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Retinal diseases in children: things to know

Often when people talk about retinal diseases, they assume that they are common only in adults. However, children too can suffer from retinal disorders. It is important to note here that retinal diseases in children are different from those in adults. Early diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases may help slow or stop the progression of retinal diseases that affect children. Our retina specialists in Kolkata and other branches are experts at identifying retinal diseases and they work closely with paediatric ophthalmologists to help children get the best medical and surgical care when needed. 

Retinal diseases in children

As one of the leading hospitals in Kolkata, we share with you some important things that you should know about retinal diseases: 

1. Retinopathy of prematurity: This retinal disorder primarily affects premature infants. The smaller the baby at the time of the birth, the more likely that infant is likely to develop the condition. In premature babies, the normal growth of blood vessels is disrupted because of early birth. 

Note: Any child who has retinopathy of prematurity and has undergone treatment should have regular annual eye exams even during adulthood. 

 

2. Retinal detachment: Though rare in children, retinal detachment requires immediate medical care. It usually happens when there’s a tear in the retina. The most common cause of retinal detachment is an eye or head injury.

3. Juvenile macular degeneration: Juvenile macular degeneration causes central vision loss in children and young adults. As of now, there is no treatment for juvenile macular degeneration. 

4. Retinoblastoma: Retinoblastoma is an eye cancer that starts in the retina. In rare cases, it can affect adults. 

5. Uveitis: Uveitis is a form of eye inflammation. It affects the middle layer of tissue in the eyewall. The warning signs often show up suddenly and get worse quickly. 

How are retinal diseases diagnosed in children? 

Advances in imaging technology have made it possible for children with retinal diseases to be diagnosed early. This ensures that children receive immediate and proper treatment. There are different kinds of diagnostic tests that are recommended for young children. For some tests, children may be sedated so that diagnoses can be made

Common tests that we conduct at our hospital to diagnose retinal diseases in children:  

  • Fluorescein angiography: In this procedure, a dye is injected into the bloodstream. The dye causes the blood vessels in the back of the eye to shine while a camera-like device takes images. 
  • Electroretinography: Electroretinography is a test to measure the electrical response of the eye’s light-sensitive cells. This is mostly used to check the macula which is responsible for the central vision. 
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This is a noninvasive imaging technology used to obtain 3D images of the retina. It gives retinal specialists a detailed 3D view of the inside of the eye. 
  • Visual field testing: A visual field test measures how much the eyes can see out of the corners. Basically, it checks for blind spots and other vision defects caused by retinal diseases.

Looking for a retina specialist in Kolkata?

We have a dedicated paediatric ophthalmology unit. To book an appointment, contact us. 

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Retina FAQ: A guide curated by some of the best retina specialists in Kolkata

The retina is an essential part of your vision as it’s responsible for turning light rays into images through signals to the brain. When there’s a problem with the retina, you run the risk of having vision problems. Our retina specialists in Kolkata, who specialize in diagnosing and treating retinal conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal detachment, answer some of the frequently asked questions on the retina:  

1.What is the retina? 

 

The retina is a layer of cells at the back of the eye. The job of the retina is to receive light, convert that light into a neural signal, and send the signal via the optic nerve to the brain. The brain interprets these signals and creates an image.

retina specialist in kolkata

2.What are the different parts of the retina? 

The retina is nearly 0.5 mm thick and lines the back of the eye. It contains 200 million neurons and different parts of the retina are responsible for various vision functions. The macula is the most important part of the retina as it allows you to controls your central vision. It is the macula that allows you to see fine details, color, recognize faces and read.  and more.

3.What are the different types of retinal conditions? 

Some of the common retinal conditions are 

  • Macular degeneration
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Retinal detachment
  • Retinal tear.

There are other medical conditions that can occur, but these are some of the most common ones.

4.What is retinal detachment and what are the different types? 

