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26 Insights curated by a leading eye hospital in West Bengal

Eyes are one of the most vulnerable and complex parts of the human body. Healthy sight lets us see the world, yet many of us take it for granted. It is estimated that  half a million blinding injuries occur every year across the world. Exposure to chemicals, dust, rust, and debris can cause eye injuries, and unfortunately some result in permanent blindness. 

leading eye hospital in West Bengal

As one of the leading eye hospitals in West Bengal, we have curated a list of 26 insightful tips on eye protection:

People working in factories:

1.If you are working in a factory, wear the right protective eye equipment (PPE).

2.There are four primary types of eye protectors: general safety glasses, laser safety glasses, chemical splash goggles, and impact goggles. You should know which ones to use when and how to wear the protectors properly.

Gardening:

1.Never spray insecticides or pesticides when there is a breeze blowing. These chemicals can go into your eyes and cause eye problems that can lead to blindness. 

2.Wear eye-protective goggles while doing any kind of gardening job. Always wear polycarbonate goggles or safety spectacles, which are lightweight, durable, and offer better clarity of vision.

People spending a lot of time under the sun:

3.Always wear sunglasses with ultraviolet protection as UV radiation can damage the structure of the eye.

4,Try to stay in the shade when the UV rays of the sun are at their strongest, usually between 10 am and 4 pm.

5.Always apply sunscreen near your eye area 15-30 minutes before heading out in the sun.

6.Always try to protect your eyes from all angles. Wear sunglasses that wrap all the way around the eye temples.

Working in offices:

7.Your desktop or laptop screen should provide a clear and sharp image.

8.The font size should be suitable for reading.

9.The distance between your eyes and the computer screen should be around 350 – 600 mm for comfortable viewing.

10.The computer screen should be adjustable to tilt according to your needs.

11.Keep blinking intentionally to keep your eyes moisturised.

12.The keyboard should be detachable, so that you can keep changing your postures frequently and also work from a distance.

13.Make sure that your keyboard is non-reflective and clear. You should be able to recognise the signs and alphabets on it easily.

Ways to create a well-illuminated office:

14.Your office should have sufficient lighting. Appropriate lighting prevents eye fatigue and headaches.

15.Minimise glare and reflections by placing the desktop away from a light source or a window.

16.The air supply from the air conditioner should not blow directly into your face or body as it will leave your eyes dry.

Common eye protection tips for all:

17.Take short breaks in between the work to alleviate the eye fatigue caused by prolonged exposure to computer screens.

18.Do eye exercises to comfort your eyes. 

19.Always wash your hands before cleaning your eyes.

20.Do not share your eye towels with others. Never use someone else’s eye drops or their glasses.

21.Give rest to your eyes by getting enough sleep.

22.Always watch the TV screen from the right distance. The ideal TV viewing distance depends upon the size of the television. For instance, it is ideal for you to watch a 40 inch HD TV from a distance of 1.5 meters.

23.Use computers in well-lit places. Keep looking at other places while working to alleviate your eye fatigue.

24.Wear goggles when cleaning dusty areas.

25.Make sure that you have sufficient artificial or natural light while studying.

26.Consult an eye doctor whenever you notice discomfort or problem with your vision.

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What are pinguecula and pterygium? Important insights curated by a leading eye hospital

Different parts of the body often develop benign growths and eyes are no exception. Pinguecula (plural pingueculae) and pterygium (plural: pterygia) are harmless, non-cancerous growths that develop on the eye’s conjunctiva, the connective tissue that covers the white part of the eyes. While the two may appear similar and have similar symptoms and causes, they are actually quite different. 

As a leading eye hospital, we share with you some important insights on pinguecula and pterygium – 

  • Pinguecula is a non-cancerous lump 

A pinguecula is a non-cancerous lump on the white part of the eye. Overexposure to the sun and ultraviolet radiation are the most common reason for the development of pinguecula. The yellow lump typically grows on the side of your eyeball closest to the nose. Made of protein, calcium and fats,  the lump can either be round or triangular in shape. Pingueculae can cause discomfort but doesn’t affect the vision: 

  • Pingueculae part of normal ageing 

Though Pingueculae can develop at any age, it is common among middle-aged and elderly people. It is in fact a normal part of ageing. 

