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Watery Eyes: Causes, When to See an Eye Doctor and Treatment

It is common for everyone to experience water eyes at some point in their lives. Usually, people have watery eyes when  something gets in the eye. It could be a speck of dirt, dust, or even an eyelash.  But do you know that water eyes could be a sign of allergies or underlying medical conditions? Here’s an insightful read on what causes watery eyes and when should you see an eye doctor: 

eye specialist in kolkata

Causes of water eyes 

  1. Allergies: There could be many kinds of allergies that can cause eyes to water.   Exposure to pollen, pet dander, insects and fumes can also lead to watery, red and itchy eyes.  When it comes to allergies, people also experience other symptoms such as runny nose and coughing.

  2. Conjunctivitis: It is a condition in which your eyes turn pink or reddish with tears in your eyes. It might be inflammatory in some of the conditions. This condition could be due to some bacterial or viral infection. Avoid touching your eyes in this condition. Do not share towels or anything that touches your eyes.

  3. Blocked tear duct: When the tear duct of the eyes gets blocked or narrowed down. It creates problems for tears to run down into the nose and they remain in the eyes causing watery eyes. Some of the other signs include:
  •  Mucus
  • Crusty eyelashes 
  • Blurred vision 
  • Blood in the tears
  1. Dry eyes: If you are constantly suffering from dry eyes, the immune system will produce tears to keep the eyes moist.

  2. Eyelid problems: Eyelids are part of the drainage system of the eyes. If in some cases eyelid grows inwards, it may cause irritation leading to watery eyes.

  3. Bumps on the eyelids: A bump on the eyelid could be a stye or a chalazion. Mostly they are painless but sometimes could be annoying.

  4. Problems with cornea: The cornea is a very sensitive part of the eye. Even a minor scratch can be dangerous. Cornea can have many issues ranging from small scratches to ulcers. Any corneal condition can lead to irritation, strain, and watery eyes. 

Treatment of watery eyes: 

What is causing eyes to water will determine the course of treatment. Treatment options could include: 

  • Prescription eye drops
  • Antibiotics for eye infection 
  • Surgery if the tear ducts are blocked 


When to visit your doctor: 

You should consult your eye doctor if you face symptoms such as:

  • Vision loss or visual disturbances
  • Discharge or bleeding from your eye
  • Redness in the eye 
  • Eye pain 
  • Injury around the eye
  • Foreign object stuck in your eye on the inside of your eyelid
  • When water eyes do not go away on their own after a few days 

Are you looking for an eye specialist in Kolkata? 

We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata. They have years of experience and are well-versed in the latest medical technologies. 

We offer the best possible patient care. 

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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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Wrong Eyeglass Prescription: Check These Warning Signs

Eyeglasses are the most effective and affordable way to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. 

Eyeglasses are easy to handle and one of the most comfortable vision-correcting methods. Wearing prescribed eyeglasses have many advantages such as:

  • Improved vision
  • Better eye protection
  • Cost-effective 
  • Easy to maintain

However, if you do not have the right prescription for eyeglasses, it might lead to uncomfortable symptoms. As one of the leading eye hospitals in Kolkata, we share with you you some of the warning signs that may indicate that the eyeglasses you are wearing the wrong prescription: 

 

  • Frequent headaches: This is one of the first signs that you will observe if you are wearing the wrong prescription glasses or contact lenses. When you have a new prescription, you may experience frequent headaches a few days after wearing new glasses. However, the headaches may disappear when you take them off. In case of a wrong prescription, the eyes will strain along with a headache. In both cases, you must visit an eye doctor and get the prescription changed.

 

  • Vertigo: Normal dizziness can be cured within hours but vertigo is much more aggressive than dizziness. Vertigo gives you a feeling of being unbalanced while standing or sitting. This condition needs medical attention. It can be caused due to blurred vision. But if you already have this condition, the wrong prescription will only worsen the situation. Vertigo can affect depth perception. Without depth perception, you are at the risk of injuring yourself.  

