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FAQs and Their Answers on Dilated Eye Exam


Corneal Transplant in Kolkata

Dilated eye exams are an important part of eye health care. They let your doctor see the back of your eye and check for problems. How frequently you need a dilated eye exam depends on your age and risk factors. Some people may need them every year, while others may only need them every few years. If you are facing eye problems, talk to your eye doctor or visit an eye hospital to understand what’s best for you. In this blog, we will discuss dilated eye exams in detail.

What is a dilated eye exam?

A dilated eye exam is a type of eye exam where the staff administers eye drops to widen the pupil. This lets the doctor get a better view of the back of the eye and check for any signs of damage or disease. Dilated eye exams are generally recommended once a year for adults over the age of 60, as this is the age group most at risk for conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration. However, people with a family history of eye disease may need to start having dilated exams earlier. The drops used in a dilated exam usually take about 15-20 minutes to take effect, and they can cause blurred vision and light sensitivity. For this reason, it is important to plan ahead when scheduling a dilated exam. Someone should be available to drive you home after the exam, as your vision will not be fully recovered for several hours.

How often do you need to get a dilated eye exam?

Most people need to get a dilated eye exam at least once every two years, although some factors may require more frequent exams. These include diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or a history of eye problems. Children and teenagers should also have their eyes checked every year or two, even if they don’t have any symptoms of vision problems. During a dilated eye exam, the doctor will administer drops in your eyes to widen the pupils. This allows for a more thorough examination of the retina and optic nerve. The doctor may also use other tests to check for glaucoma or other eye problems. In general, it is best to get a dilated eye exam every two years, but some people may need to take this test more often.

What happens during a dilated eye exam?

The drops take about 15-20 minutes to work, and your vision may be blurry during this time. You may also be more sensitive to light. For these reasons, it’s important to have someone else drive you home after the procedure. The effects of the drops usually last for several hours, so it’s best to plan for a relaxing afternoon after your exam.

How does dilation work?

Dilation is a common procedure used during eye exams. The dilation process usually takes about 15-20 minutes to take effect. Once the pupils are dilated, the doctor will examine the retina and optic nerve for any signs of damage or disease. After the exam, the dilation will gradually wear off, and the pupils will return to their normal size. You may experience blurry vision or increased light sensitivity after dilation, so it is important to have someone drive you home if your eyes are dilated.

Dilated Eye Exams at Disha Eye Hospitals – Know More 

Our eye hospital has the latest equipment and technology to provide you with the best possible care. We also have a team of highly skilled and experienced doctors who are experts in this field. In addition to dilated eye exams, we also offer eye tests such as gonioscopy, optical coherence tomography, and indirect ophthalmoscopy.

Our eye health services include treatment for cataracts, laser treatment, paediatric ophthalmology and corneal transplant in Kolkata. Looking for the best possible care for your eyes, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. 

Stay tuned to this space for more useful information on eye health and eye care tips. 

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10 Things To Know About Corneal Transplant

The cornea is the transparent part of the eye that covers the front portion of the eye. A cornea is made up of proteins and cells. Unlike other tissues in the body, the cornea doesn’t have blood vessels. Its function is to ensure that the light is bent or refracted when entering the eyes. If your cornea is healthy and smooth, your vision will be clear. However, if your cornea is scarred or damaged, you will develop a blurry vision. If your cornea is damaged or unhealthy, your eye specialist may recommend a corneal transplant which involves replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy cornea from a deceased donor.

10 things to know about corneal transplant:

1. Who needs a corneal transplant? People whose cornea is damaged or unhealthy cornea might need a corneal transplant. However, an eye specialist is the best person to advise you on the corneal transplant. They will assess your condition and the need for a transplant. There are several conditions like Keratoconus, corneal clouding, corneal infection, corneal dystrophy and corneal injury that leave your cornea damaged. A person with damaged cornea may experience blurry vision.

2. What are the different types of transplants? There are three types of corneal transplants that are done depending on cases. Considering your condition, an eye specialist will determine which procedure will be suitable for you.

    • If the inner and outer layers of the cornea are damaged, then you might be recommended to undergo a full-thickness corneal transplant, also known as penetrating keratoplasty. This surgery will have your entire cornea replaced with a healthy donor’s cornea.
    • If your cornea is not completely damaged, and only partly affected (the front and middle layers), a partial-thickness corneal transplant is recommended. In this surgery, only damaged layers are removed and not the entire cornea.
    • Endothelial Keratoplasty is performed when the innermost layer of the cornea is damaged.

3. How does one prepare for the surgery? Days or weeks before your surgery your eye doctor will help you to prepare for the surgery. If you are on some medication, let your doctor know about them, as you may need to stop taking some medicines prior to the surgery. Some lab tests may also be done to ensure you are in a condition to undergo the surgery. Ensure that someone takes you home after the surgery.

4. What does the surgery entail? The surgery usually takes less than 30 minutes and is performed under local anaesthesia. You will be awake but will be unable to feel anything. You will be able to go home the same day.

10 Things To Know About Corneal Transplant

5. How much time will it take to recover? After the surgery, you will be asked to wear an eye patch for a couple of days. In some instances, it may hurt a little. You will be given eye drops to reduce the inflammation and avoid infection. For the next couple of weeks, you have to visit your eye doctor to ensure that your body has accepted the donated cornea and there is no infection. Your eye doctor will tell you when you can start normal activities.

6. Can eyes reject the donated cornea? A corneal transplant is a fairly safe procedure but like any other surgery, it involves a couple of risks. Your body may reject the donated tissue. In that case, you may need tissue from a different donor. However, the chances of rejection are very low.

7. What are the signs of rejection? Your body can reject the donated cornea after years of transplant surgery and, thus, it is crucial to know the signs of rejection. Redness, pain and watering of the operated eyes are the first few signs of rejection. If you notice any of the signs, consult your eye doctor that very day.  Avoid the temptation of postponing it for another day.

8. Can a person donate the donated cornea after his/her death? If the cornea is healthy, then the deceased could indeed donate their cornea.

9. How long will the donated tissue last? A cornea transplant usually lasts for a lifetime if the body does not reject the donated tissue.

10. Will the vision change? You have to wait for weeks for vision to improve and your prescription glasses or contact lens may need to be adjusted.

Want to consult some of the best eye specialists in West Bengal regarding corneal transplant?

Visit Disha Eye Hospitals, one of the top eye hospitals in West Bengal. You can trust us with genuine advice and treatment.

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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/.