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Eye Donation: Don’t Let These Myths Confuse You

Imagine not seeing the rainbow, not seeing a loved one laugh when you crack a joke and not seeing a child dance. You can’t picture that because you are reading this right now and you know how these things look like. But not everyone’s as lucky as you are, at least not the 1.1 million Indians who suffer from corneal blindness and are waiting for the availability of donor eye tissue. ( Source – https://sites.ndtv.com/moretogive/donate-eye-every-fifth-blind-person-world-indian-1946/). If you want people to see the world through your eyes, long after you are gone, you are on the right page.
Unfortunately, some myths and misconceptions are stopping people from pledging to donate their eyes and letting people see the world through their eyes, long after they are gone. Before you become a donor, here are some information which will open your eyes to the importance of eye donation and will not let myths and misconceptions keep you from saving lives:

Myth: Doctors will make little efforts to save my life if they are aware I am a registered organ donor.
Truth: It’s the duty of doctors, nurses and other health experts involved to save your life. The role of transplant surgeons comes into the scene after all the efforts to save a life has been exhausted.

Myth: Eye donation will leave holes in the eye socket causing face disfigurement
Truth: Eye donation does not cause any disfigurement of the face. Only the cornea of the eye is removed and not the entire eye. Thus, this should not interfere with any customary funeral plans, including those with open-casket viewings. The dignity and respect for the donor is maintained at all times.

Myth: I wear spectacles, I cannot donate eyes.
Truth: You can donate your eyes even if you have poor eyesight. Cataract, poor eyesight, and age do not hinder eye donation.

Myth: My eyes will be sold to rich patients.
Truth: Eye donation is an act of charity and it is illegal to buy and sell human eyes, organs, and tissues.

Myth: If I am in a state of comatose, my eyes will be harvested.
Truth: Being comatose and being brain dead are two entirely different things. Patients in a state of comatose are alive and will not be considered for organ donation at all. A person can come out of a state of comatose but declared brain dead it is nearly impossible to for a person come alive.

Myth: I am old and frail. I won’t be considered for being an eye donor.
Truth: Anyone can donate eyes irrespective of their age. You can donate your eyes with certain illnesses except for HIV infection, active cancer, or a systemic infection. No matter how young or old an individual is, the transplant team will determine whether the donation is possible or not at the time of death.

Myth: I am under age 18. I am too young to make a decision on eye donation.
Truth: Legally, yes but your parents or legal guardians can authorise this decision. You can express to your family you wish to donate. There are thousands of children who are in need of organ transplants and they need smaller organs than those an adult can provide.

Myth: My family will be asked to pay for the procedure of retrieving the corneas.
Truth: The family of the donor doesn’t have to bear any expense of organ and tissue donation. The family, however, has to take care of the funeral expenses on its own.

Myth: The retrieval of the corneas is a long procedure and will delay the funeral procedure.
Truth: The whole procedure doesn’t take more than 15 to 20 minutes.

Myth: There’s no need to inform my family about eye donation and I can mention about it in my will.
Truth: If you’re not a registered eye donor, your family’s consent is required. By the time your ‘will’ will be read and executed, it will be too late for you to be a donor. It’s best to pledge your eyes and inform your family about your wish to be a donor.

Myth: After pledging my eyes, I can not go back to being a non-donor.
Truth: The reality is that you can change your mind anytime you want. By informing the registry you can withdraw your registration. You can inform your family about your decision and tear up the donor registration card.

How can I become an eye donor?

Now that you are armed with facts and information, you can give the gift of eyesight to others and make your eyes immortal. Get more information here http://www.dishaeye.org/donate-your-eyes.

We at Disha Eye Hospital are committed to the cause of eye donation. Pledge your eyes with our eye bank and take a step towards a noble cause of giving some the gift of sight. This Diwali we created an eye donation awareness campaign on lighting up lives that were spent in darkness.

Do watch it. And you can also be a part of the campaign by sharing and liking it https://www.facebook.com/dishaeyehospitals/videos/2282826095337762/.

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8 Facts on Cornea and Corneal Disease

8 facts on cornea and corneal disease

The cornea, apart from being one of the main components of the eye, is sensitive and prone to complications. Maintaining a good eye health goes a long way in keeping the cornea healthy and lowering the risks of corneal diseases.

