Medical History and Eye Health: Check these Useful Insights

eye hospital
For many patients, filling out their entire medical history before a routine eye checkup can be confusing. However, there exists a compelling reason for this requirement. For instance, Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) can be influenced by
genetics and family history . It is thought to be passed down through multiple genes or factors. By carefully examining a patient’s medical history, an ophthalmologist can uncover essential details such as this. Therefore, it is imperative for individuals to be thorough and forthcoming while completing this section of the form, as each piece of information aids the eye doctor in making informed decisions and delivering personalised care to maintain optimal eye health. 

If you want to know more on medical history and eye care, check this list. As one of the leading eye hospitals in West Bengal , we have shared some useful insights on medical history and eye health:

1.  How does medical history help improve eye care? 

Your medical history contains important information that plays a role in eye care. Here’s how different factors contribute:

  • Age: Your age helps doctors narrow down the conditions you’re more likely to develop.
  • Sex: Gender can predispose you to specific eye conditions. For instance, women are more prone to vision loss, while men are more likely to be colour-blind.
  • Family medical history: This is an important aspect of your medical history. Listing major conditions that run in your family provides relevant information for eye specialists. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune conditions, and sickle cell disease in your family can impact your eyesight. A detailed family history helps doctors work with fewer unknowns, leading to better treatment outcomes.

By considering these factors in your medical history, doctors can personalise your eye care and ensure the best possible outcomes.

2. How does family history of diabetes affect eye care?

If you have a family history of diabetes, you may have an increased risk of developing diabetic eye complications, such as diabetic retinopathy.

3. What eye conditions can run in the family?

Some common eye conditions with a hereditary component include:

  • Glaucoma: Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and other forms of glaucoma can have a genetic predisposition. Having a family member with glaucoma increases the risk of developing the condition.
  • Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): AMD, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, has a genetic component. A family history of AMD can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
  • Cataracts: Although cataracts can have various causes, certain types of cataracts can be hereditary. People with a family history of early-onset cataracts may have an increased risk.
  • Retinal Diseases: Inherited retinal diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, and macular dystrophies, can be passed down through families. These conditions can cause progressive vision loss and often manifest in childhood or early adulthood.

It’s important to note that having a family history of these conditions doesn’t guarantee their development but indicates an increased risk.

Do corneal dystrophies have a hereditary component?

Corneal dystrophies, including conditions like Fuchs’ dystrophy and keratoconus, can have a hereditary component. This means that they can run in families and be passed down from generation to generation. If you have a family history of corneal dystrophies, there is an increased likelihood that you may develop the condition as well.

Early detection is important when it comes to preventing and effectively managing eye conditions. That’s why, at our eye hospitals, we have invested in state-of-the-art facilities and assembled a team of highly skilled ophthalmologists who are experts in their field. From comprehensive eye examinations to specialised screenings for conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and more, we leave no stone unturned in ensuring your eyes receive the utmost care. Our advanced screening techniques enable us to identify potential issues at their earliest stages, giving you the best chance for successful treatment and preserving your vision.

Why Can Eye Problems Go Undetected?

eye hospital

Eye care refers to the healthcare and management of eyes, including the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and disorders. It involves regular eye exams, screenings and treatments to maintain healthy eyes and vision. Despite the importance of eye care, many people neglect their eye health. This can lead to eye problems that could have been prevented or treated if caught early.

Here we discuss some of the reasons why eye problems can go undetected:

1. Glaucoma and early dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Some eye conditions may not produce noticeable symptoms in their early stages, such as early stages of glaucoma and early dry age-related macular degeneration. Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” as the damage caused by the eye disease may not be noticeable soon. As the disease progresses, one starts noticing symptoms such as eye pain and blurred vision. Similarly, in the early stages of AMD, one may not notice any symptoms, and by the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be at an advanced stage. 

2. Lack of awareness: Some people may not be aware that their symptoms could be related to an eye problem and may not seek medical attention as a result. Some people may assume that the symptoms are simply a normal part of ageing and may not seek medical attention. It is important for individuals to be aware of any changes in their vision or eye symptoms, even if they think that they may be a normal part of ageing. Regular eye exams can help detect any potential problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and preserving vision.

3. Diabetes history: People suffering from diabetes are at a high risk of developing diabetic retinopathy which can cause vision loss if not treated early. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition where uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the retina. In the early stages of the condition, there may be no noticeable symptoms or vision changes.

4. Lack of access: In some areas, mostly in rural areas, access to quality eye healthcare services can be difficult. Also, expensive eye healthcare can be another reason for people not seeking medical attention.

5. Lack of regular eye checkups: Not getting regular eye checkups can affect your eye health. As mentioned above, regular eye exams can help your eye doctor detect diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration in their early stages. Also, eye exams can also detect underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

6. Underestimating the importance of eye health : Unformately, many people do not take their eye health seriously. This can be due to a lack of understanding of the importance of eye health or a belief that vision loss only affects older individuals.

