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Tips To Manage And Monitor Macular Degeneration

We stand at the risk of several health complications as we grow older. Eye problems are one of the most common health hazards associated with ageing. While there are a number of eye conditions that may affect us, Macular Degeneration is one of the most common conditions.

Macular Degeneration could worsen, leading to the loss of vision. If left untreated, the eye condition may lead to permanent blindness. If you suffer from Macular Degeneration, it’s important to get it checked as early as possible. The team of doctors at Disha could help you in choosing the correct treatment and plan management accordingly. As a leading eye hospital in West Bengal, Disha Eye Hospitals focus on providing world-class treatment to its patients at affordable rates. Schedule a consultation with one of the specialists at http://www.dishaeye.org/organic/.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular Degeneration is the complicated state of the macula, which is the centre of the retina. There are two types of Macular Degeneration, Dry Form and Wet Form. In Dry Form, the macula grows thinner with age; the thinning is accompanied by the growth of protein clumps known as drusen. The Wet Form explains the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina. The blood vessels leak and lead to scarring of the macula.

Tips to manage and monitor Macular Degeneration

Regularly monitoring Macular Degeneration helps you to know whether or not the treatment and management plan is working. You could take further steps to control the degeneration:

  • Quit smoking

Smoking is a chief factor of risk with regard to Macular Degeneration. Regular smoking not only increases the risk of Macular Degeneration but also speeds up the progression of the eye condition. Regular smoking amplifies the effect of ageing on the eyes and heightens the likelihood of the onset of the eye condition. Quitting is an effective way to manage your Macular Degeneration by cutting down on its progression.

  • Follow a nutritious diet

Your diet plays an important role in maintaining your eye health. The healthier your eyes, the better you’ll be able to manage your Macular Degeneration. To maintain good eye health, eat wholesome food such as green vegetables (kale, broccoli, cabbage, etc.), colourful fruits (apple, pear, banana, etc), farm-fresh dairy (yogurt, egg, milk, etc.), fresh fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc.), and lean meat (chicken, mutton, pork, etc.).

  • Exercise regularly

Regular exercise works wonders by improving blood circulation in the eyes which, in turn, helps you to regulate your Macular Degeneration. Choose low to moderate-intensity physical exercise routines such as brisk walking, jogging, running, cycling, and swimming.

  • Get regular follow-up eye checkup

After you’ve been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration and have begun the treatment, it is crucial that you visit your eye doctor for follow-up eye checkups. Repeating this will help your eye doctor know about the results of the treatment and the management of measures that you have been taking.

Visit Disha Eye Hospital for total eye care treatment

Disha Eye Hospitals provide different types of eye treatments such as cataract surgery, vitrectomy, laser surgery, LASIK eye surgery at a reasonable cost. The hospital also facilitates the treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy in Kolkata. Disha has earned acclaim for its commitment to providing complete eye care that is technologically brilliant, fast and painless.

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Thyroid Eye Disease: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

If you have thyroid, then you must get your eyes checked yourself for thyroid eye disease. People who have thyroid stand at an increased risk of an eye condition linked to the disease called thyroid eye disease. The eye condition occurs when the immune system attacks the tissues and muscles of the eyes.

Thyroid Eye Disease: Symptoms, causes and treatment

Schedule an eye checkup at Disha Eye Hospitals

If you have thyroid or Graves’ Disease, it’s important to get your eyes checked regularly in order to lower the risk of worsening of the eye condition. Visit Disha Eye Hospitals, leading eye hospital in West Bengal, to get high-quality eye care at affordable pricing. Book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/organic/.

