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Insights on Refractive Errors by One of the Best Eye Hospitals in Kolkata

eye hospitals

Are you struggling to see clearly? It could be because of refractive errors, a type of vision problem. These eye problems occur when the shape of your eye keeps you from focusing well. The cause could be the shape of the eyeball or ageing of the lens. As one of the best eye hospitals in Kolkata, we share with  you important insights on refractive errors:

1. They are the most common problems: Refractive errors are the most common eye disorders. The most common symptom of refractive errors is blurred vision. Often, refractive errors can be easily treated. They are usually not serious but in some severe cases, they may cause visual impairment.

2. Symptoms of refractive errors: Besides blurry vision, the symptoms of refractive errors include: 

  • Double vision 
  • Hazy vision 
  • Squinting
  • Headaches
  • Eye strain (when your eyes feel tired or sore)
  • Trouble focusing when reading or looking at a computer

    3. Types of refractive errors: There are 4 types of refractive errors, namely:
  • Myopia
  • Hyperopia
  • Astigmatism 
  • Presbyopia

    4. Astigmatism causes blurred distance and near vision: This is a condition that involves an abnormal curvature of the cornea. This abnormal curvature can cause two focal points to fall in two different locations making objects appear blurry up close or at a distance. Astigmatism causes straining of the eye accompanied by myopia or hyperopia. This condition can be treated by wearing prescribed eyeglasses, contact lenses or corrective surgery.

5. Myopia makes objects farther away appear blurry: Myopia is a condition in which the image focuses in front of the retina instead of on it. It is also known as nearsightedness. This occurs due to the eyeball axis being too long than normal or due the refractive power of the eye being too strong. Myopia results in distant objects appearing out of focus and causes eye strain or headaches. Myopia can be corrected by wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses, as they correct vision by adjusting the focusing power. Corrective surgery can also treat myopia by shaping the cornea to a more spherical or round shape.

6. Hyperopia makes nearby objects appear blurry: Hyperopia is a condition in which the light or image focuses behind the retina instead of on it. It is also known as farsightedness. Hyperopia can affect people from all age groups and can also be inherited. In this condition, distant vision is clear while close vision is blurry. In advanced hyperopia, vision can be blurred at all distances. Like Myopia, this can also be treated and corrected by using eyeglasses, contact lenses or by performing a corrective surgery.

7. Presbyopia becomes noticeable usually in early  40s: Presbyopia can be termed as the ageing of the lens in the eye. After 40 years of age, the lens in the eye becomes rigid and there is a reduction in flexibility. This causes the eye to  lose its focusing ability and makes it more difficult to see or read from a close distance. This normal ageing of the lens can also be combined with myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. Presbyopia can be treated using prescription glasses and contact lenses. However, if it is severe  and causing trouble then it is advised to undergo corrective surgery. 

8. Who is at the risk of developing refractive errors?   Anyone can have refractive errors, but you’re at higher risk if you have family members who wear glasses or contact lenses.

9. How are refractive errors diagnosed? A visual acuity test is done to diagnose refractive errors. The eye doctor will ask to read a vision chart while testing which lenses are the best to suit your vision. Special imaging or other testing is rarely necessary for refractive errors. 

Here’s a useful read on why wearing the wrong eyeglass prescription can cause problems. 

Looking for the best eye hospital in Kolkata? 

We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have some of the best eye doctors who can prescribe the right eyeglasses and contact lenses for you. We also have in-house optical stores. We also offer refractive surgery that reduces the dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses. Visit your nearest branch or book an online consultation. 

 

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Wrong Eyeglass Prescription: Check These Warning Signs

Eyeglasses are the most effective and affordable way to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. 

Eyeglasses are easy to handle and one of the most comfortable vision-correcting methods. Wearing prescribed eyeglasses have many advantages such as:

  • Improved vision
  • Better eye protection
  • Cost-effective 
  • Easy to maintain

However, if you do not have the right prescription for eyeglasses, it might lead to uncomfortable symptoms. As one of the leading eye hospitals in Kolkata, we share with you you some of the warning signs that may indicate that the eyeglasses you are wearing the wrong prescription: 

 

  • Frequent headaches: This is one of the first signs that you will observe if you are wearing the wrong prescription glasses or contact lenses. When you have a new prescription, you may experience frequent headaches a few days after wearing new glasses. However, the headaches may disappear when you take them off. In case of a wrong prescription, the eyes will strain along with a headache. In both cases, you must visit an eye doctor and get the prescription changed.

 

  • Vertigo: Normal dizziness can be cured within hours but vertigo is much more aggressive than dizziness. Vertigo gives you a feeling of being unbalanced while standing or sitting. This condition needs medical attention. It can be caused due to blurred vision. But if you already have this condition, the wrong prescription will only worsen the situation. Vertigo can affect depth perception. Without depth perception, you are at the risk of injuring yourself.  