These 8 interesting facts about cornea and corneal disease can help you take better care of your eyes:

1. Where is the cornea located in the eye?

The cornea is located in the outermost dome-shaped layer of the eyes. Cornea covers the front part of the eyes and plays a crucial role in focus of the vision.

2. The cornea is a highly organised tissue:

The cornea may seem a clear covering but the tissue is much more than that as it is made up of three multiple layers, including Epithelium, Bowman’s Layer, Stroma, Descemet’s membrane, and Endothelium.

3. Tears are important to the cornea:

The cornea is different from most of the other tissues in the body; it doesn’t contain any blood vessel which can nourish it. Instead, it’s the aqueous humor and tears that nourish the cornea.

Every time we blink, the tears get distributed across the cornea to keep the eyes moist, protect against infection, and help heal wounds.

4. Importance of cornea:

One of the main purposes of the cornea is to focus light on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The cornea refracts the incoming light onto the lens which, in turn, refocuses to the retina. Apart from redirecting light, the cornea protects the lens and the retina from the harmful ultraviolet rays present in sunlight. The cornea also provides an overall protection to the eyes by acting as a barrier against germs, dirt, and other particles.

5. The cornea can heal itself:

The cornea can heal in its own from minor scratches and injuries. However, serious injuries can cause scarring in the cornea which, in turn, can lead to vision impairment. Some of the common implications of serious injuries in the cornea include:

  • Reduced vision
  • Blurred vision
  • Pain in the eye
  • Headache
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Inflammation in the eye
  • Redness in the eye

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you can consult with our eye specialists in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospital. To book an appointment, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment.

6. Different types of corneal diseases:

There are various disorders that affect the cornea. Some of the common ones include Keratitis, Corneal Ulcer, Keratoconus, Bullous Keratopathy, Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy, Recurrent Corneal Erosion, Corneal Perforation, Corneal Neovascularisation, Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome, and Corneal Dystrophy.

7. Common causes of corneal disorders:

There are several causes of corneal disorders. The common ones include infections, trauma, allergies, thinning (Ectasia), nutritional deficiencies, and autoimmune disorders. Damages to the cornea can also be caused by common eye conditions such as glaucoma, eyelid disorders, and dry eye (tear film abnormalities).

8. Complications of corneal disorders:

Corneal disorders, if not treated, can worsen and lead to complications such as eye pain and vision loss. If you have a corneal disorder, it is crucial to review the treatment options with an eye specialist.

Taking good care of your eyes doesn’t have to cost a lot

At Disha Eye Hospital, some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata, come together and strive to improve eye health of people from all walks of life. Learn more about the eye care services we offer at http://www.dishaeye.org/.

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Diabetic Retinopathy: Important Pointers for the Patients

Diabetic Retinopathy: Important pointers for the patients

If you have Diabetes, you are at the risk of developing Diabetic Retinopathy, a serious eye disease which can cause permanent vision loss if not treated. However, with good control of blood sugar levels, blood lipids, and blood pressure, you can lower the risk of the eye disease.

This article will help you understand the eye disease more and learn about ways how you can reduce the risk as well as identify it and seek proper treatment.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the complications of Diabetes that affects the eye. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. Due to the damage, the blood vessels swell and leak. The diabetic eye disease can cause vision loss and eventually lead to complete blindness.

There are two stages of Diabetic Retinopathy:-

  • NDPR (Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy)

    NDPR is the initial stage of Diabetic Retinopathy. It involves leaking and swelling of the blood vessels in the retina, which if not controlled can lead to loss of vision.

  • PDR (Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy)

PDR is the advanced stage of Diabetic Retinopathy. This stage involves the growth of new blood vessels which can bleed into the vitreous and either cause you to see floaters or dim/block your peripheral and central vision.

Identifying Diabetic Retinopathy

If you have Diabetes, an annual eye exam is a must for an early diagnosis. The following symptoms can indicate the occurrence of the eye disease:

  • Blurred vision
  • Dim vision
  • Vision loss
  • Impaired colour vision
  • Dark spots/floaters in your vision
  • Fluctuating vision

Diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy:-

As discussed above, getting an annual eye exam helps in early detection which, in turn, can help you treat the eye disease and prevent it from progressing. When you visit an ophthalmologist, he/she will ask you about your medical history and determine your vision through an eye chart test. The doctor will use an ophthalmoscope to examine your retina.

