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Eye Care Tips for Women

eye specialist in Kolkata

As women tend to live longer than men, they are at greater risk of developing age-related eye conditions. Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are all major causes of vision loss in older adults, both men and women. When not treated on time, these conditions could lead to loss of vision. If you are a woman, it is important for you to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect your vision. Here are some eye care tips for you:

1. Go regular eye checkups:  Eye checkups are as important as physical checkups. Even if you don’t wear prescription glasses, you must get your eyes checked especially if you are close to 40. If you have a family history of eye disease, be sure to let your eye specialist know so that no signs of problems are missed. 

2. Get the right nutrition: Eating a varied diet is important for getting the right nutrients for your health. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts. You can also include 

 certain foods in your diet that boost eye health. Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli are excellent sources of lutein. This antioxidant has been shown to help protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in older adults. Other nutrients that are important for eye health include vitamins C and E, minerals such as zinc and copper and Omega 3 fatty acids. By including these foods in your diet, you can help keep your eyes healthy and reduce your risk of vision problems as you age.

3. Eye care during pregnancy: Pregnancy-related hormonal changes  can also affect vision. Water retention and increased blood circulation can affect the shape of the cornea,  which can lead to temporary changes in vision. Hormonal fluctuations can also cause dry eyes, which may require the use of eye drops. If you are pregnant, it is important to see your eye specialist for a regular checkup. 

 

Note: If you suffer from any pre-existing eye conditions, like glaucoma, high blood pressure or diabetes, it’s very important to tell your eye doctor that you are pregnant. 

4. Wear protective eyewear: Excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to cataracts and eye tumors, so it’s important to wear sunglasses that can block out UV rays. You should also be careful to avoid eye injuries while participating in activities such as sports, swimming, working with sharp tools or cleaning with strong chemicals. Wearing the proper protective eyewear can help reduce the risk of serious eye injuries.

5. Care for contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, it’s important to follow a proper routine for cleaning, removing and replacing them. Poor hygiene or over-wearing lenses can cause corneal scarring, which may lead to loss of vision. To avoid this, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. Be sure to clean your lenses regularly with a lens solution and replace them as often as recommended by your eye specialist.

6. Be careful with eye makeup: Wearing expired eye makeup can cause a number of eye problems. Perhaps most importantly, though, wearing expired makeup can clog your tear ducts. This can cause a build-up of dirt and debris, which can scratch your cornea or lead to other eye problems. 

Are you looking for an eye specialist in Kolkata?

Our team of eye specialists in Kolkata has extensive clinical and surgical expertise in their respective specialities. We offer expert diagnosis, treatment and surgical procedures for cataracts , cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.  Find the nearest branch and call to book an appointment.

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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. 

 

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What you should know about care after glaucoma surgery?

Glaucoma is a condition that occurs when the pressure in the optic nerve is abnormally high. The increased pressure in the eye can damage the optic nerve. If left untreated for ling, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss. Glaucoma surgery is done to reduce the ocular pressure by creating a separate pathway and allowing fluid to drain more easily. As the eyes are delicate organs, they need extra care, especially after a surgical operation such as glaucoma surgery.

eye specialist

Here our eye specialists share with you some useful insights on glaucoma surgery:

What to Expect After Glaucoma Surgery?

A patient is likely to experience mild discomfort after glaucoma surgery. However, the overall health of the patient plays an important role in the recovery process. The full recovery from the surgery takes around a period of one month. It is common for a patient to experience blurred vision or minor discomfort. It may also cause poor eyesight that can last a few days. However, it is important to consult the concerned eye specialist, if someone experiences any sudden loss of eyesight during this time. Loss of vision can be a sign of a complication that may have occurred as a result of surgery.