  • Pingueculae and pterygia are not the same thing 

A Pinguecula should not be confused with a pterygium . Pterygia occur when a Pingueculae grows and turns into a pterygium, a benign fibrous growth. Pterygia are more likely to interfere with normal sight. A pterygium is more noticeable than pinguecula. When pterygium extends onto the cornea far enough it can cause blurred vision as the curvature of the cornea is changed. Pterygium may also disrupt the distribution of tears across the surface of the eye, creating a feeling of dryness. 

  • The main symptom of  Pingueculae is yellow bump 

Besides the yellow bump, people who develop Pingueculae experience mild symptoms such as:  

 pinguecula

  1. Irritation
  2. Dry eyes
  3. Redness
  4. Swelling around the eyes
  5. Burning sensation
  6. Foreign body sensation
  7. Blurry vision
  8. Discomfort when wearing contacts
  • Pingueculae can lead to astigmatism 

Pingueculae changes the natural curve of the eyeball – which  can lead to astigmatism, a refractive error.  Astigmatism can be corrected with specialised contact lenses or laser eye surgery.

  • Overexposure to the sun causes Pingueculae and pterygia

Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays are likely the cause of pingueculae and pterygia. According to 2019 study, Pingueculae are more common in people who live in countries near the equator, where the sun’s rays are strongest. Besides the sun exposure, Pingueculae may also develop due to regular irritation from wind, dust or other airborne particles. 

  • Pingueculae may not require treatment 

In most cases, pingueculae do not usually require treatment. OTC or prescription medications often help people get relief from symptoms such as itchiness, irritation and dryness. Surgery is usually reserved for cases where severe eye irritation is noticed. However, some people wish to get their pingueculae or pterygia removed surgically for cosmetic reasons.  

  • To avoid Pingueculae protect eyes from the sun 

As sunlight and UV rays are among risk factors for developing pingueculae, you should take care of your eyes when stepping out. Wear the right sunglasses when out in the sun. Choose sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun’s rays off the face and eyes. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or in a dusty area, wear protective eyewear to prevent irritants from entering your eyes.

If you experience any eye problems, see an eye doctor immediately. At Disha Eye Hospitals, we are committed to providing quality eye care at affordable cost to people from all walks of life. From vision correction surgery to cataract surgery, we offer a wide range of services. 

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Ocular migraine: What causes it and how is it diagnosed ?

Ocular migraine or retinal migraine is an eye condition. It causes temporary loss of vision in one eye or visual problems like blurry vision and flashing lights. Although these temporary visual disturbances can be alarming, in most cases they are harmless and the symptoms usually disappear on their own after around 20-30 mins. Most people don’t need any treatment. However, if you have any concerns, visit an eye hospital near you. 

Ocular migraine

Want to know more on ocular migraine? 

Check this read where we discuss ocular migraine in a detailed manner: 

 

  • Causes of ocular migraine:

 

When the blood vessels to the eye suddenly narrow, the blood flow to the eye is reduced which causes ocular migraine. Here are a few triggers that can cause the condition:

  • High blood pressure 
  • A family history of migraines
  • Stress 
  • Low blood sugar
  • Dehydration
  • Excessive heat 
  • Oral contraceptive pill 
  • High altitude 

 

  • Signs and symptoms:

 

An ocular migraine does not affect everyone in the same way. As a result, the signs and symptoms vary from person to person. The following are some of the most common ones:

  • Partial or total loss of vision in one eye – this can last anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes. And then the vision gradually returns to normal. 
  • Headache during or after vision less 

In most cases, the same eye is affected every time. 

 

  • Diagnosis and treatment:

 

An eye doctor will examine your eyes and will ask you a few questions related to your symptoms to rule out other conditions that could cause similar problems, such as:

  • Blockage in the artery that leads to the eye
  • Spasms in the artery that carries blood to the retina 
  •  Inflammation in blood vessels
  • Stroke 
  • Blood vessel disorders related to autoimmune diseases
  • Drug abuse

Once diagnosed, your eye doctor will give you medical advice. Normally, treatment isn’t required for ocular migraines as symptoms usually go away on their own after sometime. However, when the attacks happen, we would recommend you to rest your eyes until the symptoms pass. Your doctor may advise you to take painkillers to get relief from headaches. If you are worried about the frequency of the attacks, consult your eye doctor. 

Looking for an eye hospital in Kolkata? 

