Posted on

Angle Recession Glaucoma: check out these insights curated by some of the best doctors in Kolkata

 

Angle Recession Glaucoma develops after an injury or trauma to the eye. In this type of glaucoma, the tissue in the eye’s angle is damaged, resulting in elevated pressure within the eye. This elevated eye pressure eventually damages the optic nerve resulting in angle recession glaucoma. Though this condition cannot be cured, there are many treatment options available to prevent loss of vision, if the condition is diagnosed early. Glaucoma can cause irreversible damage to your vision. Here are useful insights curated by some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata on angle recession glaucoma and what can be done to treat the condition: 

Glaucoma

 

Insight 1: An eye injury can lead to angle recession glaucoma 

When the eyes are healthy, clear fluid in them flows around the front part and drains through tiny canals near the outer edge of the iris. This spot is called the ‘drainage angle’. This continuous drainage of fluid keeps the pressure inside your eye at a healthy level. However, an eye injury can cause the fluid to build up – as a result, there is an increase in pressure inside the eye. This increasing pressure can damage the optic nerve causing blurry vision and light sensitivity.  However, not every injury leads to angle recession glaucoma. 

Insight 2: A blunt trauma is the most common cause of angle recession glaucoma 

A blunt trauma is the most common cause of angle recession glaucoma. Some of the most common types are: 

  • Sports injuries such as getting punched or elbowed in the eye or hit with an object in the eye
  • Car accidents that cause facial trauma
  • Physical assault
  • Severe falls
  • Industrial injuries

Insight 3: There may not be early warning signs 

There are no early signs of glaucoma. And, it is the same with angle recession glaucoma. The high eye pressure slowly damages the fibres in the optic nerve. By the time you will notice any change in vision, the condition would have worsened. Loss of peripheral vision is one of the most common symptoms of angle recession glaucoma. 

Angle recession glaucoma can develop even years after the injury. Some people even forget about the injury by the time glaucoma develops. It is, therefore, important to schedule annual eye exams with an ophthalmologist. This is all the more important if you have suffered an eye injury. You will be screened for angle recession and timely treatment can be started to protect your vision.  

Insight 4: For diagnosis, eye pressure and drainage angle needs to be checked 

The two most common tests that your ophthalmologist will conduct to check for glaucoma are — tonometry and gonioscopy. Tonometry is done to determine the pressure inside the eye while gonioscopy helps to check the drainage angle of the eye. The eye doctor may also ask you to get 

a visual field test to check the peripheral vision for losses you may not have noticed yourself. 

Insight 5: Glaucoma damage cannot be reversed but more vision loss can be prevented

The damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. However, by seeking  timely treatment, further damage can be slowed. The severity of the eye injury will decide the course of treatment. Some of the treatment options are: 

  • Medication: Prescription eye drops medications lowers the amount of fluid and, thus, lower eye pressure. Usually, eye doctors prescribe the medications and monitor the eye pressure every month. 
  • Laser treatment: Laser treatment may be recommended when the medications are not effective at lowering excessive eye pressure. 
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be suggested. During the surgery, a new opening in the white of your eye is created. This opening allows fluid to drain and this reduces eye pressure. 

Insight 6: To prevent angle recession glaucoma, protect your eyes from injuries 

Angle recession glaucoma may not be entirely preventable in every case. But you can reduce the risk by taking certain precautions such as wearing safety glasses when working with tools or when you play sports. 

 

Posted on

Avoid digital eye strain while working from home

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people working from home has increased significantly since last year. However, this has resulted in people spending too much time in front of their digital devices, which in turn has led to an increase in complaints of eye strain and dry eyes. Staring at a screen for too long can also cause headaches, eye fatigue, shoulder pain and in some cases, deteriorated vision.

If you are working from home and are looking for useful tips to protect your eyes from too much screen time, here’s a useful read. These tips are curated by our eye doctors in Kolkata:

Avoid digital eye strain while working from home

Tip 1: Adjust the position of your screen:

The positioning of the screen of your digital device has a significant impact on your eyes. When working, make sure that the screen of your computer or laptop is just below your eye level.

Tip 2: Check the lighting of your room: 

Insufficient lighting as well as excessive lighting can put pressure on your eyes – which can cause discomfort and in some cases, vision problems. Usually lower ambient light levels are right for screen- intensive jobs. For paper-related work ( especially when the characters are small) , higher ambient light levels are recommended.

