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8 Things to Know about Corneal Ulcer

A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea and if this infection is left untreated, it can be sight-threatening and can lead to complete loss of vision. The cornea is like the windshield of the eyes which protects the eyes from against dirt, germs, and other things that can cause damage to the eyes. Contact lenses, injuries, disorders and infections can cause open sores to form on the cornea. An eye examination is the best way to confirm the presence of a corneal ulcer.

CORNEAL ULCER

Book appointment online with the best eye doctors in Kolkata to keep your corneas healthy

A corneal ulcer is very small and a doctor will use a slit lamp see damaged areas of the cornea clearly. If you suspect that a foreign object is in your eyes, then you must immediately see a doctor. Consult eye doctors at Disha Eye Hospitals, one of the top eye hospitals in Kolkata, to keep your corneas healthy. To book an appointment online with the best eye doctors in Kolkata, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us.

Here are 8 things about corneal ulcer that you need to know:

1. A corneal ulcer looks like a grey or white area on a transparent cornea. Without magnification and illumination, it is difficult to see small corneal ulcers. Though it is difficult to see a corneal ulcer, the symptoms associated with the condition are often severe and, therefore, should not be ignored. Some of the common symptoms are following

  • Inflammation in the affected eye
  • Soreness in the eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • White or grey spot on your cornea
  • Puffed eyelids
  • Watery discharge from the affected eye
  • Light sensitivity
  • Sensation in the eyes

2. There are several causes of a corneal ulcer. Besides bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections, eye injury, dry eyes and eye trauma can also cause a corneal ulcer. People who wear contact lenses are at a higher risk for developing corneal ulcers due to bacterial as well as infections. Contact lenses may cause abrasion on the cornea, enabling bacteria to enter the eyes.

3. A corneal ulcer can be also be caused to inward growth of an eyelash. In such a case the eyelash is removed from the root. However, if it grows back, then a low-voltage electrical current is used to destroy the eyelash from the root completely.

4. Your ophthalmologist will use an orange dye to check whether you a corneal ulcer. This dye will be placed on the surface of your eyes. Then your eye doctor will use a slit-lamp to shine a special light onto your eyes. If the orange dye will show green under the violet light then it’s an indication of corneal damage. The doctor may also take a tiny tissue sample to identify the cause of your corneal ulcer. If it’s an infection, then the doctor will properly treat the infection.

5. Treatment of a corneal ulcer depends on the cause and antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral eye medication will be prescribed accordingly. The doctor may also suggest a few eye drops. To reduce the pain, the doctor may also suggest a few painkillers. If there’s any sudden change that you observe during the treatment, you must immediately inform your ophthalmologist.

6. During the treatment, the doctor may advise you against wearing contact lenses, eye makeup and taking certain medications. You may also have to avoid rubbing or touching the affected eye.

7. If the infection has gone and the ulcer has healed but still there’s a scar on the cornea, then the doctor may suggest you a corneal transplant. The scar will make it difficult for you to have a clear vision and thus the damaged corneal tissue will be replaced with healthy corneal tissue.

8. The best way to prevent a corneal ulcer is to seek medical treatment at the earliest. Avoiding contact lenses and cleaning your contacts and your hands before and after wearing them can avoid germs and dirt. Rinse your eyes if you feel that there’s any foreign object stuck in them.

An eye examination can help you keep you and your family’s eyes healthy. To know about LASIK eye surgery cost, schedule an appointment at Disha Eye Hospitals. To know more about us, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/.

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5 Things You Should Know About Your Child’s vision

Do you find your child rubbing his or her eyes vigorously or holding a book way too closely? If yes, then it important that you get your child’s eyes tested. Vision is arguably the most important of the five senses. A good vision is important for a child to perform well in sports and academics. In the early years of school, most of the things that children learn are through objects, symbols and visual elements. Though when a baby is born the doctor checks the baby’s eyes to rule out eye problems, it is important that parents make sure that children’s eyes are checked by scheduling regular appointments with the doctor.