Visit Disha Eye Hospitals – we provide the best eye care services at affordable costs. We offer the latest technology in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases including glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. 

 

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Abnormal eye discharge: causes, diagnosis and treatment

You may observe a liquid-like discharge or crustiness around the edges of your eyes  after waking up in the morning. It’s quite normal – as everyone has this kind of eye discharge in the mornings.  The discharge is usually a combination of debris, mucus, oil and skin cells, which get accumulated in the corner of your eyes.   Waking up with eye discharge is considered normal. However, an eye discharge that is either yellow or green and is accompanied by eye pain and blurry vision, warrants a visit to an eye hospital.  

Abnormal eye discharge

Here, we share with you a few things that you should know about abnormal eye discharge: 

Causes of abnormal eye discharge:

  • Conjunctivitis: Eye discharge is one of the common symptoms of conjunctivitis or pink eye. In addition to  green, yellow or white eye discharge, conjunctivitis causes redness, eye pain, itchy eyes and swollen eyes. If treatment is not sought on time, it can even cause eye damage. 
  • Dry eyes: Dry eyes occur when the surface of the eyes is not lubricated properly, thus causing inflammation and irritation. At times, dry eyes can also be the reason for watery eye discharge.
  • Eye injury: Dirt, chemical substance or debris or an eye injury can cause watery discharge. See an eye doctor immediately if you notice pus or blood in the eyes after the injury. 
  • Blepharitis: Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. It causes clumpiness and stickiness around the eyelashes. 
  • Eye infections: Eye infections such as eye herpes, fungal keratitis and acanthamoeba keratitis can also cause abnormal eye discharge that could either be thick and sticky or watery and clear. 
  • Corneal ulcer: It is usually caused by an untreated eye infection or trauma to the eye. Thick eye discharge accompanied by swollen eyelids, redness and eye pain is the characteristic of this eye condition. If left untreated, a corneal ulcer can cause complete vision loss. 

Signs accompanied with abnormal discharge

  •  In addition to thick, green, or yellow-coloured discharge in the corner of the eyes, spreading across the eyelid, you might notice other symptoms like Burning eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Blurry vision
  • Itchy eyes
  • Eye pain
  • Light sensitivity
  • Red eyes
  • Inability to open the eyes fully
  • Flu-like symptoms

Diagnosis and treatment:

Timely consultation can help eye doctors rule out the underlying cause of the abnormal eye discharge. The eye doctors will diagnose your condition and prescribe necessary medications like ointments, antibiotics and  eye drops, https://www.pittsburgheyeassociates.com/amoxil-treat-infections/.

Management of abnormal eye discharge:

Do not rub your eyes to remove the crusts or the discharge – as it can increase the risk of infection. Always keep your hands clean before applying eye ointments. You can soak a clean washcloth in warm water and then wipe the area around your eyes – it removes the discharge and also feels relaxing.

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Paediatric Eye Exams: A Useful Guide For Parents

Since a child is born, he or she develops and learns about the world around them through their sense of sight. A good vision is key to a child’s development. Reading, writing and using a computer are among the visual tasks that children perform daily.  As learning in the classroom is mainly visual, if your child is having difficulty seeing clearly, his or her learning can be adversely affected. As parents, you must ensure that your child’s eyes are healthy by getting them checked at certain development stages. An eye examination is recommended as early as when your child is 6 months old.

eye hospital

 As a leading eye hospital in West Bengal, we share with you a useful guide that will help you ensure that your child’s eyes are developing normally:

 

  • First test at 6 months: An infant’s visual system starts developing over the first few months of life. Crucial milestones such as crawling, hand-eye coordination and walking are all dependent on the development of eyesight. Infants should have their first eye exam at 6 months of age. At this stage, the eye specialist will check whether  the eyes are developing at the right pace or not.  The doctor may also check the eyes for paediatric eye conditions such as strabismus, farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. If an infant is born premature or showing signs of developmental delay, more frequent visits to an eye hospital are required. 

 

  • Preschool to 5 years: As toddlers are about to start preschool, they learn to colour, draw, cut paper and play games. Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination are essential for them to read, write and take part in several activities.   Schedule an eye test when your child is about to start preschool. If you notice your child rubbing his or her eyes too much, squinting or sitting very close to the TV, you should see an eye doctor immediately. An eye doctor may recommend a series of tests such as a visual acuity test, colour vision test and ocular exam to check how well your child sees objects both near and distant.

