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Nutritional strategies for retinal health: Useful insights by some of the leading retina specialists

retina specialist

Early detection is a crucial factor in combating retinal diseases, which are a significant cause of vision loss and blindness. To protect your sight, it’s important to be aware of your risk factors, such as age, family history, or pre-existing health conditions. Stay vigilant and seek immediate attention from an eye physician if you experience visual changes such as blurry or distorted vision, wavy lines, dark spots, flashes of light, or floaters. Also, make sure to schedule regular dilated retina exams to your retina specialist to monitor your retinal health. Your eyesight is precious, so you must take proactive steps to safeguard it. Here we share some useful insights on how nutrition can promote retinal health: 

  • Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in promoting proper functioning of cells throughout your body. These essential fats are vital components of cell membranes, providing structural support and facilitating communication between cells. While omega-3s are important for all cells, they are particularly concentrated in high levels within cells of the eyes and brain, highlighting their significance in supporting optimal functioning of these vital organs. 

Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), can be obtained from various plant-based sources. Here are some examples of food sources rich in ALA:

  • Seeds: Flaxseeds and chia seeds are particularly abundant in ALA. 
  • Walnuts: These nuts are not only a delicious snack but also a good source of ALA. 
  • Oils: Oils such as canola and soybean oil contain ALA. 
  • Legumes: Certain legumes, including refried beans, and kidney beans, contain small amounts of ALA.

Note:  Also, consider additional sources of EPA and DHA, such as fatty fish or fish oil supplements, for optimal omega-3 levels.

  • Fruits and vegetables: Eat kiwi, red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli as they are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports eye health. Also, include  carrots, squash, eggs, and green leafy vegetables in your diet, as they are rich in vitamin A and beta carotene, which are important for good vision.

  • Zinc-rich foods: Eat red meat ( in moderation), poultry, nuts, soy foods, dairy products, whole grains, and fortified breakfast cereals, as they provide zinc, an essential mineral for eye health.

  • Vitamin D is really important for keeping eyes healthy and protecting them from diseases. It can help prevent conditions such as AMD (age-related macular degeneration), glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, and cataracts. Vitamin D also helps eyes heal if they get injured.  In particular, vitamin D fights against the degeneration of tissues in eyes. Here are some foods that contain a good amount of vitamin D:

  • Dairy milk
  • Egg yolk
  • Salmon
  • Sardines
  • Fortified yoghourts
  • Fortified orange juices
  • Fortified soy beverages

Including these foods in your diet can help ensure you get enough vitamin D to support your overall health.

Are you looking for retina specialists? 

Are you searching online with phrases such as “retina specialist near me” or “retina specialist in West Bengal”? If yes, visit Disha Eye Hospitals . Our state-of-the-art hospital is equipped with cutting-edge technology, allowing our team of retina specialists to deliver precise diagnoses and personalised treatment plans. Whether you’re dealing with age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments, or other complex retinal conditions, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.

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How to Protect Retina? Check these Useful Insights Curated by Some of the Best Retina Specialists

retina specialist
The retina is a thin sheet of neural tissue at the back of the eye that converts light into tiny electrical signals that are interpreted by the brain as visual information. The sensitive nature of the retina means it should be taken care of properly to keep your sight functioning at its best. So, how to protect the retina? Check these useful insights curated by some of the best retina specialists :

1. Go for regular eye exams: Regular eye exams are the best way to detect any potential problems early. An eye exam can detect early signs of retina conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, which can be treated if detected early. It is recommended to have an eye exam every 1-2 years for adults with no symptoms and every year for those at higher risk for eye diseases.

2. Use protective eyewear:

When you are participating in activities such as cycling, running, or swimming, it is always recommended to use protective eyewear. Protective glasses, safety goggles, and helmets can protect you from eye injuries.

3. Eat a healthy diet:

Eating a diet filled with vegetables, fruits and omega-3 fatty acids is important for the health of your retina. Nutrients such as vitamins and antioxidants can significantly reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

4. Do not smoke:

Smoking has been linked to a greater risk of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. It is never too late to make positive changes in your lifestyle, so if you do smoke, make an effort to break the habit as soon as possible to protect your eyesight.