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. It occurs when the retina detaches and pulls away from its normal position. A detached retina doesn’t hurt but it may cause the sudden appearance of flashes of light and floaters. If immediate treatment is not sought, retinal detachment can result in permanent loss of vision. There are three different types of retinal detachment: 

  • Rhegmatogenous: This is the most common type of retinal detachment.  A tear in the retina causes the fluid to accumulate. The fluid pulls the retina away. The detached portions lose their blood supply, which results in loss of vision. 
  • Tractional: This type of detachment happens when the scar tissue grows on the retina’s surface. This type of retinal detachment is seen more commonly in people with uncontrolled diabetes. 
  • Exudative: In this type of retinal detachment, fluid accumulates below the retina, but there are no holes in the retina. Age-related macular degeneration, an injury to the eye or tumors are some of the causes of this type of retinal detachment. 

5.Is retinal detachment different from retinal tear? Both retinal tear and retinal detachment have similar symptoms. The retina could tear before it detaches.

6.What symptoms should warrant a visit to a retina specialist?

Retinal problems vary widely. However, most of them cause visual symptoms. Some of the common symptoms that should prompt you to see a retina specialist are: 

  • The sudden appearance of floaters 
  • Blurred or distorted vision
  • Poor peripheral vision
  • Sudden loss of vision

 7.How are retinal problems diagnosed?

There are many sophisticated diagnostic tests such as optical coherence tomography, automated perimetry, and digital fundus photography that are carried out to detect a retinal condition. A retina specialist will recommend appropriate tests, depending on your symptoms.

8.How are retinal conditions treated? 

Treating retinal conditions can be sometimes complex. The nature of treatment depends on the condition, severity, and treatment options. From shrinking abnormal blood vessels to removing and replacing eye fluid, from injecting medications to laser surgery, there are many treatment options available. A retina specialist is the best person to suggest an appropriate course of treatment.

9.How to prevent retinal conditions?

Though some retinal conditions are out of your control, you must follow a healthy lifestyle for your overall eye health. Having a healthy diet and exercising regularly is good for your eyes and overall health. Smoking increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, quit smoking.

10. How often retinal exam is necessary? 

You must get your eyes tested once a year. If you are diabetic or have an eye condition, your doctor may suggest more frequent eye check-ups.

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Common Retinal Diseases

Retinal complications are one of the most serious types of eye diseases. This is because the retina contains light-sensing tissues which convert light into neural signals which are sent to the brain via the optic nerve.

If you are facing difficulty and seeing blind spots in vision, or experiencing sensitivity to bright lights, these can be early symptoms of retinal disease. Make sure to consult with an eye doctor to get the symptoms diagnosed at the earliest.

Common retinal diseases

Our eye care team at Disha Eye Hospitals has some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata. Book an appointment online with one of our eye specialists at http://www.dishaeye.org/organic/ and get your eye diagnosed.

Here are some of the common and serious retinal diseases:

1) Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the most serious vision-impairing retinal diseases; without proper treatment, eye disease causes permanent blindness. As the name of the eye disease suggests, Diabetic Retinopathy is associated with Diabetes.

The high blood sugar levels linked with Diabetes causes changes in the tiny blood vessels of the retina and causes them to bleed and leak fluid. This, in turn, leads to vision blurriness. Some of the common symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy include seeing floaters and small spots, loss of central vision, and seeing black spots. Treatment options for Diabetic Retinopathy includes a diabetes management plan, vitrectomy, scatter laser treatment, and focal laser treatment.

2) Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is another common and serious eye diseases linked to the retina. The eye complication occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow into the macula and leak blood or fluid, interfering with the function of the retina.

Some of the biggest risk factors of macular degeneration include age, obesity, smoking, cardiovascular diseases, and family history of eye disease. Visual distortions, haziness in vision, blurry spot in the field of vision, and reduced central vision are some of the common symptoms of Macular Degeneration. Medicinal supplements, laser treatment, and photodynamic therapy are some of the common treatments of Macular Degeneration.

3) Macular Hole

Macular Hole is a term to describe the formation of a small hole in the macula. The hole forms a blind spot in the central vision as it grows in size. One of the common reasons why macular hole occurs is due to detachment of the vitreous from the retina. When the vitreous detaches, it causes the macula to stretch which leads to the formation of a hole.

Eye injury, retinal detachment, extreme nearsightedness, and diabetic eye diseases are the other causes of a macular hole. Some of the common symptoms of macular hole include blurry central vision, distorted vision, seeing straight lines as wavy, and a spot in the field of vision.