 

Things you should know about care after glaucoma surgery

  • Do not drive: It is advisable to not drive while recovering from glaucoma surgery. It is important to ensure that the patient has someone to drive home after surgery. This goes with the follow-up check-ups as well. 
  • Take proper rest: Take plenty of time to relax and heal while recovering. Do not participate in any sort of strenuous exercise. It is recommended to take some time off work if the job involves physical labour. 
  • Take time off from eye-intensive jobs: Any intricate tasks such as reading, writing, or typing should also be avoided in the process of healing. This will prevent the eyes from extra stress. 
  • Follow doctor’s instructions: A successful recovery from any surgery depends on proper post-operative care. The eye surgeon may ask the patient to wear padding to protect the eyes. It is important to keep it on until the doctor’s next instruction. Moreover, to ensure a successful recovery, eye drops should be taken properly. 
  • Follow-up appointments: The follow-up appointments will determine if the healing is happening properly. It will also detect if there are any signs of infection. The patient also may need to have new corrective glasses as recommended by the doctor. 
  • No rubbing of eyes: It’s important not to rub or touch your eyes if there is any discomfort in the eyes. It can have damaging effects on the eyes. 
  • Wash your hands before using eye drops: It is important to wash hands with soap and warm water before using eye drops. Moreover, there will be strict instructions from the doctor on when the patient will be able to shower. 
  • Wear protective eyewear if recommended: The doctors may advise using protective eyewear. Especially during summer, it is important to wear protective gear to prevent the damaging effects of the sun’s rays.

Though there is no cure for glaucoma, it can be managed effectively. Disha Eye Hospitals provide quality eye care  with a team of best eye specialists on board, specialized in treating eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and corneal diseases.

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I Have Eye Pain and a Headache. What Should I Do?

People experience eye pain and headache often due to refractive errors or eye strain. If you are experiencing  these symptoms together, it is recommended that you see an eye specialist to get the problem  diagnosed and seek treatment without any delay. Over here  our eye specialists talk about the causes of eye pain and headache and what should you do: 

eye specialist

Causes of eye pain and headache 

  • Digital eye strain: When you’ve been using the computer for a while, it’s normal for your eyes to get tired  – and as a result, you get a headache. Usually, over-the-counter eye drops and a quick nap should relieve the symptoms. In case of digital eye strain, along with eye pain and headache, you may also experience neck tension. 
  • Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a serious condition that can cause eye pain and headaches. The condition damages the optic nerve. This damage is caused due to abnormally high pressure in your eye. If you develop acute angle-closure glaucoma, you are likely to experience bloodshot eyes, blurry vision, along with eye pain and headache. When such symptoms are experienced, you should immediately see an eye specialist to avoid further worsening of eyesight. Glaucoma when not treated for too long can lead to loss of vision. 
  • Optic neuritis: This serious condition necessitates an eye exam. The condition indicates that the optic nerve has swelling or inflammation. In addition to eye pain and headaches, a person with optic neuritis may experience vision loss in one eye, loss of colour vision and flashing lights. This eye condition is serious and if not addressed timely, it can cause lasting damage to your eyes. 
  • Refractive errors: Eye pain and headaches are usually serious, but in some cases, they may be signs of refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. These refractive errors may strain your eyes along with causing headaches. Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem.  An eye specialist will conduct an eye test to detect refractive errors. Prescription glasses are the simplest and safest way to correct refractive errors. Lasik surgery is also performed to correct refractive errors. 

What should I do? 

If you are experiencing eye pain and headaches, don’t try to be your own doctor. See an eye specialist immediately. A comprehensive eye examination can help the eye doctor figure out the cause of these symptoms. 

If you are suffering from Diabetes or high blood pressure and haven’t had an annual comprehensive eye exam for too long,  schedule an appointment with our eye specialists.  

What you need for your appointment with an eye specialist:

 

When you meet an eye specialist, be prepared to answer questions about the symptoms you are experiencing.  Note all the symptoms on a paper so that you do not miss out any. Be ready to give a quick description of your family medical history. Do tell the eye specialist about the medications you are currently taking. 

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Can dry eyes be harmful?

