What Is The Retina? Symptoms & Treatment Of Retinal Problems

Revitalizing Your Vision: Vision Therapy and Its Impact

Understanding Vision Therapy

 – Vision therapy is a branch of eye care that aims to rehabilitate an individual’s vision.

 – It differs from Visual Acuity, which quantifies the sense of vision.

 – Vision therapy includes a spectrum of visual skills such as contrast sensitivity, depth perception, color vision, focusing ability, peripheral awareness, etc.

 – Vision therapy is designed to improve visual comfort, ease, binocular vision, treat double vision, and address changes in visual processing and visual information.

Benefits of Vision Therapy

 – Vision therapy involves a series of exercises aimed at improving specific visual skills.

 – It does not promise to reverse visual impairments, but it can address a variety of visual problems.

Common Conditions Treated in Clinics

 – Amblyopia or Lazy Eye: A condition where the affected eye has poor visual acuity despite full spectacle/contact lens correction and the absence of any ocular pathology.

 – Convergence Insufficiency: Eye movement that occurs when an individual focuses on nearby objects.

 – Eye-Hand Coordination: Crucial in sports and falls under the category of sports vision therapy.

 – Neurological Disorders: An emerging subspecialty within optometric vision therapy that aims to rehabilitate patients with visual deficits stemming from physical disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, or neurological insults.

Role of Vision Therapists

 – Vision therapists diagnose, treat, and provide personalized therapy for the patients.

 – They assess visual problems, design customized treatment plans, perform vision therapy exercises, educate patients, and enhance quality of life.

Vision Therapy Techniques and Approaches

 – Techniques and approaches vary depending on an individual’s condition and goals for therapy.

 – Each patient’s goals are collectively established by the patient and the therapist before therapy begins to ensure accurate expectations..

 – Eye Exercises and Activities: Vision therapy involves focusing on different objects at near and far distances. Specific lenses may be introduced to increase difficulty.

 – Prisms: Specialized lenses with prisms are used to address binocular vision issues. These lenses shift the image of an object to fall on the intended part of the retina, promoting binocular vision.

 – Visual Therapy Devices: The “Brock String” and the “Hart Chart” are used to work on convergence and divergence of the eyes.

 – Patching/Occlusion: This treatment is the first choice for amblyopia or lazy eye. It involves patching the good eye, forcing the lazy eye to work, improving visual acuity.

 – Computer-Based Therapy: Technological advancements, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have prompted the incorporation of telemedicine into vision therapy. Home-based therapy, like Revital Vision therapy, allows therapy to be conducted remotely.

 – Behavioral Vision Therapy: Vision is linked to overall personality development and can significantly impact a child’s academic performance.

 – Vision-Motor Integration: Vision therapy focuses on connecting visual processing with motor tasks, improving visual processing skills and eye-hand coordination.

Vision Therapy in Pediatric Care

 – Early Detection and Intervention: Comprehensive eye exams can help identify and treat vision problems in children early.

 – Academic Success: Vision therapy improves overall functioning, leading to improved academic performance.

 – Improved Concentration and Attention: Vision therapy training procedures help children focus better during studies and enhance their visualization skills.

Vision Therapy Session at DIVYA EYE CLINIC

 – EYEBAB: A computer-based vision therapy session that treats lazy eyes in both children and adults.

 – Patient patches the sound eye and performs the therapy with the affected eye from 1.5 meters away.

 – Therapy duration varies based on the severity of the condition.

Choosing the Right Vision Therapist

 – Considerations for a vision therapist include credentials, training, experience, referrals, reviews, patient-centered care, communication updates, and comfort and trust.

Vision Therapy Overview

 – Involves eye exercises, home-based activities, prism prescriptions, computer-based vision therapy like Revital Vision, visuo-motor integration skills, and visual information processing skills.

 – Requires FDA approval for effectiveness and efficacy.

 – Suitable for individuals aged 7-8 years and older.

