Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

If Your Child Has Squint, Then Read These 5 Useful Insights

If Your Child Has Squint, Then Read These 5 Useful Insights

Squint, also called as Strabismus, can occur at any age, but is particularly common in young children. Squint can be temporary i.e. it may come and go, or persist (be permanent). These 5 insights can help you confirm the occurrence of squint in your child, choose proper treatment, and lower the risks of further complications:

1. Ensuring annual eye check-up of your child:

As a concerned parent, your first responsibility is to ensure that you take your child to the eye doctor every year for a comprehensive eye checkup. Doing this will help you identify the early symptoms of squint as well as other eye complications common in young children.

You can bring your child to our eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospital, one of the leading eye hospitals in West Bengal, for a complete eye exam. Our team of eye doctors uses the latest technologies and equipment for ensuring precise diagnosis.

2. Tips to identify whether your child has squint:

Identifying squint in your child is relatively easy. The first step is to take a closer look at your child’s eye; if the eye balls are deviated from each other at all times or when trying to focus on an object, it could indicate the presence of the eye condition.

Another sign to watch out for is whether your child is tilting his/her head to one side when doing everyday tasks or not. As squint can cause double vision, your child might try to close his/her eyes to correct vision.

3. Causes of squint in children:

There are several causes of squint. In children, the eye condition can be the result of the eye attempting to correct vision problems (refractive errors) such as far sightedness (hyperopia), near sightedness (myopia), and astigmatism (uneven curvature of the front part of the eyes).

In some cases, squint in childhood can be a symptom of retinoblastoma, a rare type of childhood eye cancer. Other rare causes of squint in children include developmental delays, genetic syndromes or conditions, and certain infections.

4. Complications of squint:

One of the biggest myths about squint in childhood is that children can grow out of the eye condition. This conventional belief is discarded by eye doctors and parents. Make sure not to believe in such myths and instead start early treatment upon diagnosis of the eye condition.

Failing to address the eye condition with proper treatment can increase the risks of lazy eye. Lazy eye is when the brain stops accepting signals coming from the affected eye. Other complications of squint in younger children include double vision, vision impairment, and low self-esteem.

5. When to get medical advice?

This is one of the common questions concerning parents. It’s crucial to seek medical attention if your child is only three months or older and has a temporary squint. Also, seek immediate medical advice if you notice changes (even the most subtle ones) in the eye alignment and vision of your child. To identify vision changes, watch whether your child sits near to the screen while watching TV or brings books closer to the eyes while reading/studying.

For proper diagnosis and treatment of squint, consult with our eye care experts

From ensuring precise diagnosis to planning and choosing the right treatment option(s) such as patching of the healthy (unaffected) eye to force the use of the weak (affected) eye, our eye care specialists can help you effectively correct your child’s squint. Learn more about our paediatric squint treatment in Kolkata at http://www.dishaeye.org/content/paediatric-squint.

Posted on

Diabetic Retinopathy: Important Pointers for the Patients

Diabetic Retinopathy: Important pointers for the patients

If you have Diabetes, you are at the risk of developing Diabetic Retinopathy, a serious eye disease which can cause permanent vision loss if not treated. However, with good control of blood sugar levels, blood lipids, and blood pressure, you can lower the risk of the eye disease.

This article will help you understand the eye disease more and learn about ways how you can reduce the risk as well as identify it and seek proper treatment.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the complications of Diabetes that affects the eye. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. Due to the damage, the blood vessels swell and leak. The diabetic eye disease can cause vision loss and eventually lead to complete blindness.

There are two stages of Diabetic Retinopathy:-

  • NDPR (Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy)

    NDPR is the initial stage of Diabetic Retinopathy. It involves leaking and swelling of the blood vessels in the retina, which if not controlled can lead to loss of vision.

  • PDR (Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy)

PDR is the advanced stage of Diabetic Retinopathy. This stage involves the growth of new blood vessels which can bleed into the vitreous and either cause you to see floaters or dim/block your peripheral and central vision.