5. Control chronic conditions:

Some chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, can cause eye diseases. You have to manage all these conditions through medication and lifestyle changes. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy, which can even lead to vision loss. High cholesterol and high blood pressure can also lead to retinal problems, so it is important to keep these conditions under control.

6. Limit exposure to UV rays:

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, make sure to wear sunglasses that provide adequate UV protection or a wide-brimmed hat to cover your face from the sun. Even if you do not spend much time outdoors, ensure that your eyeglasses offer full UV protection, as sun rays can cause damage even in indoor settings.

7. Use good lighting: 

Prolonged exposure to excessive glare and bright light can result in uncomfortable eye strain and eye damage over time. This is why it is important to ensure that when reading or working at a computer, proper lighting is used. Taking simple preventive steps such as using a computer screen filter to reduce glare and installing proper task lighting will protect your retina.

8. Take regular breaks: 

Taking regular breaks when using a computer is essential for reducing eye fatigue and strain.

Prolonged use of electronic screens, such as mobile devices and computers, can cause digital eye strain, which may result in blurred vision, dry eyes and even headaches. When using a computer, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Following this rule means that every 20 minutes, you take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This brief distraction not only helps to reduce symptoms associated with digital eye strain but also helps you improve focus.

9. Be aware of your family history: 

If your family has a history of retina conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or retinal detachment, you could develop these conditions. Check your family history and visit a retina specialist annually. 

Are you looking for a good retina specialist?

If you are searching online with the phrases “retina specialist near me” or “retina specialist in my location,” consider Disha Eye Hospitals. We have the best retina specialists who are experts at treating retinal conditions. Call us to book an appointment at the nearest branch .

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Check these facts on detached retina

A retina is a thin layer of tissue that contains the cells responsible for sending visual signals to the brain. A detached retina is when the thin layer at the back of the eye) becomes loose. It needs to be treated quickly to stop it from permanently affecting the vision. If left untreated, a detached retina can lead to blindness.  A retina specialist can examine the retina and the blood vessels that supply it and suggest the appropriate course of treatment.   Here are some of the facts about the detached retina:

1. Symptoms of a detached retina:

  • Suddenly flashes of light will appear in the vision 
  • Dots or lines suddenly appear in your vision or suddenly increase in number
  • Your vision suddenly gets blurred
  • You may have a dark “shadow” moving across your vision

2. How is a detached retina tear diagnosed?

A detached retina is not visible from the outside of the eye. Only a comprehensive eye exam can detect them. Your eye doctor will use a light magnification instrument to view the inside of your eye.

3. Treatment for a detached retina:

If you experience symptoms such as flashing lights or floaters, it is important to see an ophthalmologist right away. They will perform a number of tests to determine whether or not the retina is affected. If the tests show that the retina can be detached, you will be referred to a retina specialist who will perform surgery to prevent the problem from getting worse.

There are several different treatment options available for a detached retina, depending on the severity of the condition. Here are some common surgical  procedures used to treat detached retina: 

  • Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the area around the retina to seal it back in place.
  • Laser surgery: A laser is used to weld the retina back to the eye wall. In some cases, a detached retina can be treated with medication or a special type of contact lens. Here’s a useful read on laser surgery for retinal tear.

4. What happens during surgery for a detached retina or tear?

Surgery to fix a retinal tear or re-attach the retina may involve:

  • Replacing or removing the jelly inside your eye.
  • To push the retina against the back of your eye, inject a bubble of gas into your eye.
  • To push the wall of your eye attach a small band around your eye.
  • Seal the tear in your retina with a freezing treatment.
  •  During surgery you’re awake but your eye is numbed. 

Recovery time after retinal surgery varies from one patient to another. But as a general guide, after surgery:

  • Your eye may be sore and red 
  • Your vision may be blurry
  • You may not be able to drive
  • You may need to take time off work
  • You may need to avoid flying

Looking for a retina specialist in Kolkata?

If you live in Kolkata and are searching the internet with the phrases such as “retina specialist near me”  or ‘best retina specialist my location’, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. We have retina specialists who have extensive experience in treating a wide range of conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and retinal tear and diabetic retinopathy. To consult our retina specialist, visit the nearest branch.