 – Benefits include intermittent exotropia, diplopia, binocular vision dysfunction, convergence paralysis/paresis, visual perception, and cognitive deficits.

 – FDA-approved innovations like Revital Vision for adult vision therapy.

 – Results typically take 6-8 weeks, with severe conditions requiring longer duration.

 

 

Swollen Eyelid: Causes, Treatment & Home Remedies

Although the eyelids appear to be part of the rest of our skin, they have quite complex anatomy compared to other skin structures. It has multiple sebaceous glands, additional tear glands, sweat glands, cilia and other cutaneous and subcutaneous muscle tissues. Since these are soft tissues, any inflammation in these structures will cause the eyelid to swell. Another common reason for swollen eyelids is fluid build-up in the soft tissue of the eyelid. Therefore, swollen eyelids are usually a symptom of a disease rather than a disease itself. Although the eyelid is less than a millimetre thick, the tissue is very elastic, so the eyelids tend to develop larger swellings. Common causes of swollen eyelids

Stye: At the edge of the eyelid there are several sebaceous glands that continuously secrete the oil layer of our tear film. This oil is necessary to prevent the evaporation or immediate flow of our tears; We need tears to stay in the eye to keep it hydrated. Sometimes these sebaceous glands become clogged, preventing sebum secretion. The opening becomes inflamed and creates a painful swelling called a stye. There may be one or more styes on the upper or lower eyelid.

Chalazion: Once the infection of a stye has cleared, the painless remaining lump is called a chalazion. Chalazion does not cause any specific symptoms other than swelling over the affected eyelid and there is no medical treatment for it. Surgical drainage is required to reduce swelling.

Conjunctivitis: We all know this condition, which is a common cause of red eyes. It can be a bacterial or viral infection. Conjunctivitis occurs when the transparent layer called the conjunctiva, which is attached to the back of the eyelid and comes into contact with the surface of the eye, becomes inflamed. Because of this inflammation, fluid can build up in the eyelids, which can lead to swelling, redness, and sticky discharge.

Orbital Cellulitis: The orbits are the cranial cavities in which our eyeballs are located. There are soft and fatty tissues around our eyeballs that cushion the eyeball and eye muscles and maintain orbital volume. Some of these tissues are also located directly behind our eyelids. Orbital cellulitis is usually caused by an insect bite. Along with the swelling of the eyelids, the patient feels fever and there may also be swelling in the white part of the eye. This condition requires immediate treatment by a doctor.

Allergies: Allergies are caused by the body’s reaction to certain allergens that enter our body. Eye allergies are sometimes accompanied by a cold, a runny nose and, rarely, a fever. Due to the allergic reaction, fluid retention can occur in the eyelid tissue, which can lead to swelling of the eyelids. Patients usually suffer from itchy eyes and the constant need to rub them.

Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelid itself also causes swelling, which can be uncomfortable. The edges of the eyelids appear swollen and red, accompanied by constant itching and discomfort. It is easily treated by prescribing eye drops, hot promotions and maintaining eyelid hygiene.

Inflammation of the eyelids rarely leads to blurred vision, as milder forms of inflammation usually lie outside the patient’s visual axis. However, larger swellings can put pressure on the cornea, the frontmost part of the eye, and lead to reduced vision.

Treatment Options to Reduce Swollen Eyelids:

Treatment for swollen eyelids depends on the cause. If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed. If a skin infection is responsible for the swelling, the skin should be treated, not the eye itself. In certain cases, prescription medications such as topical ointments or oral medications may be necessary.

If swollen eyelids are the result of an allergy, your doctor will prescribe allergy medication and may recommend cold compresses for the affected eyelids.

Home remedies for swollen eyelids:

– Use clean tissue paper or cotton balls to wipe discharge from the eyelids.
– Apply a cold compress to swollen eyelids by wrapping an ice cube in a clean cloth and placing it over the eye.
– If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately.
– Elevate the head slightly with a pillow to reduce fluid retention.
– Consult your eye doctor if symptoms persist after a few days.

