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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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Chalazion FAQs

A chalazion is a painless eye condition, where a small lump or swelling develops on a person’s eyelid. These lumps are formed due to the blockage and swelling of an oil gland in the eyelid and rarely last longer than a few weeks. As a leading eye hospital in Kolkata, we have curated a list of FAQs on chalazion and their answers:

Chalazion FAQs

1.What causes a chalazion?

A chalazion develops when a meibomian gland that lines the margin of the eyelids is blocked. These tiny oil glands produce oil that lubricates the surface of the eye.

2.What are the symptoms of a chalazion?

The symptoms of a chalazion include:

  • Red, swollen area on the eyelid
  • Painless lump on either of the eyelid
  • Blurry vision
  • Mild irritation

3. Where to get the best treatment for chalazion in Kolkata?

If you are looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. We have experienced eye specialists on board for various eye conditions. Our specialists are well-versed with advanced diagnostic services and treatment.

4.Who is at risk to get a chalazion?

Adults are more at risk to get a chalazion than children. Chalazion is more common in people with:

  • Inflammatory conditions – blepharitis, seborrheic, acne rosacea
  • Diabetes
  • Viral conjunctivitis
  • Who had a chalazion before

5.How is a chalazion diagnosed?

Doctors closely examine the patient’s eye —- eyelid structure, skin texture near the eye, and eyelash appearance —- to diagnose a chalazion. The doctor may check the medical history of the patient to determine if any other health problem is contributing to the eye condition, https://accisotret.com.

6.What is the treatment for a chalazion?

A chalazion can be treated in the following ways:

  • Apply warm compresses on the affected area: Soak a cloth in hot water and apply on the affected area. Repeatedly soak the cloth in hot water to maintain the heat. Do it three to five times a day until the chalazion is gone.
  • Apply antibiotic ointments: Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment if the chalazion does not improve after warm compresses or if it keeps recurring.
  • Steroid injections: A steroid injection is also prescribed to reduce the swelling of a chalazion.
  • Surgical removal of chalazion: If the chalazion does not heal after all the other treatments or if it is affecting the vision, an ophthalmologist may perform a surgery to drain it.

7.How to prevent a chalazion?

The best way to prevent a chalazion from developing is by practising good hygiene. Here are a few things or steps you need to follow to prevent a chalazion:

  • Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
  • Everything that comes in contact with your eyes, for instance, your contact lenses, should be clean.
  • Wash your face to remove dirt before going to bed.
  • Your doctor may recommend an eyelid scrub to prevent a chalazion from occurring again.

8.What is the difference between a chalazion and stye?

Many people often confuse between a chalazion and stye as they both are lumps in or along the edge of the eyelid. The primary difference between the two is the cause behind their occurrence. While styes are caused by a bacterial infection in the oil glands of an eyelid, a chalazion is caused when the oil-producing gland of the eyelid is clogged or blocked. A stye is very painful and may make your entire eyelid swell, while a chalazion is not usually painful and rarely makes the entire eyelid swell.

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When is eye blinking a problem?

Did you know that on average people blink 15 to 20 times per minute? However, babies and children only blink about two times per minute. While it is natural for you to blink, excessive blinking can be a sign of a serious problem. Excessive blinking is when you blink more than you want to. It may happen all the time or once in a while.  

eye blinking a problem

Our highly-experienced eye doctors in Kolkata share with you a few important things that you should know about excessive blinking:  

 

  • Causes of excessive blinking: There are many medical conditions that can lead to excessive blinking. Some of these causes are: 
  • Eye irritation: Dryness, itchiness, pain or grittiness in the eye caused due to eye irritation can lead to excessive blinking. Dry eye syndrome, pink eye, scratches on the eyes, injury and neurological problems are some of the leading causes of excessive blinking. Smoke, pollen, pollution, chemical vapours, foreign objects or dust are some of the eye irritants that can cause your eyes to blink excessively.  
  • Eye strain: When eyes are tired, they tend to blink more. 
  • Vision problems: Nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia and strabismus can cause excessive blinking especially without the proper corrective eyewear. 