Are your eyes itchy, burning and watery? Are you finding it difficult to put your contact lenses on? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you may be suffering from dry eyes, a common eye condition. This condition develops when your eyes are unable to produce enough tears for adequate lubrication. Though dry eyes are very common, if left untreated for long it can lead to various complications. To help you avoid serious eye complications, over here we discuss when can dry eyes be harmful: 

  • Eye infections: Without adequate lubrication, your eyes are at an increased risk of eye infection. Untreated dry eyes can cause the inflammation of the conjunctiva. This can lead to a kind of conjunctivitis, which is different from bacterial conjunctivitis. 
  • Difficulty in wearing contact lenses: For contact lenses to feel comfortable, your eyes need to be lubricated adequately. In the absence of enough tear production, contact lenses can become dry. This can lead to eye irritation, burning sensation and redness. This can make wearing and removing contact lenses difficult.
  • Damage to the surface of the eyes: When left untreated for too long, dry eyes can lead to eye inflammation, corneal abrasion and corneal ulcers. If the cornea is affected, you may experience sudden pain, blurry vision, tearing and sensitivity to light. To prevent any damage to the cornea, you must seek treatment for dry eyes. 
  • Decreased quality of life: Depending on the severity of dry eye, you may have difficulty in carrying out daily activities such as reading and driving. In severe cases, it may be even difficult to open your eyes. You may also squint when exposed to glares of the sun or bright light. 

eye specialist in kolkata

Causes of dry eyes: 

 

  • Ageing: Though anyone can have dry eyes, it is quite common among the elderly as tear production declines with age. Older adults who suffer from medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, vitamin A deficiency and allergic eye disease experience decreased tear production. 

 

  • Hormonal changes: Hormones can play a significant role in  dry eyes. Some women develop dry eye symptoms when they experience hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause. 

 

  • Medications: Certain medications can reduce tear production, contributing to chronic dry eye. If you take medication and experience dryness in the eyes, talk to your doctor. Ask about an alternative medication or a lower dose to help reduce your dry eye.

 

  • Computer use: Spending too much time in front of a computer screen can lead to eyestrain. Staring at a computer without blinking often can also affect your tear production and lead to dry eyes.

 

Treatment for dry eyes 

As dry eyes can have a number of causes, there are different treatment options available. Artificial tears, prescription steroids and punctal plugs are some of the options. Consult some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata who can help you choose the right course of treatment. Though dry eyes are a common problem, it can lead to severe complications if left untreated. 

 

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FAQs On Optic Nerve Damage

Like other parts of the eye, the optic nerve too can be damaged. It is the optic nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve can lead to vision loss. The type of vision loss and its severity depends on where the damage occurs. Over here  our eye specialists in Kolkata have answered the most frequently asked questions on optic nerve damage: 

optic nerve damage

  • Can optic nerve damage be treated? Yes, there are treatments that can prevent the condition from worsening further. However, there is no treatment to restore lost sight. The treatment and precautions depend on the cause of the optic nerve damage. 
  • How does the optic nerve get damaged? Optic nerve damage is a critical condition and there can be many causes behind it. The causes can be categorised into two forms —
  1. Optic nerve damage caused by trauma or injury 
  2. Optic nerve damage caused due to medical condition: Stroke of the eye, blood clot, cerebral aneurysm, stroke, subarachnoid haemorrhage (a type of bleeding around the brain) and inflammation of blood vessels in the head are some of the conditions that can cause optic nerve damage. Common eye diseases such as glaucoma, optic neuritis and optic nerve atrophy can also lead to optic nerve damage. 
  • How do you know if you have optic nerve damage? Common symptoms of optic nerve damage include severe eye pain, redness in the eyes, headaches, nausea and vomiting and pain when moving the eye. These symptoms may also be present with other eye conditions, so a diagnosis by an eye specialist is needed. Optic nerve damage can be detected through a comprehensive eye examination. Your eye specialist may recommend more tests such as an MRI scan, tomography and blood tests to know the underlying cause of the damage. 
  • Does optic nerve damage cause blindness? Yes, if optic nerve damage is left untreated for long, it can lead to loss of vision. As the optic nerve links the brain with the eyes, vision is affected. Vision loss is common with optic nerve damage. Loss of colour vision is also a common occurrence with the condition. Seeking medical treatment can help symptoms from worsening. 
  • Is there a surgery for the optic nerve? Surgery may be recommended to reduce the pressure around the optic nerve. The surgery may not restore vision but it can help prevent the vision from worsening further. 
  • Can stress damage optic nerves? High levels of stress can cause pressure on the optic nerve, resulting in blurred vision. 
  • How long does the optic nerve take to heal? The healing time totally depends upon the cause. Using a corrective lens, adopting a healthy lifestyle and incorporating proper exercise and healthy food can be immensely helpful along with proper treatment. 