Emergency care for swollen eyelids:

– Remove contact lenses immediately if you wear them.
– If you experience double vision and swelling of the eyelids, seek immediate help at the nearest eye clinic.
– Inform an eye clinic if sudden loss of vision occurs.
– Applying a cold compress to swollen eyes can help relieve symptoms.
– If you feel severe pain behind the eyeball and also the affected eye appears larger than the other, seek help from an eye clinic immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q – What is the fastest way to heal a swollen upper eyelid?
Applying a cold compress to the swelling will relieve the symptoms caused by the swelling.

Q – What causes sudden swelling of the eyelids?
Some of the most common causes of sudden swelling of the eyelids may include styes, chalazoids, conjunctivitis, orbital cellulitis, and allergies.

Q – Is heat or cold better for swollen eyelids?
It depends on the cause of the swelling. In general, a cold compress helps reduce swelling.

Q – Which antibiotic helps against swollen eyelids?
Chloramphenicol is a commonly used antibiotic for swollen eyelids;  However, always consult your eye doctor before self-medicating.

Q – When should you see a doctor to treat swollen eyelids?
Sudden loss of vision,  pain behind the eye, inability to move the affected eye as freely as you, fever and persistent discharge are some of the symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

 

 

Diminished Vision During Pregnancy

While most cases are short and mild, keep in mind that some pregnancy-related visual changes may indicate more serious conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or high blood pressure. Although there is no specific pattern of blurred vision associated with pregnancy and it is associated with hormonal changes; the peak of the change occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy, so women are more likely to experience blurred vision early in pregnancy. Although blurred vision during pregnancy may not cause complications during pregnancy, it can be one of the first signs of a possible complication.

Gestational Diabetes: This disease is characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels in pregnant women. Normally, hormonal changes that occur between the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can lead to the development of gestational diabetes. Additionally, making appointments with an ophthalmologist for retinal exams is crucial because the first signs of diabetes complications often appear in the blood vessels of the retina. Preeclampsia: This condition is manifested by abnormally high blood pressure in pregnant women. Like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia usually develops after the second trimester of pregnancy and is considered a concern for both the mother and the developing fetus. Therefore, regular follow-up visits and monitoring are crucial to prevent hypertension disorders during pregnancy. Some women may also experience a reduction in visual field, possibly due to the effects of hypertensive disorders on the optic nerve.

Dealing with blurred vision and other vision problems during pregnancy:

– The health of the expectant mother and the growing baby depends on how the pregnant woman deals with vision problems such as blurred vision.

 – Regular prenatal examinations by an ophthalmologist should be a priority to monitor any changes in vision, as hormonal changes and increased blood volume can affect the eyes.

 – You can also help reduce vision problems by staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients, especially those good for eye health, such as vitamins A, C, and omega-3 -fatty acids.

 – To rule out dangerous problems, it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience sudden or serious vision changes such as double vision or flashes of light.

 – Taking these preventative measures can ensure your pregnancy is as easy and happy as possible while promoting optimal eye health.

Prevention and Self-Care Tips to Maintain Eye Health during Pregnancy:

You can promote and maintain optimal eye health during pregnancy by incorporating these preventative steps and self-care tips into your daily routine, ensuring a safe and joyful path to recovery Motherhood.

 Here are some self-care tips to maintain optimal eye health during pregnancy: Schedule routine eye exams with an ophthalmologist to monitor any changes in vision and address possible abnormalities as they arise during pregnancy.

 Manage gestational diabetes: It is important to regulate blood sugar levels if you have gestational diabetes because uncontrolled diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy and other eye problems.

Eliminate any eye problems: If you notice a sudden or significant change in your vision, eye pain or discomfort, consult an ophthalmologist immediately to rule out a serious medical condition.

