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How to Prevent Common Eye Drop Mistakes?

best eye doctor in kolkata

Whether they’re used to treat allergies, dryness, infections, or glaucoma, eye drops are the most common medicated solutions found in medicine cabinets. For eye drops to do their work, they should be properly used. Here we share with you a list of common eye drop mistakes so that you can avoid them: 

Mistake 1. Not using prescribed eye drops 

There are many types of over-the-counter eye drops available that can provide quick relief from watery eyes, dry eyes, or itchy eyes. Over-the-counter eye drops can be helpful, but it is always recommended to consult an eye doctor. The reason being the symptoms you may be experiencing could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. After getting temporary relief, you may not get the problem which can further aggravate into a serious problem. It is thus advisable to see a doctor and use only prescribed eye drops. 

When to see an eye doctor? Consult our eye doctor in Kolkata

If your eyes are producing discharge or have become sensitive to light, or feel itchy, these are signs that your problem needs more than just over-the-counter drops. It is best to see an eye doctor if you suspect that there’s something wrong with your eyes. We have some of the 

best eye doctors in Kolkata on board. Using the latest diagnostic and imaging, our eye doctor in Kolkata can help diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate course of treatment. 

Mistake 2:  Not reading the label

You might be surprised to learn that there are many people who accidentally put the wrong medication in their eyes. Eye drop bottles can easily get mixed up with other medications, and this could damage your vision. Before administering eye drops, always read the label. 

Mistake 3:  Wearing  contact lenses while administering eye drops

It’s important to remove contact lenses while applying eye drops. Otherwise, the drops may not be evenly distributed over the surface of the eye, and they may not be as effective as they should be. Also, some eye drops may cloud or damage contact lenses, temporarily or permanently. 

Mistake 4. Applying too many drops at one go 

When applying eye drops, it is important to administer one drop at a time. If you use more than one drop, the excess medication may run down your face.  Also, be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully. After administering one drop, wait for a few minutes and administer the other. 

Mistake 5. Not only applying drops to the centre of the eye

When applying eye drops, it is important to place the drops directly in the centre of the eye. Look up at the ceiling and pull down on your lower eyelid with your index finger. 

Hold the dropper above your eye with the tip pointing towards the outer corner of your eye, and squeeze out a drop. Look down and close your eye for a few seconds to allow the drop to spread evenly over the surface of your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye.

Mistake 6: Blinking your eyes too much after applying eye drops 

It is important to avoid blinking your eyes too much after applying eye drops. This can cause the drops to be less effective and may even cause them to fall out of your eye. If you need to blink, do it gently. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes after applying eye drops.

Mistake 7. Not handling the bottle properly 

Wash your hands before and after administering the eye drops to your eyes. Also, ensure that the dropper shouldn’t touch your eye. This can contaminate the drops and cause irritation or infection. Instead, hold the bottle a few inches away from your eye and gently squeeze the prescribed number of drops into your lower eyelid.

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FAQs and Their Answers on Eye Strain

Eye strain is a symptom, not an eye disease. Generally, eye strain is not serious. In some cases, it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. As one of the leading eye hospitals in West Bengal , we have curated some of the frequently asked questions and their answers on eye strain that you might find useful: 

eye strain

Question1:  How to deal with eye strain?

Answer:  Here are some tips to deal with eye strain:

  • Adjust the light: Lights should be adjusted according to the tasks you are doing. For reading and writing, the light source should be directed towards the book or notebook. For watching television, the room should be dimly lit.

  • Take breaks: While doing close work like writing or knitting or when working on the computer, take frequent small breaks to give the eyes much- needed breaks.

  • Limit screen time: Continuous exposure to blue light is harmful for the eyes.  Limit the time that you spend in front of TV, mobile screen and laptop.

  • Use artificial tears: Using a digital screen for too long can make your eyes dry. To prevent dryness, artificial tear drops can be used. Consult an eye doctor before using artificial tear drops.

  • Wear  appropriate eyewear: Wrong prescription glasses may lead to strain in eyes. So, it’s better to get your eyes tested and wear the correct prescription glasses. 

Question2: How long can eye strain last?

