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How to manage your eyesight when waiting for cataract surgery?

Following the pandemic, many things have taken a backseat and routine eye surgeries such as the ones for cataracts are no exception. This may mean to experience an extended period of delay in getting your cataract surgery. Though delay in cataract surgery doesn’t put your vision at permanent risk or doesn’t increase the risk of any surgery complications, it is important to take care of your eyesight while waiting for the surgery. As one of the leading eye hospitals in West Bengal, we share with you some important information on managing cataracts while you wait for surgery:

How to manage your eyesight when waiting for cataract surgery

 

  • Remove or reduce tripping hazards: When the vision is deteriorating, simple tasks inside the home can be hazardous. It is, therefore, important that you look around your home and identify things that may pose a tripping and falling hazard. Make sure your house has anti-slip rugs not just in bathrooms and kitchens but also in the living room and other areas. Ensure that there are no uneven surfaces and there is adequate lighting in the entryway and staircase. Remind family members not to leave objects in the walkways.

 

    1. Seek help to read: The cloudiness and sensitivity to light caused by cataracts can make reading difficult. If you are struggling with reading, audiobooks and podcasts are good alternatives. There are many popular newspapers and magazines that are available in digital formats wherein you can increase the font.
    2. Watch accessible TV shows: For many people, TV is an entertaining pastime. However, cataracts may interfere with it and make it difficult to see finer details. Watching shows with audio description is a great way to enjoy television without missing what is happening on the screen.
    3. Avoid harsh lights: Light sensitivity is a common symptom of cataracts. The glare of bright lights can be painful in some cases. Use thick curtains or blinds to block bright sunlight. Avoid the use of fluorescent lighting at home. Use warm white LEDs to cut the glare.

 

  • Quit smoking: Smoking has a direct negative effect on eyes. The free radicals in smoke from cigarettes and other tobacco products weaken the protein and the vital cell membrane of the eyes’ lens. You should try to quit smoking. You must also refrain from smoking immediately after the surgery.
  • Seek help with household chores: A healthy lifestyle is really important for your overall good health. If you are struggling with household chores such as cooking and cleaning, seek help from a friend or hire a professional. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly play an important part too in eye health.
  • Discuss your medications with your eye doctor: Let your eye doctor know of any medications that you may be taking for other health conditions. . Also, if you are struggling to see your medication, seek help from a family member to organise your medication in such a way that you can take them safely. Otherwise speak to your pharmacist and use a medication organiser, https://neurofitnessfoundation.org/xanax-alprazolam/.

 

After cataract surgery, vision can be significantly improved. Our experienced doctors at Disha Eye Hospitals perform cataract removal surgeries using the latest techniques and technologies for favourable outcomes. To know more about cataract surgery, get in touch with us.

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After Cataract Surgery: A Post-Surgical Guide

Cataracts can develop as people age. In addition to aging, cataracts can occur due to various reasons such as diabetes, glaucoma, exposure to UV light, or an eye injury. Younger people can also suffer from cataracts for a number of reasons. In fact, some babies are born with cataracts. At first, one may not have any symptoms. However, gradually the sight becomes cloudy and misty. Some people even complain of glare in bright light and deteriorating night vision. To know more, check this useful read on cataracts and their symptoms. If the symptoms affect your day-to-day activities such as reading or driving, it is better to have the cloudy lens removed.

cataract surgery

Cataract Surgery in Kolkata – Facts Vs Myths 

Unfortunately, there is a myriad of myths surrounding cataract surgery. If you too are worried about the safety of cataract surgery, check this article debunking some of the common myths related to cataract and cataract surgery.  If you want to know more about the cataract surgery procedure and treatment, here is a useful resource . Types of surgeries that we do include: 

  • Phacoemulsification with foldable IOL implantation. Femtosecond Laser is used to performing a few steps of surgery in phacoemulsification.
  • Manual small incision cataract surgery.

What Happens After the Surgery? 

After your surgery, the hospital will give you an eye pad or shield to cover your eyes. You must ask someone to drive you home after the surgery. Also, you will have to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light and glare. After the surgery, you may experience double vision, but your vision will gradually get better. 