However, the woman may experience some dryness as hormonal changes occur during pregnancy. If you notice any sudden changes in your vision during your pregnancy, do not hesitate to contact our esteemed team of world-class eye specialists.

 Q – How long does blurry vision last during pregnancy? Depending on the cause of blurred vision, it may go away on its own or require special treatment.

Purely hormonal changes involve temporary blurred vision that resolves on its own.

Q – Is sudden blurred vision normal during pregnancy?

Sudden blurred vision, temporary loss of vision, and flashes of light during pregnancy are not normal and should be treated immediately by an ophthalmologist.

 Q – Are there any special eye exercises or activities that can help with sudden blurred vision during pregnancy?

If the cause of blurred vision is diagnosed as an imbalance in the eye muscles, your eye doctor may prescribe certain scientifically proven eye exercises called vision therapy.

 Q – Can stress or fatigue contribute to sudden blurred vision during pregnancy?

High levels of chronic stress increase cortisol levels in our bodies and can cause inflammation in the retina, which can lead to blurred vision.

Q – Can stress or fatigue contribute to sudden blurred vision during pregnancy?

 Large amounts of chronic stress increase cortisol levels in our bodies and can cause inflammation in the retina, which can lead to blurred vision.

Q –  Can sudden blurred vision during pregnancy affect the baby’s health?

Sudden blurred vision can be a sign of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, which can affect the health of both the mother and the growing fetus.

 

 

5 ways to control Myopia

Myopia, commonly referred to as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, is a refractive error that is increasing in prevalence. Here a person can’t see distant objects clearly. Myopia is a very common problem that can be corrected and even managed.

Affecting 21.15% of school-going children (aged between 5-15 years) in urban India, myopia (short-sightedness) is a condition of concern as compared to hypermetropia (long-sightedness). In fact, WHO has estimated that by 2050, half of the world’s population would be myopic, if not addressed appropriately.

Certain studies conducted post-pandemic have reported a sudden surge in the cases of myopia in children globally, due to home confinements which lead to increased screen time. Usually, the onset of myopia is in childhood when the eyeball lengthens excessively, resulting in blurry vision for far. Additionally, because children’s eyes continue their axial elongation as they age, the minus number tends to keep increasing if no intervention is made. This can significantly affect a child’s daily life and occasionally cause long-term eye health issues like retinal detachment.

Can myopia be cured?

– Myopia occurs when the eyeball is longer than normal
– The eyeball cannot shorten in length.
– Thus, Myopia cannot be cured. But it can be treated and controlled. Treatment is by wearing glasses of the correct prescription. Control is adopting strategies mentioned below to reduce the risk of progression.

Fortunately, fresh research is illuminating the way to better methods for managing myopia. How? Read on:

5 Myopia Management Methods

1. Environmental factors and Lifestyle Modifications

Myopia progression has been linked with an increased amount of screen time or near work. This is why we have seen a sudden surge in the progression of myopia post-pandemic. The more the near work the greater the chance of myopic progression in children. Near work thus is the most significant risk factor for myopic progression. Thus reducing screen time would result in slowing of myopia progression. Furthermore, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has recommended the amount of screen time for each age group of children

Additionally, research has shown that a certain level of UV exposure in natural light is necessary to reduce the risk of myopia progression. Thus, it is recommended that parents increase the outdoor time their children spend. Outdoor activities also allow us to look far away more than our time indoors. , which is said to reduce the rate of myopia progression. The following graph summarises the three most important lifestyle modifications needed to control myopia.

2. Special types of Myopia control Spectacle lenses

Lenses for myopia control can correct and control myopia. Given that wearing glasses is probably easier, this is a good option for myopia management to begin with. Spectacle lenses with DIMS and H.A.L.T. technology go beyond conventional spectacle lenses to control myopia. Imagine DIMS (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) and H.A.L.T. (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target) technologies as myopia-correcting single-vision lenses with an additional “treatment zone” on top of the regular lenses.

How do spectacle lenses with the DIMS and H.A.L.T. technologies function?