Managing Diabetes to manage Diabetic Retinopathy:-

Effective management of Diabetes is essential to lower the risk/manage Diabetic Retinopathy. For Type 1 Diabetes, it’s important to follow an insulin routine tailored to your need and an appropriate diet.

For Type 2 Diabetes, being physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight, following a balanced diet, and leading an overall healthy lifestyle are the proper management measures.

You can also join support groups/communities to learn more ways of managing your Diabetes to lower the risk of complications.

Eye health maintenance tips:-

These tips can help you maintain your eye health and lower the risk of Diabetes-related vision complication:

  • Keep your blood sugar levels in control:- Have an A1c blood test conducted several times a year to keep track of your blood sugar levels.
  • Quit smoking:-Smoking can worsen your blood sugar. It’s a must to quit smoking if you have Diabetes.
  • Check your cholesterol levels:- High LDL is linked to blood vessel damage. Make sure to get your blood tested for finding how much LDL and HDL cholesterol you have.
  • Check your blood pressure:- Make sure check your blood pressure every time you visit your doctor as part of your Diabetes management plan.

We hope you’ve gained useful information with this guide. Stay tuned to this space for more interesting write-ups about Diabetic Retinopathy and other eye health disorders.

For a proper Diabetic Retinopathy treatment, you can visit Disha Eye Hospital and consult with our eye specialists. We are a leading eye hospital in West Bengal that provides quality eye care at affordable rates. Learn more at http://www.dishaeye.org/vitreo-retinal.

 

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Contact Lens FAQS and Answers

Contact Lens FAQS and Answers
If you are using contact lenses for the first time, then there might be a lot of questions running through your mind. From taking care of the contacts to replacing them, here we have tried to address all the concerns related to contact lenses.

1. What are the different types of contact lenses and which one’s best for my eyes?

There are daily disposable lenses, monthly and two-week disposable lenses. Also, contact lenses come in a wide range of materials. Some materials used in the contact lenses are less prone to drying while some materials may better resist deposits than others. There are lenses for correcting astigmatism along with farsightedness and near-sightedness while some provide extra reading correction. The lens that is best for you depends mostly on your visual needs, your budget, and how often you want to replace them. The lenses that need frequent replacement are a little more expensive as you will be using a lot more of them. However, they need less cleaning and maintenance.

2. Does it takes longer to get used to them?

It depends mostly on the type of lenses you are using. Most of the lens users get used to soft (silicone or hydrogel) contacts pretty easily or in a few days. However, if you are using hybrid contact lenses or rigid gas permeable lenses, it might take a few weeks or longer for your eyes to get used to them. In very rare cases, you may not ever feel comfortable while wearing contact lenses.

3. Can I lose contact lenses behind my eyes?

Not at all. At worst, you may have trouble finding the lenses as they may get under the upper eyelid when you rub your eyes. This can dislodge the lens. Talk to your eye doctor in case you need help in locating and removing the lens.

4. Is it wise to wear disposable contact lenses?

Often, doctors suggest disposable contact lenses. In terms of health, these are the good choice as there are fewer opportunities for bacteria to grow on the lenses. Also, if you are wearing these lenses, you will be discarding them at the end of the day. And as such you don’t need to buy contact lens solution and clean them regularly. These are hassle-free.

5. Is there a great difference between extended wear and daily wear contact lenses?

Yes, there’s a huge difference. Extended wear contacts are made using special materials and they allow more oxygen to enter your eyes. |
6. Who can wear contact lenses? What’s the perfect age to start wearing one?

Anyone can wear contact lenses. They can treat vision issues such as astigmatism. Multifocal contacts, on the other hand, can help treat presbyopia. Children too can wear contact lenses if they are mature enough to take care of the lenses and maintain personal hygiene.

7. How long can I wear the lenses?

Most people can wear the lenses pretty comfortably throughout the day (usually 16 hours). If you are prone to dry eyes, then you may have to limit your wearing time. Some contact lenses are good for longer wear. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing a particular lens, you can try other options and different lens.

All lenses have a particular replacement schedule. There’s a schedule for how many days you can wear them before they are discarded. Usually, the replacement schedule is like every day or every 14 days, or every 1 month.

We hope that these answers will help you get an idea about the usage of contact lenses.

