Are cataracts found in infants and young adults?

 Cataracts are commonly seen in older people aged above 60. They are rarely seen in infants and adults.

How does the doctor remove cataracts?

Cataract surgery is a microscopic surgery which is done under local or topical anaesthesia. Phacoemulsification is a micro-incision technique to remove the cloud lens by breaking them into tiny pieces and sucks them out. While a foldable implant requires incision size (2.8 – 3.0 mm), a non-foldable lens requires a 5 mm incision. Luckily, both incisions are self-sealing and don’t need any stitches. Our eye doctor will assist you in deciding as to which lens suit you best.

Does a patient need to wear glasses after cataract surgery?

It depends on the type of intraocular lenses (IOLs) used for the patient’s eye. The advanced multifocal lenses or accommodating IOLs don’t often need glasses, and even reading glasses are also avoided in some cases.

What are the post-operative instructions given to a patient?

Post cataract surgery, a surgeon will answer all your queries that you may have and you will be discharged from the hospital with a caretaker as you are not allowed to leave by yourself alone.

For the first week after surgery, you should protect your eyes from any injury. Do not rub or put pressure on your eye.

Take a small piece of cotton wool and place them in a bowl containing water. Boil it for 10 minutes and keep it covered. Wash your hand with soap before touching the sterilized cotton wool from the bowl. Squeeze out excess water, and clean the area around the lids without implementing pressure on it.

Putting eye drops :   Retract the lower lid and instil one drop of the eye drop into the eye. Gently close your eyes, and keep it closed for a few minutes.  If you blink or keep it open, the eye drop will reach the throat causing sore throat and headache.

Protecting your eyes:   Wearing an eyeglass is a wise choice after having cataract surgery.  Put on protective eyewear up to one or two weeks. At night, your doctor will instruct you how to use a protective shield over the operated eye. For the first 5 days, no need to wash your face, take a bath below the neckline. Hair can be washed after 5 days.

What could be expected from the first month of cataract surgery?

In case your doctor prescribes you to wear eyeglasses, he will also instruct you to use after vision gets stabilized. The power of new glasses depends on the type of IOL selected for the patient’s eye. Some may not need to use glasses at all, while others would be informed about the appointment for the measurement for glasses.

What happens at the first post-operative visit?

At the first post-operative visit to the doctor, eye pressure is tested. In some cases, medication is prescribed to the patient. Dosage of eye drops would be reduced gradually as required.

What happens at the final post-operative visit to the doctor?

At the final post-operative visit to the doctor, your vision would be tested whether everything in there is alright or not. If a patient needs to wear glasses, then some tests are done before prescribing the power of glasses. It is advisable to do annual eye checkup even in case you don’t find any visible signs or symptoms of eye issues.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication for both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. It is a condition in which high blood sugar level can lead to swelling in retinal blood vessels and even bleeding.

Who is at risk of diabetic retinopathy?

Most people, who have been suffering from diabetes for more than 10 years, don’t develop diabetic retinopathy. However, uncontrolled blood sugar levels increase the risk of this disease. While juvenile-onset (type 1) diabetes should be evaluated five years after diagnosis, adult-onset (type 2) diabetes should be evaluated at the time of diagnosis, and every year. In insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy is 97.5%, and that in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is 80%.

What complications do occur in diabetic retinopathy?

The dysfunction of blood vessels in the eyes due to high blood sugar levels can cause hemorrhage in the vitreous fluid, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and even complete blindness.

How to prevent diabetic retinopathy?

To prevent diabetic retinopathy, the only way is to keep your blood sugar levels at an even level. If a diabetes patient is also having high blood pressure, keeping that in check is helpful as well. However, whose diabetes is in control, can also catch diabetic retinopathy. So, examining your eyes once in a year can let you know if there is any retinal damage. So, treatment can be started as soon as possible.

What are the signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, you may not feel any kind of visible symptoms or you might have blurred vision. But in the later stages, you may develop a cloudy vision, blind spots, or floaters. But a clean and good vision doesn’t always mean everything is fine. This can be a setup for a disaster!

