Eye Care Tips

POLLUTION AND EYES

Eyes are most exposed and most sensitive structure of our body, that work all the time, in all seasons, in all weathers and ways. Here are some important insights as to how the daily levels of ambient air affects our eyes and what can we do about them.

Q1. The day next to my favorite festival, Diwali was a nightmare, with my eyes paining and watering from the moment I opened them. Why??

A1. Air pollution especially the levels of toxic gases like carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide  and particulate matter that tends to increase with smog, excessive vehicular pollution, industrial gaseous emissions like sulphur or post festivity cracker burning, often gives rise to discomforting symptoms such as pain, watering, redness, irritation, itching, smarting of the eyes, and discharge coming from the eyes.

Q2. Why pollution harms people’s eyes?

A2. Some medical researchers believe that the lack of humidity in very polluted areas can damage a person’s eyes. Another reason may be increased amounts of UV radiation in the atmosphere, which is a contributing factor in causing several eye disorders, including cancer of the skin around the eye, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

Q3. What are the various sources of pollution that commonly affects our eyes?

A3. The major air pollutants in any big city are

• Carbon monoxide: It is emitted from automobiles, air conditioners and heaters. It is the biggest source of air pollution.

• Nitrogen dioxide: It is emitted from cars and factories. It causes severe allergic reactions and also acid rain.

• Particulate matter: Coarse and fine particles in atmosphere cause irritation and allergic symptoms in the human body.

• Sulphur dioxide: It has a rotten egg smell and mainly comes from industries. It causes smog reducing visibility and is a very strong irritant for skin, eyes and breathing.

• Other pollutants: Asbestos, arsenic, benzene, lead, dioxin etc are other sources of air pollution today. Chlorofluorocarbons, halons etc cause reduction in protective ozone layer in atmosphere causing eye and skin chronic irritation and even the risk of cancer.

Q4. What can be the potential effects of pollution on our eyes?

A4. There is a spectrum of symptoms occurring due to air pollution. It may range from simple irritation and burning to severe allergy, cataract and even cancer. The most common problems are-

Redness, Burning sensation, Watering, Ropy discharge, Itching sensation, Dry, gritty sensation, Difficulty in vision due to watering and itching,

Allergic reaction: Severe itching, redness, discharge, eyelid swelling, inability to open eyes, vision problem and risk of infection (conjunctivitis, ulcers).

Q5. How can I prevent my eyes from damage in times when the pollution levels are high?

A5. Rule one is try to stay indoors when pollution levels are high. If you must go outside, you should make sure to take proper precautions. Some of the preventative steps that you should take include wearing sunglasses while you are outdoors to block out the sun, remaining up to date with smog alerts and the daily air quality index, washing your hands frequently, eating a diet which is high in Omega 3 fatty acids and includes foods like carrots, fish, and spinach, remaining hydrated, using lubricating eye drops, avoiding smoking— which greatly increases the chance that your eyes will become dehydrated, and using a high quality air filter in your home to keep out pollutants.

Q6. I am a regular contact lens wearer. Due to high pollution levels, my eyes stay irritated. 

Should I use some special precautions while using contact lenses?

A6.If you wear contacts, there are some important steps that you should follow to reduce the effects that irritants might have on your eyes. These steps include using eye drops when necessary and properly disinfecting contact lenses. If your eyes do become irritated while wearing contacts, you should immediately remove the lenses with clean hands and rinse the contacts before storing in solution.

Q7. How does air pollution accelerate dry eyes syndrome?

A8. Living in areas with high amounts of air pollution increases the risk of dry eye syndrome. It remains uncertain, however, exactly why air pollution causes dry eye syndrome. Aerosol optical depth and atmospheric pressure, however, are strong indicators of whether a person will be impacted by dry eye syndrome. One of the great challenges presented by dry eye syndrome is that the condition is hard to treat and often results in a person being uncomfortable for several days or weeks.

Q8. My Doctor has prescribed some lubricant drops to me. How will they help me?

A7. In cases of mild eye irritation, many eye care professionals recommend the use of artificial tears, which can be used to make sure that a person’s eyes retain moisture. In other cases, an ophthalmologist might prescribe medications or ointments. Sometimes, an eye care professional might insert a permanent or temporary plug into a person’s eye to prevent tears from draining too quickly. In severe cases, a person might require tear duct surgery to help repair drainage.

Q9. Every day care for protecting the eyes against pollution?

A9. Each day the eyes bear the brunt of chemicals and gases in ambient air.

Protective steps include:

1. wear protective goggles with UV ray filters and anti-reflective coating

2. Maintain hand hygiene and wash your hands frequently.

3. Keep yourself well hydrated

4. Eat nutritious foods

5. Wash your eyes with cold water twice or thrice a day to wash out any allergens

6. Do cold compresses with ice packs or cool eye masks.

7. Do not self- medicate with over the counter medications.

8. Visit your eye care practitioner in case of recurrent symptoms.

LASIK FAQs

What is LASIK surgery?