Have eye problems? Consult eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospital in Kolkata
At Disha Eye Hospital, we strive to take care of your eyes in the best possible way. We have a team of expert eye specialists who can suggest an effective eye treatment for you. Get an appointment today http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment

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Cataract Facts: You Must Know Them for an Effective Treatment

Cataract facts: You must know them for an effective treatment

After going through the facts listed below, you’ll have more understanding of the eye complications related to cataract and learn about ways to get it properly treated.

1. There’s not just one but different types of cataracts.

The different types of cataracts include:

Age-related: the type of cataract which is common amongst older people.

Traumatic: the type of cataract that form after an eye injury.

Congenital: the type of cataract that is common in newborn babies. Poor development in the womb, injury, and infection are some of the common causes.

Secondary: the type of cataract that results from other medical conditions like diabetes and other factors such as radiation and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.

2. Common symptoms of cataracts:-

Some of the common symptoms of cataracts include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Seeing halo around lights
  • Double vision
  • Impaired distance vision
  • Poor night vision
  • Glare

3. Symptoms not typical of cataracts:-

It’s common to misidentify symptoms and think that you have cataracts. But in reality, you might have some other vision problems. This can result in the delay in diagnosis or wrong self-care measures. Symptoms that are unlikely to be associated with cataracts include:

  • Eye discharge
  • Eye redness
  • Eye irritation
  • Excess mucus
  • Eye pain
  • Tearing

4. Advanced age is one of the most important risk factors:-

People who are aged 60 and above are at the highest risk of developing cataracts. With age, the protein fibres in the eyes form clumps and start clouding lens, affecting vision.

5. Eye exam is the go-to diagnosis procedure for doctors:-

Eye doctors conduct a comprehensive eye exam to get a proper diagnosis of the eye condition. The eye exam involves a thorough check of the lens; the doctors do this by dilating the pupils.

6. Can cataracts be prevented?

There’s no proven way to prevent cataracts. However, since the eye condition is common in older adults, it’s crucial to have an annual eye exam for early diagnosis and treatment.

7. You can lower your risk of cataracts:-

Avoiding risks factors such as prolonged exposure to UV rays, smoking, and excessive drinking can help you lower your risk of cataracts.

8. Cataract does not spread from one eye to the other:

There’s a common misconception according to which cataracts can spread from one eye to the other.

9. Your sunglass can be your best friend in lowering cataract risk:-

Choose a pair of sunglasses that has UV protection and wear it whenever you spend time outdoors, in the sunlight.

10. The single-best treatment for cataracts:-

Cataract Surgery is the most effective way to treat the eye condition. The eye surgery involves removal of the natural, clouded lens and replacing them with an artificial one.

11. There may be chances of your refractive error improving after cataract surgery:-

Prior to conducting the surgery, the surgeon will conduct a refraction test to choose an intraocular lens of the right power to give you the best possible vision.

Want to do cataract surgery? Visit Disha Eye Hospital and consult our experienced eye specialists

Do you have cataract? Or are you concerned about your loved one who’s suffering from the eye condition? Get a quality treatment for cataract at Disha Eye Hospital. Our eye specialists can conduct a precise diagnosis and conduct a surgery.

At Disha Eye Hospital, we are committed to providing the best eye care solutions at affordable rates. Learn more about our cataract treatment service at a http://www.dishaeye.org/cataract

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Blurred Vision FAQs

Blurred Vision FAQs

Blurred vision could simply indicate that you need to update your eyeglass/contact lens prescription. However, in some cases, the eyesight problem can signal something more serious.

If you are experiencing blurred vision, you can visit Disha Eye Hospital, one of the top eye hospitals in Kolkata, and consult an eye specialist to properly diagnose the problem. For booking an appointment, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment.

The FAQs listed below can help you get a clear idea about the eyesight problem, and learn about the causes and treatment options:

1) Who can get the blurry vision?

Unlike other eye complications, blurry vision is not age-specific. Therefore, anybody (from young children to older adults) can experience blurred vision. However, visit an eye doctor if you experience blurriness, haziness, and dimness as it could be the symptom of a serious eye problem.

2) What causes blurry vision?

Refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, and astigmatism, are the primary causes of blurry vision. However, the eyesight problem can be a symptom of sight-threatening eye complication as well.

3) What are the eye disorders in which vision blurriness occur as a symptom?

There’s a list of eye disorders in which vision blurriness can occur as a symptom. These eye disorders include:

  • Dry eyes
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Double vision
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Corneal abrasion
  • Strabismus
  • Uveitis
  • Keratitis
  • Corneal ulcer

4) Is vision blurriness a symptom of other health complications?

