eye pain while moving the eyes
  • Redness of eyes
  • Puffy eyelids

 

If you experience any of these symptoms, visit an eye specialist immediately- as these symptoms indicate very quickly progressing form of thyroid eye disease. In case of mild to moderate disease, symptoms include bulging eyes, redness, and puffiness of the eyelid and around the eyes.

 

Important advice for patients suffering from TED

 

  • Quit smoking
  • Get your blood thyroid levels checked regularly

 

Treatment options

 

Often the symptoms associated with TED are fluctuating in nature – which means they come and go for several weeks. In some cases, one may notice the symptoms for 1-2 years. Patients who suffer from progressing form of thyroid eye disease notice the worsening of symptoms in a few months of the problem starting. Let’s see the treatment options for the common symptoms

 

  • For irritation and redness of the eyes, artificial tears are often found to be useful
  • Some patients are given medications to reduce the inflammation
  • In most cases, the problem of starey look settles with time. If the starey look is severe and is affecting the appearance, eyelid surgery can be performed
  • Squint surgery can be done to cure double vision. Some patients are also recommended to use prisms attached to spectacles to alleviate double vision
  • If you are suffering from deteriorating vision and even with the change of spectacles your vision isn’t improving, consult with an eye specialist immediately.

Don’t take any instance of vision change lightly as it can indicate a serious problem. If you live in Kolkata and are looking for an eye specialist in Kolkata, get in touch with us.

 

Simple Eye Health Tips Curated by our Eye Specialists

Your eyes are the window to your soul – and your health. There are a number of things you can practice to keep your eyes healthy. Here’s a list of simple and easy eye health tips prepared by our eye specialists to help you maintain good eyesight well into your golden years.

eye specialist

  1. Know your family’s eye health history: It’s important to know your eye health history as many eye diseases that cause blindness among people of all ages are influenced by genetic factors. If anyone in your family has been diagnosed with an eye disease that’s hereditary,  you are at higher risk for developing the disease. It’s reported that genetic factors play a key role in diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
  2. Go for regular eye checkups: You might think that your eyes are healthy, but you are never sure of that until and unless you get your eyes checked by an eye specialist. A comprehensive dilated eye exam is the best way to get an insight about your eye health. Many common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration often have no warning signs and can be detected only by a comprehensive dilated eye exam. You should get your eyes tested every 2 years. If you have diabetes, then it’s a must to get your eyes checked every year.
  3. Don’t ignore even the slightest vision changes: Visit an eye specialist immediately, if you are worried about any aspect of your vision at any time.
  4. Give up smoking: We know it’s not easy to get rid of an addiction. Get professional help, if you want – but quit smoking. Smokers are much more likely to develop cataracts and age-related macular degeneration than non-smokers. Both diseases are leading causes of blindness worldwide.
  5. Protect your eyes from the sun: Sunglasses aren’t just great fashion accessories, but they also protect your eyes from UV rays. When outdoors, avoid looking at the sun directly. During an eclipse, you might feel like looking at the sun directly, but doing so can cause irreversible damage to your eyesight.
  6. Follow the 20-20-20 rule:  If you spend a lot of time at the computer, you might forget to blink often – as a result your eyes can become dry and fatigued. To avoid this, try the 20-20-20 rule.  Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for 20 seconds at something that’s 20 feet away.
  7. Stay hydrated: Drinking water regularly throughout the day is good for your eye health.
  8. Eat right: Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens, keeps your eyes healthy. Also, eat fish high in omega-3 fatty acids as it boosts your eye health.
  9. Maintain proper hygiene when wearing contact lenses: Wash your hands properly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Use fresh cleaning solution every time when disinfecting the lenses.

Contact-lens Related Eye Infection: Leading Eye Hospital in Kolkata Shares Useful Facts

For many of you, contact lenses are a convenient alternative to clunky eyeglasses. Excellent for outdoor activities, they give you a better peripheral vision and do not fog up like your eyeglasses. However, if you don’t follow instructions around wearing them properly and cleaning them regularly, you run the risk of getting an eye infection.

One of the most common infections caused by wearing contacts is Keratitis. It is an infection of the cornea, which develops when contact lenses are not properly handled. Here, we will discuss a few facts about contact-lens related eye infections that will help you prevent complications.

1.About contact lens infection: Those who wear contact lenses are at higher risk of developing keratitis. If left untreated for long, keratitis can cause serious eye complications. When diagnosed early, it can be easily treated. When you wear contact lenses, the chances of developing conjunctivitis are also high.

2.Causes: There are several things that can cause a contact lens-related infection. However, mostly an eye infection develops when you do the following things:

  • Using extended-wear lenses
  • Sleeping with contact lenses
  • Not handling contact lenses with clean hands
  • Using expired lenses
  • Viral infection of the eye caused by the herpes simplex virus
  • Infection caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites

3.Symptoms: If you develop any of the following symptoms of eye infection then you should stop wearing contact lenses immediately and consult an eye specialist.

