Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. In glaucoma there is an abnormally high pressure on the optic nerve which is responsible for sending visual information to the brain. Once the optic nerve is severely damaged, the brain can no longer receive information from the eye, leading to loss of vision. Hence, early diagnosis is very important.

How long does it take to recover after a cataract surgery?

Recovery from a cataract surgery can take anywhere between 6 hours to 1 week. The Phacoemulsification technique has reduced recovery time drastically.
If both my eyes have cataract, is the surgery done for both eyes at the same time?"

No. Each eye is operated on separately. After one eye is operated, a minimum of 3 days is required before operating the other eye. This time is needed for the operated eye to heal.
What are some early signs of cataract?

- Vision Deterioration - Seeing halos around bright lights - Glare from oncoming traffic lights - Frequent change in the prescription power of spectacles
What is the technique used to remove cataract?

Phacoemulsification technique is used to remove cataract. Ultrasound energy is used to dissolve the cloudy lens and suck it out. A foldable clear artificial lens is placed in the eye after the cataract is removed.
Will I still need my spectacles after my cataract surgery?

Depending on the type of artificial lens you opt for you may be completely spectacle free (multifocal lens) or you may need spectacles for near vision (monofocal lens).
How long does cataract surgery take?

The actual procedure takes around 15 minutes on an average. Adding 15 minutes of preparation time in the OT, it takes approximately 30 mins end to end.
How does cataract progress?

As cataract progresses, vision starts deteriorating. Sometimes the spectacle power keeps changing. If untreated for long, the cataract matures and becomes totally opaque. Once that stage is reached, nothing will be visible with that eye. Do not wait for the cataract to reach this advanced stage. It is best to treat it at the earliest possible stage.
What is advanced glaucoma surgery?

Advanced glaucoma surgery is when an external device is inserted in the eye to bring eye pressure down. It could be a valve, stent or collagen implant.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

In most cases there are NO SYMPTOMS. Therefore, it is known as a 'silent killer'. In some cases, the following can be symptoms of glaucoma. - Pain or a feeling of pressure on the eye - Frequent changing power of spectacles - Loss of visual field on the left or right side - Glare or halos around bright lights
Can glaucoma be cured?

Unfortunately, glaucoma cannot be cured. Only preventive measures can be taken to stop further damage. The sooner glaucoma is diagnosed, the better.
What are the types of glaucoma?

Depending on the cause of glaucoma, glaucoma is classified as primary glaucoma or secondary glaucoma. If there is no associated eye condition it is primary glaucoma. When there is an associated eye condition which is causing the eye pressure to increase, it is secondary glaucoma. Within primary glaucoma there are two sub-types - Open Angle Glaucoma and Closed Angle Glaucoma.
Who is at high-risk for glaucoma?

Glaucoma is much more common among older people. Those over 60 years of age are six times more likely to get glaucoma. It is also hereditary. Family history increases risk of glaucoma four to nine times. However, it is important to note that there are many other factors that can cause glaucoma as well.
How is glaucoma treated?

The focus of any glaucoma treatment is to reduce the eye pressure in the affected eye. Glaucoma is treated with eye drops, laser and in advanced cases with surgery depending on the type and extent of the condition.
Can diabetes affect parts of the eye other than the retina?

Yes, diabetes can affect other parts of the eye as well. It can speed up the rate of cataract or cause eyelid infections like styes and blepharitis. Diabetes can also lead to glaucoma.
Is Diabetic Retinopathy reversible?

While there is no known cure for diabetic retinopathy, retinal specialists can preserve and often restore vision loss from diabetic retinopathy through a variety of methods. These include injecting medication into the back of the eye, performing laser procedures and/or retinal surgery.
How are eye issues connected to diabetes treated?

Eye issues connected to diabetes or diabetic retinopathy are treated according to the type and stage of the eye disease. Drops are used in the early stages. They help reduce swelling in the retina. Anti-VEGF injections are given in the eye for advanced conditions. They reduce swelling and bleeding in the eye. Surgical intervention is needed in case of retinal detachment or massive bleeding in the eye.
What are the symptoms of eye conditions caused due to diabetes?

Diabetic retinopathy symptoms can include: - Blurred vision - Diminished colour recognition -Dark or empty spaces in the vision -Floaters in front of your eyes -Sudden loss of vision Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes. However, it is possible to not have any symptoms and yet suffer from diabetic retinopathy. Hence, it is recommended to have an eye examination every year once you have been diagnosed with diabetes.
How often is follow-up needed after treatment?

Depending on the severity of the condition anywhere between 1 month to 6 months is the duration you will have to follow-up. Even if you have healthy eyes, an annual checkup is recommended if you are diabetic.
At what age is it acceptable for a child to wear contact lenses?

It is advised that children be above 10 years of age to wear contact lenses. However, it is subjective as contact lenses require special care and hygiene.
How can I help keep my child's eyes healthy?

