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Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye problems that can affect people with diabetes. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Over time, diabetes can cause damage to your eyes that can lead to poor vision or even blindness. But you can take steps to prevent diabetic eye disease, or keep it from getting worse, by taking care of your diabetes.
The best ways to manage your diabetes and keep your eyes healthy are to
Your eyes may seem fine, but having a full, dilated eye exam is the only way to know for sure.
Often, there are no warning signs of diabetic eye disease or vision loss when damage first develops. A full, dilated eye exam helps your doctor find and treat eye problems early—often before much vision loss can occur.
Diabetes affects your eyes when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high.
In the short term, you are not likely to have vision loss from high blood glucose. People sometimes have blurry vision for a few days or weeks when they’re changing their diabetes care plan or medicines. High glucose can change fluid levels or cause swelling in the tissues of your eyes NIH external link that help you to focus, causing blurred vision. This type of blurry vision is temporary and goes away when your glucose level gets closer to normal.
If your blood glucose stays high over time, it can damage the tiny blood vessels in the back of your eyes. This damage can begin during prediabetes, when blood glucose is higher than normal, but not high enough for you to be diagnosed with diabetes. Damaged blood vessels may leak fluid and cause swelling. New, weak blood vessels may also begin to grow. These blood vessels can bleed into the middle part of the eye, lead to scarring, or cause dangerously high pressure inside your eye.
Most serious diabetic eye diseases begin with blood vessel problems. The four eye diseases that can threaten your sight are
The retina NIH external link is the inner lining at the back of each eye. The retina senses light and turns it into signals that your brain decodes, so you can see the world around you. Damaged blood vessels can harm the retina, causing a disease called diabetic retinopathy.
In early diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels can weaken, bulge, or leak into the retina. This stage is called no proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
If the disease gets worse, some blood vessels close off, which causes new blood vessels to grow, or proliferate, on the surface of the retina. This stage is called proliferative diabetic retinopathy. These abnormal new blood vessels can lead to serious vision problems.
The part of your retina that you need for reading, driving, and seeing faces is called the macula. Diabetes can lead to swelling in the macula, which is called diabetic macular edema. Over time, this disease can destroy the sharp vision in this part of the eye, leading to partial vision loss or blindness. Macular edema usually develops in people who already have other signs of diabetic retinopathy.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve—the bundle of nerves that connects the eye to the brain. Diabetes doubles the chances of having glaucoma, which can lead to vision loss and blindness if not treated early. Symptoms depend on which type of glaucoma you have.
The lenses within our eyes are clear structures that help provide sharp vision—but they tend to become cloudy as we age. People with diabetes are more likely to develop cloudy lenses, called cataracts. People with diabetes can develop cataracts at an earlier age than people without diabetes. Researchers think that high glucose levels cause deposits to build up in the lenses of your eyes.
Diabetic retinopathy
About one in three people with diabetes who are older than age 40 already have some signs of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. Each person’s outlook for the future, however, depends in large part on regular care. Finding and treating diabetic retinopathy early can reduce the risk of blindness by 95 percent.
Glaucoma and cataracts
Your chances of developing glaucoma or cataracts are about twice that of someone without diabetes.
Anyone with diabetes can develop diabetic eye disease. Your risk is greater with
High blood cholesterol and smoking may also raise your risk for diabetic eye disease.
Some groups are affected more than others. African Americans, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Hispanics/Latinos, Pacific Islanders, and older adults are at greater risk of losing vision or going blind from diabetes.
If you have diabetes and become pregnant, you can develop eye problems very quickly during your pregnancy. If you already have some diabetic retinopathy, it can get worse during pregnancy. Changes that help your body support a growing baby may put stress on the blood vessels in your eyes. Your health care team will suggest regular eye exams during pregnancy to catch and treat problems early and protect your vision.
Diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy, called gestational diabetes, does not usually cause eye problems. Researchers aren't sure why this is the case.
Your chances of developing diabetic eye disease increase the longer you have diabetes.
Often there are no early symptoms of diabetic eye disease. You may have no pain and no change in your vision as damage begins to grow inside your eyes, particularly with diabetic retinopathy.
When symptoms do occur, they may include
Talk with your eye doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
Call a doctor right away if you notice sudden changes to your vision, including flashes of light or many more spots (floaters) than usual. You also should see a doctor right away if it looks like a curtain is pulled over your eyes. These changes in your sight can be symptoms of a detached retina NIH external link, which is a medical emergency.