Answer: The extent of eye strain depends on many factors such as: 

  •  Your screen time 
  • Whether you have any eye conditions 

Generally,  eye strain goes away in a few days. If the eye strain is accompanied  with symptoms such as headaches, dry eyes or shoulder strain, it might take a little longer. If your eye strain is due to some medical condition, you must visit an eye hospital as soon as possible. 

Question3: Is eye strain reversible?

Answer. In most of the cases, eye strain is reversible. The symptoms of eye strain can get better with self-care tips that we mentioned above. 

Question4: What can eye strain lead to?

Answer:  Eyestrain can lead to:

  • Sore, tired, burning or itching eyes
  • Difficulty in opening eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Headache 
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry eyes
  • Pain in neck and shoulders.
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Difficulty concentrating


Question5: What are the causes of eye strain?

Answer:   Some of the common causes of eye strain are:

  • Looking at a digital screen for too long. Reading continuously without any break and with inadequate  lighting.
  • Continuous driving for a longer distance may lead to eye strain as you need to be focused on the roads to avoid accidents.
  • Exposure to bright light or glare.
  • Medical conditions such as glaucoma, refractive errors or any other issue may lead to eye strain.
  • Sometimes too much stress and fatigue can cause eye strain.

    Question 6. How to cure eye strain?

Answer: The best way to cure eye strain is to seek proper treatment. An eye specialist can evaluate your case properly and help you identify what is causing the  eye strain. Depending on that, the course of treatment can be started. 

Experiencing discomfort in the eyes: Visit an eye hospital 

If you are experiencing any eye discomfort, it is best to see an eye specialist.  We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have a team of eye specialists and medical staff who have years of experience in providing the best patient care possible. 

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Know Your Risk Of Developing Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects the eyes. This condition occurs in people suffering from type1 and type 2 diabetes. In this condition, the blood vessels in the retina get damaged.  The retina senses the light and sends images to the brain, helping the eyes to see. However, if not timely treated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss. Those with uncontrolled diabetes are at high risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. 

Symptoms 

 In the beginning, you might not experience any symptoms or only mild vision issues. With time you may experience symptoms such as:

  • Dark floaters in the vision
  • Blurred and fluctuating vision
  • Dark areas in the vision
  • Vision loss during advanced stages

Risk factors: 

Diabetic retinopathy can occur in any person suffering from diabetes. Other risk factors that may lead to this condition are: 

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Tobacco use
  • Pregnant women with gestational diabetes 

Prevention:

You can’t completely prevent diabetic retinopathy. But visual loss from diabetic retinopathy is preventable and can be treated. Medical management of diabetes, early detection of the condition, and timely treatment can reduce the risk of visual loss.

If  you have diabetes, reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy by doing the following:

  • Make a healthy diet part of your daily routine.
  • Attempt to get something like 150 minutes of light to moderate, exercise such as walking, yoga, or aerobics every week.
  • Take diabetes medicines as prescribed.
  • Screen your glucose level regularly. You may have to check and record your glucose level a few times each day.
  • Quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk of diabetes-related complications, including diabetic retinopathy.

Taking an active role in diabetes management can go a long way toward preventing eye complications. If you have diabetes or you know someone who is suffering from diabetes, it is important to get regular eye exams. 

Looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata? 

At Disha Eye Hospitals, we have some of the best retina specialists who can help treat diabetic retinopathy, retinal tear, and retinal detachment. If you are looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata, book an online consultation or visit our eye hospital. 

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What causes melanoma of the eye?

You must have heard of melanoma. However, you must have heard about it in the context of skin cancer. Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops in the pigment that gives colour to the skin, eyes and hair. But do you know melanoma can also form in the eye? Just like skin cancer, eye melanoma also develops in the pigment-producing cells that lend eyes their colour. If the melanoma starts in the eye, it is called primary eye cancer. If melanoma begins elsewhere in the body and spreads to the eye, it is called secondary eye cancer.

Symptoms of eye melanoma 

Eye melanomas often form in that part of the eye that is easily visible. This makes eye melanoma difficult to detect. Moreover, there are early warning signs or symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they include 

  • Floaters 
  • Growing dark spot on the iris
  • Change in the shape of the pupil
  • Blurry vision in one eye
  • Loss of peripheral vision

Causes of eye melanoma 

The exact cause of eye melanoma is still not known. It occurs when errors develop in the DNA of healthy eye cells. What causes cells to grow and multiply out of control is not known. 