Is diabetic retinopathy curable?

Yes, there are treatments available. But early treatment can slow down the progression of diabetic retinopathy. However, it cannot reverse any vision loss.

Is the awareness about diabetic retinopathy high among us?

According to WHO, the present population of diabetics in India will be triple in number by the year 2025. So, India is going to face a high incidence of diabetic retinopathy in the next five years. Diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision-threatening lesions like macular edema, creation of new blood vessels that can bleed easily inside the eye.

Can laser surgery help patients with diabetic retinopathy?

According to extensive clinical studies and research on diabetic retinopathy in the United States, it is proved that laser surgery is more helpful in patients with diabetic retinopathy than no other treatment.

Is laser treatment affordable to a layman?

There are no other treatments available than laser treatment to patients with diabetic retinopathy. Luckily, this treatment is affordable to the common man and is pocket-friendly like any other common eye surgery.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that secretly damages the optic nerve (that transmits information from the eye to the brain), causing permanent vision loss. Most commonly, this damage occurs when the internal fluid pressure of the eye rises too high. And, it happens due to inadequate drainage of fluid normally produced in your eyes.

What is the difference between glaucoma and ocular hypertension?

Ocular hypertension is another high eye pressure term where the intraocular pressure (IOP) is higher than normal. In ocular hypertension, the optic nerve doesn’t get damaged, and there is no chance of vision loss. However, ocular hypertension is a risk factor for glaucoma which should be treated immediately.

Why does often doctors prescribe patients to do more than one kind of glaucoma test?

The two most common types of glaucoma tests during a routine eye test are non-contact tonometry (NCT) and applanation tonometry. In NCT, a machine emits a quick puff of air towards the surface of the eye. And, that air touches your cornea. This air puff test is considered as a screening measurement to determine the pressure within your eye.

In applanation tonometry, the machine measures your intraocular pressure which has a tiny sensor that gently touches the surface of the eye. If a doctor prescribes you to recheck the pressure measurement by doing applanation tonometry, it’s only because of your NCT measurement is borderline high.

Sometimes doctors want to dilate your pupils to examine, and photograph your optic nerve or to check for vision loss with a visual field test.

Who is most at risk for glaucoma?

Whether you are an American, African, Indian, diabetic, or having family members diagnosed with glaucoma disease, and your age is more than 60, then the chances of getting glaucoma are higher in you than others. Making it much more common in elderly people or older adults within the age range of 40 to 60, but glaucoma can occur at any age. In actual fact, two rare branches of glaucoma named as congenital glaucoma and infantile glaucoma can exist from birth.

What percentage of glaucoma patients go blind?

Where only 5% of Europeans are diagnosed with glaucoma and go blind, in India, at least 12 million people are affected by glaucoma and approx. 1.2 million people go blind from the disease. Hence, 9/10 of cases of this disease remain undiagnosed. How terrible it is!

Can a patient go through LASIK surgery, if he/she has glaucoma?

No, a patient can’t go through LASIK, if he/ she has glaucoma. It is because, in LASIK surgery, a suction device is used to create a corneal flap on the eye. But another type of vision correction surgery called PRK is available which doesn’t require a suction device.

Is glaucoma curable?

Though glaucoma can be treated, vision loss from it cannot be recovered. Thus, it is essential to do routine eye check-up to discover glaucoma at its early stage and begin its treatment before any significant loss has occurred.

If you have a corneal disease, then several questions will likely come to your mind. To help guide you, let’s discuss a few most frequently asked questions on corneal diseases.

What is the cornea of the eye?

Corneas are made of groups of proteins and cells. Like other tissues, the cornea doesn’t contain any blood vessels. Instead, it relies on tears and the fluid that sits behind the cornea itself. It provides nourishment as well as protection to the eye.

The cornea is made of five layers, and each layer of it has its own important function. Corneal disorders affect both the surface layers and the deeper layers. Now, let’s look at the most frequently asked questions about corneal diseases.

What would happen if the cornea is damaged?