4) Retinal Detachment

Retinal Detachment is a serious eye problem where the retina detaches from the back portion of the eye. The separation of the retina, in turn, leads to vision impairment. Retinal detachment can lead to complete vision loss if left untreated; as it is a medical emergency, delaying the treatment can worsen it and lead to serious complications.

Some of the common symptoms of retinal detachment include seeing floaters, seeing sudden flashes of light, partial vision loss, and blurriness in vision. Treatment options that eye doctors choose for retinal detachment include vitrectomy, scleral buckling, retinopexy, cryopexy, and photocoagulation.

High-quality eye treatment at affordable cost

We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, provide high-quality LASIK surgery, vitrectomy, laser surgery, and cataract surgery in Kolkata at an affordable cost. Learn more about our eye care services at 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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How to Improve the Health of the Retina

Taking care of the eyes is something most of us tend to neglect. However, maintaining a good eye health is important to keep the risk of developing eye disorders at bay. Retina is one of the crucial parts of the eye, and it’s important to take proper care if it.

Do you take care of your eyes? Here, we have listed some of the essential tips to take care of your retina:

1. Healthy and balanced diet
Poor diet containing insufficient nutrients can cause the health of the retina to degrade. Therefore, it’s important to have a healthy and a balanced that contains all the essential nutrients.

Make sure that you include fresh and green vegetables and fruits into your diet. It’s equally important to add fresh eggs and lean fish and meat into your diet.

2. Avoiding unhealthy foods and drinks
Unhealthy foods and drinks indirectly affect retina health. Regular consumption of fast foods such as fried chicken, pizza, deep-fried snacks and packaged meat can lead to high blood sugar and obesity/overweight, https://nygoodhealth.com/product/phentermine/.
Carbonated, sugary drinks spike up blood glucose which, in turn, can deteriorate retina health.

3. Drinking plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water is important for ensuring a good retina health. When the body is properly hydrated, the tear glands are able to produce sufficient tears and properly moisturise the eyes. Also, drinking plenty of water helps in purifying blood and promoting blood flow.

4. Regular exercise
Regular exercise plays a key role in lowering the risk of eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. How? Well, lack of exercise causes one to be overweight/obese which, in turn, can lead to diabetes. The high blood glucose of an individual can have damaging effects on the eyes and lead to diabetic retinopathy.

Regular exercise helps in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting blood circulation to all body parts, including the eyes.

5. Wearing sunglass when out in the sun
The harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays in the sunlight can have damaging effects on the eyes. Therefore, it is recommended to always wear a sunglass when spending time outdoors, in the sun.

Invest in a good-quality sunglass that provides UV protection. Make sure that you carry your sunglass wherever you go.

6. Quitting smoking
Regular smoking can impair blood flow to the eyes and retina which can lead to the onset of severe eye disorders such as macular degeneration. Although quitting smoking can be a tough habit to break, getting rid of it will certainly pay off.

7. Wearing eye protection
Injuries to the eye can go beyond physical pain as they can lead to infections which, in turn, can interfere with vision. Make sure that you use eye protection when spending time outdoors, in workshops, and when swimming.

8. Regular eye check-up
Regular eye check-up is the key to maintaining a healthy retina and overall eye health. Also, regular eye check-up can help your doctor diagnose the early symptoms of eye disorders.

Choose quality eye care from Eye Hospitals in India

Are you concerned about your eye health? Get your eye health diagnosed from eye care professionals at Disha Eye Hospital.
Disha Eye Hospital is setting new benchmarks in providing quality and affordable eye care. Learn more about Disha Eye Hospital at http://www.dishaeye.org.

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How to Find a Retina Specialist in Kolkata

retina specialist in Kolkata

You have diabetes and you are suspecting that you might have diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration. The first thing that you do when you suspect that something is wrong with your vision is to visit an eye specialist. However, when it’s the matter of your retina, you cannot take any chances. You will find a number of retina specialists in Kolkata but how do you choose the best one? You may get in touch with the eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospital. They certainly have the most sophisticated machinery and the best team of eye experts in Kolkata. Otherwise, you consider these points before getting in touch with the right retina specialist:

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