Here are some risk factors for melanoma 

Some people are at higher risk of developing eye melanoma than others and the risk factors include: 

  • Light eye colour. People with light coloured eyes are at higher risk of developing eye melanoma. 
  • Age: With age the risk of eye melanoma increases. 
  • Certain skin disorders: People who suffer from dysplastic nevus syndrome are at risk of developing melanoma on the skin and eye. People with abnormal skin pigmentation around the eyelids are also at risk.
  • UV exposure: It is not conclusive but ultraviolet exposure to UV light, may increase the risk of eye melanoma.
  • Genetic factors. Certain genes passed from parents to children may increase the risk of eye melanoma.

 

Complications related to eye melanoma include

  • Glaucoma: A growing eye melanoma may cause glaucoma by increasing the ocular pressure within the eye. 
  • Vision loss. Growing eye melanomas can lead to vision loss. In some cases, they may cause retinal detachment, which if not treated in time can lead to irreversible vision loss. While small eye melanomas can cause partial vision loss, advanced eye melanomas can cause complete vision loss.
  • Affect other organs: Eye melanoma can spread beyond the eye and can even spread to the liver, lungs and bones.

How to diagnose melanoma of the eyes? 

Early detection of melanoma of the eye can help increase the chances of better treatment. The best way to detect melanoma early is to get the eye checked annually. A comprehensive eye check up involves the examination of the outer part of the eye as well as the inside of the eye. 

Looking for an eye doctor in Kolkata? 

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor if there’s any symptom or sudden changes in vision. From routine eye tests to critical surgical interventions, Disha Eye Hospitals offer holistic care and treatment for your eyes. We offer a wide range of surgeries – LASIK, refractive surgeries and cataract surgery. To book an online consultation with our eye doctor in Kolkata or visit the nearest branch.  

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Children’s Eye Health: Important Insights Curated By Some of The Best Eye Doctors in Kolkata

Did you know a newborn’s eyesight is between 20/200 and 20/400 at birth? Their eyes are so sensitive to bright light after their birth that they are more likely to open their eyes in low light. 

Children learn through their eyes. To read, to write, and to play – kids need healthy vision. Therefore, you should pay attention to your child’s eye health and look for signs that you may think can cause problems. 

Experts say the best ways to monitor a child’s eye health are:

  • Looking for symptoms
  • Make your child undergo regular eye exams 
  • Provide appropriate diet

Here we share with you important insights on children’s eye health: curated by some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata

1. Infants can see when they are born but they cannot focus accurately: Babies’ vision at birth is abuzz with visual stimulations. Their eyes don’t always focus accurately in the beginning. It is only by the time they are two months old, a baby can easily focus on the people or objects close to them.

Fact: Smoking when pregnant can harm a baby’s vision. It increases the risk for premature births, and further leads to higher refractive errors and problems with the retina of the baby.
2. Far and short-sightedness: Easily treated with prescription spectacles, , far and short-sightedness conditions often run in families.

Far-sightedness: People with farsightedness have a difficult time focusing their eyes on objects that are close. For instance, people with farsightedness may find it difficult to read words written in a book.

Short-sightedness: Short-sightedness is a common eye condition that causes faraway objects to appear blurred. Objects that are near can be seen clearly. 

Did you know? Myopia or nearsightedness has a higher incidence in school going children in India, especially in urban school-going children from  11 to 15 years of age. 

3. Lazy eye and squint: A fairly common eye problem in India, lazy eye condition is clinically known as amblyopia. It is when one of the eyes of the child does not develop as it should. If the child is treated sooner, it is more likely that they have a good vision.

4. Colour blindness: You would be surprised to know that 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women have colour vision problems. They find it difficult to distinguish between red, green and yellow. If you suspect your kid to have colour deficiency vision, or if there is any family history related to it, take your child to the optometrist. Although there is no way to cure or prevent this condition, knowing about the problem can help you teach your child to use colours appropriately.

When should parents take their children for a full eye examination? 