Eye care treatment for the child

Schedule an appointment with the best eye doctors in Kolkata to keep your child’s eyes healthy

It’s important that during your child’s early formative years that you get their eyes tested regularly. Early detection of children’s vision problems means timely medical attention. Consult the best paediatric eye specialists in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospitals, to make sure your child’s eyes are functioning properly. Besides squint, we provide treatment for other paediatric eye problems. To book an appointment online with the best eye specialists in Kolkata, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us. You can also book an appointment through WhatsApp (9433311111).

Here are a few things that you should know about children’s eye problems:

1. Good eye health begins even before birth: A child’s vision development begins before he or she is born. Often low birth weight has been associated with an increased risk of vision problems in infants. Exposure to hazardous toxins and smoking can cause can adversely affect the child’s vision development. Certain common medications can also have an effect on the eye health of the baby. It is, therefore, important that you take medicines only after consulting your gynaecologist.

2. First eye examination: It is advisable that your child has his or her first eye exam at 6 months of age. This should be followed by another examination at the age of three. Once your child starts school, you can have their eyes checked every two years until age 18. Children who wear prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses should have annual eye exams.

3. Spotting an eye problem in children: Though children are sometimes not very good expressing about the problems that are bothering them, here a few symptoms to look out for:

  • Constant eye rubbing
  • light sensitivity
  • Not able to track an object
  • Poor alignment of eyes
  • Redness in the eyes
  • Having trouble reading the blackboard
  • Sitting too close to the television
  • Squinting

4. Common eye problems in children: There are several eye conditions and diseases that can affect a child’s vision. Early diagnosis and treatment help keep your child’s eyes healthy. Here are some of the common eye problems in children:

  • Squint: A child is said to have a squint when both the eyes don’t look in the same direction. It is common in young children. However, it can occur at any age.

  • Amblyopia: This usually occurs during early childhood. In this condition, the health of one eye is better than the other eye.

  • Refractive errors: Refractive errors are the most common cause of vision problems among school-age children. A child suffers from when refractive errors when there’s a problem with light accurately focussing onto the retina. This can lead to nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. This can be fixed with the right prescription glasses.


    5. Too much screen time: As more and more children are spending hours staring at digital devices for either studying or playing, it’s important that parents keep a tab on the screen time. Increased exposure to blue light emitted by smartphones and tablets can cause computer vision syndrome and nearsightedness among other problems.

Don’t let poor vision affect your life, book an appointment with Disha Eye Hospitals

An annual eye examination can help your doctor keep track of your and your family’s visual needs. If you fear your child has an eye problem, schedule an eye exam with Disha Eye Hospitals, which have the best retina specialists in Kolkata. To know more about us, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/.

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What Is Corneal Laceration? And its Symptoms

What Is Corneal Laceration? And its Symptoms

Corneas are our front window to the world of vision. Any damage to them can be not just uncomfortable but can also cause loss of vision, if left untreated for long. A corneal laceration is one such issue that should not be taken lightly. Corneal laceration occurs when something hits the eye with a significant force like a ball or metallic rod, causing a cut on the cornea. Corneal lacerations are typically caused by tree branches, metallic objects or some sharp objects. One can prevent such accidents by wearing protective eyewear, especially while working in the garden or playing a sport.

What Is Corneal Laceration And its Symptoms

How is corneal laceration different from corneal abrasion?

Though corneal abrasion and corneal laceration sound similar, on a closer look you will find that the two are different. Corneal abrasions are usually caused by minor accidents like scratches caused by fingernails or contact lenses or when foreign objects like dirt, sand, or sawdust get stuck in your eyes. If you rub your eyes too vigorously, you may cause corneal abrasions. However, a corneal laceration is an actual cut and not just a scratch on the cornea. It is deeper than corneal abrasion and requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of corneal laceration:-

  • You will feel severe pain and will have a sensation that something is in your eyes
  • The injury will make your eyes teary
  • You may also find notice blood in the eye. This depends upon the nature of the injury
  • You may suddenly experience blurred vision or decreased vision
  • You may also find natural or artificial light too harsh

Diagnosis:-

If you think you have symptoms of a corneal laceration, then you must see an ophthalmologist on an urgent basis. After a complete eye examination, your ophthalmologist can tell you the severity of the injury. For a complete eye examination, your ophthalmologist may put numbing eye drops so that your eyes can remain open during the examination. Depending upon whether it’s a partial thickness or full thickness laceration, the doctor will suggest the course of action.