Your eye doctor will give you post-operative eye drops – you will be given instructions on how and when to use them. Instructions you need to follow for at least 2 weeks after your operation include: 

  1. During the healing period, your eyes will be very sensitive. Hence, it is important to not rub or touch your eyes. 
  2. Wear your eye shield at nights during the recovery time. It is to ensure that you do not touch or rub your eyes in sleep. 
  3. Do not splash water directly into your eyes  until your eye has healed from surgery. Exposure to water can cause eye irritation or worse, it can put eyes at risk of infection. When taking a bath, avoid getting shampoo or soap in your eyes. Ask your doctor when it is safe to begin swimming or taking a head bath. In most cases, that will be a few weeks.
  4. Clean your eye shield every day. Dry them well before wearing them.  
  5. Avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting and gardening for a couple of weeks. Strenuous activities can increase your eye pressure which can affect the incision before it fully heals.
  6. If your eyes are sticky, clean the margins and eyelids with cotton wool dipped in cooled boiled water. Before cleaning your eyes, wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel. Gently wipe off the discharge. Do not rub your eyes while cleaning. 
  7. Your eye doctor will prescribe you antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. 
  8. Use your eye drops and take the medications as instructed by your doctor.
  9. Reduce the time spent on watching TV or digital screens. Do not put extra strain on your eyes during the healing period. 
  10. Do not resume driving without consulting your eye doctor. 
  11. To prevent infections, avoid meeting too many people.
  12. Follow your doctor’s instructions. 

Contact your eye doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after the cataract surgery: 

  • Eye pain
  • Loss of vision 
  • Floaters
  • Flashes
  • Nausea
  • Excessive coughing

Hope you found this information useful. To know more about cataract surgery in Kolkata and other cities of West Bengal, contact us. 

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Cataract Surgery And Your Options

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest surgeries performed around the world. Approximately, 10 million cataract operations are performed each year in the world with a high success rate.

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is the procedure of replacing the lens of your eyes with an artificial lens. A cataract is clouding of the natural lens of the eye. The surgery is carried out to remove the damaged lens and replace it with an artificial lens. It is usually performed under local anaesthesia  where the patient will be awake but will not feel any pain during the procedure. 

Cataract surgery and your options

Benefits of cataract surgery 

1. Improves vision

2. Helps in seeing things in focus

3. Improves the quality of life

4. Protected eye health

Here we have shared a few things you should consider while opting for cataract surgery:

 

  • Deciding on the time for surgery: Cataracts are removed when it makes it difficult for the person to carry out normal activities, such as driving or reading. An ophthalmologist is the best person to suggest the best time for surgery.
  • Pre-operative assessment: An eye doctor carries out a pre-operative assessment before the surgery.

1. The general health evaluation of the patient includes checking the patient’s blood pressure levels, current medication, allergies, and other medical conditions. 

2. The doctor will further check the visual acuity of the patient. The refractive errors, dioptric error, and intraocular pressure of the eye are also measured before the surgery. 

 

  • Choosing the type of intraocular lens: Another option you need to consider for your cataract surgery is the type of intraocular lens (IOL). The doctor will remove your natural lens and replace it with any of these types of IOLs:

 

 

1. Monifocal lens

2. Multifocal or accommodative lens

3. Toric lens

What is vision correction cataract surgery? 

While undergoing cataract surgery, the surgeon can also correct the vision, giving the patient better vision he or she had before the surgery. 

Looking for cataract surgery in Kolkata? 

