admin

Cataract surgery offers the opportunity to restore clear vision and improve the quality of life. One crucial decision you’ll face during this process is choosing the right intraocular lens (IOL) that will replace your natural lens. This blog aims to guide you through the factors to consider and provide insights to help you make an informed choice for optimal postoperative visual outcomes.

•  Understanding Intraocular Lenses

During cataract surgery, artificial lenses called intraocular lenses (IOLs) are inserted to replace the clouded natural lens. IOLs are available in a variety of varieties, each created to meet a particular visual requirement. Mono-focal and premium multifocal or accommodating lenses are the two main classifications. While premium lenses have the potential for a wider range of vision, unlike mono-focal lenses, which only allow clear vision at one distance, they also need less wear of glasses or contact lenses.

•  Consider Your Lifestyle and Visual Needs

The first step in selecting the best IOL is to take your lifestyle and visual needs into account. Your ophthalmologist will choose the best IOL for you after talking with you about your daily routine, interests, and employment requirements. Premium multifocal or accommodating lenses can be worth taking into consideration if you lead an active lifestyle or want to wear glasses as little as possible. However, your ophthalmologist may suggest a different type of lens if you have unique visual demands, such as using a computer frequently or driving at night, to improve your visual results.

•  Understand the Pros and Cons

Every IOL type has benefits and drawbacks. Reading glasses may still be necessary for close-up work even when mono-focal lenses provide great vision at a defined distance, often distant vision. There is a chance for a wider range of vision, including close, mid, and distant vision, with premium multifocal or accommodating lenses. But some people could see glare, haloes, or decreased contrast sensitivity when using these glasses. You must thoroughly explore the benefits and drawbacks of each IOL type with your ophthalmologist considering your particular situation and expectations.

• Discuss with Your Ophthalmologist

The knowledge of your ophthalmologist is crucial for selecting the best IOL. They will examine your eyes, gauge the severity of the cataract, and consider things like corneal health, ocular dominance, and pre-existing eye problems. They will offer personalized recommendations catered to your requirements based on this assessment. Ask questions, voice any concerns you may have, and make sure you comprehend the advantages and potential drawbacks of each IOL.

• Advanced Technology IOLs and Cost Considerations

There are high-tech IOLs available in addition to mono-focal and premium multifocal/accommodating lenses. Toric lenses for astigmatism correction and extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses with a wider field of vision are examples of these. For those with certain vision requirements, these specialized lenses might be helpful. It’s crucial to remember, nevertheless, that compared to conventional mono-focal lenses, advanced technology IOLs could be more expensive. With your ophthalmologist, go through the financial issue and take insurance or other payment possibilities into consideration.

•   Understanding Your Eye’s Health and Measurements

To determine the most appropriate IOL for your eyes, your ophthalmologist will perform a thorough evaluation. This typically includes measuring the length and shape of your eye, evaluating the corneal curvature, and assessing the health of your retina and optic nerve. These measurements and assessments help in selecting the right power and design of the IOL to optimize visual outcomes. Trust in the expertise of your ophthalmologist and ensure that they have access to accurate and up-to-date measurements to enhance the precision of the lens selection process.

• Postoperative Expectations and Follow-up Care

Understanding the expected outcomes and postoperative care is essential. After cataract surgery, there will be an adjustment period for your eyes to adapt to the new IOL. Your ophthalmologist will provide guidance on activities to avoid during the healing phase and prescribe eye drops for proper healing and prevention of infection. Regular follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your progress and address any concerns. Open communication with your ophthalmologist throughout the healing process is crucial to ensure the best possible visual outcome and overall satisfaction with your chosen IOL.

Making the best intraocular lens choice is a crucial choice that may significantly affect your eyesight and way of life. You may confidently make a decision that is in line with your visual needs and preferences by considering a variety of factors, talking with your ophthalmologist, and learning the advantages and limits of various IOL solutions. Keep in mind that cataract surgery will leave you with clear eyesight, and the correct IOL can make the journey even more pleasant.