Having a full, dilated eye exam is the best way to check for eye problems from diabetes. Your doctor will place drops in your eyes to widen your pupils. This allows the doctor to examine a larger area at the back of each eye, using a special magnifying lens. Your vision will be blurry for a few hours after a dilated exam.
Your doctor will also
Your doctor may suggest other tests, too, depending on your health history.
Most people with diabetes should see an eye care professional once a year for a complete eye exam. Your own health care team may suggest a different plan, based on your type of diabetes and the time since you were first diagnosed.
Eye exam guidelines for diabetes :
Women who develop gestational diabetes don’t usually need an eye exam because they don’t develop diabetic eye disease during pregnancy. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Your doctor may recommend having eye exams more often than once a year, along with management of your diabetes. This means managing your diabetes ABCs, which include your A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol; and quitting smoking. Ask your health care team what you can do to reach your goals.
Management of blood glucose can help prevent diabetic eye disease and keep it from getting worse.
Doctors may treat advanced eye problems NIH external link with medicine, laser treatments, surgery, or a combination of these options.
Your doctor may treat your eyes with anti-VEGF medicine, such as aflibercept, bevacizumab, or ranibizumab. These medicines block the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye. Anti-VEGF medicines can also stop fluid leaks, which can help treat diabetic macular edema.
The doctor will inject an anti-VEGF medicine into your eyes during office visits. You'll have several treatments during the first few months, then fewer treatments after you finish the first round of therapy. Your doctor will use medicine to numb your eyes so you don’t feel pain. The needle is about the thickness of a human hair.
Anti-VEGF treatments can stop further vision loss and may improve vision in some people.
Laser treatment, also called photocoagulation, creates tiny burns inside the eye with a beam of light. This method treats leaky blood vessels and extra fluid, called edema. Your doctor usually provides this treatment during several office visits, using medicine to numb your eyes. Laser treatment can keep eye disease from getting worse, which is important to prevent vision loss or blindness. But laser treatment is less likely to bring back vision you’ve already lost compared with anti-VEGF medicines.
There are two types of laser treatment NIH external link:
Vasectomy is a surgery to remove the clear gel that fills the center of the eye, called the vitreous gel. The procedure treats problems with severe bleeding or scar tissue caused by proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Scar tissue can force the retina to peel away from the tissue beneath it, like wallpaper peeling away from a wall. A retina that comes completely loose, or detaches, can cause blindness.
During vasectomy, a clear salt solution is gently pumped into the eye to maintain eye pressure during surgery and to replace the removed vitreous. Vasectomy is done in a surgery center or hospital with pain medicine.
In a surgery center or hospital visit, your doctor can remove the cloudy lens in your eye, where the cataract has grown, and replace it with an artificial lens. People who have cataract surgery generally have better vision afterward. After your eye heals, you may need a new prescription for your glasses. Your vision following cataract surgery may also depend on treating any damage from diabetic retinopathy or macular edema.
To prevent diabetic eye disease, or to keep it from getting worse, manage your diabetes ABCs: your A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol; and quit smoking if you smoke. Read more information on how to manage diabetes.
Also, have a dilated eye exam NIH external link at least once a year—or more often if recommended by your eye care professional. These actions are powerful ways to protect the health of your eyes—and can prevent blindness.
The sooner you work to manage your diabetes and other health conditions, the better. And, even if you’ve struggled in the past to manage your health, taking better care of yourself now can protect your eyes for the future. It’s never too late to begin.
Ask your eye care professional to help you find a low vision NIH external link and rehabilitation clinic. Special eye care professionals can help you manage vision loss that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery. Special devices and training may help you make the most of your remaining vision so that you can continue to be active, enjoy hobbies, visit friends and family members, and live without help from others.
There are two main types of eye doctors: ophthalmologists and optometrists. Confused about which is which and who does what? Here's a look at how they're different. Keep in mind that these professionals can work together and that a team approach can be the best option for eye care.
They went to medical college. After that, they had a 1-year internship and a residency of 3 years. That's sometimes followed by a 1 to 2 years fellowship.
They offer complete eye care services:
Optometrists take care of primary health care for the eye. After college, they spent 4 years in a professional program and got a doctor of optometry degree. Some optometrists get additional clinical training or complete a specialty fellowship after optometry school.
They focus on regular vision care and they:
Optometrists and ophthalmologists often work together to take care of you.