 

  • Age 6 to 18: Poor vision can cause children and teens to suffer academically, socially and personally. If your child is having trouble in school or in other activities, get his or her eyes checked as there could be an underlying vision problem. Children who find it difficult to read or coordinate their hands and eyes may exhibit behavioural problems out of frustration. They may be facing problems in seeing things properly but may not know how to express themselves. An eye doctor will check near vision, distance vision, binocular vision (ability to use both eyes together for depth perception) and peripheral vision. 

 

Common eye tests for children include  

  • LEA symbols test: This test is just like regular eye tests. For children and toddlers, instead of alphabets, there are symbols. This test is one of the most common vision screening tests in preschool and school age.
  • Retinoscopy: This test is done to detect refractive errors in children. The test is done by shining a light into the eye and observing the back of the eye. This helps the eye doctor to determine if your child needs eyeglasses or not. The eye prescription is determined by this test. 
  • Random dot stereopsis: This test is done to measure how well a child’s eyes work together. The test has a high success rate in the preschool age. It can be carried out easily to detect strabismus and amblyopia. 

 

Common eye problems among children

When it comes to vision, children face many problems. Some of them include: 

  • Eye allergies: Eye allergies can affect everyone, including children. Allergies caused by pet dander, pollen and mold can cause eyes to water or become red.
  • Conjunctivitis: Though easily treatable, conjunctivitis is highly contagious. 
  • Amblyopia or lazy eye: This disorder typically appears during infancy and early childhood. It affects the development of vision and should be treated without any delay. If left untreated, it can cause long-term vision problems. 
  • Refractive errors: Farsightedness and nearsightedness are very common among toddlers and children. These errors can be corrected with prescribed eyeglasses.
  • Strabismus or crossed eyes: This eye condition occurs when the eyes do not work as a team or are misaligned. Early treatment options such as special eyewear or the use of an eye patch can help in correcting the condition. 

 

Signs that your child is struggling with an eye problem 

  • Delayed motor development 
  • Squinting 
  • Frequent eye rubbing 
  • Not maintaining eye contact 
  • Misalignment of the eyes 
  • Not tracking objects 
  • Short attention span
  • Headaches 
  • Constant blinking 
  • Avoiding activities that require visual attention 
  • Tilting the head to one side
  • Watching TV closely or reading a book too close 

 

When to see an eye doctor? 

During childhood, vision changes frequently. Your child should receive an eye examination every year or more frequently if specific problems have been detected. Most vision problems are treated properly if they are detected and corrected as early as possible. Do inform the eye doctor if you have a family history of eye diseases. 

 

If you are looking for an eye hospital with a dedicated Paediatric Ophthalmology unit, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. We conduct various eye tests for toddlers, pre-school children and verbal children. Our paediatric ophthalmologist & strabismologist are experienced in treating paediatric strabismus, paediatric cataract, amblyopia, allergic disorders (red eye) and paediatric glaucoma.

 

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How do you know if eye pain is serious?

Eye pain falls into two categories: Ocular pain and orbital pain. Ocular pain occurs on the surface of the eye while orbital pain occurs within the eye.

eye hospital

Over here we will discuss what causes eye pain and when should you visit an eye hospital:

 

Causes of ocular pain

You may experience eye pain on the surface of the eye because of the following reasons

  • Foreign objects: When irritants such as a speck of dirt, makeup, grit or a twig get into the eye – they cause eye pain along with symptoms such as eye irritation, redness and watery eyes. Wash your eyes with cold water. Even after a day if you feel that something is stuck inside your eyes, you should seek medical treatment.
  • Conjunctivitis: Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is an infection that causes pain in the eyes along with redness in the white portion, itchiness and watery eyes. Though conjunctivitis is not serious or vision-threatening, it can be highly contagious. If you have conjunctivitis, see an eye doctor for medications.
  • Injury: If you were involved in an accident and because of it you are experiencing pain in the eye, you must see an eye doctor to rule out serious damage. If your eyes have come into contact with chemicals and you are experiencing a burning sensation, visit an eye doctor immediately. The severity of the burn depends on the chemical and the amount that has gone inside your eyes. Chemical eye burns are a medical emergency and should not be ignored.
  • Infections: There are several eye infections such as blepharitis and sty that can cause pain in the eyes. An eye doctor can diagnose an infection by performing a physical examination of the eye. Depending on the severity of inflammation and pain, the doctor may prescribe eye drops or ointment.