- Reduce screen time: A maximum of 2 hours a day should be permitted and screen time should be avoided at night. - 20-20-20 exercise: Every 20 minutes look at an object beyond 20 feet away for 20 seconds. - Blue light filters: Switch on blue light filtering mode on the your child's screen. If they already wear spectacles, they should have a coating of blue light filter on the same. - Position: The top of the screen should be in line with their nose and their back should be straight.
How often should children have their eyes examined?

Infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age. After that, kids should have routine eye exams at age 3 and again at age 5 or 6 (just before they enter kindergarten or the first grade). After that age, an eye exam every two years is recommended if no eye related issues are observed. Children who need eyeglasses or contact lenses should be examined annually.
Can children get laser treatment to get rid of spectacles or contact lenses?

It is not recommended to get laser treatment for vision correction for those below 18 years of age. This is because the eyes are still developing and undergo changes.
Can the power of spectacles be reversed or will children have it for life?

This depends on the type of power they have. If a child has a plus power then it is possible he/she will grow out of it. If a child has a minus power and if there is a family history of spectacle wearers then it is less likely that he/she will grow out of it.
What is Ptosis?

Ptosis is another name for a drooping eyelid. It can be congenital in children or in adults due to trauma, old age or even tumours. It is very important to know the cause of ptosis once it has been observed.
How is a blocked tear duct treated?

Tear drainage ducts can get blocked at any level from the eyes to the nose. The treatment for this is to make an alternate drainage pathway into the nose from the eyes. This procedure is known as a Dacryocystorhinostomy or DCR.
Will I need cosmetic surgery to correct my drooping eyelid (Ptosis)?

Answer If you feel it is affecting your vision or you are not happy with the look of your eyes cosmetically it is better to take care of it with a minor corrective surgery.
What is a DCR?

Dacryocystorhinostomy is a surgery where the tear drainage is redirected into the nose by bypassing the area of blockage. It is done under general anesthesia as it involves minor bone alteration. However, this does not in any way alter the cosmetic look of the nose or face. A nasal pack is applied for 24 hours after the surgery to prevent any bleeding from the nose.
What is a Stye?

A stye is a reddish swollen lump like a boil that is observed on or inside the eyelid. Styes are caused by bacterial infections in the oil gland (under the eyelid) or in the eyelashes (on the eyelid). Depending on the type of severity of the stye, it either subsides by medication or will need draining by a professional.
Is LASIK safe?

LASIK is one of the safest and most effective procedures related to the eyes. It is a very commonly performed procedure with a very high success rate.
Does doing LASIK guarantee that spectacles or contact lenses will not be needed again?

No. There is no such guarantee. However, LASIK greatly reduces the rate of change of prescription power. You might need to get your eyes tested around the age of 40 when age-related eye conditions arise naturally.
When is the right time to get LASIK done?

LASIK can be done anytime after the age of 18 as long as your power has been stable for a year.
What care should a patient take after the LASIK procedure?

The patient will have to rest for 2 days and wear protective glasses for 2 weeks. For 2 weeks, avoid splashing water on the eyes or having a head bath. Swimming and rubbing of eyes is to be avoided for 1 month.
What is the follow-up procedure for LASIK?

Follow-up needs to be done 2 days after the procedure. Then two visits - one a week after the procedure and the next a month after the procedure.
Who should not get LASIK done?

Anyone with existing eye-related conditions should avoid LASIK. Even those have any underlying health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, autoimmune diseases etc. should not opt for this procedure.
If I start wearing spectacles or contact lenses, will it be for life?"

Spectacle or contact lenses are worn due to theinability of the eye to focus on objects. This inability if ignored doesn't improve. Eventually you can opt for LASIK or undergo a cataract surgery which restores the eyes focusing power when older.
Is there any alternative to spectacles or contact lenses?

The alternative to spectacles or contact lenses is to get rid of them. LASIK is a fairly safe option for younger people. For elderly people who have cataracts, getting them removed and placing a multifocal lens in the eye can help get rid of spectacles.
How do I take care of my contact lenses?

- It is very important to use them only for 8 hours or less. The remainder of the time they should be kept in the lens solution. - No homemade lens solutions should be used. - You Must never sleep or swim with them on. - Always dispose of them after expiry.
How often should a vision test be done?

If your eyes are normal and you are below the age of 40, annual eye check-ups are more than enough. However, if you have diabetes or any eye related issues like glaucoma or early cataract you should get your eyes checked more often depending on the severity of the pre-existing condition.
Can one eye be nearsighted and the other farsighted?

Although rare it is possible. In such cases regular eye check-ups from early childhood should be done to prevent one eye from becoming lazy.

Quick Check for Glaucoma

Does anyone in your family suffer from glaucoma?
Does your spectacle power change frequently?
Do you have difficulty seeing things that are on your right or left?
Have you noticed any halos around lights or glare when you look at bright lights?
Do you feel heaviness or pain in your eyes?
Are you on any form of steroid treatment?

Glaucoma

Quick Check for Glaucoma

If you have answered most of these questions with a yes, we suggest you get your eyes examined at the earliest.