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How to prevent eye strain from computer screens?

If you work at a computer all day, you may probably be familiar with eye  strain. While eye strain is a common problem, there are things you can take to reduce your discomfort. Here are some of the tips to prevent eye strain from computer screens suggested by our eye specialists:

What is eye strain? 

Eye strain is a condition that can occur when your eyes are overworked. It is often caused by extended periods of staring at a computer screen or reading. Some of the common symptoms of eye strain include:

  • Tired, aching or heavy eyelids
  • Muscle spasms of the eye or eyelid
  • Red, watery, irritated eyes
  • Headaches 
  • Blurred vision or double vision

Here are a few ways to prevent eye strain from computer screens:

1. Use anti-glare eyeglasses :

Your eye specialist can give you an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare on prescription glasses. This can help your eyes feel comfortable. Some of the choices of lenses include:

  • Bifocal lenses: Bifocals are a type of corrective lens that contain two distinct prescription powers in a single lens. The most common bifocal design features a small reading lens positioned in the lower portion of the lens, with the main distance viewing area above it. 
  • Single-vision lenses: If you need help seeing things up close, you would need a single-vision lens for reading. These lenses are used just for computer work. 
  • Progressive lenses: These lenses may have a large middle section for computer use. 

Talk with your eye specialist about your daily computer use and which type of lens suits you. It is also important that you have the right prescription for your eye problem for reducing your eyestrain.

2. Use eye drops:

Using a computer for long hours could lead to causing your eyes to dry  and also your eyes to get irritated due to the reduced blinking. You can use over-the-counter artificial tears whenever your eyes are feeling dry. If those eye drops do not work, talk to your eye specialist. He/she will suggest you some other medication.

3. Adjust your computer monitor and settings:

To help reduce eye strain, it is important to adjust the monitor settings. The top of the screen should be eye level and the font size should be large enough to read without strain. Also, the brightness of the screen should be adjusted so that it is not too bright or too dark. Moreover, take frequent breaks to give your eyes a chance to rest. Set your screen refresh rate at 70 to 85 Hz to avoid flickering on the computer screen.

4. Take a break:

There are some measures you can take to reduce the risks associated with extended computer use. Getting up and moving around for a few minutes will help to stretch your muscles and give your eyes a chance to rest. Also, you can try the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to look at an object 20 feet away. This will help to reduce eye muscle fatigue and strain. Here’s an interesting read on the 20-20-20 rule.

5. See an eye specialist:

Even though trying all the above solutions, if you do not get relief consult an eye specialist. Make an appointment with an eye specialist if you need new prescription glasses or medications.

Are you looking for the best eye specialist in Kolkata?

To consult our eye specialist, visit the nearest branch. Our eye specialists have extensive clinical and surgical expertise in their respective fields. We offer affordable treatment for cataracts ,  glaucoma, and corneal diseases.  

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Consulting the Best Eye Specialist in Kolkata? Here are Some Questions that you must Ask

Consulting an eye specialist is a great step in taking care of your eyes. However, how do you make the most of your visit? Well, by asking the right questions and clearing your doubts, you can make sure that your visit is satisfying. If you are visiting the best eye specialist in Kolkata, here are some questions you must ask:
best-eye-specialist-in-kolkata

1. Questions related to general eye examinations

Going for a general eye examination is essential to know about eye health. If there is any development of any dangerous condition, it can be treated on time. This will prevent it from taking its worst form. Advanced stages of any eye condition bring more complications to treatment. Here are some of the general questions that you can ask your eye specialist :

  • Are there any kinds of symptoms that may affect your eye?
  • How do you identify the symptoms that may lead to eye problems?
  • How often should you visit for eye checkups?
  • What should you eat to keep your eyes healthy?

    2. Questions about an eye condition

If you are experiencing any eye irritation or having any vision problems, visit your eye specialist immediately as it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Your frequency of appointments will be dependent on the treatment of your eye condition. So whenever you visit your eye specialist, it is important to get your doubts cleared. Here are some of the questions you need to ask about your condition: 

  • Can you elaborate on the eye condition?
  • Will it affect both your eyes?
  • What led to the development of this eye condition?
  • How will it affect your eyes in the long run?
  • Will this condition worsen with age? 

    3. Questions regarding treatment

If your eye specialist has confirmed some eye condition, it is important to know about the condition and treatment. Knowing about the treatment will help you prepare yourself mentally. Some of the treatment your doctor can recommend includes corrective glasses, eye drops, medicines, and surgery.