 

Causes of orbital pain

There are several conditions that can cause eye pain within the eye and some of them are as follows:

 

  • Glaucoma: This eye condition occurs when intraocular pressure or pressure inside the eye increases, damaging the optic nerve. The condition gets worse over time. If you are experiencing eye pain along with vision loss and feeling of nausea, visit an eye doctor without any delay. Seeking immediate medical treatment can help prevent long-term vision loss.
  • Optic neuritis: This eye condition occurs when swelling damages the optic nerve. Optic neuritis causes pain with eye movement and temporary vision loss in one eye. Sometimes the eye pain may feel like a dull ache. With the help of medications and steroids, the vision can be restored, https://nygoodhealth.com/product/prednisone/.

 

When is eye pain serious?

In the following cases, visit an eye hospital without delay:

  • The pain is unusually severe or accompanied by headache or fever.
  • Sudden changes in vision.
  • It is caused by a foreign object or chemical.
  • You have trouble moving your eyes.
  • There is blood or pus coming out of the eyes.

 

If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, get medical help right away. The emergency OPD at Disha Eye Hospitals has a dedicated doctor 24X7. Patients with eye emergencies are seen without any prior appointment.

 

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Simple Adjustments Around The Home Can Help Those With Low Vision Eye: Useful Insights By A Leading Eye Hospital

Low vision can be quite challenging at any age. Besides making it difficult to read and drive, there are many other problems that people with low vision have to face. As one of the leading eye hospitals in Kolkata, we offer several eye tests to check that your eyes are healthy and vision is good.

Simple Adjustments Around The Home

Check out these solutions to help your family member around the home 

 

  • Increase the contrast: Setting brightly coloured accessories around the home will help your family members easily find items. Painting door frames, door and doorknobs in a lighter colour than the walls will allow a person with low vision to know if a door is open or shut. Similarly, steps of the stairs should be marked with bright colour stickers. This will reduce the chances of missteps and falls. Make sure that the colours of the rugs or carpets stand out against the floor’s colour. Also, ensure that the rugs and carpets are anti-skid. 

 

  • Make bathrooms more user-friendly:  Bathrooms can be particularly dangerous for people with low vision. If the bathroom fixtures and tiles are white, it can be challenging to see the edges of tubs, showers, sinks and toilets. Use bright stickers to distinctly mark the edges of these fixtures and shower doors. Adding a dark toilet seat can be also helpful. 

 

  • Make kitchens safer: Kitchen can be a bit dangerous for people with low vision. However, you can make it safer by ensuring that everything is in its place. Use light and dark cutting boards and  mark the dials on your stove with bright stickers. Sharp objects like knives should be properly marked and stored in a safe place. 

 

  • Install proper lighting: Brighter lighting can help with activities such as reading and cooking. In addition to installing overhead lighting, make sure that there are plenty of floor and table lamps. Place them strategically so that the floor is clearly  visible. Use curtains that allow natural light in.

 

  • Remove falling hazards: Shiny floors, rugs and carpets can cause confusion and increase the risk of falling. Instead of wax or other shiny products, use non-glare products to clean floors. Make sure that the electrical cords are properly fixed and not lying on the pathways — this will reduce the risk of falling and injury.

 

  • Arrange  furniture items properly:  Place furniture items with  high contrast upholstery.  Keep low-lying furniture such as footstools, tables and lamps out of the main path of the room. The rooms should have as much open area as possible.

 

  • Embrace technology: Low vision may make it difficult for your family member to use phones, tablets and other gadgets. However, there are different software that you can install in your loved one’s gadgets to help them use technology with greater comfort. 

 

Schedule a regular eye exam and keep the appointments 

Besides making changes around the house, make sure that your family member is getting his/her eyes regularly checked. Several diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma can cause low vision. When these eye conditions are not properly monitored and treated, symptoms like low vision can get worse.  