Tip 3: Don’t place the digital device too close to the eyes: 

By keeping the device close to your eyes, your eyes have to work hard to see the content. Ideally, you should keep your digital screen at least 50-100 cm away from your eyes.

Tip 4: Take frequent breaks: 

When working from home, frequent breaks are necessary as working continuously for a long period of time can affect your eyes and health. Also, taking short breaks enhances work productivity.

Tip 5: Wear computer eyeglasses: 

Computer glasses with anti-glare coating and blue light filtering can help you get relief from digital eye strain.

Tip 6: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: 

Your eyes, like the rest of the body, need regular exercise. The 20-20-20 rule is an easy exercise that you can do when working from home. After every 20 minutes, look away from your digital screen and focus on an object within 20 feet of you for 20 seconds.

Tip 7: Get your eyes examined annually:

A comprehensive eye exam is a must as it helps detect eye problems at an early age. Even if you don’t experience any change in your vision, make it a point to get your eyes checked at least once a year. Here’s a useful read on why you should be going for regular eye exams.

At Disha Eye Hospitals, we are passionate about providing world-class eye care affordable to all sections of the society. From vision correction surgery and cataract surgery to the treatment of very complex conditions, we offer a comprehensive range of services that meets everyone’s needs.

 

Posted on

Gonioscopy: What Is It And Why Is It Needed?

Have you or your family member been advised to undergo gonioscopy and you are wondering what the test is all about? Well, gonioscopy is done to evaluate the internal drainage system of the eye. The front part of the eye is filled with clear fluid. It is this fluid that nourishes the lens and maintains pressure within the eye. The fluid carries nutrients to the lens and cornea. The fluid naturally drains out of the eyes from the area between the iris and the cornea. An ophthalmologist performs a gonioscopy to check to see if this drainage system is working properly. Here is an overview of why gonioscopy is done and what does it entail by our eye doctors in Kolkata: 

eye doctor in kolkata

  • Why is gonioscopy  done? Gonioscopy is recommended if your ophthalmologist thinks you should be checked for glaucoma. The eye condition damages the optic nerve. There are many types of glaucoma. They do not have any warning signs. By the time noticeable symptoms such as blind spots and floaters appear the condition is in advanced stages. If you have glaucoma, gonioscopy can help your ophthalmologist see which type of glaucoma you have. Early detection of glaucoma is the best way to prevent vision loss due to the condition. 
  • How glaucoma affects the eyes? In most types of glaucoma, the eye’s drainage system doesn’t work as it should and the clear fluid cannot drain. The excess fluid builds pressure inside the eye. This increased pressure damages the sensitive optic nerve fibres, which if not treated can result in vision loss. 
  • What to expect during the test? For a gonioscopy exam, your eyes will be dilated with eye drops. This is done so that the ophthalmologist can fully examine the health of the optic nerve and retina. Once the pupils are dilated, you will rest your head in the chin holder of a slit-lamp microscope. Through the instrument, your ophthalmologist will look into your eyes. Now, the doctor will direct a beam of light into the lens of the eyes. It is a painless examination. 
  • Should everyone get gonioscopy done? Early signs of vision changes and eye disease often start at around 40. All adults should get a baseline eye screening by an ophthalmologist at 40. Those who have diabetes need eye exams more frequently. Your ophthalmologist will tell you how often to have follow-up exams such as gonioscopy based on the results of this screening. 
  • Who should get gonioscopy done? Some people are considered glaucoma suspects. Their ophthalmologist may recommend gonioscopy and other glaucoma screenings regularly. When it comes to glaucoma, time is of the essence. Regular exams can save your vision.
  • How often should gonioscopy be done? Gonioscopy is suggested every 1 to 5 years, depending on the type of glaucoma. For closed-angle cases, the test is recommended at regular intervals. In open-angle cases, the test is performed at least once a year. 

At Disha Eye Hospitals, we offer high-quality eye care and a wide range of diagnostic and imaging services including gonioscopy. Our team of eye doctors in Kolkata include optometrists, surgeons, ophthalmologists and paediatric ophthalmologists will help you understand your eye condition and will offer the best patient care possible. 

 

Posted on

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.

 

Posted on

What is a mini stroke in the eye?

Do you know that strokes don’t only happen in the brain? They can happen in the eyes too. Like the stroke in the brain, when blood flow is blocked in the retina it can cause a stroke in the eye which is also known as retinal artery occlusion. Just like a brain stroke, a stroke in the eye is a medical emergency that needs immediate medical attention. If you don’t get treated right away, an eye stroke can cause loss of vision. 