Here are some of the questions that can be asked about the treatment process:

  • What options are available for eye treatment?
  • Are there any side effects of the treatment of the medical condition?
  • How much will the treatment cost?
  •  Besides treatment, what else can you do for the eye condition?

It is necessary for you to have adequate information regarding your eye treatment from credible sources, especially from your eye specialist.

4. Questions regarding the eye conditions that may affect you 

Suffering from an eye condition may affect your life in many ways. So it is essential to know each and every aspect associated with your condition. For instance, if you are diagnosed with an early cataract, with time, your eye lens will turn cloudy and need to be removed surgically. Similarly, there are several conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, Age-Related Macular Degeneration, and more. Here are some of the questions for a better understanding of your eye condition:

  • What other conditions can develop with age?
  • In what way can it affect the quality of life?
  • Will this condition affect your day-to-day life?

    Are you looking for the best eye specialist in Kolkata? 

    We at Disha Eye Hospitals understand your concern about your eye health. Our well-qualified doctors are always ready to help you out with your different queries regarding your eyes. We have the latest diagnostic and imaging tools to diagnose your eye conditions.

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Watery Eyes: Causes, When to See an Eye Doctor and Treatment

It is common for everyone to experience water eyes at some point in their lives. Usually, people have watery eyes when  something gets in the eye. It could be a speck of dirt, dust, or even an eyelash.  But do you know that water eyes could be a sign of allergies or underlying medical conditions? Here’s an insightful read on what causes watery eyes and when should you see an eye doctor: 

eye specialist in kolkata

Causes of water eyes 

  1. Allergies: There could be many kinds of allergies that can cause eyes to water.   Exposure to pollen, pet dander, insects and fumes can also lead to watery, red and itchy eyes.  When it comes to allergies, people also experience other symptoms such as runny nose and coughing.

  2. Conjunctivitis: It is a condition in which your eyes turn pink or reddish with tears in your eyes. It might be inflammatory in some of the conditions. This condition could be due to some bacterial or viral infection. Avoid touching your eyes in this condition. Do not share towels or anything that touches your eyes.

  3. Blocked tear duct: When the tear duct of the eyes gets blocked or narrowed down. It creates problems for tears to run down into the nose and they remain in the eyes causing watery eyes. Some of the other signs include:
  •  Mucus
  • Crusty eyelashes 
  • Blurred vision 
  • Blood in the tears
  1. Dry eyes: If you are constantly suffering from dry eyes, the immune system will produce tears to keep the eyes moist.

  2. Eyelid problems: Eyelids are part of the drainage system of the eyes. If in some cases eyelid grows inwards, it may cause irritation leading to watery eyes.

  3. Bumps on the eyelids: A bump on the eyelid could be a stye or a chalazion. Mostly they are painless but sometimes could be annoying.

  4. Problems with cornea: The cornea is a very sensitive part of the eye. Even a minor scratch can be dangerous. Cornea can have many issues ranging from small scratches to ulcers. Any corneal condition can lead to irritation, strain, and watery eyes. 

Treatment of watery eyes: 

What is causing eyes to water will determine the course of treatment. Treatment options could include: 

  • Prescription eye drops
  • Antibiotics for eye infection 
  • Surgery if the tear ducts are blocked 


When to visit your doctor: 

You should consult your eye doctor if you face symptoms such as:

  • Vision loss or visual disturbances
  • Discharge or bleeding from your eye
  • Redness in the eye 
  • Eye pain 
  • Injury around the eye
  • Foreign object stuck in your eye on the inside of your eyelid
  • When water eyes do not go away on their own after a few days 

Are you looking for an eye specialist in Kolkata? 

We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata. They have years of experience and are well-versed in the latest medical technologies. 

We offer the best possible patient care. 

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FAQs on Inherited and Genetic Eye Diseases

There are many factors that play an important role in determining overall eye health. Genetics is one of the most significant ones. Many eye diseases, including those that cause blindness among infants, children and adults, are inherited. In some cases, early diagnosis and effective treatment for inherited eye disorders can help prevent the conditions from worsening. Therefore, it is important to know about these conditions. We have some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata. These eye specialists will answer some of the frequently asked questions on inherited and genetic eye diseases 

Question 1: What eye problems are genetic?