When it comes to cataract surgery, understanding what to expect during the consultation is crucial. This initial appointment allows you to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and gather necessary information. In this blog, we will delve into the key aspects of a cataract surgery consultation and help you prepare for this important step towards regaining a clear vision.

Cataract surgery is a common procedure that involves removing the cloudy lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Before scheduling your surgery, your ophthalmologist will conduct a comprehensive consultation to assess your eye health, determine the severity of the cataract, and discuss your options.

Here’s what you can expect during your cataract surgery consultation:

• Eye Examination:

The ophthalmologist will begin the consultation by performing a comprehensive eye examination. This may include a visual acuity test, a measurement of intraocular pressure, and a detailed assessment of your eye’s structure and health. These evaluations help your doctor understand the extent of the cataract and any other existing eye conditions that may impact the surgery or recovery process.

• Medical history record: 

The Ophthalmologist will ask you about your medical history during the consultation, including any past eye operations, current medical problems, allergies, and drugs you are taking. To provide the safest and most productive surgical experience, it is crucial to submit accurate and comprehensive information.

• Understanding the Pros & Cons: 

Ophthalmologists will take the time to go through the pros, cons, and techniques of cataract surgery. They will go through the many kinds of intraocular lenses that are available and assist you in selecting the one that best meets your eyesight requirements. To make sure you are knowledgeable and at ease with the impending treatment, you will have the chance to ask questions and address any concerns you might have.

Before cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist will provide specific instructions to prepare you for the procedure. These instructions may include dietary restrictions, discontinuation of certain medications, and guidelines for eye drop usage. You may also be advised to arrange transportation for the day of surgery, as your vision may be temporarily affected.

• Cataract Surgery Consultation: 

Your cataract surgery consultation is an essential step towards achieving clearer vision. By understanding what to expect during this appointment, you can actively participate in the decision-making process and prepare yourself for a successful surgery. Remember to ask questions, share any concerns, and follow the guidance provided by your ophthalmologist. Together, you and your doctor can pave the way for improved vision and a brighter future.

• Understanding the Anaesthesia options: 

During your cataract surgery consultation, you can also expect to discuss the different types of anesthesia options available. Your ophthalmologist will explain whether you will receive local anesthesia to numb the eye or general anesthesia to put you to sleep during the procedure. They will consider factors such as your overall health, personal preferences, and the complexity of your case to determine the most suitable anesthesia approach.

In addition to discussing the surgical process, your ophthalmologist will address the potential risks and complications associated with cataract surgery.

•  While the procedure is generally safe and successful, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects such as infection, bleeding, or swelling. 
• Your doctor will provide detailed information about these risks, as well as the measures they take to minimize them.
• If you have any specific lifestyle or visual goals, such as reducing dependency on glasses or correcting astigmatism, your consultation is the perfect opportunity to discuss these with your ophthalmologist. 
• They can guide you through the available options, such as choosing a specific type of intraocular lens that can address your specific needs.

Lastly, your cataract surgery consultation will typically involve discussing the recovery process. Your ophthalmologist will explain what to expect in terms of post-operative care, including the use of prescribed eye drops, the need to wear a protective eye shield, and any activity restrictions during the initial healing period. They will also provide an estimated timeline for when you can expect to resume normal activities and achieve optimal visual outcomes.

Remember, your cataract surgery consultation is a valuable chance to establish a good rapport with your ophthalmologist and ensure that you have a clear understanding of the procedure. Take this opportunity to voice any concerns, clarify doubts, and gather all the necessary information. By actively participating in the consultation, you can make informed decisions about your eye health and contribute to a successful cataract surgery experience.

As a parent, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs that your child may need glasses. Vision problems can significantly impact your child’s ability to learn and navigate their world, and early detection and intervention are key to ensuring they have the support they need to thrive. In this blog, we’ll delve into each sign in more detail, so you can better understand what to look for and what to do next.