Looking for a good eye hospital in West Bengal for eye exams? 

If you are looking for a good eye hospital in West Bengal for getting your eyes checked, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. Our team of doctors have years of experience and can detect a wide range of eye problems, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. We have a dedicated Diagnostic And Imaging Services. We offer a wide range of tests including:

  •  A-Scan Biometry
  • B-Scan
  • Keratometry
  • Specular Microscopy
  • Pachymetry/Cct
  • Gonioscopy 
  • Tonometry/At
  • Corneal Topography/Oculyzer
  • Digital Fundus Angiography
  • Indirect Ophthalmoscopy and more 

 

Protecting Your Eyes In The Workplace: Check These Useful Insights

cataract treatment

Eye-related problems and injuries in the workplace happen more often than you think. They can cause serious complications, leading to temporary or permanent loss of vision. Here we share useful insights on protecting your eyes in the workplace, whether you work  in a hazardous workplace or in an office and when should you rush to an eye hospital

If you are working in a hazardous workplace, here are a few useful insights to protect your eyes:

1. What precautions can you take to protect your eyes?

Hazardous working environments can affect your eyes badly. But if precautions are taken from the very first day of your job, hazardous situations can be eliminated. Here are a few tips that you can follow to keep your eyes safe:

    • Be attentive during the training sessions on handling hazardous materials. Listen to each word carefully and if there is any query clear it on the spot. As any doubt can prove to be fatal in the future.
    • Have an idea about how to use first aid fits, and how to handle any emergency eye situation. Keep the eye hospital’s contact number handy.
    • Always follow the procedure mentioned to use the machinery and handle chemicals.
    • Always use the necessary eye shield/ protective eyewear to protect your eye. Avoiding an eye shield may affect the eye badly and can also lead to permanent vision loss in some cases.
    • If there are barriers installed at your workspace, work within them as sometimes flying debris and sand may get into your eyes and injure them.
    • If there is some serious eye issue do not try to treat it by yourself but an eye hospital instead and consult an eye specialist.

2. What should you do if your eyes have been harmed in the workplace?

In case of a cut or eye injury

  • Do not try to remove the object lodged in your eyes. If it is a minor dust particle, ask your fellow worker to remove it.  Also, wash your eyes with cold water immediately.
  • In case of a serious issue, avoid touching, or rubbing your eyes. This will put pressure on your eyes and can make matters worse.
  • Place a clean cloth or a shield over the eyes to protect them from further damage and contact the nearest eye hospital immediately. 

In case of chemical or dust exposure to eyes:

  • Wash your eyes with cold water and try to flush out chemicals out of your eyes.
  • Contact the nearest eye hospital immediately.
  • Once you reach the hospital, tell the eye doctor about the chemical you were handling. So that treatment can be done accordingly.

In case you are hit in the eye or its surrounding area:

    • Do not put any kind of pressure on your eyes or their surrounding area. This may worsen the eye condition.
    • Use ice or cold compress in case of swelling.
    • Immediately contact the nearest and discuss the injury with your eye doctor.

Got an eye injury at your workplace and looking for the best eye treatment in Kolkata? 

Disha Eye Hospitals is among the leading eye hospitals in Kolkata. Our team of doctors have years of experience and are well-trained to handle any eye-related emergency.  From regular eye checkups to cataract treatment, from LASIK to glaucoma treatment, we are a one-stop solution for all eye-related issues. Find the nearest branch to book an appointment.  

Useful Insights on Eye Drooping by a Leading Eye Hospital in West Bengal

Is your eyelid drooping? If yes, you should not be ignoring it as it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Eye drooping occurs when the upper eyelid sags or droops. Not only do droopy eyelids make you look tired, they can interfere with your vision. As a leading  eye hospital in West Bengal , we share with you useful insights on eye drooping:  

1. Conditions that can cause droopy eyes 

  • Ptosis: This is a condition in which the edge of the upper eyelid is lower than normal. It can occur at birth or develop due to ageing. It can also be caused by paralysis, nerve damage or migraines.
  • Dermatochal asis: It refers to the excess skin developed in the upper eyelid. It is a common sign of periocular ageing and is often seen in middle-aged and senior people.

2. What causes eye drooping?

There are various reasons that can cause eyes to droop, such as:

  • Eye drooping develops when the levator muscle that is used in lifting up the eyelid does not function properly. This can happen due to stretching or weakening of the muscle overtime.
  • Apart from ageing, medical conditions such as eye injuries or a damage of the nerve that controls the levator muscle can also lead to drooping in the eyes.
  • It can also occur in children as it is caused by the lack of development of the levator muscle.
  • It can also be caused by the loosening of the skin at the upper eyelid.