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurry vision
  • Light sensitivity
  • Stinging sensation as if something’s in your eye
  • Eye pain

 

4.Prevention: By practising healthy contact lens habits, you can reduce the risk of eye infection. Some of the healthy habits are:

  • Follow the manufacturer’s and eye doctor’s instructions on how to clean and store your contact lenses.
  • Always wash your hands with soap when handling contact lenses.
  • Use the recommended solution for cleaning your contact lens.
  • You should not wear expired lenses.
  • Avoid wearing lenses while sleeping. In case, you forget to take them off, then do not wear them for the next 24 hours. This will give your eyes time to moisten on their own.
  • Clean your lens storage case in warm soapy water.
  • If you drop a lens, make sure to clean and rinse before reapplying.
  • Do not use the old cleaning solution the next day. Always use a fresh solution.
  • Use protective eye gear when swimming with contact lenses.
  • Replace your contact lens case with a new one from time to time.
  • Give your eyes a break from your contact lenses.

5. What to do if you have an infection: If you are experiencing redness, swelling, and pain in the eye, you should remove your contact lenses and set up an appointment at an eye hospital.

6.Treatment: The treatment depends upon the severity of the infection. Usually, eye infections are treated with eye drops. If your eye doctor suspects that there is some other complication, he or she may suggest you to undergo a comprehensive eye examination. You will have to stop wearing your contact lenses until the infection is fully treated.

7.Why you should not ignore eye infection: An eye infection may seem like a minor problem. But at times, it can be a sign of an underlying cause of a serious eye complication like a corneal ulcer. It’s best to let an ophthalmologist check your eyes.

8. What to do when you are having frequent eye infections: If you have frequent eye infections, then instead of just taking OTC eye drops you should consult an eye doctor. The contact lenses that you are using may not be the best option for you. An eye doctor can help you with that.

We offer treatment for different types of eye infections, conditions, and diseases.

Our eye hospitals have well-experienced eye specialists in Kolkata who can give you superior-quality eye care at an affordable cost. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we request you to book an online consultation.

Treatment For Shortsightedness

Have you been finding it difficult to see far-off objects but you can easily see them when you are a few feet away from it? Well, if yes, then chances are that you shortsightedness or nearsightedness also called Myopia.

Myopia is the most common cause of impaired vision.  When you suffer from myopia you can see objects near to you clearly but those that are far away may appear blurry. Eye strain, headaches, and squinting are some of the common symptoms of Myopia. The structure of your cornea is to be blamed for the condition. When the eyeball is too curved, the eyes are unable focus properly that causes blurry vision. The good news is that there are various and very effective treatments available for Myopia.

 

Some common methods of correcting shortsightedness:

 

Eyeglasses 

Shortsightedness can usually be corrected by using eyeglasses that are made specifically to your eye prescription. It is a common solution which is also cost-effective. Eyeglasses for myopia ensure the light is focused onto the back of your eye correctly so distant objects don’t appear blurry or hazy. The glasses have to be very specific to your eyes and needs to be created using the prescription of an eye doctor. Wearing eyeglasses can enhance vision and reduce eye strain related to Myopia. The prescription of your eyeglasses depends on how shortsighted you are and what kind of occupation or lifestyle you have If you spend more time in front of the computer then it is advisable to consider  anti-glare coating while purchasing your eyeglasses. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, then you can get your sunglasses modified as per your prescription.

 

Contact lenses

Contact lenses can also be used to correct vision in the same way as eyeglasses. Contact lenses give wearers good peripheral vision. Contact lenses move with your eyes and there are no frames to block your view. Contact lenses are more comfortable when it comes to outdoor activities. The only challenge with contact lenses is that you have to handle them with care and follow use instructions with discipline to avoid infections.

 

Laser eye surgery

 

Both eyeglasses and contact lenses correct your vision provided you use them daily and get them replaced regularly. If you are looking for a permanent correction of myopia, you will have to consider laser eye surgery. Some of the common surgical options are:

  • LASIK: An eye surgeon will use a special type of cutting laser to reshape the cornea. During surgery, the corneal flap is painlessly removed and the underlying corneal tissue is reshaped. This flap is then placed back. To undergo LASIK, you need to have a thick cornea and you should not be suffering from eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or glaucoma.

  • Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): Those who are eligible for LASIK can get PRK done. In this, an eye surgeon removes the extremely thin outer layer of the cornea. The new layer grows back within a few days. Using the laser the doctor reshapes the cornea, thereby improving your vision

 

Consult an eye specialist in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospitals

To know which treatment will suit you the best, consult an eye specialist. If you are looking for an eye surgeon in Kolkata to get eye surgery done, then look nowhere else than Disha Eye Hospitals. The hospital has the best technology, the Wavelight Allegretto AG (German) technology for LASIK surgery. This state-of-the-art technology screens out risk cases. We also offer PRK and LASEK surgery. We have branches in Barasat, Siliguri, Sinthi and Burdwan.