Based on available studies, we describe, how they help in slowing myopia progression.

Following are the features of DIMS and H.A.L.T spectacle lenses (Figure 1):

 – Each lens has a distinct central zone like the regular single-vision lens and a “background” of single-vision correction lenses which is different from the regular single-vision lenses.

– This peripheral zone has a number of lenslets within it to produce varying degrees of myopia across the retina, and there are spaces between them for a single vision correction. Producing varying degrees of myopia means the rays of light start meeting in front of the retina because of these lenslets and not behind them as it happens in single-vision lenses. This is also known as Myopic Defocus.

– As opposed to a progressive addition or bifocal spectacle lens, each function like a single-vision lens in that it does not affect accommodation or binocular vision.

Two-year randomised clinical research was conducted by Hong Kong Polytechnic on children aged 8 to 13 with myopia of -1.00 to -5.00D and no more than 1.50D astigmatism. They made half of the children wear DIMS design and the other half wear single vision (SV) lenses. After two years, the average increase of myopia in children in DIMS and SV, respectively, was -0.41D vs. -0.85D and 0.21mm vs. 0.55mm, indicating a 50–60% control effect. The paper reported that 21.5% of children who wore DIMS had no myopia progression over two years, compared to only 7% of those who wore SV lenses.

Thus they showed that these myopia-correcting lenses slow down myopic progression.

3. Low Dose atropine eye drops for myopia (0.01%)

Atropine is used for controlling myopia progression for a few decades, however, there wasn’t a long-term study available as concrete evidence. But recently a study known as ATOM (Atropine in the Treatment of Myopia) had done a 2-year-long assessment of myopia progression where they had given a set of myopic children low-concentration atropine 0.01% and a set of myopic children nothing and found that children who were given 0.01% atropine had reduced rate of myopia progression as compared to the normal no intervention group. With the lockdown imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was suddenly a surge in myopia and interestingly even 0.01% atropine was found to be less effective. Thus, atropine 0.05% was then compared with 0.01% atropine to compare the efficacy and also the side effects which showed that 0.05% atropine slows myopic progression with better efficacy with minimal side effects in the children. Thus, along with 0.01% atropine, gradually 0.05% atropine is also getting into clinical practice to reduce progression in children. It’s important not to use regular atropine eye drops which are 1% in concentration.

4. Contact Lenses for Myopia

Multifocal Contact Lenses: Multifocal soft contact lenses can correct myopia in youngsters while also halting the progression of myopia by delaying pathological eye growth. They are primarily used to improve near vision in persons over the age of 40. The soft multifocal contact lenses are shaped like a bullseye and have two basic light-focusing regions. For clear distance vision, the centre of the lens corrects near-sightedness and directs light onto the retina. To focus the stray light rays in front of the retina, more plus power is added to the lens’ outer section. According to studies, focusing light in front of the retina signals the eye to restrict its growth. Peripheral light is focused farther in front of the retina with higher additional power or in other words a myopic defocus. Contrarily, regular contact lenses and single-vision glasses concentrate peripheral light at a location behind the retina, which causes the eye to continue developing. The researchers looked at whether high-add-power contact lenses slowed myopia development and eye growth more effectively than medium-add-power lenses. They discovered that the only contact lenses that significantly slowed eye growth were those with a high addition power.

5. Orthokeratology Contact Lenses:

Orthokeratology is the process of designing stiff gas-permeable contact lenses specifically to temporarily reduce or eliminate the refractive error by reshaping the corneal curvature. It is based on the idea of reverse geometry. OrthoK lenses press against the central corneal surface, reshaping the cornea. This flattens the cornea, i.e., the front part of the eye which decreases the eye’s axial length and focusing power. According to research, corneal reshaping, the lenses create a plus-powered ring in the periphery because of increased cell count and thus creating the plus-powered defocus like soft multifocal contact lenses and DIMS spectacles. OrthoK lenses are supposed to be worn by the child at night before sleeping and get a good night’s sleep with the lenses on. Best results are found in patients having myopia up to -5.00 dioptres. For refractive errors beyond -5.00, a customized OrthoK lens has to be designed. A major concern as a parent is about infections, thus Prof. Mark Bullimore had done a study to investigate the risk of infection in children due to overnight OrthoK lens wear and found the risk to be less than 1%, provided the care and maintenance regime of the lenses are followed appropriately as prescribed.