There are over 350 eye diseases that are genetic. A genetic eye disorder occurs when a child inherits a disease from one or both patients. Some of the genetic eye disorders are: 

  • Congenital cataracts
  • Congenital glaucoma
  • Retinal degeneration
  • Colour blindness 
  • Corneal dystrophies
  • Keratoconus

Note: In adults, glaucoma and macular degeneration are among the leading causes of blindness. Both seem to be hereditary.

Question 2: Can common vision problems be inherited?

Yes, common refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are also inherited. The risk of developing these conditions is higher if both the parents have the eye disorder. Strabismus and amblyopia can also be inherited. 

Question 3: Can genetic eye disorders be cured?

Early diagnosis and effective treatment of inherited eye disorders can help prevent the worsening of vision. For instance, congenital cataracts can be treated by removal as soon after the diagnosis. The surgery can be performed on an infant as young as 6 to 8 weeks. 

Question 4: What are the symptoms of inherited eye diseases? 

Symptoms vary depending on the type of eye disease. Some of the general symptoms include:

  • Abnormal appearance
  • Fluid in eyes
  • Impaired vision  

Question 5: How can genetic eye problems be diagnosed? 

The best way to protect a baby’s eyes from congenital or hereditary eye disease is through regular eye examinations. Certain eye diseases are present at the time of birth while some develop shortly thereafter. Therefore, it is important that the baby’s eyes are regularly examined by an ophthalmologist or paediatric ophthalmologist. When diagnosed early, the chances of treatment can be better and the impact of the disease can be minimised. 

Looking for the best eye specialist in Kolkata for children? 

We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have a dedicated Paediatric Ophthalmology unit with some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata on board. We conduct various eye tests for infants, toddlers, pre-school children and verbal children. We work closely with parents and children to integrate ophthalmologic treatment into the patient’s total care plan.

Question 6: What to expect during the evaluation? 

The paediatric ophthalmologist or eye doctor will completely review the test results. The parents will be asked about their family medical history, with particular attention given to signs and symptoms of genetic disorders. The child will have to undergo a comprehensive eye checkup. For this, the pupils will be dilated. Some of the common tests for diagnosing genetic eye disorders are: 

  • Electroretinography
  • Visual evoked potential testing
  • Optical coherence tomography
  • Fundus autofluorescence
  • Visual fields

 

Note: Additional tests may be recommended depending on the symptoms. 

 

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Everyday Habits That Are Hurting Your Vision

The eyes are major organs and they need proper care and attention. However, often people take their vision for granted – they do things that might be damaging their vision. As one of the top eye hospitals in Kolkata, we discuss with you a few everyday habits that can hurt your vision and cause eye discomfort, pain, and even eye infection. 

Everyday Habits That Are Hurting Your Vision

Habit 1: Rubbing your eyes: 

  • This may seem like a harmless thing to do, but rubbing your eyes vigorously can actually affect your eye health.
  • When you rub your eyes, there is a chance of keratoconus – which can weaken the structure of the cornea. 
  • Every day your hands come in contact with many bacteria and germs. When you rub your hands with dirty hands, you increase the risk of transferring the germs into your eyes, thus increasing the risk of eye infection.

Habit 2: Too much screen time:

  • Staring at digital screens all day can cause eye discomfort.
  • During the  Covid-19 pandemic, the digital screen timings have increased as education, work and entertainment have moved online.
  • According to a study, nearly 23% of the Indian population saw their eyesight weakening due to the increased screen time during the pandemic. The study found that in 2020, the average Indian spent around 6 hours 36 minutes staring at a digital screen. 
  • When you are spending too much time on TV, browsing the internet, or staring at your phone, you’re less likely to blink, which means your eyes can get dry, red and itchy. 
  • To avoid dry and itchy eyes, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 

Habit 3: Not wearing sunglasses outside

  • Extensive exposure to UV rays damages the retina, putting the eyes at the risk for eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium, and photokeratitis. 
  • Always buy sunglasses with UV protection.

Habit 4: Wearing old contact lenses or not storing them properly 

  • Wearing old contact lenses increases one’s risk of suffering from eye infections. 
  • Other reasons for eye infections include sharing contacts with others, sleeping in your contacts, and wearing ill-fitting contact lenses.
  • Store and keep your contact lenses in a hygienic way. Keep the case clean and replace the case every 3 months. 
  • Wearing contact lenses while showering or swimming can cause eye infections.