Over here we discuss the causes and symptoms of an eye stroke so that medical help can be sought in the hour of need: 

eye doctor in kolkata

Causes of an eye stroke: 

Much like a brain stroke, an eye stroke is caused due to poor circulation in the blood vessels. When the blood to the brain is reduced or cut off, the retina loses its blood and nutrient supply. This damages the nerve tissue, resulting in a sudden loss of vision. 

Symptoms of an eye stroke: 

An eye stroke is a medical emergency and usually comes without pain and thus, it is important that you are well aware of all the symptoms. If you or your loved one experiences any of the following symptoms, rush to an eye hospital: 

  • A sudden change in vision or loss of vision in one eye. 
  • Some people may experience loss of peripheral vision only. 
  • Blurry or destroyed vision. 
  • Vision changing or getting worse within hours. 

Who are at the risk of having an eye stroke?

Though anyone can suffer from an eye stroke, certain people may have a higher risk than others of having an eye stroke. The risk factors are similar to those of a brain stroke. The risk factors include: 

  • Blocked arteries
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Previous heart attack or stroke
  • Chest pain
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Diabetes or a family history of diabetes
  • Glaucoma

How is an eye stroke diagnosed? 

If your eye doctor suspects an eye stroke, he or she will review your medical history. Your blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels will be measured as well as your central visual acuity and visual field. The affected eye will be compared to the normal eye. He or she will ask about symptoms such as fever, headache, jaw pain and weight loss. 

Treatment plan 

When a person is suffering from an eye stroke, every minute counts. 4 hours of blockage can damage the vision permanently. Treatment may involve medication to dissolve blood clots or laser treatment that move the blood clots away from the retina. In some cases, eye doctors may recommend widening of the arteries in the retina. Lasting injury can be avoided if blocked arteries are cleared and blood flow is restored. Also, long-term follow-up care is needed after a person suffers from an eye stroke. 

How to prevent an eye stroke?

The most essential and important part of preventing an eye stroke is to keep your heart in good health. Ensure that your blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels are within the optimal range. Embrace a healthy lifestyle that includes a good diet and exercise. Smoking increases the risk of all types of stroke. If you smoke, try to quit it gradually.  If you have glaucoma, get your eye checked regularly.

When to see an eye doctor?

Eye stroke is a medical emergency, get medical help right away. The emergency OPD at Disha Eye Hospitals has a dedicated eye doctor. Patients with eye emergencies are seen without any prior appointment. You can also tele-consult our eye doctors in Kolkata. However, in case of an emergency, rush to our nearest branch. 

 

Posted on

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. 

 

 

 

Posted on

When is eye blinking a problem?

Did you know that on average people blink 15 to 20 times per minute? However, babies and children only blink about two times per minute. While it is natural for you to blink, excessive blinking can be a sign of a serious problem. Excessive blinking is when you blink more than you want to. It may happen all the time or once in a while.  

eye blinking a problem

Our highly-experienced eye doctors in Kolkata share with you a few important things that you should know about excessive blinking:  

 

  • Causes of excessive blinking: There are many medical conditions that can lead to excessive blinking. Some of these causes are: 
  • Eye irritation: Dryness, itchiness, pain or grittiness in the eye caused due to eye irritation can lead to excessive blinking. Dry eye syndrome, pink eye, scratches on the eyes, injury and neurological problems are some of the leading causes of excessive blinking. Smoke, pollen, pollution, chemical vapours, foreign objects or dust are some of the eye irritants that can cause your eyes to blink excessively.  
  • Eye strain: When eyes are tired, they tend to blink more. 
  • Vision problems: Nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia and strabismus can cause excessive blinking especially without the proper corrective eyewear. 

 

  • Serious conditions: Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Tourette’s syndrome are known to cause excessive blinking. 
  • Diagnosis of excessive blinking: An eye doctor will conduct a physical examination of your eyes for conditions such as strabismus or conjunctivitis. More tests may be recommended if the eye doctor suspects that there is an underlying medical condition behind excessive blinking. A refraction test will also be performed to determine whether eyeglasses are needed or not. A complete eye exam including pupil dilation may be performed to see the overall health of the eyes. 
  • Treatment: The course of treatment depends on the cause. In some cases, excessive blinking may go away on its own while in other cases, treatment may be needed. In case of eye irritation, the eye doctor will first diagnose the irritants causing the problem and you will be asked to avoid the irritants. Applying warm compresses to the irritated eye can also provide some relief. Over-the-counter eye drops may be prescribed for lubrication or allergies. Those suffering from eye strain may be asked to cut down their screen time and avoid bright lights. In case of a neurological condition, the eye doctor may work along with a neurologist to evaluate the condition and create a treatment plan. 
  • When to see an eye doctor: When excessive blinking is not going away on its own or it is accompanied by symptoms such as pain, change in vision, watery eyes or redness in the eyes, the condition should always be evaluated and treated by your doctor. 