 

At Disha Eye Hospitals, our neuro-ophthalmology unit has some of the highly-experienced eye specialists in Kolkata on board. The highly competent team of eye specialists and surgeons help treat several optic nerve disorders that include ischaemia, eye injury, photophobia optic neuritis and optic nerve atrophy. We have a complete set up for diagnosis and treatment. To book an appointment, visit here

 

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7 Warning Signs Of Ageing Eyes And Eye Problems

When you age, your eyes too age and change with time. Age-related vision problems like cataracts and glaucoma become more common as you get older. Not just that, even eye infections become common with age. These eye problems if not detected at the earliest can change your vision permanently. As you age, it’s important to get your eyes checked regularly. And any warning signs shouldn’t be ignored. Over here we discuss 

7 warning signs of ageing eyes and eye problems

7 warning signs that indicate your eyes aren’t ageing well: 

  1. Sudden appearance of eye floaters: Floaters are like small spots or specks that may seem to drift in front of your eyes. Though eye floaters can be normal as people age; however, in some cases they can be a sign of a sight-threatening medical problem. Floaters are more noticeable when you look at a bright screen. They can be a sign of vitreous detachment, a natural part of ageing. However, it could also be a sign of a retinal tear or retinal detachment, a medical emergency. An untreated retinal detachment can result in permanent vision loss. If you suddenly start seeing an increased number of floaters, see an eye specialist immediately.
  2. Eye pain with vomiting: If you suddenly experience severe eye pain, a red eye and reduced or blurred vision along with the feeling of nausea, you must rush to an eye hospital. These could be symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma, a sight-threatening eye condition. The fluid pressure in the eyes rises very quickly and this can damage the optic nerve. Quick treatment is needed for acute glaucoma. Until you don’t see the doctor, do not cover the affected eye with a patch as it will worsen the situation.
  3. Double vision: A range of medical conditions can cause double vision, including cataracts. Though problems like cataracts can be resolved with surgery, in some cases underlying causes may involve problems in the muscles or nerves controlling eye function. 
  4. Blurred vision: If you are experiencing blurred vision and you are diabetic, you must see an ophthalmologist. It could be due to the onset of diabetic retinopathy. The condition causes the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina. It can lead to serious complications like vitreous haemorrhage, retinal detachment and glaucoma. In the worst scenario, it can lead to complete vision loss. With early intervention, you can avoid serious vision loss. 
  5. Poor night vision: Finding it difficult to drive at night or read a book, is cause for alarm and you must consult an ophthalmologist at the earliest. It could be due to cataracts. Though it is not a medical emergency, the clouding will cause your vision to deteriorate unless you have surgery that replaces your cloudy lens with an artificial lens. Not treating cataracts can increase your chances of developing serious eye complications. 
  6. Dry and irritated eyes: As you grow older, your eyes produce less tears, leaving your eyes dry and itchy. Dry eye syndrome is quite common among the old people and if you have dry eyes, you will frequently experience a burning sensation in your eyes. Though it is not a very serious condition, it can increase your risk of eye infections. 
  7. Straight lines look wavy: If you are experiencing blurry areas in the centre of your vision and straight lines appear wavy, you must see an eye doctor immediately. It could be a sign of age-related macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of severe, permanent vision loss in people over age 60.

If you are in your 60s and are looking for an eye specialist in Kolkata, consult leading eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospitals. We offer treatment options for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinal detachment and many other age-related eye problems. 

