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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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What can an eye specialist detect?

When was the last time you had a comprehensive eye exam? If it has been over a year, then you are due for one. During a comprehensive eye exam, an eye specialist can detect several health problems that may have otherwise gone undetected. These health problems might not be  just limited to eyes. The health of your eyes give the eye specialist an idea about how your blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues are functioning, thus giving an idea about your overall health. 

eye specialist

Here are 5 common health problems an eye specialist can detect: 

 

  • Diabetes: Your eye health and diabetes have a close relation. High blood sugar levels cause the tiny blood vessels in the eyes to bulge and eventually leak fluid.  An eye specialist can identify diabetes just by looking at the condition of the blood vessels in the eyes during a comprehensive eye exam. Diabetic people often have bulging blood vessels in the eye. Having diabetes also puts a person at the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic macular edema.  

 

  • High blood pressure: When you have high blood pressure, the blood vessels in the eyes can get damaged. While examining your eyes, an eye specialist can tell if you have high blood pressure.  To keep eye diseases at bay, it is essential that you keep your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure is one of the risk factors for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases. 

 

  • High cholesterol: High cholesterol can also be detected during a comprehensive eye examination. Deposits in the blood vessels can indicate high cholesterol. 

 

  •  Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can cause severe pain in the joints. If you think that the effects of  rheumatoid arthritis are limited to joints, then you are wrong.  One of the areas in your body where you might feel the most pain is in your eyes. A comprehensive eye examination can help your eye specialist to spot signs of inflammation in the white parts of the eyes. With therapy  rheumatoid arthritis can be managed, hence it is important to get an accurate diagnosis done so that timely medical help can be sought. 

 

  • Certain types of cancer: There are certain types of cancer that can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam. Blood cancer, leukemia, skin cancer and tissue cancer can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam. Brain tumours can also be diagnosed based on vision changes. 

 

You must remember that the  symptoms discussed above do not necessarily mean that you have a certain health condition. If an eye exam reveals a possible health problem, your eye specialist will ask you to consult a specialist for further testing. 

 

What is a comprehensive eye exam? 

As you can see, a comprehensive eye exam assesses more than just your visual health. A comprehensive eye examination can last up to an hour or more as there are a number of eye tests that are performed. These include visual acuity test, refraction test, slit lamp exam, pupil dilation test and eye movement test.  We at Disha Eye Hospitals have a complete set-up for diagnostic and imaging services. 

 

 

 

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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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FAQs and their answers on ptosis

Drooping eyelids are not just signs of ageing. It can be because of ptosis, a condition when the upper eyelid droops over the eye. The condition causes the eyelid to cover a part of the pupil and thus obstructing normal vision.

ptosis

Children and adults both can have ptosis. As one of the leading eye hospitals with some of the best eye specialists on board, we have curated the list of FAQs and their answers on ptosis that you will find helpful: 

 

  • What is ptosis of the eye? Droopy eyelid is called ptosis. It can occur due to trauma, age, or various medical disorders. When it affects one eye it is referred to as unilateral and when it affects both eyes it is called bilateral ptosis. 

 

  • What causes ptosis in one eye? If just one eyelid droops, it may be a result of a nerve problem. An eye surgery gone wrong could also be the reason for ptosis in one eye.  

 

  • What causes ptosis in both the eyes? If both the eyelids are drooping, it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Stroke, brain tumour, or cancer of the nerves or muscles are some of the medical conditions that can lead to ptosis on both the eyes. 

 

  • What are the symptoms of ptosis? The main symptom of ptosis is a drooping eyelid. The condition is not painful but it can obstruct the vision. Along with droopy eyelids, the eyes are either extremely dry or watery.  The area around the eyes may experience aching, giving a tired look. Those with severe ptosis will have to lift their heads to see better. 

 

  • Can children get ptosis? Yes, some children are born with the condition. In infants and children, usually, the cause of ptosis is a nerve problem. Other reasons for children developing ptosis are trauma at birth,  eye movement disorders and eyelid tumours. Children who suffer from congenital ptosis may also develop amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye. This disorder can limit their vision. To prevent lazy eye, surgery may be done.  If the vision is not affected, surgery can wait till the child turns 3 or 4. 

 

  • How is ptosis diagnosed? An eye specialist will likely perform a physical exam. Some eye tests will also be done to find the underlying cause of ptosis.

 

  • Can you fix ptosis? Yes, ptosis can be treated. An eye specialist may recommend surgery to lift up the eyelid in a position that it is not interfering with the vision. To prevent the onset of lazy eye in children due to ptosis, the eye specialist may recommend surgery. Non-surgical treatment options include ptosis crutch prevents drooping by holding the eyelid in place.

Treatment for ptosis

At  Disha Eye Hospital, the department of orbit and oculoplasty has a team highly trained eye specialists, oculoplastic and orbital surgeons. We also provide crutch  spectacles for rehabilitation of patients with ptosis.