 

  • Serious conditions: Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Tourette’s syndrome are known to cause excessive blinking. 
  • Diagnosis of excessive blinking: An eye doctor will conduct a physical examination of your eyes for conditions such as strabismus or conjunctivitis. More tests may be recommended if the eye doctor suspects that there is an underlying medical condition behind excessive blinking. A refraction test will also be performed to determine whether eyeglasses are needed or not. A complete eye exam including pupil dilation may be performed to see the overall health of the eyes. 
  • Treatment: The course of treatment depends on the cause. In some cases, excessive blinking may go away on its own while in other cases, treatment may be needed. In case of eye irritation, the eye doctor will first diagnose the irritants causing the problem and you will be asked to avoid the irritants. Applying warm compresses to the irritated eye can also provide some relief. Over-the-counter eye drops may be prescribed for lubrication or allergies. Those suffering from eye strain may be asked to cut down their screen time and avoid bright lights. In case of a neurological condition, the eye doctor may work along with a neurologist to evaluate the condition and create a treatment plan. 
  • When to see an eye doctor: When excessive blinking is not going away on its own or it is accompanied by symptoms such as pain, change in vision, watery eyes or redness in the eyes, the condition should always be evaluated and treated by your doctor. 

 

Often excessive eye blinking isn’t serious. However, it could be a sign of corneal abrasions or eye infections. With over 15 branches in West Bengal, Disha Eye Hospitals are among the reputed eye hospitals in the state. We have some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata on board who are committed to offering the best patient care possible. 

 

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Can Diabetic Retinopathy Resolve?

 

One of the many questions that our eye doctors in Kolkata are asked about diabetic retinopathy is whether or not the eye condition will resolve on its own. Although there is no cure for diabetic retinopathy, the right treatment can delay or reduce vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy is characterised by bulging blood vessels in the retina that happens as a result of diabetes. Bulging blood vessels often leak fluid or bleed – which can cause blurred vision, seeing eye floaters and difficulty seeing colours. 

Can diabetic retinopathy resolve?

At Disha Eye Hospitals, we have some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata who have shared with you a few important insights on the treatment of diabetic retinopathy: 

 

  • When is treatment needed? Treatment is required when the condition reaches an advanced stage and there’s a risk to the vision. When the condition has affected the macula of the retina or when peripheral vision has been severely affected, seeking medical treatment becomes important. 
  • What are the treatment options available? An eye doctor will determine the best treatment option that suits an individual. Those with advanced diabetic retinopathy will need surgical treatment to prevent vision loss. Remember, people suffering from diabetic retinopathy may need treatment more than once as the condition may get worse. 
  • Laser treatment: When the retina is severely damaged, laser treatment may be recommended. Using a laser, an eye surgeon will shrink the abnormal blood vessels, slowing the leakage of blood and fluid in the eye. Aggressive laser therapy may be used to treat severe proliferative retinopathy. This will prevent the growth of new blood vessels. However, laser treatment may not always work in treating proliferative retinopathy.
  • Vitrectomy: In case, the retina has not been severely damaged, then a vitrectomy may be recommended. This surgery is done when there is internal bleeding or retinal detachment. This surgery is also done to treat macular edema.
  • Medicines: An eye doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medicines to slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. In advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy, injections or steroids may also be given to shrink new blood vessels. 
  • How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed? As diabetic retinopathy shows no early symptoms, it is essential that you get your eyes checked regularly. During a comprehensive eye examination, your eye doctor will put a few drops in your eyes to dilate the pupils. Then using a special lens, he/she will see the inside of your eyes including the condition of the  blood vessels. 
  • Is controlling diabetes important? The most important part of your treatment plan is to keep your sugar levels under check. In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, controlling diabetes can help prevent vision problems from developing. In more advanced stages, controlling diabetes can help symptoms from worsening and this may prevent vision loss. If you have been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, it is important to keep diabetes under control. 

 

At Disha Eye Hospitals, we offer treatment for diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma and many other eye conditions. Our highly experienced eye doctors, retina specialists and staff ensure that you receive the best possible patient care. 

 

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Intraocular Pressure and Your Eye Health – insights curated by some of the leading eye doctors in Kolkata

Your eyes are filled with a clear fluid called aqueous humor which helps to maintain the shape of the eyes and plays a key role in the overall health of the eyes. The pressure of the fluid in the eyes — also known as intraocular pressure — keeps on changing throughout the day and differs from one person to another. To maintain a steady pressure, this fluid drains regularly. However, when this fluid doesn’t drain properly, the excess fluid builds pressure in the eye and can cause vision problems

eye doctor in kolkata

  • Why does intraocular pressure matter?  When the fluid in the eye doesn’t drain properly, intraocular pressure becomes high. And, high eye pressure is the most significant risk factor in the development of glaucoma – the higher the pressure, the greater the risk. The problem with glaucoma is that it doesn’t have any early symptoms. By the time it shows any noticeable signs such as severe headache, eye pain, nausea and blurred vision, the condition is in the advanced stages. . Glaucoma can go unnoticed for years. But by getting the eye pressure checked you can catch it early and take preventive measures. Glaucoma, when not treated for long, can lead to complete loss of vision. 