Book appointment online with the best eye doctors in Kolkata

If you notice any symptoms of corneal laceration, consult the best eye doctor in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospitals. We are committed to providing right eye care solutions at an affordable cost. To book an appointment online with the best eye doctors in Kolkata, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us.  You can also book an appointment through WhatsApp (9433311111).

What should you do?

If you think you have corneal laceration, you must immediately seek medical help. A corneal laceration is a serious injury that should not be ignored as it can lead to loss of vision. However, by the time you reach the eye hospital make sure you don’t aggravate your injury:

  • Cover your eyes with an eye shield or a pair of sunglasses
  • Do not rinse your eyes with water. The foreign object that may be in your eyes may go further, causing more damage
  • If you think something is stuck in your eyes, do not try to remove it on your own
  • Do not apply pressure on your eyes with your hands as this can make the injury worse
  • Don’t take any painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin or other non-steroidal drugs. These medicines cause the blood to thin and may increase your bleeding.
  • See an eye doctor at the earliest.

Treatment:-

Usually, surgery is done to treat a corneal laceration. The doctor will close the cut where the object struck and remove any foreign object that is still stuck in the eye. The doctor may also recommend some medications and some eye drops to ensure that there’s no infection. You may be advised to wear a patch for a few days. If your injury is severe then the doctor may recommend several surgeries.

Followup:-

Often a corneal laceration puts you at a higher risk of developing other eye complications like retinal detachment and thus it’s very crucial that you follow up with your eye doctor.

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Condition Called Watery Eyes. Causes & When to See a Doctor

If your eyes are watering for reasons other than an emotional film, then do not to ignore this condition. There can be several possible reasons for eyes to water. Eyes produce tears to keep them lubricated. However, if your eyes are constantly watering, it can not just be irritating and troublesome, but it can also be a sign of an underlying eye condition or disease. Visiting a doctor is the best way to know what is causing your eyes to produce excessive tears.

Get your eyes checked — Book an appointment online

There could be several reasons for eyes to water and several eye conditions have similar symptoms. The best to figure out what is causing your eyes to water is the diagnosis. Consult best eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospitals, one of the top eye hospitals in Kolkata. Our eye specialists help you figure out what’s causing excess tears and the best ways to treat them. To book an appointment online, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us. You can also book an appointment through WhatsApp (9433311111).

Condition called watery eyes. Causes & when to see a doctor

Here are a few eye conditions that cause your eyes to water:

1. Allergies: A lot of people are allergic to pollen, pet dander, and fumes. These allergens can cause your eyes to turn red, itchy, and make them watery. The best way to avoid this problem is to avoid allergens. However, if you are exposed to one, then you must see an eye specialist in Kolkata who can suggest you the over-the-counter medications to relieve you of watery eyes.

2. Pink eye/conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory condition that makes the eyes look reddish pink. Though it is highly contagious, it is rarely dangerous. Along with redness in the eye, the condition makes the eyes water; and inner eyelids may appear to be red and your vision may be blurry. Thick yellow mucus may also accumulate around the eyelashes. Though the condition runs its course, an eye doctor may prescribe you some eye drops and medications to relieve you of some pain and prevent the spread of infection.

3. Blocked tear ducts: Your eyes have ducts that help in draining out the tears. It is like eyes have very own drainage system. However, when these ducts are blocked, your eyes get watery, causing irritation. Along with water, your eyes may also release some mucus. You may also experience blurred vision. An eye doctor may recommend antibiotic teardrop or ointment to clean your tear ducts. In serious cases, surgery is suggested. The doctor will flush the duct with saline and use tiny tubes to open up blockages.