Identifying Diabetic Retinopathy

If you have Diabetes, an annual eye exam is a must for an early diagnosis. The following symptoms can indicate the occurrence of the eye disease:

  • Blurred vision
  • Dim vision
  • Vision loss
  • Impaired colour vision
  • Dark spots/floaters in your vision
  • Fluctuating vision

Diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy:-

As discussed above, getting an annual eye exam helps in early detection which, in turn, can help you treat the eye disease and prevent it from progressing. When you visit an ophthalmologist, he/she will ask you about your medical history and determine your vision through an eye chart test. The doctor will use an ophthalmoscope to examine your retina.

Managing Diabetes to manage Diabetic Retinopathy:-

Effective management of Diabetes is essential to lower the risk/manage Diabetic Retinopathy. For Type 1 Diabetes, it’s important to follow an insulin routine tailored to your need and an appropriate diet.

For Type 2 Diabetes, being physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight, following a balanced diet, and leading an overall healthy lifestyle are the proper management measures.

You can also join support groups/communities to learn more ways of managing your Diabetes to lower the risk of complications.

Eye health maintenance tips:-

These tips can help you maintain your eye health and lower the risk of Diabetes-related vision complication:

  • Keep your blood sugar levels in control:- Have an A1c blood test conducted several times a year to keep track of your blood sugar levels.
  • Quit smoking:-Smoking can worsen your blood sugar. It’s a must to quit smoking if you have Diabetes.
  • Check your cholesterol levels:- High LDL is linked to blood vessel damage. Make sure to get your blood tested for finding how much LDL and HDL cholesterol you have.
  • Check your blood pressure:- Make sure check your blood pressure every time you visit your doctor as part of your Diabetes management plan.

We hope you’ve gained useful information with this guide. Stay tuned to this space for more interesting write-ups about Diabetic Retinopathy and other eye health disorders.

For a proper Diabetic Retinopathy treatment, you can visit Disha Eye Hospital and consult with our eye specialists. We are a leading eye hospital in West Bengal that provides quality eye care at affordable rates. Learn more at http://www.dishaeye.org/vitreo-retinal.

 

Posted on

Contact Lens FAQS and Answers

Contact Lens FAQS and Answers
If you are using contact lenses for the first time, then there might be a lot of questions running through your mind. From taking care of the contacts to replacing them, here we have tried to address all the concerns related to contact lenses.

1. What are the different types of contact lenses and which one’s best for my eyes?

There are daily disposable lenses, monthly and two-week disposable lenses. Also, contact lenses come in a wide range of materials. Some materials used in the contact lenses are less prone to drying while some materials may better resist deposits than others. There are lenses for correcting astigmatism along with farsightedness and near-sightedness while some provide extra reading correction. The lens that is best for you depends mostly on your visual needs, your budget, and how often you want to replace them. The lenses that need frequent replacement are a little more expensive as you will be using a lot more of them. However, they need less cleaning and maintenance.

2. Does it takes longer to get used to them?

It depends mostly on the type of lenses you are using. Most of the lens users get used to soft (silicone or hydrogel) contacts pretty easily or in a few days. However, if you are using hybrid contact lenses or rigid gas permeable lenses, it might take a few weeks or longer for your eyes to get used to them. In very rare cases, you may not ever feel comfortable while wearing contact lenses.

3. Can I lose contact lenses behind my eyes?

Not at all. At worst, you may have trouble finding the lenses as they may get under the upper eyelid when you rub your eyes. This can dislodge the lens. Talk to your eye doctor in case you need help in locating and removing the lens.

4. Is it wise to wear disposable contact lenses?

Often, doctors suggest disposable contact lenses. In terms of health, these are the good choice as there are fewer opportunities for bacteria to grow on the lenses. Also, if you are wearing these lenses, you will be discarding them at the end of the day. And as such you don’t need to buy contact lens solution and clean them regularly. These are hassle-free.

5. Is there a great difference between extended wear and daily wear contact lenses?

Yes, there’s a huge difference. Extended wear contacts are made using special materials and they allow more oxygen to enter your eyes. |
6. Who can wear contact lenses? What’s the perfect age to start wearing one?