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Laser Surgery for the Retinal Tear: How Long Does It Take for the Eye to Heal?

retina specialist
The retina is a thin lining at the back of the eyes which helps them to see. Normally, the retina is attached to a gel-like substance called vitreous. When the vitreous gel starts to tug away from the retina it can lead to tears in the retina. Retinal tear is a medical emergency. When left untreated it can lead to loss of vision. A retina specialist is likely to go for laser surgery to seal any breaks or holes in the retina and prevent the retina from detaching.  Here we share useful insights on laser surgery for the retinal tear and how long it takes for the eye to heal: 

  • Types of surgeries for retinal tear:

  • Retinal laser photocoagulation: The retinal laser photocoagulation procedure involves the use of a high-energy laser to create tiny burns on the retina. These burns help to seal off blood vessels that are leaking fluid or causing bleeding. In addition, burns can help to shrink abnormal blood vessels. Retinal laser photocoagulation is often used to treat diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Recovery time is typically short and you can return to your normal activities within a few days. Retinal laser photocoagulation is a safe and effective procedure. 
  • Vitrectomy: Vitrectomy is a type of eye surgery that is used to treat a number of conditions that affect the retina, the gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. The most common reason for vitrectomy surgery is to remove a vitreous hemorrhage, or bleeding within the eye. Other conditions that may be treated with vitrectomy surgery include retinal detachments, macular holes and diabetic retinopathy. During the procedure, an incision is made in the white of the eye and a small probe is inserted into the eye. The retina specialist then uses the probe to remove the vitreous gel and any other issues that are causing problems. Vitrectomy surgery usually takes about an hour to complete and patients can typically go home the same day. Recovery from surgery takes several weeks, during which time you will need to avoid strenuous activity and wear an eye patch.

  • How much time does surgery take?

Laser surgery is a common treatment for retinal tears. The surgery usually takes less than 30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that you won’t need to stay in the hospital overnight. However, pre-surgery and post-surgery observation may take time 

  • So, how long does it take an eye to heal after laser surgery for a retinal tear?

The severity of the retinal tear determines the healing period. The longer the retina stays in a torn condition, the lower will be chances of complete visual recovery.

  • Precautions to be taken after surgery: 

Here are some common precautions to take after surgery: 

  • Follow the instructions of the retina specialist. 
  • Restrict from doing heavy physical activities. 
  • Ask your retina specialist before resuming any activity involving muscle exertion. 
  • Always keep your hands clean and avoid rubbing or touching your eye. 
  • Follow the prescription of the eye drops. 
  • Wear an eye shield for at least one week post-operation or til the time the retina specialist tells you to. 

Looking for a retina specialist in West Bengal? 

If you live in West Bengal and are searching the internet with the phrases such as “retina specialist near me”  or ‘retina specialist in Kolkata’ visit Disha Eye Hospitals. We have retinal specialists who have extensive experience in treating a wide range of retina conditions such as retinal tear, retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy. To consult our retinal specialist, visit the nearest branch. 

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Retinal diseases in children: things to know

Often when people talk about retinal diseases, they assume that they are common only in adults. However, children too can suffer from retinal disorders. It is important to note here that retinal diseases in children are different from those in adults. Early diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases may help slow or stop the progression of retinal diseases that affect children. Our retina specialists in Kolkata and other branches are experts at identifying retinal diseases and they work closely with paediatric ophthalmologists to help children get the best medical and surgical care when needed. 

Retinal diseases in children

As one of the leading hospitals in Kolkata, we share with you some important things that you should know about retinal diseases: 

1. Retinopathy of prematurity: This retinal disorder primarily affects premature infants. The smaller the baby at the time of the birth, the more likely that infant is likely to develop the condition. In premature babies, the normal growth of blood vessels is disrupted because of early birth. 

Note: Any child who has retinopathy of prematurity and has undergone treatment should have regular annual eye exams even during adulthood. 

 

2. Retinal detachment: Though rare in children, retinal detachment requires immediate medical care. It usually happens when there’s a tear in the retina. The most common cause of retinal detachment is an eye or head injury.

3. Juvenile macular degeneration: Juvenile macular degeneration causes central vision loss in children and young adults. As of now, there is no treatment for juvenile macular degeneration. 

4. Retinoblastoma: Retinoblastoma is an eye cancer that starts in the retina. In rare cases, it can affect adults. 

5. Uveitis: Uveitis is a form of eye inflammation. It affects the middle layer of tissue in the eyewall. The warning signs often show up suddenly and get worse quickly. 