4. Dry eye syndrome: It may sound strange but dry eye syndrome does cause eyes to water. Dry eye syndrome prompts your eyes to produce tears. This overwhelms the eye’s natural drainage system, forcing it to produce excessive tears, making your eyes watery. Your eye doctor can recommend you over-the-counter medications from https://livingwellnessmedicalcenter.com/ativan-lorazepam/ to lubricate your eyes. By reducing your screen time, you can let your eyes naturally lubricate themselves. Besides, screen time, age is another factor that can lead to dry eye syndrome.

5. Problem with your eyelids: Your eyelids are part of your eyes’ drainage system and whenever you blink it helps to moisten your eyes. This process helps draining out the debris and mucus, However, sometimes eyelids grow inwards. This causes them to brush against your eyes, leading to watery eyes. In some cases, your doctor may just recommend medications and in some cases, minor surgery can be performed to fix ingrown eyelids.

Book an appointment at Disha Eye Hospitals — One of the top eye hospitals in Kolkata, we take care of all sorts of eye conditions and diseases. To know more about us, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/. We are committed to providing quality eye treatment at affordable prices.

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Common Retinal Diseases and Their Symptoms

Mr. Ghosh of Kolkata was seeing floating specks. He thought this will go away on its own but in a few weeks, the number of black spots increased. Eventually, he developed a cloudy area is his vision field. On his family’s insistence, he went to see an ophthalmologist. After consulting the doctor, he was diagnosed with Diabetic Retinopathy. He realised the gravity of the situation. If he hadn’t gone to the doctor for long, he would have lost his vision.

There are several types of retinal diseases and they can be caused due to ageing, diabetes or other health factors. Usually, most of the retinal diseases show visual symptoms. The retina is the layer of tissue that helps in sending images to your brain. Anything that affects your retina will affect your vision.

Common retinal diseases and their symptoms

If left unattended for long, a retinal disease can lead to loss of vision. How would you know that you have a retinal disease? An eye specialist can do the diagnosis and look for signs of retinal disorders.

Looking for the best eye specialists in Kolkata?

If you are looking for one of the best eye specialists in Kolkata, then visit Disha Eye Hospitals. We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, are committed to providing quality care at affordable cost. We have the best retina specialists in Kolkata who can diagnose retinal and vitreous diseases through a comprehensive eye examination. If you want to know more about retinal disorders, or if you would like to set up an eye exam, book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us. You can also book an appointment through WhatsApp (9433311111).

Here are common retinal diseases and their symptoms:

1. Floaters: If you notice spots, grey specks or cobwebs in your vision, then you have eye floaters. As we age, jelly-like substance in eyes become liquid and this casts a shadow on the retina. However, floaters can also be caused if the retina is torn. If the torn retina is not fixed, this can lead to retinal detachment.  An ophthalmologist may suggest surgery to make the spots less noticeable. However, surgery can remove some of the floaters but not all.

Symptoms:

  • Dark grey specks or transparent strings may appear in the vision
  • Spots float ie when you move your eyes, the spots too move quickly
  • Spots become noticeable when you look at plain backgrounds like a white wall or the sky

    2. Macular degeneration:      As you age, the centre of your retina starts to deteriorate, this affects your central vision, making it difficult for you to see things in a straight line. There’s no cure for macular degeneration but there are options to slow down its progression. Early diagnosis of macular degeneration can help minimise vision loss.

Symptoms:

  • Trouble in identifying faces
  • Straight lines may appear distorted
  • Need for bright light for doing daily activities
  • Blurry vision

3. Diabetic retinopathy:  Diabetes often causes tiny blood vessels to swell up. These blood vessels can burst and leak fluid, distorting or blurring vision. Depending upon the type of diabetes you have, new blood vessels may grow, furthering causing more damage to the retina. With a comprehensive dilated eye test, an ophthalmologist will be able to diagnose the disease. If you have diabetes, then you should go for a comprehensive test every year. You can prevent diabetic retinopathy from getting worse by keeping your blood pressure and diabetes under control. An eye doctor will suggest a laser surgery that will destroy leaking blood vessels.

