Tests That May Detect Age-Related Eye Problems

As you age, so do your eyes. If you above 50 years old, then an annual eye examination should be part of overall health checkup. Those of you who have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of eye diseases, should see an eye doctor twice in a year. Vision problems can develop due to age-related issues as well as medical conditions. The best way to save your eyes is to detect issues early with regular eye examinations before the eye conditions reach an advanced stage. In between examinations, if you notice any change in your vision, contact an eye specialist at the earliest.

eye test

Keep your eyes healthy in your golden years with Disha Eye Hospitals

Untreated age-related eye changes can harm vision and eventually, adversely affect the quality of life. A delay in eye examination may end in unfortunate consequences. If you are above 50, it’s better to get a regular eye examination done before an eye disease sneaks up on you. For test and treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy in Kolkata, consult eye doctors at Disha Eye Hospitals, best eye hospital in West Bengal. Early detection of an eye disease means timely medical attention. Visit http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us to schedule an appointment.

Eye tests that the elderly need:

As you age, it’s time to be proactive about your eye health and monitor any changes in your vision. Read on to learn about common eye tests that the elderly people should get to keep track of their eye health:

  1. Eye pressure testing (tonometry): This test checks the pressure inside your eyes. High pressure inside your eyes can damage the optic nerve of the eyes. This test helps the doctor see if you have Glaucoma or you are you’re at risk for glaucoma. As the symptoms of Glaucoma only show up once the disease has reached an advanced age, it’s important to detect the disease early. Early detection can help you slow down vision loss.

  2. Dilated retinal examination: A dilated retinal examination can help spot many eye health problems and diseases like Diabetic Retinopathy and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Pupil dilation is very important at revealing the status of your optic nerve and the health of the retina. The test is critical to detecting retinal diseases that could be potentially dangerous. It is recommended that people above the age of 50 years should have an annual, comprehensive, dilated eye examination. If left untreated, both Diabetic Retinopathy and Age-Related Macular Degeneration can cause severe vision loss in elderly people.

  3. Slit lamp (microscope): A slit lamp test uses a high-power biomicroscope to give the doctor a 3D view of different structures in the eye. It offers the doctor a magnified view of the retina and other structures in the back of the eye. It helps to detect a range of eye diseases like retinal detachment, cataracts, macular degeneration, and bleeding in the eye. It can also spot eyelid disease, cancerous changes and other problems in the eyes.

  4. Refraction: Refraction is part of a routine eye examination. It helps the doctors determine the prescription for eyeglasses you need to see properly. The test helps to detect refractive errors astigmatism, farsightedness, nearsightedness and presbyopia. Changes in your prescription can also help the doctors to detect conditions like diabetes and cataracts.

Everyone who is over 50 years of age should visit an eye specialist for a comprehensive dilated eye exam every year. Even if you aren’t experiencing any vision problems, you should get an annual eye checkup done as many eye diseases have no early warning signs or symptoms. Schedule an eye exam with highly experienced eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospitals. Our eye specialists and eye surgeons make sure that you and your family members receive the best eye care possible. Learn more about the eye hospital at http://www.dishaeye.org/history.

8 Things to Know about Corneal Ulcer

A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea and if this infection is left untreated, it can be sight-threatening and can lead to complete loss of vision. The cornea is like the windshield of the eyes which protects the eyes from against dirt, germs, and other things that can cause damage to the eyes. Contact lenses, injuries, disorders and infections can cause open sores to form on the cornea. An eye examination is the best way to confirm the presence of a corneal ulcer.

CORNEAL ULCER

Book appointment online with the best eye doctors in Kolkata to keep your corneas healthy

A corneal ulcer is very small and a doctor will use a slit lamp see damaged areas of the cornea clearly. If you suspect that a foreign object is in your eyes, then you must immediately see a doctor. Consult eye doctors at Disha Eye Hospitals, one of the top eye hospitals in Kolkata, to keep your corneas healthy. To book an appointment online with the best eye doctors in Kolkata, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us.

Here are 8 things about corneal ulcer that you need to know:

1. A corneal ulcer looks like a grey or white area on a transparent cornea. Without magnification and illumination, it is difficult to see small corneal ulcers. Though it is difficult to see a corneal ulcer, the symptoms associated with the condition are often severe and, therefore, should not be ignored. Some of the common symptoms are following

  • Inflammation in the affected eye
  • Soreness in the eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • White or grey spot on your cornea
  • Puffed eyelids
  • Watery discharge from the affected eye
  • Light sensitivity
  • Sensation in the eyes

2. There are several causes of a corneal ulcer. Besides bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections, eye injury, dry eyes and eye trauma can also cause a corneal ulcer. People who wear contact lenses are at a higher risk for developing corneal ulcers due to bacterial as well as infections. Contact lenses may cause abrasion on the cornea, enabling bacteria to enter the eyes.