An eye test is important when:  

  • A child has any special needs
  • There is a history of eye problems such as colour blindness or lazy eye in the family 
  • The family member wore spectacles when they were children 

What are the signs of eye problems you should look for in your child?

Look for the following signs of eye problems in your child: 

  • They rub their eyes a lot
  • They have watery eyes
  • They have poor hand and eye coordination
  • The child avoids reading, writing or drawing
  • They complain about blurred vision
  • They sit very close to the TV

 

Looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata?

To consult the best eye doctor in Kolkata for children, visit Disha Eye Hospitals or book online consultation. We have a dedicated paediatric ophthalmology department that takes care of all the paediatric eye problems, be it squint, strabismus or amblyopia. From visual acuity tests to surgical procedures, Disha Eye Hospitals offer affordable eye care.  

 

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Can Cataract affect children?

Cataracts are often associated with ageing. Most people start getting cataracts around age 40 and symptoms appear as they age. Although very rare, children can get cataracts too. It is either present at the time of their birth or can happen due to some medical conditions.

eye doctor in kolkata

Cataracts in children can be:

  • Unilateral – Affect one eye
  • Bilateral – Affect both eyes

First, let us understand what cataracts are.

  • What are cataracts?

The clouding of the natural lens of the human eye is known as cataract. Seeing through cloudy lenses leads to blurry, unclear vision. For the eyes to see, the light rays pass through the lens and focus on the retina. With cataract, the eye lens becomes foggy, for which it cannot focus on the light in the same way.

 

  • Can cataracts affect children?

Yes, cataracts can affect children. Although it is very rare, some are born with cataracts. They can also develop cataracts at a very young age, which are known as childhood cataracts. 

  1. Congenital cataracts: Some children are born with cataracts, or may get them in childhood. This type of cataract mostly happens in both eyes and can affect the child’s vision. 
  2. Secondary cataracts: These cataracts form due to some other medical conditions. For instance, other eye problems, diabetes or even due to medicines. 
  3. Traumatic cataracts: Some cataracts happen due to eye injuries. A child may get cataracts directly after hurting the eye or can occur many years later.
  4. Radiation cataracts: Sometimes a child may get cataracts due to their exposure to some types of radiation.
  • What are the causes of cataracts in a child?

Some of the causes of cataracts in a child are:

  • Genetic fault inherited from parents
  • Certain genetic conditions 
  • Infections picked up by the mother during pregnancy
  • Eye injury after birth

 

  • What are the symptoms of cataracts in children?

Here are a few symptoms of cataracts in children: 

  • Misaligned eyes
  • A pupil that appears to be white when a flashlight is shined ito it
  • Eye movements that cannot be controlled
  • Blurry vision
  • Trouble seeing
  • Seeing a halo around an object

 

  • How is cataract treated in children?

Treatment of cataracts in children depends upon the child:

  • Age
  • Symptoms 
  • Health condition
  • The severity of the condition

The eye care doctor of the child will decide upon what treatment should be given to them. They may prescribe the child to:

  • Wear glasses or contact lenses
  • Go through surgery to remove the cataracts

If you are looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. We have paediatric ophthalmologists and specialists who are committed  to provide best possible care to patients. Our paediatric ophthalmologists deal with eye diseases, vision care and visual development of children.

Here are some eye disorders that our paediatric ophthalmologist and strabismologist treat:

  1. Paediatric strabismus
  2. Paediatric cataract
  3. Amblyopia
  4. Adult Strabismus
  5. Allergic disorders (red eye)
  6. Retinopathy of prematurity
  7. Paediatric glaucoma

We offer also offer diagnostic and imaging services. Advanced tests and diagnostic procedures help doctors to evaluate and treat different eye conditions.  

 

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Your eyesight: 12 common vision myths

You may have heard all sorts of things about what is good and bad for your eyes. From walking on the green grass to eating carrots for better eyesight, there are many things that people. But is there any truth in these?  

12 common vision myths

Here we debunk the most common vision myths:

Myth 1: Wearing glasses all the time can do more harm than good

Fact: Contrary to popular belief, wearing eyeglasses does not damage your eyes. There are eye conditions such as nearsightedness which may get worse over time but it has nothing to do with wearing glasses all the time.