Symptoms:

Thyroid eye disease affects the eyes in many different ways. In most cases, the physical appearance of the eyes changes. The eye complication also affects the area surrounding the eyes. The symptoms of thyroid eye disease make it easy to diagnose. Here are some of the common symptoms of the eye complication:

●Difficulty in moving the eyes

●Redness in the eyes

●Persisting itching sensation

●Dryness in the eyes

●Swelling of the eyes and the surrounding tissues

●Sensitivity to light

●Baggy eyes

●Grittiness sensation in the eyes

●Swelling of the eyelids

●Blurriness in vision

●Double vision

●Pain behind the eyes

Causes:

As mentioned earlier, thyroid eye disease is associated with the thyroid. Also, people with Graves’ Disease stand at a heightened risk of the eye complication. In many cases, people with thyroid are at the risk of a mild form of thyroid eye disease.

In order to lower your risk of thyroid eye disease, it’s important that you recognise the risk factors of Thyroid and Graves’ Disease and take necessary precautions. The risk factors of the two eye complications include:

Thyroid Disease:

●Current or recent pregnancy

●Post trauma to the thyroid gland

●Selenium and Vitamin D deficiency

●Family history of autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Celiac.

●Gender (women are at higher risk)

●Existing autoimmune disease such as Celiac or Type 1 Diabetes)

Graves’ Disease:

●Food items high in iodine (dulse and kelp)

●Iodine supplements

●Being in the age group of 30 and 50

●Family history of the disease |

●Women are at higher risk

Diagnosis:

Moderate to severe cases of thyroid eye disease can be easily diagnosed. However, eye doctors perform several tests in order to confirm the presence of the eye complication. Eye doctors often perform visual field assessment, vision test, orbital ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography, fundus and external photography, sensorimotor evaluation, and eyelid measurement.

Treatment:

Eye doctors choose artificial tear drops, nighttime ointment/gels, and cool compresses as a treatment option for mild cases of thyroid eye disease. For moderate or severe cases of the eye complication, eye doctors choose radiation, anti-inflammatory medication, and surgery as the treatment options. Surgical options are beneficial not only for restoring vision but also for improving the overall eye health and appearance.

Complete eye care at Disha Eye Hospital

At Disha Eye Hospitals, we provide advanced medical technology-led diagnosis and treatment for different types of eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, uveitis, and diabetic retinopathy in Kolkata.

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Top Causes of Eye Pain

Experiencing pain in the eyes, at times, is common for everybody. However, if the pain persists, it is signalling trouble. Apart from physical eye injuries such as black eye (eye swelling) and corneal abrasion, there are tons of eye complications that have eye pain as a symptom.

If you are experiencing discomfort in your eyes, do not ignore it and instead seek medical help. You can consult with one of our eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospital, a renowned eye hospital in West Bengal. Book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment.

Top causes of eye pain

Here are some of the eye complications that cause eye pain:

1) Dry eyes: Dry eyes is one of the most common causes of eye pain. The eye condition occurs when there’s a lack of sufficient or quality lubrication in the eyes due to decreased tear production. In some people, the condition occurs when there’s an imbalance in the tear makeup or increased tear evaporation.

Apart from eye pain, foreign sensation in the eyes, blurred vision and eye tiredness are some of the other symptoms of dry eyes. Some of the common risk factors of the eye complication include lack of sufficient nutrition in diet, wearing contact lenses, using electronic gadgets (phone, laptops, TVs) for long periods, and aging. Eye drops and nutritional supplements are two common treatment options for dry eyes.

2) Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a serious eye complication that causes eye pain as one of its symptoms. Glaucoma occurs when the pressure in the eye increases due to the build-up of fluid in the anterior chamber. If left uncontrolled, the increased eye pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve. This, in turn, can lead to loss of vision. Some of the biggest risk factors of Glaucoma include diabetes, trauma to the eyes, being at the age of 40 or older, and family history of the eye complication. The two common treatment options, eye drops and surgery, are aimed at lowering eye pressure.

3) Abrasions: Accidental injuries to the eyes also cause eye pain; abrasions caused by foreign objects are the most common types of eye injuries. Eye makeup applicators, contact lenses, fingernails, jagged objects/toys, and particles from the wind are the common factors that cause abrasion to the cornea. Although the cornea can heal itself, it is crucial to seek professional treatment to lower the risk of eye infections. It is not possible to entirely prevent corneal abrasion. However, you can lower the risks by taking measures such as wearing protective eyewear when working in a workshop and playing outdoor sports.