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Diabetes and eyes: important facts presented by some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata

High blood sugar can lead to various eye-related problems like blurry vision, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. However, by keeping your blood sugar levels in check, you can significantly lower the risks of such eye health-related complications. As one of the leading eye hospitals in Kolkata, our eye specialists have curated important risks associated with diabetes and eye health: 

Diabetes and eyes: important facts presented by some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata

  • Risk 1. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common causes of vision loss. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics stand at high risk for the onset of Diabetic Retinopathy. High blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels of the retina, leading to blurry vision and other symptoms. The problem with diabetic retinopathy is that at first, it doesn’t show many symptoms or there are only mild vision problems. The most important part of your treatment is to keep your diabetes under control. Surgery may be recommended to treat the growth of new blood vessels in the retina. 

 

  • Risk 2: People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing cataracts. Though the exact reason is not fully understood, people with diabetes develop cataracts that cause blurring of vision. When cataracts prevent you from performing your daily activities like reading or driving, surgery is recommended. During the surgery, the clouded lens is replaced with an artificial lens. 

 

  • Risk 3: People with diabetes are more prone to eye infections. People with type 1 diabetes are more vulnerable to get conjunctivitis than those who don’t suffer from diabetes. Those with type 2 diabetes are also at higher risk of eye infections. Besides conjunctivitis, individuals with diabetes are also prone to acute infections like blepharitis and styes. 

 

  • Risk 4: Diabetes can also cause glaucoma. Diabetes causes pressure to build up inside the eyes when the fluid cannot drain the way it should. As a result, it can damage nerves and blood vessels, causing changes in vision. 

 

  • Risk 5: People suffering from diabetes are more likely to develop glaucoma compared to non-diabetics. On the other hand, people having a certain type of glaucoma are also at risk of developing diabetes. A person having open-angle glaucoma is more prone to develop diabetes than a person without eye disease. Diabetic people are more likely to develop glaucoma after they have developed diabetic retinopathy. 

 

How to prevent diabetic eye diseases? 

Now, that you are aware that having diabetes puts you at a higher risk of developing certain eye diseases, it is important that you take preventive measures to preserve your vision. Here are a few important things you should do to reduce your risk of developing diabetic eye diseases: 

 

  • Get your eyes tested every year: Most of the diabetic eye diseases do not show any symptoms in the early stages. A dilated eye exam allows your ophthalmologist to examine the health of the retina and optic nerve. Regularly monitoring your eyes’ health is the best way to seek medical treatment before the disease reaches an advanced stage.

 

  • Keep sugar levels in check: It goes without saying that maintaining good control of your blood sugar helps prevent these problems. If you are prone to type 2 diabetes through hereditary, you need to be more cautious to keep your blood sugar levels in control. 

 

  • Quit smoking: If you smoke, your risk for diabetes and therefore, diabetic eye diseases is higher.

 

  • Exercise and diet: Regular exercise and avoiding food that could increase blood sugar levels is the simplest and most effective way to control your diabetes.

If you are suffering from Diabetes, consult our eye specialists in Kolkata. You can book an online consultation or visit your nearest Disha Hospitals branch. 

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Eye Emergencies: When Should You Visit An Emergency OPD

An eye emergency refers to a situation where there is an obvious eye injury or there are sudden changes in the vision. If you experience severe eye pain, blurriness, or a feeling that a foreign object is stuck in your eye, you must seek medical attention at the earliest. Without proper treatment, you may put yourself at the risk of losing your eyesight, partially or fully.

eye specialist

As an emergency can occur at any time, patients are seen without any prior appointment at Disha Eye Hospitals. Our Emergency OPD always has a dedicated doctor.

Important facts on eye emergency: 

You must be wondering what constitutes an eye emergency. From eye injury to retinal detachment, there are many kinds of eye emergencies that should not be ignored. Here are some common eye emergencies that you need to be aware of:

  • A sharp object is stuck in your eyes: If a sharp object like glass or metal is stuck in your eyes, it is a medical emergency. Do not try to remove it on your own as you may inadvertently end up causing more damage. Until you reach the hospital, do not move your eyes too much. Cover your eyes with a cloth to avoid any further problem.

 

  • A small object is stuck in your eyes: Though it is common for sand or dust to cause irritation in the eyes. If you think something small is stuck in your eyes, rinse your eyes. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes. Use artificial tear eye drops to help rinse out the foreign body. However, even after doing all this, you still feel that something is stuck inside the eyes, t you should rush to the hospital.