Habit 5: Using expired eye makeup

  • Discard expired eye makeup. Using expired or old eye makeup can lead to eye irritation and infection. 
  • Before applying an eye makeup product, always check its expiry date.

Habit 6: Skipping regular eye exams

  • Regular eye checkups can help in the early detection of eye conditions. Some eye conditions do not show any early signs and they can be detected only through comprehensive eye exams.

Note: If you are looking for a top eye hospital in Kolkata for an eye check-up, visit or book an online appointment with Disha Eye Hospitals.

Habit 7: Uncontrolled smoking

  • Smoking is injurious to health. It can cause health problems such as cancer or lung disease and can also harm your eye health. 
  • A few of the eye conditions related to smoking are glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye, and macular degeneration. Gradually quitting smoking can help save your vision as well as your overall physical health.
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A useful guide on LASIK

A type of refractive eye surgery, LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. The procedure can correct refractive errors — nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. As the surgery has a good track record, it is often chosen by many patients. The procedure is safe and quickly restores the vision.

A useful guide on LASIK

Requirements for a good LASIK surgery candidate:

1. Candidate’s eyes should be healthy: The eyes should be healthy. If there’s any active eye infection or abrasions, they must be treated before the surgery.

2. The eye condition is within range: LASIK eye procedures treat a wide range of eye conditions, including hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism. An eye doctor is the best person to tell whether LASIK is the best treatment for a particular eye condition or not.

3. The vision should be stable: Stable vision reduces the risk of regression and the need for a touch-up procedure. 

4. The candidate should be an adult: The patient has to be at least 18 years old to undergo LASIK surgery.

What is the procedure for LASIK?

Before a LASIK procedure, the eye surgeon will/may:

  • Assess the overall health of the eye. 
  • Prescribe mild medication a few days before the procedure. 
  • Put numbing drops in the eyes before the operation starts.

LASIK treatment:

LASIK surgery can be performed with Excimer Laser as well as Femtosecond laser. While the former uses a blade during the procedure, the latter is a bladeless procedure.

The laser physically corrects the glass prescription by reshaping the cornea during the surgery. Thus, correcting myopia, hypermetropia or astigmatism using this technology.

The LASIK surgery usually requires less than 30 minutes of operating room time. The laser is for less than a minute on each eye. However,  preoperative preparation and post-operative observation may take hours.

LASIK with Excimer Laser

The procedure involves two steps:

  • Creation of thin-film or flap on the surface of the cornea by a precision flap-making instrument
  • Reshaping the cornea with excimer laser by removing tissue from the middle layer of the cornea

The procedure in detail:

  • After numbing the eyes, the patient is asked to relax on the treatment bed. The eyelids of the patient are held open with a precision flap making instrument, microkeratome. It is an extremely fine instrument with precise delicate gears.
  • The patient is then asked to focus on a special fixation light. The eye surgeon uses a precision instrument. The instrument folds away a corneal flap within seconds, revealing the middle layer of the cornea.
  • During the creation of the flap, the pressure in the patient’s eye rises and their vision may grey out.
  • The cornea is reshaped using an excimer laser. 
  • After this, the flap is returned to cover the exposed area. And the treatment is completed.
  • Eye drops are put in the eye and a shield will be placed to keep the eye protected.

LASIK with Femtosecond Laser

The following steps are followed on the day of surgery: 

  • The patient is brought to a procedure room and is asked to lie on their back under the laser system and a computer screen.
  • Numbing drops are put into the patient’s eyes. 
  • The patient’s eyelids are kept open during the procedure using a machine called eye speculum.
  • A suction ring is centered over the pupil and suction is applied. A glass lens holds the globe of the eye steady and flattens the cornea.
  • The laser is used to create a flap in the surface of the cornea and suction is released.
  • The cornea is reshaped as required.
  • The flap is replaced once reshaping is complete. 
  • The flap will heal without stitches.

Note: If you are looking for the best eye hospital in Kolkata for bladeless, femtosecond LASIK surgery, you can visit us. We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, are committed to providing our patients with the highest possible standard of ophthalmic care in an affordable manner. Along with LASIK surgery, a few of our other services include cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, diagnostic and imaging services.

Although each of the LASIK procedures has its own features and benefits, there are a few advantages of femtosecond laser LASIK:

  • Puts patients at greater ease as no blade is used during the process
  • The decreased potential risk of corneal abrasion
  • Helps surgeons to customize LASIK procedure
  • Creates corneal flap with edges, enabling it to fit securely in place after the LASIK procedure, decreasing the risk of dislocation of flap post-surgery

What to do after LASIK surgery?