4) Endophthalmitis: Endophthalmitis is a severe inflammation inside the eyes caused by an infection. There are two types of endophthalmitis, exogenous endophthalmitis, and endogenous endophthalmitis. Exogenous endophthalmitis results when cuts to the eye from an external source cause infection. On the other hand, endogenous endophthalmitis occurs when infection from another part of the body travels to the eyes. Some of the common symptoms of eye complication include eye pain, eye redness, & swollen eyelids.

5) Uveitis: Uveitis occurs when there’s inflammation in the pigmented lining of the eye. The inflammation can result from an autoimmune disorder, an injury, or an infection. Eye pain, loss of vision, and eye redness are some of the common symptoms of the eye complication. If left untreated, Uveitis can cause permanent damage to the eyes and lead to vision impairment. Eye drops, drugs, and surgery are three treatment options for Uveitis.

Maintain good eye health with Disha Eye Hospital

We are committed to ensuring good eye health for everybody through our quality and affordable eye care services. We offer treatment for Glaucoma, Cataracts, Uveitis, and Diabetic retinopathy in Kolkata.

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Do Carrots Really Improve Eyesight?

We have been told since childhood that eating carrots improves our vision. But is it true that eating the root vegetable will do wonders to our eyes?

The notion that eating carrots improve vision dates back to World War II when the British Air Force gunned down German aircraft in the dead of night. It is believed that the British Air Force popularised the carrot myth to keep its radar technology a secret.

Do carrots really improve eyesight?

1. Carrots are good for the eyes: There’s no doubt that carrots are indeed good for the eyes as it contains beta carotene. The body uses beta carotene to make Vitamin A which are antioxidant compounds essential to good vision. According to the World Health Organisation, Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common causes of preventable blindness in children.

2. Eating carrots alone will not help you maintain overall good eye health: Although carrots are a rich source of beta carotene, relying only on the root vegetable will not help you maintain good overall eye health. A randomised trial of US physicians found out that long-term intake of beta carotene did not decrease or increase the risk of Age-related Macular Degeneration.

3. Combine carrots with other nutritional vegetables and fruits in your diet: The best way to ensure good eye health for yourself and your loved ones is to eat a diet that contains all the essential nutrients. Make sure to include fresh vegetables, fruits, farm-fresh eggs, nuts, and lean fish and meat in your diet.

4. Here are some of the food items, apart from carrots, that are beneficial for the eyes:

●Almonds: Almonds are a rich source of Vitamin E which maintains eye tissue health. Apart from being a great source of snack, almonds are also a nutritional addition to breakfast cereal and salads. Soak a handful of almonds in water overnight and consume them in the morning the way you want to.

●Salmon: Salmon is a storehouse of omega-3 fatty acids, or better known as healthy fats. Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to vision development. To get the most out of these healthy fats, include salmon in your meal plan for 2 to 3 days a week.

●Eggs: Eggs are another rich source of Vitamin A; it also contains zinc, zeaxanthin, and lutein, all of which improve eye health. The best part? Eggs are a versatile food item; you can eat them for your breakfast and in your lunch and dinner.

●Oranges: Oranges are loaded with Vitamin C which promotes eye blood vessel health. Eat oranges as snacks, or juice them for breakfast. Adding them to your fruit salad is also a great option.

  • Kale: Kale is hailed as one of the best eye superfoods. The carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, found in kale promote retina health and vision. You can prepare kale as a side dish or as snack chips.

See through the myth and get your eyes checked every year

Every step you take to improve your eye health goes a long way in maintaining proper vision in the long run. If you notice any changes in your vision and overall eye health, do not neglect it as it can be symptoms of serious eye complications.