Symptoms:

  • You will find it difficult to see while driving and reading
  • Difficulty in identifying colours
  • Vision may seem blurred
  • Black spots may appear
    4. Retinal detachment:     Retinal detachment happens when the retina separates from the back of your eyes, this can cause loss of vision either partially or fully. It is an emergency situation that requires you to immediately consult an eye specialist. Though retinal detachment is painless, there can some warning signs before the disease occurs or advances. Surgery is usually necessary to repair the detached retina. Retinal detachment can be caused by an inflammatory disorder or cancer behind your retina.
    Symptoms:-
  • Blurred vision
  • Partial vision loss, especially peripheral vision
  • Sudden appearance of floaters or flashes

If you are in Kolkata and experience eye problem, visit Disha Eye Hospitals – the best eye care hospital in Kolkata. To know more about us, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/.

 

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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.

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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.

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Eye Diseases Associated with Smoking

If you smoke, you’re well acquainted with the guilty pleasure of lighting up another cigarette, despite having smoked one a couple of minutes before. But do you know the damage the smoke entering inside your lungs is causing?

Apart from leading to a number of health complications such as lung cancer, constricted blood vessels, strokes, loss of appetite, infertility, etc, smoking also increases the risk of a number of eye diseases which can lead to blindness.

Eye Diseases Associated with Smoking

Book eye check-up online:

Quitting smoking is the best step you can take to reduce the damage the chemicals in cigarette smoke has already done. To further lower the risks of eye complications, make sure to visit an eye doctor every year. Get your eye health diagnosed from one of our eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospital, one of the top eye hospitals in Kolkata. Book your appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment.

Here are some of the serious eye diseases associated with smoking:

1.Cataracts: Cataract is one of the most common eye diseases linked to regular smoking. The eye complication occurs when the eye lenses start breaking down and form clumps. Over time, the clumps cloud the lens and obstruct light. This, in turn, leads to vision loss which gradually worsens as the clumps become denser. Smoking causes heavy metals like cadmium to accumulate in the lens and contribute to cataract formation. Also, regular smoking can alter the cells in the eye lenses through oxidation.

Cataracts treatment at Disha Eye Hospital

2.Dry Eyes: People who smoke regularly are at higher risk of developing dry eyes than those who don’t smoke. Also, cigarette smoke is an eye irritant; it worsens dry eyes in smokers as well as in non-smokers. Dry eyes occur when either the tear glands cannot produce sufficient/quality tears for lubrication or when the produced tears get evaporated quickly.


3.Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels of the retina get damaged and lead to vision loss. Regular smoking causes blood sugar levels to spike up, especially in people with diabetes. As a result, the increased blood sugar levels cause more damage to the blood vessels and worsen Diabetic Retinopathy. People who have been recently diagnosed with diabetes stand at an increased risk of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Diabetic Retinopathy


4.Uveitis: The onset of Uveitis is commonly linked to regular smoking. The eye complication occurs when the eye’s middle layer, the uvea, gets inflamed. If left untreated, the eye complication can damage the vital structures of the eyes, including the retina and the iris. Smoking speeds up the development of Uveitis. As such, regular smokers stand at an increased risk of the complication than non-smokers.

Uveitis

5.Macular Degeneration: Macular Degeneration is one of the leading causes of central vision loss. The eye complication is more common in smokers than in non-smokers. Macular Degeneration occurs when the macula (a part of the retina) is damaged. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors of Macular Degeneration.

Macular Degeneration

6.Tips to quit smoking:

Most people struggle to let go of the habit of smoking. However, making small changes to your lifestyle can go a long way in lowering the temptation to light one up. Here are some tips to help you quit the habit:

●Fight your cravings:

Like every other smoker, you may get cravings to smoke at specific times in a day. For eg, most smokers get a strong craving to light one up after a meal. When you get such cravings, try to fight them by eating a healthy snack, drinking water, and talking with somebody.

●Take help:

Do whatever it takes to get help in quitting the habit. Taking therapies and using mobile apps that help kick the butt is a good option.