3. Diseases that cause eye drooping

Here is a list of diseases that could cause the eye to droop: 

  • Tumour around the eye
  • Diabetes
  • Horner syndrome
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Stroke
  • Swelling of the eyelid


    4. Symptoms of eye drooping

Drooping can occur in one or both the eyes. Here are a few symptoms:

  • Difficulty in closing or blinking of the eye
  • Constant tearing
  • Eye fatigue
  • Blurred visionEye dropping in children can cause additional symptoms, such as:
  • Amblyopia
  • Myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism
  • Blurry or distorted vision
  • Eye strain
  • Headaches or dizziness

Sometimes, it is difficult to identify physical symptoms for eye dropping. Even when the condition is present, your eyelid may be affected minorly or not at all. Therefore, it is important to consult an eye specialist to get the right diagnosis. Tests such as slit-lamp examination, tensilon test for myasthenia gravis and visual field test are carried out to identify this condition.

5. Treatment for eye drooping

In most cases, eye drooping is caused by ageing. But it can also be caused by medical conditions or injuries. Ageing causes the skin to deform and loosen. This causes the eyelid to droop down and block the vision. This condition can remain constant, worsen over time or could come and go. However, to treat drooping of the eye, Blepharoplasty ( a form of eyelid lift surgery) is performed.  

Blepharoplasty can:

  • Improve the appearance of the eyelids
  • Correct the interference caused with vision
  • In children, it can prevent Amblyopia (lazy eye)

Looking for treatment for drooping eyes?

It is important to visit an eye hospital to get a proper diagnosis. Disha Eye Hospitals is a leading eye hospital with branches all over West Bengal. We have a team of experienced doctors who use the latest imaging and diagnostic technologies for the diagnosis. Should you have to undergo an oculoplasty and orbit surgery, the department of orbit and oculoplasty is well equipped with modern diagnostic and therapeutic facilities. 

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. 

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.

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

Rubbing Your Eyes: Is It Bad?

Most people rub their eyes inadvertently. Though it may seem harmless, rubbing eyes can be dangerous and can even damage the cornea. If you find yourself constantly rubbing your eyes due to dryness, you should consult an eye doctor. 

What makes you rub your eyes?

Rubbing the eyes can be an after-effect of  eye conditions such as:

  1. Eye infections: There are many kinds of eye infections that make our eyes itchy. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye infections that causes redness or pinkness in the eyes and makes them itchy. Usually, eye infections are caused due to bacteria and viruses. Touching eyes with dirty hands can easily transmit the virus or bacteria to the eyes. Conjunctivitis is contagious and easily spreads to one another. 
  2. Allergies: According to a study, when you have an allergy-causing virus/ bacteria in the eyes and you rub them, you will feel like rubbing the eyes more. Allergies make your eyes itchier. Itching can be accompanied by a stuffy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Some people can also be allergic to food, insect stings, or medications.
  3. Prolonged use of contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses too can also cause eyes to itch. 
  4. Additional causes for rubbing of eyes could include dry eyes, eye strain, and blepharitis.

What rubbing your eyes can lead to.

  • Hands are generally dirtier than any other part of the body. When the hands touch the eyes it leads to the transfer of germs. 
  • If there is already something foreign material in the eyes, rubbing at that point can make the situation worse.
  •  Many people suffer from conditions such as myopia, glaucoma, and many other conditions. Excessive rubbing may lead to worsening of the eyesight by damaging blood vessels. 
  • Excessive rubbing may lead to thinning of the cornea. This condition is known as keratoconus.

Tips to stop rubbing your eyes

The best way to stop rubbing your eyes is to treat the underlying cause that is making them itch. Your doctor will guide you through the practices that may prevent you from rubbing your eyes. He can also prescribe some medication at https://xanaxtreatanxiety.com to relieve anxiety and the itchiness. Saline and eye drop prescribed by your doctor can be used for relieving the irritation. You may also apply a warm compress to your eye but it should be done only after consulting an eye doctor.

Sometimes rubbing is due to habit and because of any medical condition causing itching. In this case, the following methods can be used to stop this:

  • Be conscious of what you are doing using your hands. Resist the urge and try to deviate your mind to not rub your eyes.
  • Wear gloves when you are finding it hard to keep your fingers from your face. Covered fingers make rubbing difficult.
  • Try to engage your hands in some other task. Squeezing a stress ball or rubbing a smooth rock might be useful.

Are you looking for an eye doctor in Kolkata?

Disha Eye Hospitals is a leading eye hospital in West Bengal. Our eye doctors of different caliber are on board. Our doctors are well-versed in the latest medical technology and our hospitals have all the modern equipment to support our doctors in providing the best patient care possible. 

 

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

 

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.