Summary

– Effective myopia control is important for us parents to think about.
– Increased near work is a risk factor for axial myopia progression.
– The following are the interventions for myopia control
– Reduce near-work or screen time
– Increase outdoor playtime
– Start using low does atropine
– Can consider using myopia-control spectacles
– Alternative to spectacles is multifocal soft contact lenses or orthokeratology.

 

Pro Tip – These myopia control spectacle lenses are usually not available at optical shops. Please speak to your eye care provider and confirm if they can fit these lenses for you.

What is double vision?

While some instances of double vision can be cute, some can be anything but, and rather disturbing. Double vision (diplopia) is an unfortunate, and sometimes frightening condition, where you can distinctly see two images of a single object. This can occur either some, or all, of the time. Both images are sometimes one on top of the other, or can be side by side; sometimes there is a mixture.

There are sometimes other symptoms which come with double vision which can be equally as distressing for the patient, including:

 – Nausea

– Headaches

– Weakness in the eyes

– Droopy eyelids

– Occasionally, there may also be a ‘cross-eyed’ or ‘wandering’ eye appearance.

The cause of your double vision will depend on whether it is coming from one eye or both and therefore for any occurrences of double vision, (and especially when you have not experienced it before) you should always pay a visit to your eye doctor, who will be in a position to best advise you as to which will be the best treatment option available.

Double Vision Causes and Treatment

The most important thing to discover before treating double vision is to find out exactly what is causing the problem. Sometimes it is possible for double vision to be improved by correcting the cause or if not, managing it.

 – Sometimes weak eye muscles can be the cause of double vision and if this is the case for you, it can be treated with surgery.

– A condition known as Myasthenia Gravis can be responsible for the cause of this condition and this can be treated with specific medication.

– Uncontrolled blood sugar in diabetic patients may also be a factor and this can be treated with proper control of sugar levels and/or insulin, (as prescribed by your medical practitioner).

Unfortunately there are sometimes cases when this distressing condition cannot be reversed. In this instance, there are still treatments which can help people to live with it, and these include the wearing of an eye patch, or there are special spectacles available which have a prism lens to help minimize the effects of double vision.

Double vision in one eye – Monocular Diplopia

In general, most people find that they only get double vision when trying to view something with both eyes, and that when one eye is covered, the double vision seems to go away. However, double vision can also occur in only one eye, which is known as ‘monocular,’ and is more unusual.

If the double vision is only occurring in one eye, this may lead your eye doctor down a different path when trying to establish causes and treatment, as he may be looking for different conditions.

Sudden Double Vision

The first thing to do if you suddenly experience double vision is not to panic. This can be down to something fairly minor, for example, stress or simply fatigue. However, it can also be a sign of a more serious condition.

If you are concerned about double vision, you should always contact your eye doctor to seek professional advice.

 

Avoid water getting in your eyes

You should avoid getting tap water in your eyes for the first week after your laser eye surgery. This is because water can contain particular bacteria and parasites which pose a risk to your eye health. In the first few days after eye surgery, your eyes can be a little more vulnerable to infection, so it’s important to protect them during this time. You should also avoid getting any soap or shampoo in your eyes as this is likely to cause discomfort and potentially affect the healing process. Try to have baths rather than showers, or to adjust the shower head to angle from the neck down only.