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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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FAQs On Eye Inflammation

Have you ever experienced pain in the eye along with redness? Well, it could be a sign of eye inflammation. There are many reasons behind eye inflammation. Bacterial or viral infection or an underlying medical condition can cause eye inflammation. Further reasons for eye inflammation could be allergic reactions to environmental irritants such as dust particles or pollen or mold.

eye inflammation

To help you understand eye inflammation better, our eye specialists have curated a list of FAQs and their answers:

Q1. What is eye inflammation?

The term eye inflammation is an umbrella term for various inflammatory diseases and infections. It can refer to the inflammation of the eyelids or inflammation of the uvea (middle layer of the eye). An injury to the eye, a viral or bacterial infection, and some underlying diseases may cause eye inflammation. When left untreated for long, eye inflammation can result in a serious problem.

Q2. How do I know I have eye inflammation?

The symptoms may vary from one person to another, depending on the part of the eyes affected. Often symptoms of different inflammatory diseases overlap. However, here are some of the common symptoms :

  • Eye pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Eye redness
  • Light sensitivity
  • Burning sensation
  • Itching
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Watery eyes
  • Swelling

 

Q3. What are the causes of eye inflammation?

There are different causes of different kinds of eye inflammation. Allergies, bacterial and viral infections can cause eye inflammation. Here are some common causes of eye inflammation:

  • Allergies
  • Inflamed eyelids (blepharitis)
  • Pinkeye (conjunctivitis)
  • Shingles
  • Chalazion
  • An eyelid infection (stye)
  • An infection around your eye socket (orbital cellulitis)
  • Thyroid conditions such as Graves’ disease

Q4. How is an eye inflammation diagnosed?

An eye specialist will ask about the symptoms you are experiencing. With a special slit lamp, the eye specialist will determine which part of the eye is affected and accordingly, the problem will be diagnosed.

Q5. When should you see the eye doctor?

If your eyes do not get better in one or two days, you must see an eye specialist. An eye inflammation, when recognised and treated in a timely manner, is harmless. However, when the treatment is delayed, it can lead to serious problems. Therefore, if you suspect any problem in your eyes, it is best to seek immediate medical attention.

Q6. What are the treatment options for eye inflammation?

Treatment depends on the cause. If you have an infection, the eye specialist may suggest you to use antibiotic eye drops or ointment. You may also be asked to take antibiotics orally. In some cases, steroids may also be prescribed, https://www.cdhfinechemical.com/cdh_data/antibiotics-online/. If the inflammation is caused due to an allergic reaction, then the allergen should be avoided. The eye specialist may prescribe special drops to alleviate the symptoms.

Looking for eye specialists in Kolkata?

If you suspect that you have an eye problem, you can consult eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospitals. In the view of COVID-19 pandemic, you can book an online consultation with our eye specialists. Our experienced eye specialists deliver superior eye care services at an affordable cost. Regular eye checkup will give you a better chance at treatment. We offer a wide range of ophthalmological services; know more about us here.

 

 

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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.

 

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Simple Eye Health Tips Curated by our Eye Specialists

Your eyes are the window to your soul – and your health. There are a number of things you can practice to keep your eyes healthy. Here’s a list of simple and easy eye health tips prepared by our eye specialists to help you maintain good eyesight well into your golden years.

eye specialist

  1. Know your family’s eye health history: It’s important to know your eye health history as many eye diseases that cause blindness among people of all ages are influenced by genetic factors. If anyone in your family has been diagnosed with an eye disease that’s hereditary,  you are at higher risk for developing the disease. It’s reported that genetic factors play a key role in diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
  2. Go for regular eye checkups: You might think that your eyes are healthy, but you are never sure of that until and unless you get your eyes checked by an eye specialist. A comprehensive dilated eye exam is the best way to get an insight about your eye health. Many common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration often have no warning signs and can be detected only by a comprehensive dilated eye exam. You should get your eyes tested every 2 years. If you have diabetes, then it’s a must to get your eyes checked every year.
  3. Don’t ignore even the slightest vision changes: Visit an eye specialist immediately, if you are worried about any aspect of your vision at any time.
  4. Give up smoking: We know it’s not easy to get rid of an addiction. Get professional help, if you want – but quit smoking. Smokers are much more likely to develop cataracts and age-related macular degeneration than non-smokers. Both diseases are leading causes of blindness worldwide.
  5. Protect your eyes from the sun: Sunglasses aren’t just great fashion accessories, but they also protect your eyes from UV rays. When outdoors, avoid looking at the sun directly. During an eclipse, you might feel like looking at the sun directly, but doing so can cause irreversible damage to your eyesight.
  6. Follow the 20-20-20 rule:  If you spend a lot of time at the computer, you might forget to blink often – as a result your eyes can become dry and fatigued. To avoid this, try the 20-20-20 rule.  Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for 20 seconds at something that’s 20 feet away.
  7. Stay hydrated: Drinking water regularly throughout the day is good for your eye health.
  8. Eat right: Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens, keeps your eyes healthy. Also, eat fish high in omega-3 fatty acids as it boosts your eye health.
  9. Maintain proper hygiene when wearing contact lenses: Wash your hands properly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Use fresh cleaning solution every time when disinfecting the lenses.