3. A corneal ulcer can be also be caused to inward growth of an eyelash. In such a case the eyelash is removed from the root. However, if it grows back, then a low-voltage electrical current is used to destroy the eyelash from the root completely.

4. Your ophthalmologist will use an orange dye to check whether you a corneal ulcer. This dye will be placed on the surface of your eyes. Then your eye doctor will use a slit-lamp to shine a special light onto your eyes. If the orange dye will show green under the violet light then it’s an indication of corneal damage. The doctor may also take a tiny tissue sample to identify the cause of your corneal ulcer. If it’s an infection, then the doctor will properly treat the infection.

5. Treatment of a corneal ulcer depends on the cause and antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral eye medication will be prescribed accordingly. The doctor may also suggest a few eye drops. To reduce the pain, the doctor may also suggest a few painkillers. If there’s any sudden change that you observe during the treatment, you must immediately inform your ophthalmologist.

6. During the treatment, the doctor may advise you against wearing contact lenses, eye makeup and taking certain medications. You may also have to avoid rubbing or touching the affected eye.

7. If the infection has gone and the ulcer has healed but still there’s a scar on the cornea, then the doctor may suggest you a corneal transplant. The scar will make it difficult for you to have a clear vision and thus the damaged corneal tissue will be replaced with healthy corneal tissue.

8. The best way to prevent a corneal ulcer is to seek medical treatment at the earliest. Avoiding contact lenses and cleaning your contacts and your hands before and after wearing them can avoid germs and dirt. Rinse your eyes if you feel that there’s any foreign object stuck in them.

An eye examination can help you keep you and your family’s eyes healthy. To know about LASIK eye surgery cost, schedule an appointment at Disha Eye Hospitals. To know more about us, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/.

What Is Corneal Laceration? And its Symptoms

What Is Corneal Laceration? And its Symptoms

Corneas are our front window to the world of vision. Any damage to them can be not just uncomfortable but can also cause loss of vision, if left untreated for long. A corneal laceration is one such issue that should not be taken lightly. Corneal laceration occurs when something hits the eye with a significant force like a ball or metallic rod, causing a cut on the cornea. Corneal lacerations are typically caused by tree branches, metallic objects or some sharp objects. One can prevent such accidents by wearing protective eyewear, especially while working in the garden or playing a sport.

What Is Corneal Laceration And its Symptoms

How is corneal laceration different from corneal abrasion?

Though corneal abrasion and corneal laceration sound similar, on a closer look you will find that the two are different. Corneal abrasions are usually caused by minor accidents like scratches caused by fingernails or contact lenses or when foreign objects like dirt, sand, or sawdust get stuck in your eyes. If you rub your eyes too vigorously, you may cause corneal abrasions. However, a corneal laceration is an actual cut and not just a scratch on the cornea. It is deeper than corneal abrasion and requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of corneal laceration:-

  • You will feel severe pain and will have a sensation that something is in your eyes
  • The injury will make your eyes teary
  • You may also find notice blood in the eye. This depends upon the nature of the injury
  • You may suddenly experience blurred vision or decreased vision
  • You may also find natural or artificial light too harsh

Diagnosis:-

If you think you have symptoms of a corneal laceration, then you must see an ophthalmologist on an urgent basis. After a complete eye examination, your ophthalmologist can tell you the severity of the injury. For a complete eye examination, your ophthalmologist may put numbing eye drops so that your eyes can remain open during the examination. Depending upon whether it’s a partial thickness or full thickness laceration, the doctor will suggest the course of action.

Book appointment online with the best eye doctors in Kolkata

If you notice any symptoms of corneal laceration, consult the best eye doctor in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospitals. We are committed to providing right eye care solutions at an affordable cost. To book an appointment online with the best eye doctors in Kolkata, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us.  You can also book an appointment through WhatsApp (9433311111).

What should you do?

If you think you have corneal laceration, you must immediately seek medical help. A corneal laceration is a serious injury that should not be ignored as it can lead to loss of vision. However, by the time you reach the eye hospital make sure you don’t aggravate your injury:

  • Cover your eyes with an eye shield or a pair of sunglasses
  • Do not rinse your eyes with water. The foreign object that may be in your eyes may go further, causing more damage
  • If you think something is stuck in your eyes, do not try to remove it on your own
  • Do not apply pressure on your eyes with your hands as this can make the injury worse
  • Don’t take any painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin or other non-steroidal drugs. These medicines cause the blood to thin and may increase your bleeding.
  • See an eye doctor at the earliest.

Treatment:-

Usually, surgery is done to treat a corneal laceration. The doctor will close the cut where the object struck and remove any foreign object that is still stuck in the eye. The doctor may also recommend some medications and some eye drops to ensure that there’s no infection. You may be advised to wear a patch for a few days. If your injury is severe then the doctor may recommend several surgeries.

Followup:-

Often a corneal laceration puts you at a higher risk of developing other eye complications like retinal detachment and thus it’s very crucial that you follow up with your eye doctor.