 

  • Blurred vision: Blurred vision after prescribed corrective glasses can also mean the adjustment of the eyes to new lenses. This will get corrected after a few days but if the blurriness continues, you must visit the eye doctor to get the prescription correct. A wrong prescription may lead to further eye issues.

 

  • Eye fatigue: When you start feeling eye fatigue after the prescribed new glasses, this might be a sign that the prescription is wrong. 

Looking for an eye specialist in Kolkata? 

If you are experiencing any eye-related problem, get your eyes checked by an eye specialist. We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata on board. We offer quality eye care at an affordable price.

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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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Diabetes and Eye Surgery FAQs

Diabetes and eye health are closely interlinked. Those with diabetes should make it a point to see an eye doctor at least once a year. Those with high blood sugar are at high risk of developing blurry vision, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Some of these eye conditions may require surgery. If you or any of your family members have diabetes, you are bound to have questions regarding surgery. 

As one of the leading eye hospitals in Kolkata,  we answer some of the frequently asked questions on diabetes and eye surgery: 

Question 1: Can diabetics have eye surgery?

Yes, diabetics can undergo any type of eye surgery. However, the type of eye surgery depends on your general health and the eye condition that you have. In some cases, you may have to wait until your general health has improved. An eye doctor can advise you on whether eye surgery is suitable for you and if yes, when is the most suitable time. 

Question 2: Do I need to keep sugar levels under control before surgery?

Yes, doctors will recommend you keep your sugar levels under control. High sugar levels increase the risk of complications after surgery such as: 

  • Slow healing 
  • Infection
  • Heart problems

Your eye doctor and endocrinologist will help control your diabetes. This may mean that your average sugar level reading or the three-monthly HbA1c reading needs to be in a particular range. 

Question 3: Do I need to fast before eye surgery?

For all types of eye surgeries, patients are instructed to not eat or drink 12 hours before eye surgery. This is because before the surgery muscle relaxing medications are given. If the stomach has food and drinks inside it, the chances of vomiting are there. If that happens, the food could enter the lungs and affect breathing. 

Question 4: Do I need to stop diabetes medicine before eye surgery? 

Usually, you will be advised not to take diabetes medicine before eye surgery to reduce the chances of lactic acidosis. The condition can be a medical emergency.  It is best to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and follow his or her instructions if you need to stop any drug before surgery. 

Question 5: I have diabetes, how do I prepare for eye surgery? 

The best way to prepare for eye surgery is to follow the advice given to you by your eye doctor and general practitioner or endocrinologist. Remember, the longer your sugar levels are under control, the outcomes of the surgery will be better and the recovery period will go well.

Question 6: What to expect after the surgery? 

After surgery, you will need to see your ophthalmologist frequently, so that he or she can monitor any effect that your diabetes may be having on the eyes. 

 

Question 7: How long is the recovery for diabetics after surgery? 

The recovery from eye surgery varies from one person to another. It is important that you follow post-operative instructions given to you by the doctor regarding eye drops and eye hygiene. 

 

Looking for an eye hospital in Kolkata? 

One of the best ways to lower the risk of diabetic eye diseases is to get your eyes checked once every year. Diabetic eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataract show no symptoms during their early stages. From diagnosis to eye surgery, you will find all eye care facilities at Disha Eye Hospitals, a leading eye hospital in Kolkata. 

 

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Ageing And Vision Loss: Check These Useful Insights

Ageing causes a few changes in vision which mostly can be corrected by using corrective eyeglasses and improved lighting. However, some issues are serious and warrant medical attention. Ageing can cause many eye complications such as 

  • Losing the ability to see clearly.
  • Difficulty in differentiating between colours.
  • Taking time to adjust to different levels of light.
  • Dry eyes 
  • Tearing 

Ageing can cause some or other eye issues and the best way to prevent or handle them is to get eyes examined regularly.  The reason being there are many eye diseases that do not show any early symptoms. By the time a change in vision becomes noticeable, the disease would have progressed. Regular eye exams can spot the problems in their early stage.