Squinting

Squinting is one of the most common signs that your child may need glasses. If you notice that your child is squinting or closing one eye to see things better, it may indicate that they’re having trouble seeing clearly. Squinting can temporarily improve vision by narrowing the aperture of the eye, which reduces the amount of light entering the eye, and thus can make it easier to see.

Sitting Too Close to the TV or Computer

If your child is consistently sitting too close to the TV or computer screen, it may be a sign that they’re struggling to see what’s on the screen from a distance. Sitting too close can cause eye strain and fatigue, leading to headaches and difficulty focusing.

Frequent Headaches

Headaches can be a sign of many different things, but if your child is experiencing frequent headaches, it may be due to eye strain from struggling to see clearly. Eye strain can cause particularly noticeable headaches in the forehead or temple region.

Tilted Head or Covering One Eye

If your child tilts their head or covers one eye to see things better, it’s a sign that they’re having trouble seeing out of that eye. Covering one eye can reduce the amount of visual information the brain has to process, making it easier to see clearly.

Eye Rubbing

If your child is frequently rubbing their eyes, it may be a sign of eye strain or fatigue from struggling to see clearly. Eye rubbing can further exacerbate eye strain and can even cause eye infections if hands are not clean.

Holding Books or Objects Too Close

If your child is holding books or other objects too close to their face, it may be a sign that they’re having trouble seeing from a distance. This can be particularly noticeable when reading or doing other close-up activities.

Clumsiness

Vision problems can also affect your child’s coordination and balance, leading to clumsiness or poor motor skills. This can be especially noticeable when your child plays sports or engages in other physical activities.

Sensitivity to Light

If your child is sensitive to light or frequently squints in bright light, it may be a sign that they have an underlying vision problem. Light sensitivity can cause discomfort and make it difficult to perform everyday tasks in bright environments.

Struggling to Read or Write

If your child is having difficulty reading or writing, it may be due to vision problems that make it hard for them to see the letters or words clearly. This can lead to frustration and difficulty keeping up with their peers in school.

Lack of Interest in Visual Activities

If your child seems disinterested in visual activities like reading, drawing, or watching movies, it may be due to difficulty seeing or a fear of failure. This can lead to a lack of engagement in school and social activities, which can impact their overall development.

If you notice any of these signs in your child, it’s important to schedule an appointment with an best optometrist or ophthalmologist to have their vision evaluated. Early detection and treatment of vision problems can significantly improve your child’s quality of life and help them succeed in school and beyond. Don’t hesitate to advocate for your child’s eye health – their vision is too important to ignore.

Dry eyes are a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition occurs when the eyes lack lubrication and moisture, leading to discomfort, redness, and other symptoms. 

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

The symptoms of dry eyes can vary from person to person. However, the most common symptoms of dry eyes include:

• Dryness and discomfort in the eyes: This is the most common symptom of dry eyes. You may experience a feeling of grittiness, burning, itching, or a sensation of something being in your eyes.
• Redness and irritation: Dry eyes can cause the whites of your eyes to become red and inflamed. Your eyes may also feel sore and irritated.
• Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes: Dry eyes can cause a burning or stinging sensation in the eyes, which can be quite uncomfortable.
• Blurred vision: Dry eyes can cause your vision to become blurred, making it difficult to see clearly.
• Sensitivity to light: If you have dry eyes, you may be more sensitive to light than usual. Bright lights or sunlight may cause discomfort or pain.
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, dry eyes can make it difficult to wear them comfortably. Your lenses may feel uncomfortable and not stay in place properly.
• Eye fatigue: Dry eyes can cause eye fatigue, which can make it difficult to concentrate or perform visually demanding tasks.
• Excessive tearing: Paradoxically, dry eyes can cause your eyes to produce excess tears as a reflex response to the dryness, which can lead to tearing and further discomfort.