A LASIK surgery procedure is designed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts. An excimer laser gently reshapes the cornea with computer-controlled precision to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Is LASIK surgery right for me?

LASIK surgery has great potential to give you a life where putting your contacts in and reaching for your glasses in the morning is a memory of the past. The best way to determine, if you are a candidate for laser vision correction.

In general, you must be at least 18 years old, have healthy eyes and a stable eye prescription for the last twelve months. Those with certain medical conditions and women who are pregnant or nursing (within the last 3 months) are not the best candidates.

Will I have 20/20 vision after my LASIK surgery?

Although some of our world renowned LASIK surgeons can provide you with data on the outcome of your surgery, no one can guarantee you perfect vision. However, we are pleased to announce that following laser vision correction, a vast majority of our patients are able to drive, play sports and watch TV without glasses! Our patients are overwhelmed with this life-changing event and enjoy referring their friends and family.

How long will vision correction last?

The distance vision correction is fairly permanent following laser vision correction. However, as with the course of nature, there are some age related changes that will occur regardless of whether or not you had LASIK surgery.

Am I a suitable candidate for LASIK?

Whether you are a suitable candidate for microkeratome or femto bladeless lasik, the surgeon will be able to guide you after examining your eye parameters like:

• You are at least 19 years old.

• Your Refraction ( glasses power) are stable for more than a year

• You will have to undergo detailed Eye examination to decide if Lasik is suitable for your Eyes - Corneal Thickness ad Curvature, Eye Pressure, Retina Examination etc.

• You should not be pregnant or nursing as these conditions might change the measured Refraction of the Eye. It is best to wait for 6 months after delivery to get Lasik done.

• You should be in good general health. Lasik may not be recommended for patients with Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Lupus.

• You should not have eye Diseases like Keratoconus, Glaucoma, Herpes Infections of the Eye, severe Dry Eye.

Click here to know more about lasik


GLAUCOMA
How will I know that I am suffering from Glaucoma?

Most of the time this condition is detected only upon Routine Eye Examination since there are hardly ever symptoms till very late. Hence all patients at our hospital / clinic above 40 years age are screened for the same. The symptoms of this disease may vary from no Symptoms to Eye ache, Headache, red painful Eye and blurred vision. Sometimes early Glaucoma can cause frequent change in spectacles power.


CATARACT
What causes cataracts and how can I prevent them?

There’s no real way to prevent cataracts, as they are simply a part of aging and are caused by a natural buildup of protein in your eye’s lens. Fortunately, they can be treated with a common and generally safe surgery.

My eye care provider said I have mature or advanced cataracts. What does this mean?

Mature or advanced cataracts means that your cataracts have developed to the point that your lens appears to be mostly opaque and makes things difficult to see. When you have mature or advanced cataracts you will usually require surgery.

When am I likely to develop cataracts?

People start to develop cataracts as early as their 40s, but generally don’t start to notice symptoms of their cataracts until their 60s.

Is there any way to correct my cataracts, besides surgery?

No, but you can manage some of the early symptoms of cataracts with new prescription glasses or contact lenses, and by wearing sunglasses to counteract light sensitivity until it’s time to have surgery.

When should I get my cataract surgery?

Usually, you only need to have cataract surgery when your cataracts start to affect your everyday vision. If you’re having trouble reading, watching TV, or driving, it’s time to talk to your eye care provider about next steps.


What are the risks of cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is generally regarded as one of the safest surgeries you can have. Although rare, risks can include: inflammation, infection, bleeding, swelling, retinal detachment, glaucoma, secondary cataract, or loss of vision.

When will my vision return to normal?

You can generally expect your vision to begin improving within a few days.

Diabetic Retinopathy

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition in which high blood sugar causes retinal blood vessels to swell and leak blood.

Is there any way to prevent diabetic retinopathy?

Keeping your blood sugar at an even level can help prevent diabetic retinopathy. If you have high blood pressure, keeping that under control is helpful as well.

Even controlled diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, so you should have your eyes examined once a year; that way, your doctor can begin treating any retinal damage as soon as possible.


What are the signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, you might have no symptoms at all, or you might have blurred vision.

In the later stages, you develop cloudy vision, blind spots or floaters. But never assume that good vision means all is well in the retina! This can be a setup for disaster.


What are the different types of diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is classified as either non-proliferative or proliferative.
Non-proliferative retinopathy is the early stage, where small retinal blood vessels break and leak.


In proliferative retinopathy, new blood vessels grow abnormally within the retina. This new growth can cause scarring or a retinal detachment, which can lead to vision loss. The new blood vessels may also grow or bleed into the vitreous humor, the transparent gel filling the back of the eye in front of the retina.


Is diabetic retinopathy curable?

No. Early treatment can slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy, but is not likely to reverse any vision loss.

What diabetic retinopathy treatments are currently available?

The best treatment is to keep your diabetes under control.