Opticians aren’t eye doctors and can’t give eye exams. They get a 1- or 2-year degree, certificate, or diploma. They fill the prescription your eye doctor gives you.
They also:
One type isn’t automatically better than the other. The right choice depends on your needs. The best eye doctor for you should be:
A good rule of thumb would be:
Don’t skip your annual eye doctor visit because you think you can see just fine. Eye exams aren’t only for people with poor vision. They're an important way to find eye problems before symptoms show up. Your eye doctor can also catch other problems, like diabetes, early on. If it's been more than a few years since your last visit, or if you've never had one, it’s time to get one on the calendar now.
Should you choose an optometrist (OD) or an ophthalmologist (MD) for your initial eye exam? If this is a routine checkup, you can go with either one. If you have or think you might have an eye problem like cataracts or another condition that may require surgery, an ophthalmologist is the right choice. Other issues like a routine treating of glaucoma or diabetic eye health checks can be handled by either of the two types of doctors.
After you fill out new-patient paperwork, you'll go to the exam room to meet the doctor. The exact type of exam will vary. But here are some things you can expect:
FOR ANY EYE RELATED PROBLEMS VISIT- LIONS GIFT OF SIGHT EYE HOSPITAL. PANADURA
By Gary Heiting, OD, and Adam Debrowski
Eye pain can describe discomfort in, on, behind or around the eye. You can experience right eye pain, left eye pain or pain relating to both eyes.
In some cases, like after an eye injury, the cause of eye pain is obvious. Other times, it's hard to know why your eyes hurt.
The severity of eye pain does not necessarily indicate how serious the underlying cause of the discomfort is. A somewhat minor problem, like a corneal abrasion, can be very painful. On the other hand, many serious eye conditions — such as cataracts, macular degeneration and retinal detachment — don't cause any eye pain at all.
Different sensations and symptoms can come with a painful eye. Your eye doctor can use these factors to diagnose the cause of your pain and prescribe the best treatment.
Eye pain symptoms can include one or more of the following:
You may also notice:
Several problems can make your eye hurt along the front surface:
A feeling that something is stuck in your eye can be deceiving because it doesn't always mean something is stuck in your eye. But when something is in your eye, doctors refer to it as a "foreign body."
Foreign bodies can get lodged in the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, and cause pain and other irritation.
Examples include:
Discomfort from one of these foreign objects can range from mild to severe. It's usually most bothersome when you blink. Blurred vision and light sensitivity are also common.
Particles on the surface of the eye can turn into serious eye infections, so it's important to wear protective eyewear if you work in a hazardous environment, and to visit an eye doctor if you experience eye pain and irritation after getting something in your eye.
Fortunately, eye doctors can easily remove most corneal foreign bodies.
Corneal abrasion is another way of saying your cornea is scratched. Most corneal abrasions aren't serious, but they can be very uncomfortable and cause light sensitivity and watery eyes.
Many mild corneal scratches heal on their own within 24 hours. Deeper abrasions can lead to a serious eye infection and even a corneal ulcer if left untreated.
Because it's often impossible to tell if eye pain is due to a minor scratch, deep abrasion or foreign body, it's a good idea to see an eye doctor for any sharp eye discomfort that doesn't go away quickly.
Dry eye discomfort usually develops more gradually than pain from a corneal foreign body or abrasion. Sometimes, dry eyes can lead to a corneal abrasion, because there aren't enough tears on the surface of the eye to keep the cornea moist and slippery.
If using lubricating eye drops significantly improves comfort, the cause of the pain is probably dry eyes.
In most cases, dry eye does not require immediate medical attention, but an eye doctor can perform tests to determine the degree of dryness and recommend the best treatment.
Less common causes of pain on or "in" the eye include:
A very serious cause of pain in the eye is a condition called endophthalmitis, an inflammation of the inside of the eye. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection from a penetrating eye injury. It can also be a rare complication of cataract surgery or other eye surgery.
In addition to causing eye pain, endophthalmitis causes redness, swollen eyelids, blurry vision and difficulty seeing. If you notice these symptoms after eye surgery, see an eye doctor immediately.
Migraine headaches and sinus infections are the two most common causes of pain behind the eye.
Migraine pain is almost always behind one eye and often accompanied by pain somewhere else on the same side of the head.
When pain behind the eye is caused by a sinus infection, it's usually less severe than the pain from a migraine. Both eyes can be affected by sinus problems.