Yes. Apart from eye disorders, vision blurriness can be a symptom of other health complications as well, some of which include, stroke, high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, and migraines. Women who are pregnant can also experience blurriness in their vision.

5) Does blurry vision occur in just one eye or both?

Vision blurriness can affect both eyes. In some cases, people may experiment with the eyesight problem just in one eye.

6) Is blurred vision temporary or permanent?

This entirely depends upon the cause. For example, if you are experiencing blurred vision due to refractive error ( which means that the shape of your eye does not bend light correctly which leads to blurred vision), then the symptoms can improve after updating your vision aid (eyeglasses, contact lens) or going for a LASIK surgery. However, if it’s caused by a serious eye disorder such as cataract, then failing to properly treat the disease can worsen the symptoms, eventually leading to blindness.

7) What are the complications of blurred vision?

Blurred vision can make your daily tasks such as driving, reading, cooking, and working on a computer challenging.

8) How is blurred vision diagnosed?

An eye doctor diagnoses blurred vision through an eye chart test. He/she can also conduct a slit-lamp examination. But prior to proceeding with the tests, the doctor will review the medical history to get a fair assessment on the potential causes.

9) Lasik Surgery for blurred vision

If the refractive error is the cause for your blurred vision, then LASIK surgery is the most effective treatment option.

To know more about the LASIK surgery at Disha Eye Hospital visit http://www.dishaeye.org/lasik-refractive-surgery. Get an expert eye consultation and avail an effective treatment at affordable costs.

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7 Facts on Low Vision

 

7 Facts on Low Vision


People suffering from low vision may not only face difficulty seeing things around them but also stand at an increased risk of serious vision complications. Over here we discuss useful facts to help you know more about low vision:

1)  Different types of low vision:-

There are different types of low vision. The common ones include:

  • Blurred vision – lack of clarity in near and distant vision.


  • Night blindness – difficulty in seeing during nighttime and in poorly lit places such as theatres.


  • Hazy vision – dim field of vision.


  • Loss of peripheral vision – loss of vision on either sides and above and below the eye level.


  • Loss of central vision – a blind spot in the centre of the field of vision.


2)  Low vision is the result of a variety of eye conditions and/or injuries:-

People suffering from eye conditions such as Glaucoma, Cancer of the eye, Macular Degeneration, Cataracts, Diabetes, and Eye trauma can develop low vision as their condition progresses over time.

3) Knowing when to get an eye exam:-

If you notice changes in your vision and experience symptoms such as nearsightedness, or farsightedness, it’s best to consult an eye doctor to start early treatment and lower the risk of further vision complications.

One of the ways to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness is getting a LASIK surgery done. Know more about Disha’s LASIK surgery department visit http://www.dishaeye.org/lasik-refractive-surgery

4) “Low vision” is a term used by eye care professionals:-

“Low vision” is a term widely used by eye care professionals to describe visual impairment which cannot be corrected by eye surgery, medicine, contact lenses, and standard glasses.

5) Living with low vision:-

Although low vision creates difficulties in doing everyday tasks, people suffering from the eye condition can maintain or regain their quality of life by taking different measures such as regularly following up with the doctor, joining support groups, using the visual aid(s) prescribed by the eye doctor.

6) The degree of sight loss in low vision can vary:-

The degree of sight loss in a person with low vision can depend upon the nature and severity of the existing eye condition. Age can be another important determining factor.

7) Diagnosis of low vision:-

Eye doctors conduct a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose the eye condition. During eye check-up for low vision, the eye doctor may test your visual fields, depth perception, and visual acuity using special charts and magnifiers.

Get your eyes diagnosed & start early treatment at Disha Eye Hospital for a better tomorrow

At Disha Eye Hospital, we use modern medical technologies and equipment to ensure precise diagnosis and effective treatment. What separates us apart from others is our zest to provide affordable eye treatment to ensure better eye health of people from all walks of life. Learn more about our services at http://www.dishaeye.org.

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Common Kid’s Eye Disorders

Common Kid's Eye Disorders

It is important to take your children for annual eye check-up to start early treatment of eye problems (if diagnosed any) and avoid further complications.

Over here we have discussed a list of common eye disorders in children. If your kid shows any of the symptoms mentioned below, consult our eye specialists.