Some of the age-related eye diseases are

  • Cataracts: It is a medical condition in which a person’s lens becomes cloudy and appears like frosted ice. Lenses of the eyes become hard and cloudy and do not allow all the coming light rays to pass through it and reach to the back of the eye to form an image on the retina. Some of the light gets scattered in different directions by the cloudy lens. It may also cause redness, tearing, blurriness, a halo around the objects in the eye. For the removal of the cloudy lens, surgery is the best option. During the surgery, the damaged natural lens is replaced with a new artificial lens. 
  • Glaucoma: It is an eye condition that affects the optic nerve by excessive pressure in the eye. The optic nerve is an important part of the eye that helps in transferring the sensory information to the brain in the electrical impulses. If it is not treated on time then it may cause permanent vision loss. To identify glaucoma, the doctor will inspect the eyes to see the condition of the optic nerve, measure the pressure and test the visual field. Glaucoma treatment includes a combination of eye drops, oral prescriptions, laser treatment or medical procedures.
  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can affect the central vision needed to see objects clearly and to do common activities such as driving and reading. Though there’s no cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with timely treatment the disease can be slowed down and vision loss can be prevented.  
  • Diabetic retinopathy: This problem occurs when the blood vessels in the retina get damaged. In diabetic retinopathy, the blood vessels leak and release fluid, causing blurred vision. As the condition progresses, the patient may see floaters and dark spots. Advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy need laser surgery but mild cases can be managed by controlling diabetes. 
  • Conjunctivitis: It causes redness, itching, burning or tearing in the eyes. It can happen in all age groups but elderly people are more prone to irritants or allergies. It can be caused by bacteria or viral infection.

Ageing causes many eye-related issues. Some of these issues are difficult to spot. The best way to timely detect eye conditions is to get your eyes examined once a year. If you are looking for an eye hospital in Kolkata, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. We provide the best possible patient care at affordable rates. 

 

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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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FAQs on Inherited and Genetic Eye Diseases

There are many factors that play an important role in determining overall eye health. Genetics is one of the most significant ones. Many eye diseases, including those that cause blindness among infants, children and adults, are inherited. In some cases, early diagnosis and effective treatment for inherited eye disorders can help prevent the conditions from worsening. Therefore, it is important to know about these conditions. We have some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata. These eye specialists will answer some of the frequently asked questions on inherited and genetic eye diseases 

Question 1: What eye problems are genetic?

There are over 350 eye diseases that are genetic. A genetic eye disorder occurs when a child inherits a disease from one or both patients. Some of the genetic eye disorders are: 

  • Congenital cataracts
  • Congenital glaucoma
  • Retinal degeneration
  • Colour blindness 
  • Corneal dystrophies
  • Keratoconus

Note: In adults, glaucoma and macular degeneration are among the leading causes of blindness. Both seem to be hereditary.

Question 2: Can common vision problems be inherited?

Yes, common refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are also inherited. The risk of developing these conditions is higher if both the parents have the eye disorder. Strabismus and amblyopia can also be inherited. 

Question 3: Can genetic eye disorders be cured?

Early diagnosis and effective treatment of inherited eye disorders can help prevent the worsening of vision. For instance, congenital cataracts can be treated by removal as soon after the diagnosis. The surgery can be performed on an infant as young as 6 to 8 weeks. 

Question 4: What are the symptoms of inherited eye diseases? 

Symptoms vary depending on the type of eye disease. Some of the general symptoms include:

  • Abnormal appearance
  • Fluid in eyes
  • Impaired vision  

Question 5: How can genetic eye problems be diagnosed? 

The best way to protect a baby’s eyes from congenital or hereditary eye disease is through regular eye examinations. Certain eye diseases are present at the time of birth while some develop shortly thereafter. Therefore, it is important that the baby’s eyes are regularly examined by an ophthalmologist or paediatric ophthalmologist. When diagnosed early, the chances of treatment can be better and the impact of the disease can be minimised. 

Looking for the best eye specialist in Kolkata for children? 