Do not rub your eyes

Rubbing your eyes while they heal from laser eye surgery can be very disruptive. If you’ve had LASIK treatment, whereby a flap is made in your cornea, rubbing your eye can actually dislodge the flap and cause it to lift. This is likely to be painful and will affect your vision, and will also require an emergency appointment to replace the flap. If you feel any itchiness or irritation that makes you want to rub your eyes, you can try administering eye drops instead to provide relief. At night, we recommend that you wear eye shields for the first week to prevent you from rubbing or knocking your eyes in your sleep.

Following an eye drops routine

Before you leave the clinic after your surgery and head home to recover, you will be given a selection of eye drops to use. These will keep your eyes hydrated and help them to heal. One of the main side effects of laser eye surgery, especially during the first few days, can be dry eyes. Making sure your eyes are hydrated with drops is essential in ensuring good healing and comfort, as well as helping to minimise the effects of dry eyes.

Avoid looking at digital screens

One of the most important elements of laser eye surgery recovery is to avoid digital screens for one day after Lasik surgery .In today’s society, it can be difficult to spend a few hours away from screens, particularly when smart phones are such an integral part of communication. However, in the first few hours after laser eye surgery, your eyes are likely to be especially light sensitive. You might find it easier to spend time away from screens and rest in a dark room with your eyes closed. Lots of our patients say that they listen to podcasts, music or simply nap in order to allow their eyes to heal.

Avoid dusty environments

Dust particles could lead to an infection and disrupt the healing process and, coupled with that, you really shouldn’t rub or rinse your eyes after laser treatment. To avoid this type of scenario, we tell all our patients to avoid dusty environments for the week after their surgery. This can apply to building sites and even underground transport systems which typically have huge amounts of dust in the air.

 

Very often people with a red eye will use over the counter medication when the eye turns red. This is to avoid a “cumbersome” visit to the Eye Doctor. However very often the chemist will offer a formulation containing an astringent (like Visine or Andre I kul) to cause rapid “whitening” of the eye. This is more harmful as it could cause rebound redness which could be worse than the initial presentation!

More alarming is the OTC drops could contain steroids. Steroid eyedrops would mask any underlying infection. Hence the eye would whiten rapidly while the underlying infection continues unabated. This could Lead to a deeper infection which spreads from the conjunctiva (white part of the eye) to the cornea (clear window in front of the eye). This is a much more serious condition with potentially severe visual problems as well.

Hence at any signs of redness or infection in the eyes do consult us. We are happy to help!

 

Can Children Get Eye Numbers Due To Excessive Tv/ Computer/ I Pad / Gadget Viewing

Once a child is diagnosed with having a refractive error necessitating the use of spectacles, parents often chide the child saying it could have been avoided if they had been more prudent in their usage of electronic devices and phones. The children are often chastised for bad visual postures like lying down and reading or lying down and watching TV.

The main cause of refractive errors is genetic , that is, getting numbers is inherited either from the parents or from some close relative in the family tree.  The majority  of children and adults who wear glasses/ contact lenses have inherited the same.

The one instance of inducing a refractive error (or numbers) is when children stare too much  at a near screen for prolonged periods of time. This could cause myopia or Short sighted ness. So , children should be counselled about the number of hours of electronic device usage and the distance to be maintained while viewing the same.

The importance of maintaining good “visual hygiene”  like reading in adequate light and  with correct  posture is to avoid  visual strain .

Very often when one is diagnosed as having a cataract, the next question is “How long can I wait before getting this procedure done?” OR “Doctor is mine an emergency situation? Do I need to get this done immediately?”

Most cataract surgeries and procedures are elective ones. In that they can be planned and conducted when it’s convenient for the patient and doctor. In rare cases , when one waits too long, the cataract   gets over ripe / matured and can theoretically “burst” / leak proteins into the eye causing adverse reactions like inflammation and high eye pressure.

Those hyper mature cataracts are the situations when the cataract needs to be done immediately.

In majority of cases, the deciding factor of the right time to get the surgery done is when the patient feels his visual activities are being hampered in any way. Due to the decreased vision, glare or visual disturbances caused by the cataract,