 

  • Blurred vision: Blurred vision after prescribed corrective glasses can also mean the adjustment of the eyes to new lenses. This will get corrected after a few days but if the blurriness continues, you must visit the eye doctor to get the prescription correct. A wrong prescription may lead to further eye issues.

 

  • Eye fatigue: When you start feeling eye fatigue after the prescribed new glasses, this might be a sign that the prescription is wrong. 

Looking for an eye specialist in Kolkata? 

If you are experiencing any eye-related problem, get your eyes checked by an eye specialist. We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata on board. We offer quality eye care at an affordable price.

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Useful insights on blue light

Blue light is a part of the visible light spectrum; it can come from digital devices, fluorescent lighting solutions, and of course, the sun. Researchers have found that exposure to blue light at night from phones can disrupt your ability to fall asleep as blue light suppresses the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that tells us when it is time to sleep. In addition to disrupting sleep, blue light can lead to retinal stress, which can cause an early onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  As one of the best eye hospitals in Kolkata,  we have curated a list of useful insights on blue light and its effect on our health: 

Useful insights on blue light

  1. Blue light affects sleep cycle: Exposure to artificial blue light closer to bedtime can disrupt the circadian rhythm —- internal process that regulates the sleep–wake cycle. During the day, blue light from the sun has been found to help people stay focused and alert. It also boosts memory and cognitive functions. However, when a person is exposed to blue light in the evening hours, the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone, is suppressed. Harvard researchers conducted an experiment where they compared the effects in people who were exposed to 6.5 hours of blue light versus 6,5 hours of green light. It was found that blue light suppresses melatonin for about twice as long as the green light.
  2. Blue light may cause eye strain: Often many people experience discomfort after looking at digital screens. This is called digital eye strain. When looking at screens, people often blink less. Blinking keeps the eyes moistened and cleans the surface of the eyes of any debris or dirt. When one blinks less, the eyes dry up which can lead to irritated and dry eyes. The best way to protect the eyes against digital strain is to take frequent breaks and blink more often.
  3. Use devices on night mode:  Digital devices come with a night mode that reduces screen brightness, which can reduce eye strain. The night mode reduces glare and helps your eyes adjust to the surrounding light.
  4. You get more blue light exposure from the sun than any other source: People often associate blue light with digital devices whereas the largest source of harmful blue light is sunlight. A study found that higher levels of  sun exposure in teenage and early adult years were associated with early age related macular degeneration. To protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the blue light, wear sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB light. Also, it is important to wear sunglasses throughout the year , even during winters. Here is a useful read on choosing the right types of sunglasses for your eyes. 

If despite cutting back on your screen time and exposure to bright light the eye strain persists, see an eye doctor to find out the causes and the solutions to protect your vision. If you are searching for the best eye hospital in Kolkata and other cities in West Bengal, visit the nearest branch of Disha Eye Hospitals. You can also book an online consultation. 

 

 

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Why should you not ignore blurry vision?

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

blurry vision

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

Blurry vision: Why should you visit an eye hospital?

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

 

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

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

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

Consult the best eye doctors in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospitals

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

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What is retinal artery occlusion?

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

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

eye hospital

What are the risk factors?

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

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

Symptoms of retinal artery occlusion:

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

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

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

How is the eye condition diagnosed?

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

Treatment for retinal artery occlusion:

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

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

Looking for a leading eye hospital for retinal problems? 

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

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What are pinguecula and pterygium? Important insights curated by a leading eye hospital

Different parts of the body often develop benign growths and eyes are no exception. Pinguecula (plural pingueculae) and pterygium (plural: pterygia) are harmless, non-cancerous growths that develop on the eye’s conjunctiva, the connective tissue that covers the white part of the eyes. While the two may appear similar and have similar symptoms and causes, they are actually quite different. 

As a leading eye hospital, we share with you some important insights on pinguecula and pterygium – 

  • Pinguecula is a non-cancerous lump 

A pinguecula is a non-cancerous lump on the white part of the eye. Overexposure to the sun and ultraviolet radiation are the most common reason for the development of pinguecula. The yellow lump typically grows on the side of your eyeball closest to the nose. Made of protein, calcium and fats,  the lump can either be round or triangular in shape. Pingueculae can cause discomfort but doesn’t affect the vision: 

  • Pingueculae part of normal ageing 

Though Pingueculae can develop at any age, it is common among middle-aged and elderly people. It is in fact a normal part of ageing. 

  • Pingueculae and pterygia are not the same thing 

A Pinguecula should not be confused with a pterygium . Pterygia occur when a Pingueculae grows and turns into a pterygium, a benign fibrous growth. Pterygia are more likely to interfere with normal sight. A pterygium is more noticeable than pinguecula. When pterygium extends onto the cornea far enough it can cause blurred vision as the curvature of the cornea is changed. Pterygium may also disrupt the distribution of tears across the surface of the eye, creating a feeling of dryness. 