After LASIK surgery:

  • The patient should avoid rubbing or squeezing their eyes for the first week. 
  • They should take care of the eye to ensure that they do not displace the flap.

 

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Things to know about an eye strain headache

People often experience eye strain. The term is often used by people to describe symptoms such as mild pain or discomfort in the eye. Usually, eye strain occurs when your eyes get tired due to overuse, such as driving for a long period of time or staring at the computer or mobile screen for too long. This can cause discomfort.  Eye strain is also known as asthenopia or ocular fatigue. Eye strain can sometimes also trigger headaches, the severity of which depends on the cause. They are known as eyestrain headaches. 

Eye strain headaches are basically the pain behind one’s eyes. Below we share a few signs of eye strain headache:

eye strain headache

What are the signs of eye strain headache?

  • Dry eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision
  • Sour eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Neck, shoulder, or back pain

What causes eye strain?

  • Continuous use of the digital screen: Staring at a digital screen for a long period of time is the most common cause of eye strain. When you focus on the screen, you blink less often, which can lead to dry eyes and cause irritation
  • Prolonged focus on a single task: Your eyes get tired when you continually focus on a single activity for a long time, for instance, driving, reading a book or even drawing.
  • Vision problems:  You may experience eye strain if you have vision problems. When you have problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, your eyes work harder to see things, making the eyes tired and leading to an eyestrain headache. 
  • Bright or dim lights: If the light is too bright or too dim, it is difficult to see clearly. Trying to focus in such situations is tough, making your eyes tired and strained. 

How to prevent eye strain?

  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule:  Try to take frequent breaks when using digital screens. According to this rule, look at something at least 20 feet away for around 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
  • Avoid using digital screens in the dark: Your eyes need to do extra work when you stare at a digital screen in the dark, making your eyes tired sooner than they should. Therefore, avoid using a digital screen in the dark.
  • Blink often: Blink more than you do now.  Blinking moistens your eyes, keeping the risk of dry eyes away.
  • Keep your screen at a distance: Always your screen at least 25 inches away from your eyes and position it slightly below eye level.
  • Do not wear eye contact lenses for a longer period of time: Wearing contact lenses for a long time can cause eye irritation and strain your eyes. 
  • Adjust the brightness of your digital screen: Make sure that your screen is bright enough to not have shadows, and also not too bright that it’s hard to discern contrast.
  • Keep your surroundings clean: Keep your surroundings free from dust, which can disturb your tear ducts and lead to dry eyes.
  • Get enough sleep: Try to get around 6-8  hours of sleep. Stay hydrated and drink up liquids to avoid dry eye discomfort.
  • Wear anti-reflective lenses: The best way to save your sensitive eyes from eye strain from digital screens is to wear anti-reflective glasses. 
  • Get regular eye checkups: Weak vision can cause headaches, eye strain, and blurred vision. So, even if you don’t have any eye problems, you should visit an eye specialist and have your eyes examined at least once a year.

Looking for an experienced eye specialist? 

Getting your eyes checked by an eye specialist regularly can help stop vision problems from getting worse. As one of the reputed eye hospitals in West Bengal, we have some of the best eye specialists on board.  Our eye specialists are highly experienced and well-versed with the latest medical procedures. You can consult our eye specialist either in person or opt for online consultation. 

 

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How more remote work and virtual learning are affecting our eye health?

As the COVID-19 pandemic is showing no signs of easing, working professionals and students are spending more time in front of the screen. Even before the pandemic, many people were guilty of keeping their eyes locked on some type of screen, be it a smartphone or TV. Children from 5 years to 15 years are spending twice the amount of time in front of screens than what they did earlier while an average adult is spending over 13 hours a day in front of the screen, as per the 2020 Nielsen report. This increased digital interaction has put more people, both adults and children, at the risk of eye strain. Some of our best eye specialists in Kolkata share with you the relationship between screen time and your eye problems and what you can do to reduce eye strain: 

Problems that arise due to too much screen time:

best eye specialist

  • Dry eyes syndrome: For eyes to remain healthy, they need to be moist. Normally, people blink every 10 seconds or so. Blinking releases a tear film that soothes your eyes. But when you are working on a laptop, computer or watching TV, you tend to blink less. And when you blink less, your eyes, your eyes can get irritated. Those of you who suffer from dry eyes syndrome may experience a burning sensation in the eyes, sensitivity to light, redness in the eyes, difficulty wearing contact lenses and watery eyes. These symptoms may seem to get serious after spending prolonged screen time. 