 

  • How is eye pressure checked? A detailed pupil dilation test is the best way to detect whether the intraocular pressure is high or low. The pupil dilation test lets your eye doctor check the health of the optic nerve as well as the retina. To fully examine your eyes, the eye doctor may recommend several tests.

 

  • Is low intraocular pressure a problem? Both high intraocular pressure and low intraocular pressure are not good for the health of your eyes. Low intraocular pressure can cause blurry vision. When the intraocular pressure is extremely low it can cause corneal decompensation, accelerated cataract formation and maculopathy. 

 

  • How to maintain a steady eye pressure? There is no particular way of maintaining eye pressure at a healthy level.  If you suffer from uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension, you get your eyes checked regularly. The eye doctors will conduct comprehensive eye tests to check the eye pressure and may suggest eye drops if the intraocular pressure is found to be on the higher end. 

 

Risk factors of high intraocular pressure

  • A family history of ocular hypertension or glaucoma
  • Age 
  • Acute short-sightedness 
  • Certain medications raise eye pressure in some people 
  • Eye injuries, even years after they happen, can affect your intraocular pressure

 

Book an appointment for eye test 

High intraocular pressure can be detected during an eye test – so it’s important to have your eyes checked at least once a year. We have some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata on board. If it’s been a while since you’ve had an eye exam, schedule an appointment today. 

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6 FAQs About Common Eye Diseases And Their Answers

A popular saying goes that the eyes are the window to the soul, but what many of us miss, is that the eyes are also clues to a person’s health. Taking a mere look into someone’s eyes, doctors could tell the condition of their arteries, veins and nerves – which acts as good indications of a person’s general health. We shall discuss some common questions on eye conditions, and how you could better understand the symptoms. So, read on!

Disha Eye Hospitals

Question 1: What’s a refractive error?

Answer: Refractive error is an eye condition when the eye is unable to properly bend and focus light on the retina. When the light bends incorrectly, and is focused in front of the retina, the person has myopia (nearsightedness). When the light is focused behind the retina, the person has hyperopia (farsightedness).  Astigmatism is another refractive error caused by uneven shaped cornea. At Disha Eye Hospitals, refractive surgeries are performed in order to correct refractive errors and reduce a person’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses.

Question 2: What is a cataract?

Answer: The lens is the clear structure in the eye that focuses on entering light. As people age, a normally clear lens becomes cloudy. This cloudiness is called cataract. A cataract can block incoming light and affect vision in many ways.

Question 3: What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Answer: Cataracts can cause different symptoms for different people. During the early stages, a mild cataract may not signal any symptoms. But with time, as the cloudiness progresses, less light enters the eye and people start experiencing symptoms such as

  • Poor night vision
  • Blurred vision
  • Glare on bright days/ at night, while driving
  • Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions
  • Seeing halo around lights
  • Double visionHere’s a useful read on symptoms of cataract to help you remain aware of the illness.

    If you want to know more about cataract treatment in kolkata and other parts of West Bengal, contact us As a precautionary measure during the Covid-19 pandemic, we encourage you to consult with our doctors online. To know more, click here

    Question 4: What is glaucoma? And who gets glaucoma?

    Answer: Glaucoma occurs when the pressure of the fluid in the eye increases, leading to damage of the optic nerve and loss of vision, and possibly, blindness. Patients with diabetes and advanced retinopathy stand at a higher risk of glaucoma. You can read about more risk factors here

    Question 5: What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

    Answer: At first, there are no symptoms – which is why glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight”. As the condition progresses, the patient may notice his/her side vision worsen over the period of time, even if the central vision functions perfectly. In many cases, the loss of peripheral vision goes unnoticed by the patient. If left untreated, the patient may gradually lose their central vision.

    Question 6: What is diabetic retinopathy? What are its symptoms?

    Answer: Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that affects patients suffering from uncontrolled diabetes. In this condition, the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina are damaged. Due to the damage, the blood vessels swell and leak. There are two stages of diabetic retinopathy: – Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. You can learn about these stages here . There are often no symptoms until the later stage of the disease. If you are a diabetic, then you must go for an annual eye check-up. If you experience blurred vision, floaters, dark spots, impaired colour vision, visit your nearest eye hospital immediately.