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Comprehensive Information On Blepharitis By A Leading Eye Hospital in Kolkata

Your eyelids protect your eyes from foreign objects and injuries. At the end of eyelids are the eyelashes. The follicles of the eyelashes contain oil glands. Sometimes, these oil glands become clogged leading to certain eyelid disorders. One of the common disorders is blepharitis. It usually affects both eyes along the edges of the eyelids, causing irritation and redness. Though blepharitis can cause a lot of discomfort, it doesn’t cause permanent damage to your eyesight. As a leading eye hospital in Kolkata, we present to you some useful information on blepharitis:

Comprehensive information on Blepharitis by a leading eye hospital in Kolkata

Causes of blepharitis

The exact cause of blepharitis cannot always be determined. It could be caused due to either a skin condition or a bacterial infection. However, there are different factors that may increase your risk of blepharitis. Those suffering from dandruff on the scalp or eyebrow are at high risk of getting blepharitis. Even an allergic reaction to cosmetics can trigger blepharitis.

 

Signs that you have blepharitis

Here are some common signs that may indicate that you have blepharitis:

  • One of the most common signs of blepharitis is swollen eyelids.
  • You may also feel itching, irritation and discomfort.
  • Eye mucus may form a crust around the eyelashes.
  • Eyelids may feel sticky especially after waking up.
  • You may experience blurred vision that may improve with blinking.
  • Burning sensation in the eyes.
  • Sensitivity to light.

 

Diagnosing eyelid blepharitis

The best way to know whether you have blepharitis or not is to see an eye specialist. In some cases, a physical examination of your eye is enough to diagnose the condition. The eye doctor will check the eyes for inflammation as well as for infection. In case of a serious infection, the eye doctor may suggest more tests.

 

Treatment for blepharitis

Depending on the severity of inflammation, your eye doctor may recommend other treatment. Some of the common treatment options are:

  • Steroids: In case the inflammation doesn’t go away, then your doctor may prescribe steroids.
  • Antibiotics: The doctor may prescribe antibiotics in the form of oral medicine or eye drops, http://www.papsociety.org/priligy-dapoxetine/.

Potential complications if blepharitis is left untreated

Blepharitis can be easily diagnosed and treated. However, when left untreated, it may lead to complications. Some of the complications are:

  • Loss of eyelashes: Blepharitis can cause your eyelashes to fall. As hair follicles are scarred, this may cause the eyelashes to either fall out or grow incorrectly or lose colour.
  • Eyelid skin problems. If you are suffering from long-term blepharitis, then your eyelids may turn inward or outward.
  • Eye infection: Not treating blepharitis can lead to eye infections like sty, chalazion and conjunctivitis. Though these infections can be easily treated, they can cause irritation and discomfort.

 

How to prevent blepharitis ?

Blepharitis can be uncomfortable and painful but it is not completely preventable. However, you can take measure to reduce the risk:

    • Make sure whenever you touch your eyes, you wash your hands first. Rubbing the eyes with dirty hands can spread an existing infection.
    • Wash your face regularly to avoid eye infection.
    • Avoid using eye makeup.

 

 

When to see an eye doctor?

If you feel pain in your eyelids, see an eye doctor before it becomes more painful. If you are looking for an eye hospital in Kolkata, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. We have the expertise and skills to provide the best eye care possible. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, you can also consult our doctors online.

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Retinal conditions: 7 things to know

The Retina is one of the most important parts of our eyes. It is the part of the eye where nerve cells receive visual information that are sent to the brain. It is vital for visual recognition and if damaged, the vision is affected. There are several types of retinal conditions. They vary widely but most of them cause visual symptoms, depending on the part of the retina affected. As one of the leading eye hospitals in Kolkata, we share with you 7 things that you should know about retinal conditions:

Retinal conditions: 7 things to know

1.Signs of a retinal condition: The symptoms of retinal disorders may vary depending on the type of the disorder. However, common symptoms include:

  • Seeing eye floaters
  • Blurred or distorted vision (straight lines look wavy)
  • Problem with peripheral vision
  • Colour sensitivity
  • Difficulty seeing at a distance
  • Night blindness
  • Redness
  • Eye pain
  • Unexplained vision loss

2.Common retinal diseases: Retinal tear, retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy are some of the common retinal diseases. Retinal tear and retinal detachment are medical emergencies that require immediate medical attention. A retinal tear occurs when the tissue develops a crack or hole. Often a retinal tear causes the retina to move away from its normal position, leading to retinal detachment.

3.Diabetes and retinal disease: Those who are diabetic are at a high risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a serious retinal disease in which blood vessels in the retina grow abnormally, swell, and/or leak fluid. In the initial stages, diabetic retinopathy shows no symptoms. By the time there is any change in the vision, significant damage has been done.