 

  • Eye strain: Your eyes may feel tired after working on a computer for too long, reading a book for hours or driving a car for long hours. Unfortunately, eye strain has become common in today’s digital age. Eye strain caused by the use of digital devices is often called computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain. Though it can be treated with over-the-counter eye drops, prolonged eye strain can be a sign of something more serious. 

 

Tips to reduce digital eye strain

 

While many of you have transitioned to working or learning remotely, it is difficult to completely avoid the screens. However, here are some tips that you can follow to give your eyes some relief: 

 

  • Maintain proper distance: Positioning your computer monitor or laptop correctly is an important part of eye care. Avoid using digital devices when lying down as reading at this angle can cause severe eye strain. Position your computer or laptop in such a way it is at an arm’s length from your eyes. The screen should be positioned just below your natural line of sight. 
  • Incorporate breaks: Back-to-back virtual meetings or online classes can be quite tiring for your eyes. To relieve your eyes, take frequent breaks by looking away from your computer screen. Every 20 minutes, take a break of 20 seconds. You can also get up from the desk and walk around for a few minutes. 
  • Adjust the brightness of the digital devices: While a screen that’s too bright or too dim can cause eye strain. Make sure the screen of your digital devices are bright enough that you don’t have to squint. Use appropriate spectacles to reduce glare. 
  • Use eye drops: Focussing too intensely on a screen while working can result in a significant reduction in how many times you blink per minute. This can leave your eyes dry and irritated as well.  Using artificial teats can help you get rid of irritation and dryness. Always check with an eye doctor before using an eye drop. Also, instead of relying completely  on eye drops completely, try to blink more often when using a screen. 

 

Maintaining your eye health is key to avoiding serious vision problems. Schedule an eye check-up every year, especially if you have been experiencing long-lasting eyestrain. If you are looking for an eye doctor in Kolkata, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. In the wake of the pandemic, teleconsultation is also available. 

 

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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. 

 

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What Happens If Cataracts Are Left Untreated?

If you have cataracts, they will get worse over time. Leaving cataracts untreated can not just affect the overall quality of your life but can also lead to complete loss of vision. A World Health Organization report identifies cataracts as one of the leading causes of vision impairment or blindness. Before we try to delve more deeply into the topic,  let us first understand what exactly are cataracts. A cataract is the clouding of the clear eye lens. It occurs when the proteins in the eye lens clump together and prevent the eye from seeing clear images. Cataracts can form in one eye or both and they can progress differently in each one. Over here some of our best eye specialists in Kolkata discuss what are the complications associated with untreated cataracts: 

best eye specialist in kolkata

  • Hypermature cataracts: When cataracts are not timely removed, they can become hyper mature. These cataracts are so dense that they are difficult to remove surgically. Even if surgery is done, results might not be  satisfactory. Early diagnosis of cataracts and their removal thus becomes necessary. 
  • Loss of vision: At first, when a cataract develops, only a small part of the lens  of the eyes is affected. At this stage, you may not even know that you have cataract. As the cataract grows, it is likely to distort your vision. This may lead to noticeable symptoms. When left untreated for too long, it can lead to vision impairment. 
  • Increased risk of glaucoma: Those with cataracts are usually at a higher risk to develop glaucoma. 

How untreated cataracts can affect the quality of life ?

Untreated cataracts can make reading and driving, especially at night, difficult. It can affect your ability to engage in hobbies and sports.  

What should you do if you suspect you have a cataract?

If you notice any vision changes, see an eye specialist without any delay. Your eye specialist will  provide  you with the right information and it will help you  make an informed decision about treatment options. 

What is cataract surgery? 

Cataract surgery involves removal of the damaged lens and then replacing the same with an artificial lens. If you wait too long to get your cataracts removed, they can become hyper-mature, making them more difficult to remove. This can lead to surgery  complications. To achieve the best outcomes, cataract surgery should be done soon after vision problems start developing. In most cases, people resume normal routine within a few days of the surgery. The success rate is high and the complication rate is low.

If you are looking for affordable cataract treatment in West Bengal, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. Some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata will advise you about the best treatment options.