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Glaucoma Treatment in Kolkata: Check These FAQs On Diet and Glaucoma

In general, it is important to have a varied and healthy diet for maintaining good eye health.  But those who are at the risk of developing glaucoma must include certain foods in their diet. It has been found that leafy green vegetable intake helps in reducing risk of developing glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. Those who are diagnosed with the disease can ease symptoms and slow progression by eating the right diet. 

In this blog, our experienced doctors answer some of the most frequently asked questions on diet and glaucoma: 

Question 1: Does your diet affect glaucoma?

Certain fruits and vegetables that have higher vitamin A and C can help either reduce glaucoma risk or reduce glaucoma related damage. Antioxidants present in certain fruits and vegetables reduce the oxidative stress that is associated with damage to the optic nerve in glaucoma. 

Question 2: What to eat when you have glaucoma?

1. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables brightly colored ones like sweet potatoes, spinach, melons, bell peppers, and berries are good sources of vitamins A, C, and antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin. They together protect against oxidative stress, which is linked to the optic nerve.

2. Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables:  Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collards, and lettuce and cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and brussels sprouts are good sources of vitamin A and C which help in improving the blood flow and regulating pressure inside the eye. 

3. Low-fat dairy products: Dairy foods such as milk and cheese are good for eye health. However, glaucoma patients should go for low-fat versions. 

Question 3: What foods should glaucoma patients avoid?

Those who have glaucoma should avoid having food items that are loaded with trans fatty acids which are linked with high cholesterol levels. High blood pressure means more damage to blood vessels in the body. This damage can occur in the eyes and can further damage the optic nerve. Any damage to this optic nerve is irreversible and therefore, glaucoma patients should avoid eating following items 

1. Food items laden with sugar such as cookies, cakes and donuts 

2. Fried items 

Question 4: Is caffeine bad for you if you have glaucoma?

Caffeine increases the eye pressure. While consuming a cup (or even two) of coffee every day is still fine, glaucoma patients should avoid drinking copious amounts of coffee. 

Question 5: Can drinking water lower eye pressure?

Staying hydrated is good for not just eye health but overall health. But when it comes to glaucoma, patients should not chug a lot of water at one go. They should sip water throughout the day as having too much  at one go can lead to elevated eye pressure.

Glaucoma cannot be cured. The lost vision caused due to it cannot be restored. As damage to the optic nerve cannot be reversed, the aim of the glaucoma treatment is to reduce further damage to the optic nerve. If detected early, a combination of laser treatment, eye drops and medication can be used to treat it. 

Looking for glaucoma treatment in Kolkata? 

As one of the leading eye hospitals in Kolkata, we, at Disha Eye Hospitals, offer affordable glaucoma treatment in Kolkata. We have some of the best eye specialists who can help diagnose and treat glaucoma. Our highly experienced eye doctors and staff ensure that you receive the best possible patient care.

 

 

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What should glaucoma patients avoid?

Glaucoma is a group of progressive optic neuropathies that damage the eye’s optic nerve which can result in vision loss and blindness. Visual problems are often a late symptom of glaucoma when the disease is already very advanced. However, with early detection and treatment, you can protect your eyesight from deteriorating. Glaucoma can occur in any population, however, those most at risk include people who 

  • are aged 40 and above
  • have diabetes 
  • have a family history of glaucoma 
  • have eye injuries

Here is a useful read on the risk factors for glaucoma. 

glaucoma treatment

Treating patients with glaucoma – glaucoma treatment in Kolkata 

The damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible but with regular eye exams and the right treatment, you can reduce the risk of glaucoma worsening at a rapid rate over time. Once detected, there are different types of treatment options for glaucoma patients. In addition to prescription eye drops, medication, laser treatment and surgery, there are several lifestyle factors that can help you manage the symptoms.

What should glaucoma patients avoid? 

1. Avoid activities that increase eye pressure:

It is recommended for patients with glaucoma to have an active lifestyle. However exercises such as bungee jumping or inverted yoga poses that put the head below the heart may cause an increase in the intraocular pressure- hence they should be avoided. You can do brisk walking and regular exercise at a moderate pace – as they can lower eye pressure. If you lift heavy weights, ask a qualified trainer to show you how to breathe properly during the exercise. 

Note: A study found that when glaucoma patients performed head-down yoga poses, the IOP rose within one minute of doing each pose.