  • The main symptom of  Pingueculae is yellow bump 

Besides the yellow bump, people who develop Pingueculae experience mild symptoms such as:  

 pinguecula

  1. Irritation
  2. Dry eyes
  3. Redness
  4. Swelling around the eyes
  5. Burning sensation
  6. Foreign body sensation
  7. Blurry vision
  8. Discomfort when wearing contacts
  • Pingueculae can lead to astigmatism 

Pingueculae changes the natural curve of the eyeball – which  can lead to astigmatism, a refractive error.  Astigmatism can be corrected with specialised contact lenses or laser eye surgery.

  • Overexposure to the sun causes Pingueculae and pterygia

Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays are likely the cause of pingueculae and pterygia. According to 2019 study, Pingueculae are more common in people who live in countries near the equator, where the sun’s rays are strongest. Besides the sun exposure, Pingueculae may also develop due to regular irritation from wind, dust or other airborne particles. 

  • Pingueculae may not require treatment 

In most cases, pingueculae do not usually require treatment. OTC or prescription medications often help people get relief from symptoms such as itchiness, irritation and dryness. Surgery is usually reserved for cases where severe eye irritation is noticed. However, some people wish to get their pingueculae or pterygia removed surgically for cosmetic reasons.  

  • To avoid Pingueculae protect eyes from the sun 

As sunlight and UV rays are among risk factors for developing pingueculae, you should take care of your eyes when stepping out. Wear the right sunglasses when out in the sun. Choose sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun’s rays off the face and eyes. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or in a dusty area, wear protective eyewear to prevent irritants from entering your eyes.

If you experience any eye problems, see an eye doctor immediately. At Disha Eye Hospitals, we are committed to providing quality eye care at affordable cost to people from all walks of life. From vision correction surgery to cataract surgery, we offer a wide range of services. 

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Ocular migraine: What causes it and how is it diagnosed ?

Ocular migraine or retinal migraine is an eye condition. It causes temporary loss of vision in one eye or visual problems like blurry vision and flashing lights. Although these temporary visual disturbances can be alarming, in most cases they are harmless and the symptoms usually disappear on their own after around 20-30 mins. Most people don’t need any treatment. However, if you have any concerns, visit an eye hospital near you. 

Ocular migraine

Want to know more on ocular migraine? 

Check this read where we discuss ocular migraine in a detailed manner: 

 

  • Causes of ocular migraine:

 

When the blood vessels to the eye suddenly narrow, the blood flow to the eye is reduced which causes ocular migraine. Here are a few triggers that can cause the condition:

  • High blood pressure 
  • A family history of migraines
  • Stress 
  • Low blood sugar
  • Dehydration
  • Excessive heat 
  • Oral contraceptive pill 
  • High altitude 

 

  • Signs and symptoms:

 

An ocular migraine does not affect everyone in the same way. As a result, the signs and symptoms vary from person to person. The following are some of the most common ones:

  • Partial or total loss of vision in one eye – this can last anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes. And then the vision gradually returns to normal. 
  • Headache during or after vision less 

In most cases, the same eye is affected every time. 

 

  • Diagnosis and treatment:

 

An eye doctor will examine your eyes and will ask you a few questions related to your symptoms to rule out other conditions that could cause similar problems, such as:

  • Blockage in the artery that leads to the eye
  • Spasms in the artery that carries blood to the retina 
  •  Inflammation in blood vessels
  • Stroke 
  • Blood vessel disorders related to autoimmune diseases
  • Drug abuse

Once diagnosed, your eye doctor will give you medical advice. Normally, treatment isn’t required for ocular migraines as symptoms usually go away on their own after sometime. However, when the attacks happen, we would recommend you to rest your eyes until the symptoms pass. Your doctor may advise you to take painkillers to get relief from headaches. If you are worried about the frequency of the attacks, consult your eye doctor. 

Looking for an eye hospital in Kolkata? 

Visit Disha Eye Hospitals – we provide the best eye care services at affordable costs. We offer the latest technology in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases including glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. 

 

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Abnormal eye discharge: causes, diagnosis and treatment

You may observe a liquid-like discharge or crustiness around the edges of your eyes  after waking up in the morning. It’s quite normal – as everyone has this kind of eye discharge in the mornings.  The discharge is usually a combination of debris, mucus, oil and skin cells, which get accumulated in the corner of your eyes.   Waking up with eye discharge is considered normal. However, an eye discharge that is either yellow or green and is accompanied by eye pain and blurry vision, warrants a visit to an eye hospital.  