●Hang out with non-smokers often:

You may tend to smoke frequently when spending time with other smokers. One simple and effective way to reduce smoking and quit eventually is to hang out more with non-smokers.

We at Disha Eye Hospital are committed to providing affordable eye care treatment so that people can have a healthy vision. Our services include LASIK, refractive surgery, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. To know more about our services, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/.

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Difference Between Cataracts and Glaucoma

Difference between cataracts and glaucoma

Cataracts and Glaucoma are two of the most serious eye complications. Both the degenerative eye diseases occur as the natural part of the aging process and cause vision impairment. However, the eye diseases have stark differences in between them.

Let’s uncover the key differences between these two serious eye complications to get a clear picture: 

1) Symptoms: While symptoms including eye pain and vision blurriness are common in both eye complications, the other symptoms that are different:

Cataracts:

  • Double vision in the single eye
  • Yellowing of colours
  • Clouded vision
  • Appearance of cloudy formation on eyes’ lens area
  • Lowered vision in dimly lit areas

Glaucoma:

  • Seeing coloured rings around lights
  • Sudden disturbances in vision
  • Eye redness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Book an eye test online:

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure to seek medical advice. We, at Disha Eye Hospital, have a team of some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata. Book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment and get a proper diagnosis of your eye health.

2) Causes:- 

The way Cataracts and Glaucoma cause vision loss are completely different from each other, and so are the factors that cause them.

Cataracts: The eye complication occurs when the eye lenses become stiffer, start breaking down, and form clumps as you age. As the eye disease progresses, the clumps become denser and start clouding the lens. This, in turn, obstructs light to completely pass through and reach the retina which results in blurred vision. Cataracts can either develop in one eye or both eyes. In cases where cataracts form in both eyes, the clouding of the lens is not even.

Glaucoma: Glaucoma occurs when the intraocular pressure (IOP) increases above normal levels and damages the optic nerve. The IOP increases when the fluid (aqueous humour) in the front of the eye builds up when it is not drained as properly as it should.

As the IOP increases with time, more damage is done to the optic nerve, which, in turn, leads to gradual vision impairment.

3) Vision loss restoration:-
As discussed above, both the eye diseases cause vision loss. However, vision loss can be restored and reversed only in Cataracts and not in Glaucoma.

Cataract: Cataract surgery, the go-to treatment option for cataracts, involves replacing the clouded lens with an artificial lens. Before the surgery, the doctor takes into account the refractive error of the patient to choose an artificial lens accordingly to correct the vision.

Glaucoma: The goal of treatment options for Glaucoma, including eye drops and surgery, is to reduce and stop vision loss from worsening by lowering IOP. Depending on the severity of your Glaucoma, the eye doctor may start treatment by prescribing eye drops or schedule a surgery.

4) Prevention

Both Cataracts and Glaucoma cannot be entirely prevented. However, you can take certain steps to lower the risks. Some of these include:

  • A healthy and balanced diet:

    Eating healthily is key to maintaining good eye health and lowering the risk of complications. Add green vegetables, colourful fruits, fresh eggs, and lean fish and meat to your diet to make sure you get proper nutrition intake.

  • Regular exercise: 

Exercising regularly helps improve blood circulation in the eyes. Another key benefit of regular exercise is it helps you maintain healthy body weight. Being overweight and obese increases the risk of diabetes which, in turn, can cause a vision-threatening eye disease known as Diabetic Retinopathy.

Consult best retina specialists in Kolkata

If you are suffering from diabetes, you are at an increased risk of Diabetic Retinopathy. Our team of some of the best retina specialists in Kolkata can guide you on taking important steps to lower the risk.