How are retinal diseases diagnosed in children? 

Advances in imaging technology have made it possible for children with retinal diseases to be diagnosed early. This ensures that children receive immediate and proper treatment. There are different kinds of diagnostic tests that are recommended for young children. For some tests, children may be sedated so that diagnoses can be made

Common tests that we conduct at our hospital to diagnose retinal diseases in children:  

  • Fluorescein angiography: In this procedure, a dye is injected into the bloodstream. The dye causes the blood vessels in the back of the eye to shine while a camera-like device takes images. 
  • Electroretinography: Electroretinography is a test to measure the electrical response of the eye’s light-sensitive cells. This is mostly used to check the macula which is responsible for the central vision. 
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This is a noninvasive imaging technology used to obtain 3D images of the retina. It gives retinal specialists a detailed 3D view of the inside of the eye. 
  • Visual field testing: A visual field test measures how much the eyes can see out of the corners. Basically, it checks for blind spots and other vision defects caused by retinal diseases.

Looking for a retina specialist in Kolkata?

We have a dedicated paediatric ophthalmology unit. To book an appointment, contact us. 

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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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Retina FAQ: A guide curated by some of the best retina specialists in Kolkata

The retina is an essential part of your vision as it’s responsible for turning light rays into images through signals to the brain. When there’s a problem with the retina, you run the risk of having vision problems. Our retina specialists in Kolkata, who specialize in diagnosing and treating retinal conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal detachment, answer some of the frequently asked questions on the retina:  

1.What is the retina? 

 

The retina is a layer of cells at the back of the eye. The job of the retina is to receive light, convert that light into a neural signal, and send the signal via the optic nerve to the brain. The brain interprets these signals and creates an image.

retina specialist in kolkata

2.What are the different parts of the retina? 

The retina is nearly 0.5 mm thick and lines the back of the eye. It contains 200 million neurons and different parts of the retina are responsible for various vision functions. The macula is the most important part of the retina as it allows you to controls your central vision. It is the macula that allows you to see fine details, color, recognize faces and read.  and more.

3.What are the different types of retinal conditions? 

Some of the common retinal conditions are 

  • Macular degeneration
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Retinal detachment
  • Retinal tear.

There are other medical conditions that can occur, but these are some of the most common ones.

4.What is retinal detachment and what are the different types? 

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. It occurs when the retina detaches and pulls away from its normal position. A detached retina doesn’t hurt but it may cause the sudden appearance of flashes of light and floaters. If immediate treatment is not sought, retinal detachment can result in permanent loss of vision. There are three different types of retinal detachment: 

  • Rhegmatogenous: This is the most common type of retinal detachment.  A tear in the retina causes the fluid to accumulate. The fluid pulls the retina away. The detached portions lose their blood supply, which results in loss of vision. 
  • Tractional: This type of detachment happens when the scar tissue grows on the retina’s surface. This type of retinal detachment is seen more commonly in people with uncontrolled diabetes. 
  • Exudative: In this type of retinal detachment, fluid accumulates below the retina, but there are no holes in the retina. Age-related macular degeneration, an injury to the eye or tumors are some of the causes of this type of retinal detachment. 

5.Is retinal detachment different from retinal tear? Both retinal tear and retinal detachment have similar symptoms. The retina could tear before it detaches.

6.What symptoms should warrant a visit to a retina specialist?

Retinal problems vary widely. However, most of them cause visual symptoms. Some of the common symptoms that should prompt you to see a retina specialist are: 

  • The sudden appearance of floaters 
  • Blurred or distorted vision
  • Poor peripheral vision
  • Sudden loss of vision

 7.How are retinal problems diagnosed?

There are many sophisticated diagnostic tests such as optical coherence tomography, automated perimetry, and digital fundus photography that are carried out to detect a retinal condition. A retina specialist will recommend appropriate tests, depending on your symptoms.

8.How are retinal conditions treated? 

Treating retinal conditions can be sometimes complex. The nature of treatment depends on the condition, severity, and treatment options. From shrinking abnormal blood vessels to removing and replacing eye fluid, from injecting medications to laser surgery, there are many treatment options available. A retina specialist is the best person to suggest an appropriate course of treatment.

9.How to prevent retinal conditions?