If you or your family members are looking for cataract surgery in Kolkata,  you can consider Disha Eye Hospitals. As one of the leading eye hospitals in West Bengal, we have some of the best and highly experienced doctors on board who will attend to all of your queries and guide you. The types of cataract surgery available in Disha Eye Hospitals are:

1. Phacoemulsification with foldable IOL implantation 

2. Manual small incision cataract surgery

3. Laser cataract surgery

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Symptoms Of Common Eye Diseases

It is normal for people to experience eye conditions at some stage in their lives; it could just be an eye infection, blurry vision or a sudden eye pain. Minor infections go away in a week or so, following prescribed medication, but larger problems need the attention of an eye specialist. Some very common eye diseases can potentially damage your eyesight if proper treatment is not received in the right hour. The easiest way to prevent eye diseases from causing irreversible damage to your eyesight, is to include monthly eye checkups in your schedule. Most eye conditions come without a sign of warning, at least in the early stages. When the symptoms begin to show, the disease will have progressed to an advanced stage. A comprehensive eye checkup could help you seek medical attention at the earliest.

common eye diseases
Below is a list of some of the common eye diseases and their symptoms:

1. Cataracts: Though cataracts can develop at any age, they are more common in people above the age of 50. With age, the lens of the eyes tends to cloud, making your vision blurry. The cloudiness appears as the proteins in the eyes clump together and block the vision. Cataracts often develop in one eye, before affecting both.

Symptoms 

  • Blurry vision
  • Difficult night vision 
  • Sensitivity to light 
  • Halos around light


    2. Glaucoma: The optic nerve transfers visual information from retina to the brain. Glaucoma could damage the optic nerve resulting in loss of vision. Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes pressure build-up in the eye. Most people with glaucoma does not experience early symptoms and by the time they do, the disease will have reached an advanced stage. Regular eye check-up is an effective method of detecting glaucoma and preventing it from progressing. There are two types of glaucoma: open-angle and acute-angle. Open-angle gradually damages vision without any symptoms. Acute-angle is treated as a medical emergency as it could steal your vision in a matter of days or hours.

    Symptoms of open-angle glaucoma 
  •  Loss of peripheral vision 

Symptoms of acute-angle glaucoma 

  • Severe pain in the eyes 
  • Blurry vision 
  • Headache


    3. Diabetic Retinopathy: People suffering from prolonged high blood sugar levels are at the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Excessive blood sugar levels cause blood vessels to bulge. These bulging blood vessels sometimes leak and ooze fluid into the retina causing blurry vision. People with diabetes should get their eyes checked regularly so that diabetic retinopathy can be detected at an early stage. 

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy

  • Blurred vision
  • Floaters or dark spots appear in the field of vision
  • poor night vision

     

    4. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): The condition as the name suggests is age-related, and is commonly seen in older adults. Age-Related Macular Degeneration damages the macula; the central portion of the eye. It affects the central vision making it difficult for those with the condition to see objects that are in the straight line. The condition adversely affects the ability to read and drive. With early detection, you could prevent the condition from further damaging your vision.

    Symptoms

  • Affected central vision, straight lines appear wavy or crooked
  • Difficulty in identifying colours
  • Blurry areas in the centre of vision

     

    Book online consultation with the best eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospitals

We offer treatment for different types of eye conditions and diseases. Our hospitals have the latest equipment and with the help of well-experienced eye specialists, we give you superior-quality eye care at an affordable cost. We have eye hospitals in Kolkata, Barasat, Siliguri and other parts of West Bengal. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we request you to book an online consultation.

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Things You Should Know About Age-Related Cataracts

There are several factors of risk relating to cataract, and age is among the top factors. With age, the lenses become frosted and develop cloudy patches leading to impairment of vision, which, could interfere with day-to-day activities.

If left untreated, cataracts could result in complete blindness.

6 things worth knowing about age-related cataracts:

1) A common problem linked with ageing

Men and women who are 40, and above, stand at a higher risk of developing cataracts.

2) Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of age-related cataracts include:

  • Low vision
  • Blurred vision
  • Seeing floaters
  • Discoloured pupils
  • Seeing halos around light
  • Double vision in a single eye
  • Nearsightedness
  • Farsightedness
  • Sensitivity to glare
  • Frequent changes in eyeglass/lens prescription

    If you experience notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical advice, and receive a proper diagnosis. By beginning an early treatment, you could prevent the eye condition from worsening. Visit Disha Eye Hospital to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. Disha has a team of the best eye specialists in Kolkata and will take care to ensure quality eye care at an affordable cost. To book an appointment with us, visit http://www.dishaeye.org

    Things you should know about age-related cataracts

3) How do cataracts form?