Consult with one of our eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospital, one of the best eye hospitals in West Bengal. We provide high-quality and affordable treatment for serious eye complications, including Cataracts, Glaucoma, Corneal diseases, Squint, Uveitis, and Diabetic Retinopathy in Kolkata.

We have a team of experienced eye specialists who are well-versed with leading medical tools and technology. Book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment.

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Difference Between Cataracts and Glaucoma

Difference between cataracts and glaucoma

Cataracts and Glaucoma are two of the most serious eye complications. Both the degenerative eye diseases occur as the natural part of the aging process and cause vision impairment. However, the eye diseases have stark differences in between them.

Let’s uncover the key differences between these two serious eye complications to get a clear picture: 

1) Symptoms: While symptoms including eye pain and vision blurriness are common in both eye complications, the other symptoms that are different:

Cataracts:

  • Double vision in the single eye
  • Yellowing of colours
  • Clouded vision
  • Appearance of cloudy formation on eyes’ lens area
  • Lowered vision in dimly lit areas

Glaucoma:

  • Seeing coloured rings around lights
  • Sudden disturbances in vision
  • Eye redness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Book an eye test online:

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure to seek medical advice. We, at Disha Eye Hospital, have a team of some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata. Book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment and get a proper diagnosis of your eye health.

2) Causes:- 

The way Cataracts and Glaucoma cause vision loss are completely different from each other, and so are the factors that cause them.

Cataracts: The eye complication occurs when the eye lenses become stiffer, start breaking down, and form clumps as you age. As the eye disease progresses, the clumps become denser and start clouding the lens. This, in turn, obstructs light to completely pass through and reach the retina which results in blurred vision. Cataracts can either develop in one eye or both eyes. In cases where cataracts form in both eyes, the clouding of the lens is not even.

Glaucoma: Glaucoma occurs when the intraocular pressure (IOP) increases above normal levels and damages the optic nerve. The IOP increases when the fluid (aqueous humour) in the front of the eye builds up when it is not drained as properly as it should.

As the IOP increases with time, more damage is done to the optic nerve, which, in turn, leads to gradual vision impairment.

3) Vision loss restoration:-
As discussed above, both the eye diseases cause vision loss. However, vision loss can be restored and reversed only in Cataracts and not in Glaucoma.

Cataract: Cataract surgery, the go-to treatment option for cataracts, involves replacing the clouded lens with an artificial lens. Before the surgery, the doctor takes into account the refractive error of the patient to choose an artificial lens accordingly to correct the vision.

Glaucoma: The goal of treatment options for Glaucoma, including eye drops and surgery, is to reduce and stop vision loss from worsening by lowering IOP. Depending on the severity of your Glaucoma, the eye doctor may start treatment by prescribing eye drops or schedule a surgery.

4) Prevention

Both Cataracts and Glaucoma cannot be entirely prevented. However, you can take certain steps to lower the risks. Some of these include:

  • A healthy and balanced diet:

    Eating healthily is key to maintaining good eye health and lowering the risk of complications. Add green vegetables, colourful fruits, fresh eggs, and lean fish and meat to your diet to make sure you get proper nutrition intake.

  • Regular exercise: 

Exercising regularly helps improve blood circulation in the eyes. Another key benefit of regular exercise is it helps you maintain healthy body weight. Being overweight and obese increases the risk of diabetes which, in turn, can cause a vision-threatening eye disease known as Diabetic Retinopathy.

Consult best retina specialists in Kolkata

If you are suffering from diabetes, you are at an increased risk of Diabetic Retinopathy. Our team of some of the best retina specialists in Kolkata can guide you on taking important steps to lower the risk.

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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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13 Eye Health Related FAQs

13 Eye Health Related FAQs

Have doubts about eye health? Check out the FAQs below:

1) How do cataracts develop and what are the treatment options?

There are two risk factors for the development of cataracts; age and exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Age-related cataracts occur when proteins in the eyes form clumps and restrict the amount of light that enters the retina. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays is another cause of cataracts. Other causes of cataracts include eye diseases and eye injuries.