If for any reason cornea gets damaged whether the reason may be trauma or corneal disorders, your cornea may become scarred.

Does corneal damage lead to blindness?

Yes, a damaged cornea often leads to blindness in some people. Infectious corneal diseases like keratitis, and non-infectious conditions like inherited and degenerative conditions, that can lead to blindness.

Can herpes damage my cornea?

Yes, the herpes simplex virus which is responsible for cold sores can damage your cornea. Herpes virus can be one of the corneal disorders’ infectious conditions. It is also otherwise known as the herpes zoster ophthalmicus virus.

If you suspect any signs or symptoms of corneal disease or have a question about damaged cornea, then come and visit KomalEye care. While corneal disease can be enfeebling, advanced treatment, swift diagnosis has minimized the chances of lasting damage.

What should I expect on my first visit?

As with all medical appointments, first, you will be required to fill out a basic medical form. Along with the paperwork, you need to provide details about yourself like your name, contact no., the physician who has referred you to this hospital, and your photo ID. A technician will conduct a standard work like recording medical history, any visual complaints, intraocular pressure, confrontational visual field, checking visual acuity, ocular motility, and pupillary reaction. Before doing any tests or exams, you will be given to dilate your pupils.

Once the retinal scan is done, you will be directed to consult a physician who will examine your eyes and may ask you for some additional testing.

Do you remove my eyes to do retinal surgery?

No. there is no need to remove eyes to perform retinal surgery. However, we use a small microsurgical instrument that is placed through the white part of the eye. These instruments can cut, peel, and remove blood and scar tissue and perform other functions as well. The surgeon looks through the dilated pupil using a special microscope. And, those who will go through retinal detachment surgery, this is done on the outside of the eye.

When will I be notified about the time of the surgery?

You will be called one day before surgery and notified about the arrival time. Typically, a patient is called in the morning on the surgery day to avoid the rush and pollution.

What should I expect after my visit?

After visiting the hospital, a technician may dilate your eyes for an average of 4 to 6 hours. During this time, you may find difficulty in reading or seeing things and adjusting to bright lights. If you receive an injection in your eye, you can expect irritation and redness in the eye until the following day. The eye could appear like this for up to two weeks, but it doesn’t cause any damage.

How long will my eye tests take?

A retinal exam needs a thorough examination of the eye; thus, it is comprehensive as well as a lengthy process. As a result, the processing time cannot be exactly specified. So, a patient, who is visiting for a retinal exam to his/her regular doctor’s office, must have ample time in hand.

Will I have to be dilated?

Yes, as the retinal exam needs a thorough inspection of your eyes, both of your eyes will be dilated. A physician finds it easy to see the retina at the back of your dilated eye. After the drops are administered, it takes approx. half an hour for dilation to occur.

How long the retinal surgery last?

Retina surgery takes minimum minutes to max 3 hours. It depends on what type of surgical procedure you are undergoing.

If I get an injection for my macular degeneration, will that cure my retinal damage?

The injections for macular degeneration are only given to slow down the disease, not cure it.

Can I drive myself to my appointments?

We always recommend bringing somebody with you to accompany you, at least for your initial appointment. Both of your eyes will be dilated which lasts approx. 3 to 4 hours, and it causes blurry vision and makes you unable to adjust to the sunlight. Moreover, if you undergo an in-office procedure, a driver is required to take you home.

Why does a child need glasses?

A child may need glasses for several reasons. Because a child’s vision is in the developing stage, especially during the first 6 years of life, glasses are essential for proper vision improvement.

Why should my kid visit a pediatric ophthalmologist?

Children cannot express everything, what is bothering them. They may not be patient and cooperative during any medical examination and answer medical questions. So, a pediatric ophthalmologist knows it well how to make the children feel relaxed and examine them. In Ebisu eye care, we have the most extensive and comprehensive treatment options and the best pediatric ophthalmologist to deal with children and treat child’s disorders.

What is a “lazy eye”?

A drooping eyelid, eye misalignment of one eye doesn’t see as well as the other one, even though they may be straight – are referred to as lazy eye. A drooping eyelid, or is also called ptosis may cause astigmatism. It can also be a dangerous medical condition like amblyopia.