 

Often excessive eye blinking isn’t serious. However, it could be a sign of corneal abrasions or eye infections. With over 15 branches in West Bengal, Disha Eye Hospitals are among the reputed eye hospitals in the state. We have some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata on board who are committed to offering the best patient care possible. 

 

Posted on

Can Diabetic Retinopathy Resolve?

 

One of the many questions that our eye doctors in Kolkata are asked about diabetic retinopathy is whether or not the eye condition will resolve on its own. Although there is no cure for diabetic retinopathy, the right treatment can delay or reduce vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy is characterised by bulging blood vessels in the retina that happens as a result of diabetes. Bulging blood vessels often leak fluid or bleed – which can cause blurred vision, seeing eye floaters and difficulty seeing colours. 

Can diabetic retinopathy resolve?

At Disha Eye Hospitals, we have some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata who have shared with you a few important insights on the treatment of diabetic retinopathy: 

 

  • When is treatment needed? Treatment is required when the condition reaches an advanced stage and there’s a risk to the vision. When the condition has affected the macula of the retina or when peripheral vision has been severely affected, seeking medical treatment becomes important. 
  • What are the treatment options available? An eye doctor will determine the best treatment option that suits an individual. Those with advanced diabetic retinopathy will need surgical treatment to prevent vision loss. Remember, people suffering from diabetic retinopathy may need treatment more than once as the condition may get worse. 
  • Laser treatment: When the retina is severely damaged, laser treatment may be recommended. Using a laser, an eye surgeon will shrink the abnormal blood vessels, slowing the leakage of blood and fluid in the eye. Aggressive laser therapy may be used to treat severe proliferative retinopathy. This will prevent the growth of new blood vessels. However, laser treatment may not always work in treating proliferative retinopathy.
  • Vitrectomy: In case, the retina has not been severely damaged, then a vitrectomy may be recommended. This surgery is done when there is internal bleeding or retinal detachment. This surgery is also done to treat macular edema.
  • Medicines: An eye doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medicines to slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. In advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy, injections or steroids may also be given to shrink new blood vessels. 
  • How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed? As diabetic retinopathy shows no early symptoms, it is essential that you get your eyes checked regularly. During a comprehensive eye examination, your eye doctor will put a few drops in your eyes to dilate the pupils. Then using a special lens, he/she will see the inside of your eyes including the condition of the  blood vessels. 
  • Is controlling diabetes important? The most important part of your treatment plan is to keep your sugar levels under check. In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, controlling diabetes can help prevent vision problems from developing. In more advanced stages, controlling diabetes can help symptoms from worsening and this may prevent vision loss. If you have been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, it is important to keep diabetes under control. 

 

At Disha Eye Hospitals, we offer treatment for diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma and many other eye conditions. Our highly experienced eye doctors, retina specialists and staff ensure that you receive the best possible patient care. 

 

Posted on

Intraocular Pressure and Your Eye Health – insights curated by some of the leading eye doctors in Kolkata

Your eyes are filled with a clear fluid called aqueous humor which helps to maintain the shape of the eyes and plays a key role in the overall health of the eyes. The pressure of the fluid in the eyes — also known as intraocular pressure — keeps on changing throughout the day and differs from one person to another. To maintain a steady pressure, this fluid drains regularly. However, when this fluid doesn’t drain properly, the excess fluid builds pressure in the eye and can cause vision problems

eye doctor in kolkata

  • Why does intraocular pressure matter?  When the fluid in the eye doesn’t drain properly, intraocular pressure becomes high. And, high eye pressure is the most significant risk factor in the development of glaucoma – the higher the pressure, the greater the risk. The problem with glaucoma is that it doesn’t have any early symptoms. By the time it shows any noticeable signs such as severe headache, eye pain, nausea and blurred vision, the condition is in the advanced stages. . Glaucoma can go unnoticed for years. But by getting the eye pressure checked you can catch it early and take preventive measures. Glaucoma, when not treated for long, can lead to complete loss of vision. 