2. Avoid unhealthy foods:

The following food items can raise intraocular pressure and can damage the optic nerve – hence, it is important for you to reduce their consumption: 

  • Trans-fats raise your “bad” cholesterol and also lower your “good” cholesterol. A diet laden with trans fats can damage blood vessels which can harm the optic nerve. Avoid food items high in trans-fats such as cakes, cookies, biscuits, rolls, french fries, and fried chicken. 
  • Saturated fats such as butter, cheese, coconut oil, biscuits, sausages, bacon, and fatty cuts of meat cause the Body Mass Index (BMI) to increase. A high BMI is associated with high intraocular. 

Note: Instead of food items high on trans-fats and saturated fats, choose foods rich in complex carbohydrates such as oats, legumes, brown rice, whole grain pasta, broccoli, leafy greens, apples and berries. They take longer to digest and cause the blood sugar levels to rise slowly which is important because fluctuations in blood sugar levels in those with glaucoma can cause IOP to increase. 

3. Avoid sleeping with your eye against the pillow

If you are suffering from glaucoma, sleep in the right position. Do not sleep in a position where your eyes are against the pillow or your arms. 

Schedule your eye appointment today 

At Disha Eye Hospitals, our eye doctors are here to guide you and help you maintain good vision and healthy eyes. To know more about glaucoma treatment in Kolkata and other branches, visit here 

 

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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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Guide To Recovery after LASIK surgery

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

glaucoma treatment

What happens during the LASIK surgery?

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

 

Recovery time 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Precautions for the first 24 hours 

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

 

The day after surgery 

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

 

Day 3 

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

 

Week 2

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

 

After 3 months 

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

 

Some problems that you may face after LASIK surgery : 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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Tips for Living With Glaucoma

 

Tips for Living With Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the most common eye diseases as it affects millions of people worldwide. The eye disease is common in older adults. It involves build-up of pressure in the eyes and impairment of vision.

Glaucoma can affect the quality of life as patients face discomfort and difficulty in doing regular activities with deteriorating vision.

Do you have Glaucoma? Here are the essential tips for living with the eye disease:

Coping with changing vision:-

As Glaucoma starts to worsen, it affects the vision. Low vision is one of the most common symptoms of the eye disease. Low vision can hamper the quality of life as it can cause difficulty in doing everyday work such as reading, working on a computer, driving, cooking, etc. In most cases, patients aren’t able to cope with low vision caused by Glaucoma even by wearing prescription glasses or contact lenses.

The best way to cope with low vision is to use visual aids or visit the best eye care hospitals in Kolkata for glaucoma treatment. There are a number of visual aids available including colours lenses, magnifiers, and computer text enlargers. Talk with your doctor to choose the visual aid that best suits you.

Getting organized:-

Getting organised is the key to dealing with vision changes caused by Glaucoma. It’s important to designate a specific place for every item. For instance, keep the keys, medicines, and your purse in a specific place where you have no difficulty reaching for them. It’s highly important that other members of the family respect and maintain the organisation system.

Marking and labeling items:-

Glaucoma patients with low vision face a great deal of difficulty working with specific items such as washing machine, microwave oven, etc. If you are on the same track, use a dimensional fabric paint to mark everyday items to feel the correct positions with your fingers.

Label your medicines with a highlighter to properly store them and have no difficulty finding them.

Improving lighting:-

One of the most important changes to make for dealing with low vision caused by glaucoma is to improve lighting in the home. Make sure that your home is properly illuminated. Use additional lights while working on a specific task. Also, improve lighting in rooms such as kitchen, hallway, and bathroom where there are risks hazards. When your home is properly illuminated, dealing with low vision becomes much easier.

Increasing contrast:-

Increasing contrast in every item helps you to better cope with low vision. For instance, use a white cup for your tea and coffee, use white chop boards for dark coloured vegetables. Increasing contrast is the key to effectively dealing with vision changes.

Listening to audiobooks:-

Googling all of your concerns can be a difficult task when you have low vision caused by glaucoma. This is where Audiobooks come as a great help as you don’t have to rely on your vision while taking in information.

Choose Glaucoma treatment in Kolkata at a reputed eye hospital:-

Do you or your loved ones suffer from Glaucoma? Opt for a professional treatment at Disha Eye Hospital as it is one of the best eye hospitals in India. The team of eye care experts provides meticulous care when it comes to addressing proper treatment not just for Glaucoma but for other major eye diseases as well.

Learn more about Disha Eye Hospital at http://www.dishaeye.org.