Causes of Dry Eyes

Several factors can contribute to the development of dry eyes. The most common causes of dry eyes include:

• Aging: As we age, the production of tears decreases, leading to dry eyes.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to dry and windy environments, air conditioning, and smoke can cause dry eyes.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can cause dry eyes.
• Medications: Some medications like antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and birth control pills can cause dry eyes.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, and menstruation can cause dry eyes.

Treatment for Dry Eyes

The treatment for dry eyes depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some of the common treatment options include:

• Artificial tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can help lubricate the eyes and provide relief from dryness and discomfort.
• Prescription eye drops: In more severe cases, prescription eye drops that increase tear production or reduce inflammation may be recommended.
• Punctal plugs: These are small devices that are placed in the tear ducts to block tear drainage, thus increasing the amount of moisture in the eyes.
• Lifestyle changes: Simple changes like taking frequent breaks while using a computer, using a humidifier, and avoiding exposure to dry environments can help reduce the symptoms of dry eyes.

Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to block tear drainage or to correct underlying structural problems.

In conclusion, dry eyes are a common condition that can cause discomfort and irritation. If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, it is important to consult an eye doctor who can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, most people with dry eyes can find relief from their symptoms.

Many people believe that if a person develops or is born with a squint, it is permanent. Also, there is a false assumption that squinting eye in children needs no evaluation till they are grown up.

To break a few myths in India, it is important to first understand facts about squint and consequences when left untreated. The general incidence rate of strabismus, or squint, is between 4% and 6%. However, premature new-borns have an incidence rate of 30% to 40%.

What is a Squinting eye?

To keep your eyes straight brain eye coordination is required. There are nerve fibres connecting brain centres with eye muscles which send signals to move eyes in different directions. Squint can arise due to either neurological (defect in connecting nerve fibres) or local cause (defect in eye muscles).

There are types of squints you must know about & what they are known as:

Types of Squint Eyes:

– An eye that turns inwards is called Esotropia.

– An eye that turns outwards is called an Exotropia.

– An eye that turns upwards is called a Hypertropia.

– An eye that turns downwards is called Hypotropia.

Before treatment, there are two significant subjects to understand.

– The age group of the person having a squint

– What are the symptoms of squint?

Childhood Squint

In children, squint is easily noticeable. It can be present since birth. In some situations, it resolves by 6 months but if it persist, it’s always advisable to seek medical help from a child eye care specialist known as Paediatric Ophthalmologist. During child’s developmental period, the eye and brain co-ordination develops during the first 8 years of life and it leads to full vision development. Misalignment of eyes prevents this brain-eye co-ordination as the image in misaligned eye is not falling on its corresponding point on the retina. With time, the child may stop using this eye and if left untreated, may lead to lazy eye (Amblyopia) i.e vision cannot reach 100% even after spectacle use or any other treatment. After 8 years of age, once full eye brain coordination develops it’s difficult to achieve full vision even with various treatment modalities.

Adult Squint Eyes

Some adults, or even older adults, develop squints due to medical problems such as thyroid, diabetes, head trauma, stroke, etc. But it is curable by non-surgical treatments and surgical modalities.

Symptoms of squint

In general it’s difficult for children to understand symptoms. They might complain of frequent headaches, blurring of vision and intolerance to light. Signs are more important than symptoms in children. You might notice abnormal head posture like face turn to specific side or head tilt while watching television or while reading.

If you notice sudden onset of squint in your child, please consult paediatric ophthalmologist immediately.

Adults can complain of double vision, tilting of objects, headache and even limitation of eye movements depending upon type and onset of squint.

Treatment for Squint

NON SURGICAL– This includes various types of vision therapy. It’s not necessary that squint can be corrected only surgically. Depending upon the type of squint and age of presentation, paediatric ophthalmologist can help you with type of eye exercises (both office based and home based) and achieve better control of squint. There are various types of exercises depending upon the type of squint. Few of them are Pencil Push up exercises, Brock String and Barrel Cards.