Abnormal eye discharge

Here, we share with you a few things that you should know about abnormal eye discharge: 

Causes of abnormal eye discharge:

  • Conjunctivitis: Eye discharge is one of the common symptoms of conjunctivitis or pink eye. In addition to  green, yellow or white eye discharge, conjunctivitis causes redness, eye pain, itchy eyes and swollen eyes. If treatment is not sought on time, it can even cause eye damage. 
  • Dry eyes: Dry eyes occur when the surface of the eyes is not lubricated properly, thus causing inflammation and irritation. At times, dry eyes can also be the reason for watery eye discharge.
  • Eye injury: Dirt, chemical substance or debris or an eye injury can cause watery discharge. See an eye doctor immediately if you notice pus or blood in the eyes after the injury. 
  • Blepharitis: Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. It causes clumpiness and stickiness around the eyelashes. 
  • Eye infections: Eye infections such as eye herpes, fungal keratitis and acanthamoeba keratitis can also cause abnormal eye discharge that could either be thick and sticky or watery and clear. 
  • Corneal ulcer: It is usually caused by an untreated eye infection or trauma to the eye. Thick eye discharge accompanied by swollen eyelids, redness and eye pain is the characteristic of this eye condition. If left untreated, a corneal ulcer can cause complete vision loss. 

Signs accompanied with abnormal discharge

  •  In addition to thick, green, or yellow-coloured discharge in the corner of the eyes, spreading across the eyelid, you might notice other symptoms like Burning eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Blurry vision
  • Itchy eyes
  • Eye pain
  • Light sensitivity
  • Red eyes
  • Inability to open the eyes fully
  • Flu-like symptoms

Diagnosis and treatment:

Timely consultation can help eye doctors rule out the underlying cause of the abnormal eye discharge. The eye doctors will diagnose your condition and prescribe necessary medications like ointments, antibiotics and  eye drops, https://www.pittsburgheyeassociates.com/amoxil-treat-infections/.

Management of abnormal eye discharge:

Do not rub your eyes to remove the crusts or the discharge – as it can increase the risk of infection. Always keep your hands clean before applying eye ointments. You can soak a clean washcloth in warm water and then wipe the area around your eyes – it removes the discharge and also feels relaxing.

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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.

 

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How do you know if eye pain is serious?

Eye pain falls into two categories: Ocular pain and orbital pain. Ocular pain occurs on the surface of the eye while orbital pain occurs within the eye.

eye hospital

Over here we will discuss what causes eye pain and when should you visit an eye hospital:

 

Causes of ocular pain

You may experience eye pain on the surface of the eye because of the following reasons

  • Foreign objects: When irritants such as a speck of dirt, makeup, grit or a twig get into the eye – they cause eye pain along with symptoms such as eye irritation, redness and watery eyes. Wash your eyes with cold water. Even after a day if you feel that something is stuck inside your eyes, you should seek medical treatment.
  • Conjunctivitis: Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is an infection that causes pain in the eyes along with redness in the white portion, itchiness and watery eyes. Though conjunctivitis is not serious or vision-threatening, it can be highly contagious. If you have conjunctivitis, see an eye doctor for medications.
  • Injury: If you were involved in an accident and because of it you are experiencing pain in the eye, you must see an eye doctor to rule out serious damage. If your eyes have come into contact with chemicals and you are experiencing a burning sensation, visit an eye doctor immediately. The severity of the burn depends on the chemical and the amount that has gone inside your eyes. Chemical eye burns are a medical emergency and should not be ignored.
  • Infections: There are several eye infections such as blepharitis and sty that can cause pain in the eyes. An eye doctor can diagnose an infection by performing a physical examination of the eye. Depending on the severity of inflammation and pain, the doctor may prescribe eye drops or ointment.

 

Causes of orbital pain

There are several conditions that can cause eye pain within the eye and some of them are as follows:

 

  • Glaucoma: This eye condition occurs when intraocular pressure or pressure inside the eye increases, damaging the optic nerve. The condition gets worse over time. If you are experiencing eye pain along with vision loss and feeling of nausea, visit an eye doctor without any delay. Seeking immediate medical treatment can help prevent long-term vision loss.
  • Optic neuritis: This eye condition occurs when swelling damages the optic nerve. Optic neuritis causes pain with eye movement and temporary vision loss in one eye. Sometimes the eye pain may feel like a dull ache. With the help of medications and steroids, the vision can be restored, https://nygoodhealth.com/product/prednisone/.

 

When is eye pain serious?

In the following cases, visit an eye hospital without delay:

  • The pain is unusually severe or accompanied by headache or fever.
  • Sudden changes in vision.
  • It is caused by a foreign object or chemical.
  • You have trouble moving your eyes.
  • There is blood or pus coming out of the eyes.

 

If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, get medical help right away. The emergency OPD at Disha Eye Hospitals has a dedicated doctor 24X7. Patients with eye emergencies are seen without any prior appointment.