1) Excessive tears (Epiphora):-

Watery eyes are common in babies. However, it if doesn’t pass by itself, the condition can mean serious eye complications. There are several causes of excessive tearing in babies.

The most common cause is overproduction of tears mainly due to irritation of the eyes by irritants such as dirt, pollen, and dust. Make sure that your baby doesn’t rub his/her eyes to avoid worsening of the irritation. Other causes include problems with tear ducts and eye infections such as pink eye.

One of the basic home remedies is to clean your baby’s eyelids to prevent accumulation of infection-causing discharges with filtered water and cotton.

If you stay in Kolkata, and your kid suffers from persistent watery eyes, then visit the best eye specialist in Kolkata at Disha Hospitals. At Disha Eye Hospital, our team comprises of some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata. Visit our eye hospital for a proper eye diagnosis for your kid. Learn more about us at http://www.dishaeye.org/history.

2) Dry eyes:-

Dry eye occurs when there’s insufficient lubrication in the surface of the eyes. As a result, the condition can cause irritation, burning sensation, and itchiness. Dry eyes is becoming increasingly common in kids as they spend too much time on smartphones or playing video games.

The eye condition can make it challenging for your child to play sports, read books, use a computer, and even perform well at school. If you notice symptoms such as frequent eye rubbing, and soreness and redness in the eyes, make sure to consult an eye doctor.

3) Strabismus:-

Strabismus is when the eyes are misaligned. In other words, both eyes are unable to aim at the same subject. In strabismus, one or both the eyes may turn inward, outward, up, or down. Kids can either develop the condition in childhood or be born with it.

Strabismus is linked to problems with the eye muscles. In other cases, the condition can also be caused by the brain’s control centre that directs eye movements, or the nerves that transmit information to the muscles.

Like most children, your kid may not notice changes in their vision or complain about the problem. If you notice your kid’s eyes don’t consistently look in the same direction, make sure to take medical help. Treatment options for the condition include eye patching, eye drops, eyeglasses, and eye muscle surgery.

4) Lazy Eye:-

Lazy eye, also called Amblyopia, is a condition in which one of the eyes doesn’t fully develop, causing vision impairment. As the condition affects one of the eyes, your kid may not notice changes in vision right away.

However, as a concerned parent, you can look out for several signs of the eye condition. When your child focuses on an object, notice if one eye stays focused while the other one tends to wander. If this happens, then it could be an indication of the eye condition.

5) Refractive errors:-

Refractive error (hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism) happens when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina, thus leading to blurred vision. As vision develops in the early years of life, the eye condition could be serious for your child.

Refractive errors cannot be prevented but can be treated upon early diagnosis. Some of the signs of the eye condition to watch out for in your kids include holding objects too close to the eyes and inability to read distant letters.

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6 Things to Know about Diabetic Eye Diseases

 

6 Things to Know about Diabetic Eye Diseases
People with diabetes stand at an increased risk of a group of eye diseases (categorised as diabetic eye diseases) including Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Macular Edema, and Glaucoma.

If you have diabetes, you need to take special care in order to lower the risks of diabetic eye diseases. Know more about diabetic eye diseases here to take proper care.

1) How does Diabetes affect eye health?

High levels of blood sugar can cause the tissues in your eyes to swell and lead to temporary blurred vision. You may risk causing damage to the tiny blood vessels in the back of your eyes if you do not manage blood sugar levels. The damaged blood vessels, in turn, can leak fluids, lead to the growth of new weak blood vessels, increase the pressure inside the eyes, and/or cause swelling.

2) Protecting the eyes when you have diabetes:-

Managing your blood sugar levels is the best way to lower the risk of onset of diabetes eye complications mentioned above. You can talk with your eye doctor regarding the measures you need to take to manage your health condition and maintain a good eye health.

Our expert eye doctors at Disha Eye Hospital, a reputed eye hospital in West Bengal, can help you get a precise diagnosis and plan your treatment.

3)The most common diabetic eye disease:-

Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the most common diabetic eye complications. The serious eye complication involves damages to the blood vessels of the retina’s light-sensitive tissue. Diabetic Retinopathy, at early stages, may not cause any symptom or involve mild vision changes. However, the eye complication can lead to permanent blindness if not properly managed.