Though pain behind the eyes from a migraine or sinus infection isn't usually an emergency, you should see an eye doctor or general physician if you have new or recurring pain.
Pain around the eyes is most commonly caused by:
One of the most common causes of pain around the eyes is an eyelid stye.
A stye doesn't require urgent attention from an eye doctor. It can usually be successfully treated at home by applying a warm compress to the affected eyelid several times a day for a few days.
Blepharitis is another common problem that can cause swollen eyelids and discomfort around the eyes.
Digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome, can also cause pain around the eyes. This is not an urgent problem, and there are simple steps you can take to relieve computer eye strain.
A rare and very serious cause of pain around the eyes is a condition called optic neuritis, which can cause permanent vision loss. Accompanying symptoms are usually decreased visual sharpness and reduced color vision.
Pain from optic neuritis is usually worse when you move your eyes. It requires immediate medical attention, which may include a referral to a neuro-ophthalmologist.
If you have eye pain, consider it a medical emergency. Make it a priority to see an eye doctor who can diagnose the cause of your pain and prescribe the best treatment to limit any potential damage.
In particular, see your eye doctor immediately if you have a painful eye and:
When it comes to eye pain, don't take chances. See an eye doctor as soon as possible to determine the exact cause of the pain and make sure you receive the best treatment.
An eye twitch (or more accurately an eyelid twitch) is an uncontrollable eyelid spasm. Most eye twitching lasts only a few minutes, but sometimes an eyelid twitch can persist for days or longer.
When your eyelid is twitching, you might think everyone else can see it. But most eye twitches are subtle and are not easily seen by others.
The medical term for eye twitching is myokymia.
Causes of eye twitching include:
To stop your eyelid twitching, figure out what the possible causes might be.
Sometimes, making minor changes to your diet and lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of eye twitching or help make an eyelid twitch disappear.
Let's review the causes of eye twitching and the possible solutions:
1. StressStress is probably the most common cause of eye twitching. Yoga, breathing exercises, spending time with friends or pets and getting more down time into your schedule are ways to reduce stress that may be causing your eyelid twitch.
2. FatigueLack of sleep, whether because of stress or some other reason, can trigger eye twitching. Catching up on your sleep and having a consistent sleep schedule can help.
3. Eye strainEye strain — particularly digital eye strain from overuse of computers, tablets and smartphones — also is a common cause of eyelid twitching. Follow the "20-20-20 rule" when using digital devices: Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and allow your eyes to focus on a distant object (at least 20 feet away) for 20 seconds or longer. This reduces fatigue that may trigger eye twitching. Also, ask your eye doctor about computer eyeglasses to relieve digital eye strain.
4. CaffeineToo much caffeine can trigger eye twitching. Try cutting back on coffee, tea and soft drinks (or switch to decaffeinated versions) for a week or two and see if your eye twitching disappears.
5. AlcoholIf you experience eye twitching after drinking beer, wine or liquor, take a break from the booze, since alcohol consumption may cause eyelids to twitch.
6. Dry eyesMany adults experience dry eyes, especially after age 50. Dry eyes also are very common among people who use computers, take certain medications (especially antihistamines and some antidepressants), wear contact lenses and consume caffeine and/or alcohol. If you have a twitching eyelid and your eyes feel gritty or dry, consult your eye doctor for an evaluation. Restoring moisture to the surface of your eye may stop the twitching and decrease the risk of twitching in the future.
7. Nutrition problemsSome reports suggest a lack of certain nutritional elements, such as magnesium, can trigger eyelid spasms. Although these reports are not conclusive, this may be another possible cause of eye twitching. If you are concerned that your diet may not be supplying all the nutrients you need for healthy vision, discuss this with your eye doctor before purchasing over-the-counter nutritional supplements.
8. AllergiesPeople with eye allergies can have itching, swelling and watery eyes. Rubbing your eyes because of allergy symptoms releases histamine into your eyelid tissues and tear film, which may cause eye twitching.
Sometimes, over-the-counter eye drops formulated to reduce allergy symptoms can be helpful, but antihistamines in these drops can cause dry eyes.
It's best to consult your eye doctor to make sure you're doing the right thing for your eyes if you experience allergy symptoms and eye twitching.
In rare cases, some eye twitching just won't go away, despite identifying possible causes and applying the suggested treatments.
Persistent eyelids twitches can be treated with Botox injections to stop the involuntary muscle contractions in the eyelid that cause the twitching.