 

  • Chemical burns: If by accident cleaning products or industrial chemicals get into your eyes, you must immediately rush to an emergency OPD. Cleaning agents contain chemicals that can permanently damage your eyes and, thus, you must not delay a visit to an eye specialist.

 

  • Blackeye: If you have suffered a bruise around the eye due to an injury to the face or the head, rush to an emergency OPD to ensure there is no internal bleeding. If there’s bleeding or there has been excess pressure on the eyeball, it can affect the cornea and vision. If after an injury you experience pain around the eye, blurriness, double vision and inability to move the pupil, it requires immediate medical attention.

 

  • Cut or scratch on the eyes: If you have a cut or scratch to your eyeball or eyelid, you need to see an eye specialist without any delay. You may apply a bandage while you wait for medical treatment, but you must not apply any pressure.

 

  • Sudden change in the vision: Sudden unexplained change in your vision could be a warning sign that you have a serious eye condition. You experience any sudden changes in your vision, you must go to an emergency room and get the evaluation done. Retinal detachment, wet macular degeneration, and stroke can cause blurred vision and they require prompt treatment. The warning signs of uveitis come suddenly and without any medical treatment, it can get worse. The repeated occurrence of uveitis can also lead to blindness.

If you have an eye emergency, don’t delay treatment. Timing is everything. For non-urgent problems, you can book an online consultation with our eye specialists in Kolkata.

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All About Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune disease which affects the muscles and other tissues in the orbits. People who suffer from systemic/overactive thyroid problems are more likely to suffer from TED.  People affected often look like they are staring at a point, have swollen upper and lower lids and protruding eyes. Over here let’s discuss more about the disease, its symptoms and treatment.

 

TED occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the tissue near the eyes. As a result, the muscles and other tissues are inflamed, swollen and often become stiff. In most cases, thyroid eye disease only causes irritation and swelling of the eyes. People affected may feel the discomfort for a few months or maybe a year before the problem settles down. However, in some rare cases the problem can be serious and even lead to vision loss.

 

It’s important to note that eye and thyroid problems are connected but they have different courses of treatment. The medications for thyroid problems can’t help you manage the symptoms associated with the eye disease.  A CT scan or an MRI is a very important test for the diagnosis of the disease.

 

 

How does TED affect the eyes?

 

When the muscles behind the eye are swollen, they push the eye forward – which can impact the eye movement causing the patient to complain of double vision. In rare cases where the eye muscles get severely swollen, the optic nerve is pushed which may lead to visual loss.

 

Symptoms of TED

 

  • Eye irritation
  • Dry or gritty eyes
  • Double vision
  • Teary eyes
  • Eye pain while moving the eyes
  • Redness of eyes
  • Puffy eyelids

 

If you experience any of these symptoms, visit an eye specialist immediately- as these symptoms indicate very quickly progressing form of thyroid eye disease. In case of mild to moderate disease, symptoms include bulging eyes, redness, and puffiness of the eyelid and around the eyes.

 

Important advice for patients suffering from TED

 

  • Quit smoking
  • Get your blood thyroid levels checked regularly

 

Treatment options

 

Often the symptoms associated with TED are fluctuating in nature – which means they come and go for several weeks. In some cases, one may notice the symptoms for 1-2 years. Patients who suffer from progressing form of thyroid eye disease notice the worsening of symptoms in a few months of the problem starting. Let’s see the treatment options for the common symptoms

 

  • For irritation and redness of the eyes, artificial tears are often found to be useful
  • Some patients are given medications to reduce the inflammation
  • In most cases, the problem of starey look settles with time. If the starey look is severe and is affecting the appearance, eyelid surgery can be performed
  • Squint surgery can be done to cure double vision. Some patients are also recommended to use prisms attached to spectacles to alleviate double vision
  • If you are suffering from deteriorating vision and even with the change of spectacles your vision isn’t improving, consult with an eye specialist immediately.

Don’t take any instance of vision change lightly as it can indicate a serious problem. If you live in Kolkata and are looking for an eye specialist in Kolkata, get in touch with us.