We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have a dedicated Paediatric Ophthalmology unit with some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata on board. We conduct various eye tests for infants, toddlers, pre-school children and verbal children. We work closely with parents and children to integrate ophthalmologic treatment into the patient’s total care plan.

Question 6: What to expect during the evaluation? 

The paediatric ophthalmologist or eye doctor will completely review the test results. The parents will be asked about their family medical history, with particular attention given to signs and symptoms of genetic disorders. The child will have to undergo a comprehensive eye checkup. For this, the pupils will be dilated. Some of the common tests for diagnosing genetic eye disorders are: 

  • Electroretinography
  • Visual evoked potential testing
  • Optical coherence tomography
  • Fundus autofluorescence
  • Visual fields

 

Note: Additional tests may be recommended depending on the symptoms. 

 

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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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What You Should Know About Fuchs’ Dystrophy: insights curated by the best eye doctors in Kolkata

Fuchs’ dystrophy, also called Fuchs’ disease, is found within the cornea of the eye. Many people in their 30s and 40s may have Fuchs’ dystrophy but do not know it. Vision problems might not appear until age 50 or later. As Fuchs’ dystrophy is a relatively common condition affecting people, our eye surgeons in Kolkata have curated a list of important things you should know about the disease:

best eye doctors

What is Fuchs’ Dystrophy? 

Fuchs’ Dystrophy is a corneal disease. It occurs when endothelium cells in the corneal layer gradually die or do not work well. These cells are responsible for pumping the fluid and keeping the cornea clear. When these cells do not function well, fluid builds up and the cornea gets swollen, causing vision to get cloudy.

Symptoms of Fuchs’ Dystrophy

There are two stages of Fuchs’ dystrophy. The condition is progressive which means the symptoms worsen gradually.

First stage symptoms 

  • Vision may be blurry when in the morning but improve throughout the day. 

Second stage symptoms

  • The blurry vision will not get better as the day goes on. 
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Seeing small dots, stars, or shapes throughout the day
  • Eye swelling and pain
  • Eye problems get worse in humid areas
  • A gritty-like feeling in both eyes

Causes of Fuchs’ dystrophy

The condition is caused when endothelial cells in the cornea die. The precise cause of this cellular destruction is not known. The endothelial cells are responsible for balancing fluids in the cornea. Without them, the cornea swells because of the fluid buildup. As the cornea swells up, the vision is affected.

Who is at the risk of getting Fuchs’ dystrophy ?

  • Fuchs’ dystrophy affects more women than men. 
  • Those with diabetes are also at a greater risk. 
  • Smoking is also a risk factor.
  • Having a family history of Fuchs’ Dystrophy increases the risk.

How is Fuchs’ dystrophy diagnosed?

  1. Fuchs’ dystrophy is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. During the eye exam, they’ll look for signs of changes in the cornea.
  2. To check the thickness of the cornea, the eye doctor may suggest a few tests including pachymetry. These tests will give the eye doctors images of the cornea. Using these images, the doctor will count the endothelial cells. 
  3. An eye pressure test may also be suggested to rule out other eye diseases, such as glaucoma.

Fuchs’ dystrophy and cataracts

Some people can develop cataracts and have Fuchs’ Dystrophy. In this case, the person will need to undergo two types of surgeries at once: one for cataract removal and the other for a corneal transplant.

Treatment for Fuchs’ Dystrophy

  • Eye drops or ointments:  The early stage of Fuchs’ Dystrophy is treated with prescription eye drops or ointments. 
  • Corneal transplant: In case of significant corneal scarring, a transplant surgery may be done. There are two options
  1. Full corneal transplant: The damaged cornea will be replaced by the cornea of a donor. 
  2.  Endothelial keratoplasty: This involves transplanting endothelial cells in the cornea to replace the damaged ones.

Looking for an eye surgeon in Kolkata?  

If you are looking for eye surgeons in Kolkata, visit our Disha Eye Hospitals. Our eye surgeons in Kolkata specialise in treating several eye conditions including glaucoma, corneal diseases, retinal conditions and  cataract.