Cataracts can be treated with an eye surgery in which the surgeon replaces the cloudy lens with a clear, artificial lens. But the surgery should be done from the best eye hospital in West Bengal.

2) How is cataract diagnosed?

Cataract can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, including dilated eye exam and visual acuity test.

In a dilated eye exam, the doctor dilates the pupils using eye drops. By doing this, the doctor can determine cataracts’ opacity and impact on vision. The doctor is able to determine the extent of vision impairment through the visual acuity test.

3) Can I get a cataract surgery done during summers?

Yes. You can undergo a cataract surgery during summers. In fact, you can undergo a cataract surgery during any time of the year. Cataract surgery not being feasible during summers is just a myth.

4) What is diabetic retinopathy and what are its symptoms?

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes; the eye condition is one of the leading causes of blindness. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina.

The early symptoms of diabetic retinopathy go almost undetected, but can gradually worsen over time, leading to vision loss. Some of the common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include eye pain, double vision, eye floaters and spots, and blurred vision.

5) Who are at the risk of diabetic retinopathy?

People suffering from diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2, stand at the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Pregnant women with diabetes are at the equal risk. Disha Eye Care Hospital is the best among the top ten hospitals for retina treatment in Kolkata.

6) Can diabetic retinopathy be prevented? If yes, how?

There are several steps to lowering the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Managing diabetes is the first step to minimising the risk of onset of the eye condition. Other steps involve regularly checking blood sugar levels, testing urine for ketone levels, and undergoing an annual comprehensive eye exam.

7) Can eye injuries affect vision?

Yes, but it totally depends upon the severity of the eye injuries. Minor injuries can cause eye pain and temporary blurred vision while major injuries can have serious implications such as eye infection and vision impairment.

8) How to protect the eyes from diseases?

There are several ways how you can lower the risk of development of eye diseases. First off, maintain a healthy diet by choosing fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat, and fish over unhealthy food items such as deep-fried snacks and frozen meat items.

Exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, and get your eyes checked every year. These steps help you maintain an overall good health and keep the risks of eye diseases at bay.

9) What is glaucoma and what are its symptoms?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can cause vision loss by damaging the eyes’ optic nerve. The eye disease is linked to the build-up of pressure (intraocular pressure) inside the eyes

Some of the common symptoms of glaucoma include eye pain, narrowed vision, nausea, vomiting, eye redness, vision loss, and seeing halos around the light.

10) What are the treatment options for glaucoma?

Your doctor may plan the treatment depending upon the severity of the condition. Eye drops for Glaucoma can either increase fluid flow or reduce its formation in the eyes.

Laser surgery is another treatment option for glaucoma. This procedure can help increase fluid flow in the eye. A surgery known as Trabeculoplasty involves opening a new channel to drain the fluid and lower eye pressure.

11) Why is it not safe to wear contact lenses past expiry/recommended date?

Contact lenses (as the name suggest) get into direct contact with the eyes when worn. Therefore, it’s crucial that you follow safety precautions to avoid serious implications. Wearing contact lenses past their expiry date can increase the risk of eye infections, which, in turn, can worsen and cause vision impairment.

The same applies to the cleaning solution. Make sure that you replace it after reaching the expiry date.

12) Will reading in dim light damage my eyes?

Reading is a precision activity, and when you do it under dim lighting, you increase strain to your eyes. As a result, you can suffer from symptoms such as eye redness, itchiness, pain, and dryness. The best practice is to read under bright lighting.

13) How to avoid eye injuries?

Eye injuries cannot be completely avoided. However, you can take steps to drastically lower the risks. For example, wear a protective eyewear when working at the workshop or travelling outdoors.

Choose quality eye treatment at Disha Eye Hospital – one of the best eye hospitals in Kolkata.

Our specialised team of eye experts at Disha Eye Hospital can help you maintain a good eye health through comprehensive eye check-up and quality treatment. For more information, visit us.