Anyone can wear contact lenses. They can treat vision issues such as astigmatism. Multifocal contacts, on the other hand, can help treat presbyopia. Children too can wear contact lenses if they are mature enough to take care of the lenses and maintain personal hygiene.

7. How long can I wear the lenses?

Most people can wear the lenses pretty comfortably throughout the day (usually 16 hours). If you are prone to dry eyes, then you may have to limit your wearing time. Some contact lenses are good for longer wear. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing a particular lens, you can try other options and different lens.

All lenses have a particular replacement schedule. There’s a schedule for how many days you can wear them before they are discarded. Usually, the replacement schedule is like every day or every 14 days, or every 1 month.

We hope that these answers will help you get an idea about the usage of contact lenses.

Have eye problems? Consult eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospital in Kolkata
At Disha Eye Hospital, we strive to take care of your eyes in the best possible way. We have a team of expert eye specialists who can suggest an effective eye treatment for you. Get an appointment today http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment

Posted on

Cataract Facts: You Must Know Them for an Effective Treatment

Cataract facts: You must know them for an effective treatment

After going through the facts listed below, you’ll have more understanding of the eye complications related to cataract and learn about ways to get it properly treated.

1. There’s not just one but different types of cataracts.

The different types of cataracts include:

Age-related: the type of cataract which is common amongst older people.

Traumatic: the type of cataract that form after an eye injury.

Congenital: the type of cataract that is common in newborn babies. Poor development in the womb, injury, and infection are some of the common causes.

Secondary: the type of cataract that results from other medical conditions like diabetes and other factors such as radiation and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.

2. Common symptoms of cataracts:-

Some of the common symptoms of cataracts include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Seeing halo around lights
  • Double vision
  • Impaired distance vision
  • Poor night vision
  • Glare

3. Symptoms not typical of cataracts:-

It’s common to misidentify symptoms and think that you have cataracts. But in reality, you might have some other vision problems. This can result in the delay in diagnosis or wrong self-care measures. Symptoms that are unlikely to be associated with cataracts include:

  • Eye discharge
  • Eye redness
  • Eye irritation
  • Excess mucus
  • Eye pain
  • Tearing

4. Advanced age is one of the most important risk factors:-

People who are aged 60 and above are at the highest risk of developing cataracts. With age, the protein fibres in the eyes form clumps and start clouding lens, affecting vision.

5. Eye exam is the go-to diagnosis procedure for doctors:-

Eye doctors conduct a comprehensive eye exam to get a proper diagnosis of the eye condition. The eye exam involves a thorough check of the lens; the doctors do this by dilating the pupils.

6. Can cataracts be prevented?

There’s no proven way to prevent cataracts. However, since the eye condition is common in older adults, it’s crucial to have an annual eye exam for early diagnosis and treatment.

7. You can lower your risk of cataracts:-

Avoiding risks factors such as prolonged exposure to UV rays, smoking, and excessive drinking can help you lower your risk of cataracts.

8. Cataract does not spread from one eye to the other:

There’s a common misconception according to which cataracts can spread from one eye to the other.

9. Your sunglass can be your best friend in lowering cataract risk:-

Choose a pair of sunglasses that has UV protection and wear it whenever you spend time outdoors, in the sunlight.

10. The single-best treatment for cataracts:-

Cataract Surgery is the most effective way to treat the eye condition. The eye surgery involves removal of the natural, clouded lens and replacing them with an artificial one.

11. There may be chances of your refractive error improving after cataract surgery:-

Prior to conducting the surgery, the surgeon will conduct a refraction test to choose an intraocular lens of the right power to give you the best possible vision.

Want to do cataract surgery? Visit Disha Eye Hospital and consult our experienced eye specialists

Do you have cataract? Or are you concerned about your loved one who’s suffering from the eye condition? Get a quality treatment for cataract at Disha Eye Hospital. Our eye specialists can conduct a precise diagnosis and conduct a surgery.

At Disha Eye Hospital, we are committed to providing the best eye care solutions at affordable rates. Learn more about our cataract treatment service at a http://www.dishaeye.org/cataract