Though some retinal conditions are out of your control, you must follow a healthy lifestyle for your overall eye health. Having a healthy diet and exercising regularly is good for your eyes and overall health. Smoking increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, quit smoking.

10. How often retinal exam is necessary? 

You must get your eyes tested once a year. If you are diabetic or have an eye condition, your doctor may suggest more frequent eye check-ups.

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Do Carrots Really Improve Eyesight?

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

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

Do carrots really improve eyesight?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See through the myth and get your eyes checked every year

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

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

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

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Eye Diseases Associated with Smoking

If you smoke, you’re well acquainted with the guilty pleasure of lighting up another cigarette, despite having smoked one a couple of minutes before. But do you know the damage the smoke entering inside your lungs is causing?

Apart from leading to a number of health complications such as lung cancer, constricted blood vessels, strokes, loss of appetite, infertility, etc, smoking also increases the risk of a number of eye diseases which can lead to blindness.

Eye Diseases Associated with Smoking

Book eye check-up online:

Quitting smoking is the best step you can take to reduce the damage the chemicals in cigarette smoke has already done. To further lower the risks of eye complications, make sure to visit an eye doctor every year. Get your eye health diagnosed from one of our eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospital, one of the top eye hospitals in Kolkata. Book your appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment.

Here are some of the serious eye diseases associated with smoking:

1.Cataracts: Cataract is one of the most common eye diseases linked to regular smoking. The eye complication occurs when the eye lenses start breaking down and form clumps. Over time, the clumps cloud the lens and obstruct light. This, in turn, leads to vision loss which gradually worsens as the clumps become denser. Smoking causes heavy metals like cadmium to accumulate in the lens and contribute to cataract formation. Also, regular smoking can alter the cells in the eye lenses through oxidation.

Cataracts treatment at Disha Eye Hospital

2.Dry Eyes: People who smoke regularly are at higher risk of developing dry eyes than those who don’t smoke. Also, cigarette smoke is an eye irritant; it worsens dry eyes in smokers as well as in non-smokers. Dry eyes occur when either the tear glands cannot produce sufficient/quality tears for lubrication or when the produced tears get evaporated quickly.


3.Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels of the retina get damaged and lead to vision loss. Regular smoking causes blood sugar levels to spike up, especially in people with diabetes. As a result, the increased blood sugar levels cause more damage to the blood vessels and worsen Diabetic Retinopathy. People who have been recently diagnosed with diabetes stand at an increased risk of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Diabetic Retinopathy


4.Uveitis: The onset of Uveitis is commonly linked to regular smoking. The eye complication occurs when the eye’s middle layer, the uvea, gets inflamed. If left untreated, the eye complication can damage the vital structures of the eyes, including the retina and the iris. Smoking speeds up the development of Uveitis. As such, regular smokers stand at an increased risk of the complication than non-smokers.

Uveitis

5.Macular Degeneration: Macular Degeneration is one of the leading causes of central vision loss. The eye complication is more common in smokers than in non-smokers. Macular Degeneration occurs when the macula (a part of the retina) is damaged. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors of Macular Degeneration.

Macular Degeneration

6.Tips to quit smoking:

Most people struggle to let go of the habit of smoking. However, making small changes to your lifestyle can go a long way in lowering the temptation to light one up. Here are some tips to help you quit the habit:

●Fight your cravings:

Like every other smoker, you may get cravings to smoke at specific times in a day. For eg, most smokers get a strong craving to light one up after a meal. When you get such cravings, try to fight them by eating a healthy snack, drinking water, and talking with somebody.

●Take help:

Do whatever it takes to get help in quitting the habit. Taking therapies and using mobile apps that help kick the butt is a good option.

●Hang out with non-smokers often:

You may tend to smoke frequently when spending time with other smokers. One simple and effective way to reduce smoking and quit eventually is to hang out more with non-smokers.

We at Disha Eye Hospital are committed to providing affordable eye care treatment so that people can have a healthy vision. Our services include LASIK, refractive surgery, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. To know more about our services, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/.

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Difference Between Cataracts and Glaucoma

Difference between cataracts and glaucoma

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

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

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

Cataracts:

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

Glaucoma:

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

Book an eye test online:

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

2) Causes:- 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4) Prevention

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

  • A healthy and balanced diet:

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

  • Regular exercise: 

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

Consult best retina specialists in Kolkata

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