Prism Eyeglasses: It is used for short-term purpose. Prism glasses are thin press-on vinyl stickers that can be added on both the front & back surface of your normal powered glasses.

Surgery: When other methods do not give beneficial results, surgery could be an option. Squint surgery involved changing position of eye muscles. There are total 6 eye muscles in each eye which are attached on white part of eyes. As parents, we usually get anxious or get panicked if surgery is advised for a child below 8 years. But, as the child needs straight eyes for normal and full vision development, your consulting pediatric ophthalmologist may advise surgery for the benefit of the child.  Delaying surgery despite of paediatric ophthalmologist advice might not restore vision and will give only cosmetic results.

Conclusion

Squinting of eye is a condition that can be cured with various methods. Be more vigilant and prompt in consulting your paediatric ophthalmologist if your child is having squint as it can lead to lazy eye if not treated timely especially below 8 years of age. But the right treatment under experts is now possible in Mumbai. Iksha Eye Care has a team of the best paediatric ophthalmologists in Mumbai to treat squint eyes. We have a team of doctors who are well-experienced and passionate about serving every child as we believe that ‘every child is special’

Book an appointment with our squint specialists in Mumbai today.

A lazy eye is when vision in one eye or both eyes does not develop appropriately. In medical terms, it is called Amblyopia. This interferes with development of finer visual functions like appreciating contrast and depth perception.

Lazy eye usually develops in early years of life; if identified correctly, it can be treated. It happens because one or both eyes cannot build a solid link to the brain, making one eye or both eyes weak and subsequently ‘lazy’ to carry out its main function i.e vision. The brain favors the better eye allowing the weaker eye to get worse with time.

Symptoms of lazy eye are:

– Trouble telling how near or far away an object or person is

– Squinting or shutting one eye

– Head tilting

– Bump into things on a particular side

– Favor one side of the body

Who can have a lazy eye?

Children with

• Uncorrected refractive error
• Squint (misaligned eyes)
• Any other cause obscuring or obstructing the light to enter in eyes like cataract

What happens if lazy eye is left untreated?

Uncorrected Refractive Errors:

In case, child is having glasses and he or she is not wearing it, especially if numbers are high or number is in one eye only, image on the retina (visual membrane) will be blurred. The first 8 years of life is very crucial for vision development. Blurred image causes a weak eye-brain coordination and thus unable to attain vision fully. Thus, the eye’s potential vision may not be achieved and hence locked at a certain percentage of vision. As a result of which, even if the corrective glasses are prescribed at a later age, the vision might not achieve the 100% mark.

Thus, it’s essential to get your child screened at 6 months, 1 year, preschool (3 years) , preprimary ( 5 years) and then annually, even if the child is not complaining of any vision problems.

Strabismus:

Lazy eyes can cause squint and squint can cause lazy eyes.

Cataract

Children can be born with cataract or can develop cataract at a later age. This prevents the light to fully enter inside the eyes and fall on its back part called as the retina (visual membrane). This affects the eye-brain coordination. It is a myth that children should not undergo cataract removal at an early age. Early removal of cataract can help the outside light to fully reach the back part of the eye after entering the eye and can result in better vision development.

Multiple questions may be there about the lazy eye that can be resolved. Please consult an experienced and certified Child Eye Care specialist known as Pediatric Ophthalmologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Can one Treat Lazy Eye?   

Treatment is possible if the lazy eye has been noticed in early childhood. Glasses, eye drops, exercise, contact lenses, eye patches, or vision therapy can help to improve the eyesight and function of both eyes.

Can we treat lazy eye in adulthood?

With latest advances in technology, if lazy eye is not treated in childhood, we still have a hope to treat it in adulthood.

Trial of patching and recent software based exercises might help us to achieve better vision. Both office based and home based therapies are available. For further queries, please consult your Pediatric Ophthalmologist.