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10 Things to Know about Swollen Eyelids

Have you ever wondered why your eyelids look swollen? Well, it may be lack of sleep. But if it doesn’t go away in more than 48 hours then it’s a cause for concern. Eyes usually swell up when excess fluid accumulates near the area around the eyes. The swelling can happen in your upper or lower eyelid, much to your annoyance and discomfort. However, if the swelling remains longer than 48 hours, it’s time to see an eye doctor otherwise you run a risk of damaging your eyes. There are several factors that can cause your eyelids to swell. Here’s a low-down on why your eyelids swell up and what should you do to address the problem:

1. A symptom of an underlying condition: Swollen eyelids are more often than not a symptom of an underlying cause. They are themselves no problem but symptomatic of various eye conditions, like allergy or conjunctivitis. Often when you have swollen eyes, you experience irritation, sensitivity to light, and watery eyes. A combination of these symptoms suggests that there’s something severely wrong with your eyes.

2. Allergies can cause eyes to swell: Exposure to pollen, dust, and pet dander can cause your eyes to swell up. Sometimes expired eye cosmetics and contact lens solutions can also cause an adverse reaction, making your eyelids look puffy and making your eyes watery.

3. Conjunctivitis: One of the most common infections that cause your eyelids to swell up and turn red is conjunctivitis, a common infection caused by a virus, bacteria, allergens or other irritants. As the eyes turn pinkish red conjunctivitis is also called a pink eye.

4. Sty: A sty looks like a boil filled with pus or a pimple or a red bump. It usually forms just at the edge of the eyelids. A sty is caused by an infection of oil glands in the eyelid and one must see an eye doctor if your eye condition does improve in 48 hours or the redness and swelling extend beyond your eyelids. Till you have sty, you should avoid using any cosmetics. Also, avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands. Applying a warm washcloth can help relieve you of discomfort. However, seeing an eye doctor is a must.

Consult best eye hospital in Kolkata

If your eyes are swelling up, get yourself checked by best eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospital, one of the top eye hospitals in Kolkata. To explore our eye treatments that are available at affordable prices, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/.

5. Chalazion: A chalazion is quite like a sty but only slightly bigger. Unlike a sty, it forms away from the edge of the eyelid. Both children and adults can develop styes and chalazia. See an eye specialist if a bump appears near your eyelids.

6. Crying: If you are going through an emotionally tough phase in your life, a good crying session can help you de-stress. However, the puffy eyes that don’t make things easy for you. Applying a cold compress or cucumber slices can help reduce swelling.

7. Physical injury: Getting hit by a cricket ball or some other object can cause eyelids to swell up. In such a scenario, first, wash your eyes with water. Then rush to the nearest eye hospital. If you think something is stuck in the eye, don’t try to remove it yourself as it can damage your eyes.

8. Life-threatening diseases: Some life-threatening diseases like orbital cellulitis, Graves’ disease, and ocular herpes can also cause eyelids to swell up. Orbital cellulitis is a dangerous infection, that affects the eyelids, eyebrows, and cheeks. It is commonly found among children below 7 years of age but the incidence of orbital cellulitis has gone down because of the vaccination. Graves’ disease is an immune system disorder that affects the overall well-being of the patient. Besides puffy eyelids, one may experience fatigue, anxiety, and weight loss. Ocular herpes is a common eye infection that affects the cornea. It can cause blindness if not treated on time. The disease can often be confused with conjunctivitis. Thus, it is very important to get the right diagnosis.

9. Avoid swollen eyelids: Getting yourself tested for allergens can help you prevent your eyelids from getting swollen after reacting to allergens like pollens and dust. Either avoid or reduce the use of eye cosmetics. If you still have to, you should opt for hypoallergenic cosmetics that will not cause flare-ups.

10. Proper hygiene: Those of you who wear contact lenses when handling your lenses make sure your hands are not just washed but sanitised too. Follow proper hygiene process while putting in or taking off your lenses. If your contact lens solution is causing you trouble, ask your eye specialist to suggest you a new one rather than just changing brands without knowing what is causing the irritation.

Get comprehensive eye check up at Disha Eye Hospital

If you have swollen eyelids or you are experiencing any form of irritation in the eye, let the best eye specialists in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospital diagnose your problems. At Disha Eye Hospital, we offer a range of ophthalmic services like LASIK and refractive surgeries and cataract surgery. Know more about services here http://www.dishaeye.org/.