Myth 2: Staring at the computer screen all day can damage the eyes

Fact: Just working on a computer and staring at the screen does not damage the eyes. However, working long hours on the computers and not blinking can make the eyes feel tired. A combination of factors such as poor lighting, poor posture, and viewing a computer at the wrong distance and angle can contribute to eye strain. Therefore, it is important to give rest to the eyes every 20 minutes while working on a computer. It is recommended to sit up straight and keep the computer at arm’s length.

Myth 3: Walking on green grass with bare feet benefits eyes

Fact:  It is believed by many people that walking barefoot on green grass is beneficial for the eyes. But there is no scientific evidence to back this statement. It neither benefits nor harms the eyes. 

Myth 4: Carrots help improve eyesight

Fact: Any discussion on health seems incomplete without carrots. Yes, carrots are loaded with Vitamin A which is an essential nutrient for eye health. But it doesn’t necessarily give you the entire amount of Vitamin A needed by your body. Therefore, eating only carrots will not help. Consume other foods which are high in Vitamin A such as milk, egg yolks, oily fish, leafy greens for proper intake of Vitamin A. 

Myth 5: Not everyone gets cataracts.

Fact: Though cataracts are a part of the aging process, they can occur at any age. 

Myth 6: Eyes are fully grown at birth.

Fact:  It takes up to two years for a baby’s eyesight to fully develop. In fact, the eyes continue to grow over the course of a lifetime. 

Myth 7: Eye exams are unnecessary unless there is an eye problem.

Fact: This is the most dangerous myth that restricts people from going for regular eye checkups. There are eye issues that get revealed only during a routine examination. No matter how old or young you are, conditions such as glaucoma can only be detected and managed properly, if you sign for an eye check-up at least once a year. 

Looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata?

At Disha Eye Hospitals, you can consult the best eye doctors in Kolkata. We offer laser treatment, refractive surgery, glaucoma treatment, cataract surgery, and many other services to help you get through your eye issues. 

Myth 8: Faulty movements can give crossed eyes

Fact: This is yet another misconception. Crossed eyes are a result of nerve damage. Since our eyes are designed to move in all directions,  do not be scared the next time you pull a funny face. 

Myth 9: Sungazing can improve eye health

Fact: Looking at the sun even for a short time can be harmful to your eyes. It can damage the retina permanently and even cause blindness.

Myth 10:  Losing vision is an inevitable part of ageing.

Fact: If detected earlier, many vision problems could be treated successfully. The key here is to have regular eye exams.  

Myth 11: People with diabetes will eventually lose eyesight

Fact: People with can prevent vision loss by keeping blood sugar levels under control. 

Myth 12: Vision Loss is genetic

Fact: It is commonly believed that if the parents never had an eye problem, the children are immune to vision issues. In reality, there is no guarantee of assured vision immunity. Vision problems may happen to anyone. 

 

 

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Angle Recession Glaucoma: check out these insights curated by some of the best doctors in Kolkata

 

Angle Recession Glaucoma develops after an injury or trauma to the eye. In this type of glaucoma, the tissue in the eye’s angle is damaged, resulting in elevated pressure within the eye. This elevated eye pressure eventually damages the optic nerve resulting in angle recession glaucoma. Though this condition cannot be cured, there are many treatment options available to prevent loss of vision, if the condition is diagnosed early. Glaucoma can cause irreversible damage to your vision. Here are useful insights curated by some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata on angle recession glaucoma and what can be done to treat the condition: 

Glaucoma

 

Insight 1: An eye injury can lead to angle recession glaucoma 

When the eyes are healthy, clear fluid in them flows around the front part and drains through tiny canals near the outer edge of the iris. This spot is called the ‘drainage angle’. This continuous drainage of fluid keeps the pressure inside your eye at a healthy level. However, an eye injury can cause the fluid to build up – as a result, there is an increase in pressure inside the eye. This increasing pressure can damage the optic nerve causing blurry vision and light sensitivity.  However, not every injury leads to angle recession glaucoma. 