4) Symptoms and treatment options of  Diabetic Retinopathy:-

As the eye disease progresses, it may cause certain symptoms, including vision loss, vision blurriness, poor colour vision, and seeing floaters/dark spots in your vision. Major risk factors of the eye disease include the duration of Diabetes, tobacco use, pregnancy, and high cholesterol. Treatment options for Diabetic Retinopathy include medication, laser surgery, vitrectomy, and diet changes.

5) Diabetes and Glaucoma:-

People suffering from Diabetes are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma as compared to non-diabetics. A rare type of Glaucoma called Neovascular Glaucoma can occur when the damaged blood vessels on the retina lead to the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels on the iris and increase pressure in the eyes.

One of the treatment options for Neovascular Glaucoma is laser surgery, which is done to reduce the number of abnormal blood vessels on the surface of the retina and on the iris.

6) Diagnosing diabetic eye problems:-

Eye doctors conduct a dilated eye exam to diagnose eye problems caused by Diabetes. Prior to conducting the tests, the doctor may ask for medical history. During the eye exam, the eye specialist will widen the pupils using eye dilating drops. By doing so, the doctor will easily be able to examine the back portion of the eyes. The doctor may measure the pressure in the eyes and test visual acuity.

Get a proper consultation for Diabetic Retinopathy and other diabetic eye problems from our eye specialists in Kolkata

If you have Diabetes and are worried about your eye health, you can book an appointment at http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment and talk with our eye specialists.

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How to Take Care of Your Eyes During Monsoons?

Monsoon brings that much-needed respite from hot and sticky summer months. But the season also brings viral eye infections that can take a toll on your eye health. Luckily, taking good care of your eye can be easy and for your convenience, we’ve listed some of the ways how to go about it:

1) Avoid rainwater in your eyes:-

We all love that guilty pleasure of getting drenched in monsoon rains at least once. However, doing this can put you at the risk of viral eye infection. How? Although rainwater may appear to be clean, it can carry a host of germs, and even pick up atmospheric pollutants and microbes as it falls down

When travelling in rain, wear a clear lens eyewear to avoid splashes of rainwater getting into your eyes. If rainwater accidentally enters into your eyes, then dry your eyes immediately. Best would be to wash them with clean water. If you experience persistent irritation and blurriness, consult an eye doctor.

Contact us for an appointment here http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us

2) Take care of your eyewear:-

It’s a common monsoon scenario when your eyeglasses get wet and blurred when travelling during rainy days. Make sure to carry a piece of dry and soft cloth with you to clean your eyeglass every time it gets wet.

Remember not to use your handkerchief to clean your eyeglass as it can contain germs that can lead to eye infection.

3) Wash your hands frequently:-

Make sure you wash your hands frequently as you can unknowingly touch your eyes. Wash your hands before cleaning your contact lenses to avoid transmitting infection-causing germs. You can even carry a hand sanitiser along with you when travelling.

4) Think twice before self-medicating:-

We often underestimate our eye symptoms and resort to self-medication. However, this is a bad practice as doing so can put you at the risk of serious eye problems. If you experience unusual symptoms such as blurriness, itchiness, and eye pain, avoid using OTC (over the counter) medicines. Instead, consult an eye doctor for an accurate diagnosis of the symptoms.

You can visit Disha Eye Hospital for a proper eye diagnosis. Being one of the best eye hospitals in West Bengal, we provide quality eye care at affordable pricing. At Disha, our main aim is to provide the best eye care to people from all walks of life. Learn more at http://www.dishaeye.org.

5) Don’t share personal belongings:-

Dust particles during dust storms when come in contact with your eyes can cause symptoms such as irritation and blurriness. Make sure you stay indoors during a dust storm. If you have to be outdoors, either use a protective eyewear or carry a sunglass along with you.

6) Take precautions during dust storms:-

Dust particles during dust storms when come in contact with your eyes can cause symptoms such as irritation and blurriness. Make sure you stay indoors during a dust storm. If you have to be outdoors, either use a protective eyewear or carry a sunglass along with you.

7)Take precaution with eye makeup:-

Make sure you avoid using eye makeup past their expiry date. Also, store your eye makeup in a cool and dry place to lower the risk of accumulation and growth of bacteria and viruses.

8) Avoid contact with people who are already affected:–

If you have to spend time with people who have a viral eye infection such as conjunctivitis, make sure to avoid direct contact to lower the risks. Also, avoid sharing personal belongings with people suffering from eye infections. Always use a hand sanitizer.