 

  • How is eye pressure checked? A detailed pupil dilation test is the best way to detect whether the intraocular pressure is high or low. The pupil dilation test lets your eye doctor check the health of the optic nerve as well as the retina. To fully examine your eyes, the eye doctor may recommend several tests.

 

  • Is low intraocular pressure a problem? Both high intraocular pressure and low intraocular pressure are not good for the health of your eyes. Low intraocular pressure can cause blurry vision. When the intraocular pressure is extremely low it can cause corneal decompensation, accelerated cataract formation and maculopathy. 

 

  • How to maintain a steady eye pressure? There is no particular way of maintaining eye pressure at a healthy level.  If you suffer from uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension, you get your eyes checked regularly. The eye doctors will conduct comprehensive eye tests to check the eye pressure and may suggest eye drops if the intraocular pressure is found to be on the higher end. 

 

Risk factors of high intraocular pressure

  • A family history of ocular hypertension or glaucoma
  • Age 
  • Acute short-sightedness 
  • Certain medications raise eye pressure in some people 
  • Eye injuries, even years after they happen, can affect your intraocular pressure

 

Book an appointment for eye test 

High intraocular pressure can be detected during an eye test – so it’s important to have your eyes checked at least once a year. We have some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata on board. If it’s been a while since you’ve had an eye exam, schedule an appointment today. 

Posted on

Glaucoma Suspect: Things You Need To Know

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve and if treated for long, it can lead to permanent vision loss. An individual is called a glaucoma suspect when there are one or more risk factors that may lead to glaucoma. If glaucoma is not treated for long, it can lead to blindness.

best eye doctor in kolkata

Being a glaucoma suspect doesn’t mean that the individual has optic nerve damage or vision loss due to glaucoma. It means the person is at the risk of developing glaucoma. As glaucoma is a slow-progressing disease, a definitive diagnosis of the condition takes time. To know about factors that make you a glaucoma suspect, keep reading.

 

What puts you at an increased risk of glaucoma?

As glaucoma can cause permanent loss of vision before any signs or symptoms appear, be aware of these risk factors:

 

  • High internal eye pressure: Intraocular pressure is the fluid pressure inside the eye. It is a very important factor that eye specialists take into account while evaluating patients at risk of glaucoma. Those with elevated eye pressure are at the risk of developing glaucoma. However, it is important to note that there is a subtype of glaucoma in which eye pressure is not elevated.

 

  • Age: As people grow older, the drainage system of the eyes do not work properly as they used to. This leads to elevated eye pressure, increasing the risk of glaucoma.

 

  • Family history of glaucoma: Family history is also a risk factor, especially if close relatives such as parents or siblings have glaucoma. Anyone who is diagnosed with glaucoma should advise their first-degree relatives of their diagnosis and encourage family members to have a comprehensive eye exam regularly to detect glaucoma early or to prevent the condition.

 

  • Thin cornea: It has been seen that patients with thinner corneas may have an increased risk of glaucoma. You can learn about the thickness of the cornea during a comprehensive eye exam that includes pupil dilation.

 

  • Extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness: Patients with extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness have increased risk of angle glaucoma. This may be because of the different shape of the optic disc.

 

  • Certain medical conditions: People having certain medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure also stand at an increased risk of primary open-angle glaucoma.

 

Treatment options for glaucoma suspects

Here are things that glaucoma suspects should do in order to prevent or reduce the risk of glaucoma:

  • Follow up care: If you are a glaucoma suspect, make sure that you visit an eye specialist regularly. Taking good care of your eyes and getting regular checkups can help you keep a tab on the condition of your optic nerve. If you are a low-risk glaucoma suspect, you should see an eye specialist, once in six months at least.

 

  • Eye drops: If you are a high-risk glaucoma suspect, the eye doctor may suggest you to use eye drops to lower the eye pressure. In some cases, laser treatment may also be recommended.

 

  • Exercise safely and regularly. Moderate exercise may help prevent glaucoma by reducing eye pressure. Talk with your doctor about an appropriate exercise programme.

 

To get an accurate assessment of your eye health, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. Our comprehensive eye examination can help detect early glaucoma symptoms. We have some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata on board who can help you choose the right treatment option. To book an online consultation, click here.