Insight 2: A blunt trauma is the most common cause of angle recession glaucoma 

A blunt trauma is the most common cause of angle recession glaucoma. Some of the most common types are: 

  • Sports injuries such as getting punched or elbowed in the eye or hit with an object in the eye
  • Car accidents that cause facial trauma
  • Physical assault
  • Severe falls
  • Industrial injuries

Insight 3: There may not be early warning signs 

There are no early signs of glaucoma. And, it is the same with angle recession glaucoma. The high eye pressure slowly damages the fibres in the optic nerve. By the time you will notice any change in vision, the condition would have worsened. Loss of peripheral vision is one of the most common symptoms of angle recession glaucoma. 

Angle recession glaucoma can develop even years after the injury. Some people even forget about the injury by the time glaucoma develops. It is, therefore, important to schedule annual eye exams with an ophthalmologist. This is all the more important if you have suffered an eye injury. You will be screened for angle recession and timely treatment can be started to protect your vision.  

Insight 4: For diagnosis, eye pressure and drainage angle needs to be checked 

The two most common tests that your ophthalmologist will conduct to check for glaucoma are — tonometry and gonioscopy. Tonometry is done to determine the pressure inside the eye while gonioscopy helps to check the drainage angle of the eye. The eye doctor may also ask you to get 

a visual field test to check the peripheral vision for losses you may not have noticed yourself. 

Insight 5: Glaucoma damage cannot be reversed but more vision loss can be prevented

The damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. However, by seeking  timely treatment, further damage can be slowed. The severity of the eye injury will decide the course of treatment. Some of the treatment options are: 

  • Medication: Prescription eye drops medications lowers the amount of fluid and, thus, lower eye pressure. Usually, eye doctors prescribe the medications and monitor the eye pressure every month. 
  • Laser treatment: Laser treatment may be recommended when the medications are not effective at lowering excessive eye pressure. 
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be suggested. During the surgery, a new opening in the white of your eye is created. This opening allows fluid to drain and this reduces eye pressure. 

Insight 6: To prevent angle recession glaucoma, protect your eyes from injuries 

Angle recession glaucoma may not be entirely preventable in every case. But you can reduce the risk by taking certain precautions such as wearing safety glasses when working with tools or when you play sports. 

 

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Avoid digital eye strain while working from home

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people working from home has increased significantly since last year. However, this has resulted in people spending too much time in front of their digital devices, which in turn has led to an increase in complaints of eye strain and dry eyes. Staring at a screen for too long can also cause headaches, eye fatigue, shoulder pain and in some cases, deteriorated vision.

If you are working from home and are looking for useful tips to protect your eyes from too much screen time, here’s a useful read. These tips are curated by our eye doctors in Kolkata:

Avoid digital eye strain while working from home

Tip 1: Adjust the position of your screen:

The positioning of the screen of your digital device has a significant impact on your eyes. When working, make sure that the screen of your computer or laptop is just below your eye level.

Tip 2: Check the lighting of your room: 

Insufficient lighting as well as excessive lighting can put pressure on your eyes – which can cause discomfort and in some cases, vision problems. Usually lower ambient light levels are right for screen- intensive jobs. For paper-related work ( especially when the characters are small) , higher ambient light levels are recommended.

Tip 3: Don’t place the digital device too close to the eyes: 

By keeping the device close to your eyes, your eyes have to work hard to see the content. Ideally, you should keep your digital screen at least 50-100 cm away from your eyes.

Tip 4: Take frequent breaks: 

When working from home, frequent breaks are necessary as working continuously for a long period of time can affect your eyes and health. Also, taking short breaks enhances work productivity.

Tip 5: Wear computer eyeglasses: 

Computer glasses with anti-glare coating and blue light filtering can help you get relief from digital eye strain.

Tip 6: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: 

Your eyes, like the rest of the body, need regular exercise. The 20-20-20 rule is an easy exercise that you can do when working from home. After every 20 minutes, look away from your digital screen and focus on an object within 20 feet of you for 20 seconds.

Tip 7: Get your eyes examined annually:

A comprehensive eye exam is a must as it helps detect eye problems at an early age. Even if you don’t experience any change in your vision, make it a point to get your eyes checked at least once a year. Here’s a useful read on why you should be going for regular eye exams.

At Disha Eye Hospitals, we are passionate about providing world-class eye care affordable to all sections of the society. From vision correction surgery and cataract surgery to the treatment of very complex conditions, we offer a comprehensive range of services that meets everyone’s needs.

 

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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.