When you are the one who is looking for proper treatment for impaired eye issues in your beloved child, Iksha Eye Care superpeciality eye hospital situated conveniently at Andheri, Mumbai, is one of the top-rated finest eye hospitals providing the latest equipment and technology for all child eye care treatments. Iksha Eye Care hospital is known for one of the best squint surgery in Mumbai. Iksha Eye Care consists of an experienced team who understands the needs and moods of a child and is headed by Dr Pooja Ghodke, one of the best Pediatric Ophthalmologist in Mumbai. Today we are treating numerous patients to help them see the world clearly under the guidance of Dr. Ghodke, who founded the hospital in 2020 to provide best-in-class eye treatment under one roof and at an affordable cost. If you are looking for an expert for your kid, connect instantly for a check-up & know everything about lazy eye.

Vision development is one of the most important milestone for child’s development & building a promising career. It’s the key to perform better in academics, sports & other activities. After birth, eye growth takes place and gradually vision develops to its full potential provided clear image falls on retina (posterior part of eye). Any refractive error will blur the image and this will hamper complete vision development.   Uncorrected refractive errors in children lead to poor academic growth, injuries, reduced social participation, and functional impairment. Correction of visual impairment with spectacles is the most cost-effective intervention for improving eye care and thus the productivity and functionality of children.

Signs of Vision Problems

Since children usually don’t complain about vision problems, few signs can help you understand need for eye checkup.

• If the child is complaining of discomfort in eyes
• Rubbing or blinking or squeezing their eyes
• Covering one eye
• Regular headaches
• Seeing double
• Losing place when reading
• Watching television too closely
• Repeated eyelid swellings

When the child is facing these issues, there is a need for eye specialists. Spectacles have a quality of being simple to use, non-invasive and inexpensive. However, spectacle power calculation is entirely different in children as compared to adults. Their inherent eye muscle power makes it difficult to determine exact spectacle power by automated machines. Specific eye drops are required to relax eye muscles. Correct spectacle power calculation thus play an important role in such children as their entire life depends on it.

As a responsible parent, you must plan a visit to an experienced Pediatric Ophthalmologist if they notice the aforementioned eye problems in their child. They will guide you through opting for the right spectacles & contact lenses for your child. The proper treatment will manage eye issues and reduce the chance of increasing eye problems.

Schedule an Appointment with a Pediatric Ophthalmologist.

Different refractive error

A child with impaired vision may experience the following issues:

Myopia: When a child can’t see things far clearly, it is a standard error in children.

Hyperopia: This type of vision issue is not very common among children. Kids face issues reading or seeing things close to them.

Astigmatism: Children usually see objects blurry due to light rays preventing them from meeting at a common focus.

When you visit pediatric eye specialist, he/she will do a thorough eye checkup which includes visual acuity test to see how the objects appear & eye alignment to see how the eye functions. After putting eye drops, they recommend spectacles if required.

• In children, spectacle power matters and spectacle frame plays crucial role in delivering that power and at the same time protecting the eyes. Thus, it is necessary to be careful before choosing them. As children are always active, frames can break and hurt the eyes thus selection of right frame and good fit is very essential.

Following are essential factors to keep in mind when selecting glasses for kids.

• Choose round or rectangular frames which cover whole eyes.
• Opt for plastic frames which are durable
• An elastic strap can help to keep glasses in position for active kids
• Polycarbonate lenses are best as they are tough, shatterproof & light.
• Hard coat lenses are recommended as they are less prone to scratches and stronger.

It is necessary to be clear with instructions for points like

• In children, glasses are usually meant for constant use unless specified,
• Always wear and remove glasses with eyes closed and hold glasses with both the hands ,
• It is most important to clean the glasses & should also be aware of how to clean them.

Conclusion

Suppose you see similar issues with your kid; don’t delay any more & book an appointment with Iksha Eye Care. We provide exceptional eye care, professional approach & treatment. You can book an appointment with the best pediatric ophthalmologist in Mumbai to treat your child. Iksha Eye care is one of the top-rated eye hospitals in Andheri, Mumbai.