The lens is made up of epithelial cells which are rich in protein; the cells tend to degenerate with age. As a result, the denatured protein may start to form clumps, and gradually limit the amount of light entering the eye, leading to impaired vision.

4) Poor quality of life due to decreased vision

As people suffering from cataracts experience progressive decline in vision, they could encounter several problems in their routine such as driving at night or experience difficulty in seeing properly under low light.

In many cases, it is usual for patients to experience nearsightedness as the cataract alters the shape of the lens.  As a result, activities such as reading fine print, and knitting, may become inconvenient. Decreased colour vision is another common complication of cataracts.  

5) Testing for age-related cataracts

When you visit an eye specialist, they will conduct a series of eye tests for a proper diagnosis. The common eye tests that eye specialists perform for the diagnosis of cataracts include visual acuity test, slit-lamp examination, and retinal examination.

6) Surgery as a treatment for cataracts

Surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts. Depending upon your medical history and eye health, the eye doctor will determine whether or not cataract surgery is a feasible option for you.

Prior to scheduling the date for the surgery, the doctor may recommend period follow-up examinations to determine whether or not the symptoms are worsening.

7) Cataract surgery

During a cataract surgery, the eye surgeon will remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear, artificial lens called intraocular lens. Apart from ensuring a clear vision, artificial lens can correct visual acuity and eliminate the need for prescription eyeglasses.

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure; you don’t have to stay at the hospital after the surgery. In cases where surgery is required in both eyes, the doctor will schedule the next surgery after you’ve properly healed from the first surgery.

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Everything That You Need To Know About Night Blindness: Causes, Symptoms And Diagnosis

Do you have trouble seeing clearly in dim light? Does it take you tremendously long to adapt to a dark room when you have just spent some time in a brightly lit room? If so, you may have been experiencing night blindness also known as Nyctalopia.

Although night blindness does not cause complete vision loss, it impairs the ability to see in low light. The eye condition could interfere with driving during the night, discerning facial features in poorly-lit rooms, as well as walking about the house in low light.

Find a solution at one of the best eye hospitals in Kolkata

Book an appointment at your nearest Disha Eye Hospital to receive a proper diagnosis in case the condition prevails. As one of the greatest eye hospital groups in the country, Disha is committed to providing quality treatment at affordable prices. Meet the most experienced and qualified eye specialists, who will assist you with the right diagnosis and the right treatment. To know more, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/.

Everything That You Need To Know About Night Blindness: Causes, Symptoms And Diagnosis

Symptoms of night blindness

The chief symptom of night blindness is an impaired sight during the night. However, other symptoms may also indicate the presence of the eye condition. These include:

  • Difficulty in discerning the shape or placement of objects in a dark room
  • Taking a long time to adjust vision in a dark room after turning out the lights and/or walking out of a brightly-lit room
  • Impairment of depth perception in poorly-lit areas

In most cases, these primary symptoms are accompanied by other symptoms such as:

  • Sensitivity to light
  • Cloudy vision
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Eye pain
  • Headache

Causes of night blindness

Night blindness is a result of several eye conditions, many of which could be treated. Below is a list of eye conditions that cause night blindness:

Cataracts

Cataracts are a commonly diagnosed eye problem/ external sign related to the process of ageing. Cataracts are basically clouding of the lens, causing vision impairment. As the age increases, protein clumps are formed in the lens of the eyes. The protein clumps become thicker over a period of time, clouding the natural lens, and impairing vision by limiting the amount of light that enters the retina.

Night blindness is one of the symptoms of Cataracts. Other symptoms of the eye condition include blurry vision, double vision, sensitivity to glare, and impairment of colour vision.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is another age-related eye condition that causes night blindness. The occurrence could be attributed to the increase of intraocular pressure (fluid pressure inside the eyes). Several factors could lead to an increase in intraocular pressure; these include eye infection, genetics, and blockage of a blood vessel inside the eye.