Eye misalignment is known as strabismus. Pediatric ophthalmologists do a proper evaluation, and treatment of strabismus to allow the brain to use both eyes together.

What is nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness simply means it is easier to see up close than far away. Well, this is because the eyes are too long and bring light to focus before it reaches the retina. Though it is very common to find nearsightedness in young children of eight or nine years and tends to develop through the teens.

What is farsightedness?

Surprisingly, farsightedness is not adverse of nearsightedness, and it doesn’t mean things look blurred up close and clear at distance. A farsighted eye is too short like Chinese or Japanese citizens, and it helps to bring light to focus behind the retina.

What should be done, if a child goes through an eye injury?

If there is a chemical injury to a child’s eye, immediate irrigation with water is dangerous. Flush your eyes and face with clean water for at least 10-15 minutes. Visit an ophthalmologist immediately to avoid any further complications.

Sometimes kids play with a sharp object like a fishhook or something that gets penetrated into the eyes, then do not try to pull it out. Immediately transfer the kid to an emergency eye care hospital. Other blunt or sharp injuries should also be examined, since the serious cause of the injury may not be apparent.

What causes strabismus?

Most strabismus is the abnormal neuromuscular disorder or poor control of eye movement. Whereas the real fact behind strabismus is a problem with the actual eye muscle.

How does strabismus get treated?

Strabismus treatment includes improvement in eye alignment and mobility to let the eyes work together better. Different kinds of strabismus require different treatments like glasses, exercises, prisms, eye muscle injection, and surgery. Our pediatric ophthalmologist have undergone special training and interest in treating different kinds of strabismus with the utmost care and supervision.

Who are the victims of computer vision syndrome?

There are 40 million people in India who uses a computer or laptop for their personal, or professional use, and 80% of them suffer from CVS. Among them, more than 70-90% of adults report using digital devices such as laptops, computers, desktop, or tablets more than two hours a day. Unfortunately, adults aren’t the only victims who are affected, children are more vulnerable to the condition.

Reasons behind computer vision syndrome?

CVS is caused by repetitive or prolonged nature of computer work that puts high pressure on our eye forming more demands of computer-generated images on our visual systems. The luminous elements that create images on a computer screen are brightest at the centre, thus making it more difficult for our eyes to focus accurately on computer-generated images.

Moreover, nearly 80% of computer users would be found with bad postural habits and stay in this posture for a longer period, causing muscle strain, back pain, fatigues, and headaches.

Does glare screens prevent computer vision syndrome?

A glare filter can somewhat help you to prevent CVS, but it is not the sole solution. Filters can reduce glare from outdoor sunlight or overhead lights that reflect on your computer screen. But that cannot prevent the vision problems due to constantly focusing the eye on the computer screens while working on it or studying.

Does anti-reflective coating eliminate glare?

Anti-reflective coating can prevent glare from light reflecting off the surfaces of your eye glasses. So, AR coatings can be helpful, but it doesn’t solve the primary cause of CVS. However, special coatings may protect your eyes from major eye problems, caused by ultra-blue rays. This high-energy visible (HEV) light exposure can reach deep into your eyes and may damage your retina.

Even if someone doesn’t have symptoms of CVS, does he/she still need computer eyewear?

As per the survey, those who do not experience any eye problems or symptoms of CVS still may benefit from wearing computer eyewear. An eye test with a computer vision specialist can assist you if the computer glasses might be helpful for you or not.

Will wearing computer glasses can make my eyes worse?

No, there is no such evidence that wearing computer eyeglasses can cause serious changes like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness, or astigmatism. Reducing focusing stress with special lenses for reading or computer use may slow the progression of myopia in school-going children.

Can ergonomics be an aid to the computer eyestrain?

Ergonomics can be defined as the science of arranging things people use in their working environment in the most efficient manner possible. Following these steps can prevent and treat your eyes from CVS. However, ergonomics alone cannot fix a vision problem. It can be achieved with prescribed eyewear.