4.Risk factors: Some common factors that increase the risk. Family history of retinal disease and age can increase the risk of developing retinal diseases. People suffering from diabetes, smokers, those who are overweight and those who suffer from extreme nearsightedness are vulnerable to retinal diseases.

5.When to see an eye doctor: If there are any sudden changes in your vision or you spot floaters or flashes, you must seek immediate medical attention. They can be warning signs of potentially serious retinal disease. You should see an eye doctor immediately, even if you have had your routine checkup before. Also, Retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema are progressive conditions, i.e. they get worse over time. If they are diagnosed in a timely manner, the damage can be slowed down.

6.Diagnosis: A comprehensive eye exam that includes pupil dilation is an important part of preventative health care. Comprehensive eye exams can detect eye diseases and disorders such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. As many retinal diseases do not show any early symptoms, an annual eye examination is must to accurately check your eye health. The doctor may prescribe additional tests to arrive for an accurate diagnosis. If you are a diabetic, then you should get your eyes checked at least twice in a year.

7.Treatment: Depending on the type of retinal disease you have, the ophthalmologist will decide the course of treatment. Surgery is recommended for retinal tear and retinal detachment to push the detached retina back to its position. However, for a disease like macular degeneration, the goal of the treatment is to stop or slow the disease and restore the vision.

 

Concerned about your eye health? Consult leading eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospitals. Our comprehensive eye examination can help detect retinal conditions early. We have some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata on board who can help you choose the right treatment option. To book an online consultation, click here.

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The Contact Lens Check-Up: Insights Curated By A Leading Eye Hospital in Kolkata

A number of people prefer contact lenses to spectacles for many reasons – clearer vision, high physical activity, comfort, and presentation and style. However, wearing contact lenses comes with certain crucial steps towards eye care. Regular check-ups are important to check that your contact lenses are not damaging your eyes and giving you the sharpest vision. Your eye doctor will tell you about the frequency of contact lens check-ups that depend on factors such as the type of lenses you wear and how long you wear them for.

eye hospital

What to expect in a contact lens check-up

 

Things you need to bring to the appointment:

 

  • Your contact lenses
  • If you also wear glasses, bring them with you
  • Your current eye prescription
  • Eye drops you are currently using

 

During the eye check-up, the optometrist will check your vision with and without the lenses, ask about your comfort level with the lenses, the duration for which you wear your lenses everyday. The front of your eyes will be checked with a slit lamp microscope. The optometrist will also conduct a dye test to check whether the lenses are causing any damage to your eyes.

 

Signs of infection from wearing contact lenses

 

If you don’t take care of your contact lenses properly, you’re more likely to get eye infections. If you notice these signs while wearing your contact lenses, get in touch with your eye doctor immediately:

  • Swollen eyes
  • Redness
  • Pain in the eye
  • Extra tears
  • Eye discharge
  • Blurry vision
  • Light sensitivity
  • Itchy eyes
  • Feeling of a foreign object being stuck in the eyes

 

Don’t ignore these symptoms as they can escalate into something serious. Visit your eye doctor or the nearest eye hospital to save your eyesight. When you visit the eye hospital or an eye doctor, take the lenses with you. Place them in the case, and bring them to the hospital or eye clinic for getting them tested. They may give your eye doctor a clue about what is causing the infection.

 

If you live in Kolkata and are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, visit Disha Eye Hospitals – one of the leading eye hospitals in Kolkata. With 15+ branches across West Bengal and 90 + eye doctors, we have every aspect of eye care covered – from glaucoma and cataract to pediatric eye care. Our experienced eye specialists and caring support staff are committed to providing you with a truly outstanding experience at every step of your vision journey.

 

 

Precautions while using contact lenses

 

  • Always use fresh cleaning solution
  • Before touching your contact lenses, always wash them and dry your hands with a lint-free towel
  • Keep your lens case clean
  • Never wear your lenses beyond the amount of time recommended by the eye doctor
  • Never wear your contacts while swimming
  • Never go to sleep while wearing your contact lenses
  • If you wear mascara or eyeliner, put your contact lenses before applying them. Never put your contact lenses after wearing makeup
  • Never wear your contact lenses in the shower or hot tub
  • Don’t touch the lenses with your fingernails
  • Read the directions properly before cleaning the lenses