Apart from night blindness Glaucoma causes other symptoms such as cloudy vision, redness in the eyes, seeing halos around lights, and tunnel vision (narrowed vision).

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when blood vessels leak inside the retina. The leakage leads to changes in vision. Diabetic Retinopathy may result in permanent vision loss, if not addressed properly.

Night blindness is a symptom of the above eye conditions along with other symptoms such as seeing black spots, floaters, blurry vision, and loss of central vision. Disha Eye Hospitals provide advanced diagnosis and treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy in Kolkata.

Diagnosis of night blindness

While conducting a diagnosis of night blindness, eye doctors look for determining factors such as:

  • Lowered visual acuity in low light
  • Presence of risk factors of night blindness-causing eye problems
  • Past medical history of Vitamin A deficiency
  • Family history of vision loss
  • Retinal vascular attenuation

Disha Eye Hospitals, one of the best eye hospitals in Kolkata, is known for offering cataract surgery at affordable rates. To learn an estimate of cataract surgery cost, schedule an appointment at http://www.dishaeye.org/organic/

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Keratoconus: Causes, symptoms and treatment

Are you experiencing a rapid change in your prescription numbers? There are several problems like diabetes and retinal problems that can cause your prescription numbers to change quite rapidly. It’s quite a possibility that there may be some problem with your cornea. A cornea is like a ball-shaped outer lens that acts as the windshield of the eye. Any problem with cornea can distort your vision. When the cornea bulges outward like a cone, the condition is called keratoconus. The condition can cause moderate to severe blurred vision and other problems.  Having an eye checkup is a good idea to zero in on the issue that is causing the problem.

Consult with the best eye doctors in Kolkata to keep vision problems at bay

If you notice a change in your vision, contact your an eye specialist immediately. Consult the best eye doctors in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospitals for the comprehensive care of your eyes and visual system. Visit http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us to schedule an appointment.

Keratoconus is an eye disease that occurs when the cornea bugles outwards. The round shaped cornea takes the shape of a cone-like shape which causes the light to deflect. This condition is generally observed in young people, teenagers or those who are in their early 20s. The condition can affect one or both eyes. It causes progressive nearsightedness and irregular astigmatism to develop. In simple words, this means a person with keratoconus experiences changes in their eyeglass prescription quite frequently. And, this is often accompanied by distorted and blurred vision.

Keratoconus Causes, symptoms and treatment

Symptoms:-

  • Double vision
  • Slight blurring
  • Distortion of vision making reading, driving and other tasks difficult
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Sudden change in prescription numbers
  • Bright lights appear to have halos around them

Causes:-

Though the exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, it is thought that there are several genetic and environmental factors that may be linked with the condition.

Risk factors:-

Here are a few factors that may increase your chances of developing keratoconus:

  • A family history of the condition
  • Rubbing your eyes with too much force
  • Keratoconus is significantly more prevalent in young people with conditions
  • like Down syndrome and other conditions.

Treatment:-

1. Eyeglasses and contact lenses: Initially, eyeglasses may be recommended to correct the mild nearsightedness and astigmatism that is caused by keratoconus. If the eyeglasses fail to provide adequate vision, soft contact lenses may be recommended. Usually, new eyeglasses make the vision clear again. Rigid gas permeable contact lenses may be recommended in case the condition progresses.

2.Corneal cross-linking: This is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure aimed at placing implants under the surface of the cornea to prevent them from bulging forward.

3.Cornea transplant: In very severe cases of keratoconus, corneal transplant surgery may be recommended. When the cornea becomes very thin or the irregular shape of the cornea is making it difficult for lenses to be fitted, a doctor may suggest transplant, in which a healthy donor tissue will replace the affected cornea tissue.

Our doctors, at Disha Eye Hospitals, make sure that you and your family members receive the best eye care possible. We are among the leading hospitals to provide cataract surgery in Kolkata. Learn more about the eye hospital at http://www.dishaeye.org/history.