See an eye doctor immediately if you experience persistent eye twitching, sudden changes in appearance or movement of half your face (including your eyelids), or if both eyelids clamp down so tight it's impossible to open your eyes. These can be signs of a serious condition.
If your eye twitching doesn't go away, it could signal a serious neurological condition affecting the eyelid — such as blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm.
These relatively rare conditions are more obvious and severe than common eye twitching and should be evaluated immediately by an eye doctor.
By Sean McKinney, reviewed by Gary Heiting, OD
If you are an older driver, what can you do to keep you and loved ones safe on the road at night? First, assess your ability to drive safely.
Also take these steps:
Also, consider passing along these guidelines to a loved one who shows signs of needing some extra help.
The following tips for safe driving were prepared by the National Institute on Aging, U.S. National Institutes of Health:
Minimize the risks of driving at night as you get older by planning your trips before you leave home. Drive only on streets you know, and avoid dark, unlighted roadways. Limit your trips to places you can easily reach and that are close to home. Avoid risky spots like ramps and left turns.
Plan for extra driving time if conditions are bad, and don't drive if you are stressed or tired. Stay focused on driving only, avoiding distractions.
Always drive defensively. Leave at least two car lengths between you and the car in front of you, and even more space in bad weather or when driving fast.
Keep your windows clear, and drive a car with features that make driving safer, such as power steering, power brakes, automatic transmission and large mirrors.
Keep your car in good repair, maintaining fresh windshield wipers and clean, aligned headlights. Consider hand controls for your gas pedal and brakes if you have leg problems.
Renew skills with a driving class every few years. Some car insurance companies will lower your bill for completing such a course.
Overview
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, they're more visible. This is what causes the whites of your eyes to appear reddish or pink.
Pink eye is commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction, or — in babies — an incompletely opened tear duct.
Though pink eye can be irritating, it rarely affects your vision. Treatments can help ease the discomfort of pink eye. Because pink eye can be contagious, early diagnosis and treatment can help limit its spread.
Symptoms
The most common pink eye symptoms include.
When to see a doctor
There are serious eye conditions that can cause eye redness. These conditions may cause eye pain, a feeling that something is stuck in your eye (foreign body sensation), blurred vision and light sensitivity. If you experience these symptoms, seek urgent care.
People who wear contact lenses need to stop wearing their contacts as soon as pink eye symptoms begin. If your symptoms don't start to get better within 12 to 24 hours, make an appointment with your eye doctor to make sure you don't have a more serious eye infection related to contact lens use.
Causes
Causes of pink eye include:
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis
Most cases of pink eye are typically caused by adenovirus but can also be caused by herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and various other viruses, including the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can occur along with colds or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a sore throat. Wearing contact lenses that aren't cleaned properly or aren't your own can cause bacterial conjunctivitis.
Both types are very contagious. They are spread through direct or indirect contact with the liquid that drains from the eye of someone who's infected. One or both eyes may be affected.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes and is a response to an allergy-causing substance such as pollen. In response to allergens, your body produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This antibody triggers special cells called mast cells in the mucous lining of your eyes and airways to release inflammatory substances, including histamines. Your body's release of histamine can produce a number of allergy signs and symptoms, including red or pink eyes.
If you have allergic conjunctivitis, you may experience intense itching, tearing and inflammation of the eyes — as well as sneezing and watery nasal discharge. Most allergic conjunctivitis can be controlled with allergy eye drops.
Conjunctivitis resulting from irritation
Irritation from a chemical splash or foreign object in your eye is also associated with conjunctivitis. Sometimes flushing and cleaning the eye to rid it of the chemical or object causes redness and irritation. Signs and symptoms, which may include watery eyes and a mucous discharge, usually clear up on their own within about a day.
If initial flushing doesn't resolve the symptoms, or if the chemical is a caustic one such as lye, you need to be seen by your doctor or eye specialist as soon as possible. A chemical splash into the eye can cause permanent eye damage. Persistent symptoms could also indicate that you still have the foreign body in your eye — or possibly a scratch over the cornea or the covering of the eyeball (sclera).
Risk factors
Risk factors for pink eye include:
Prevention
Preventing the spread of pink eye
Practice good hygiene to control the spread of pink eye. For instance:
Keep in mind that pink eye is no more contagious than the common cold. It's okay to return to work, school or child care if you're not able to take time off — just stay consistent in practicing good hygiene.
Preventing pink eye in newborns
Newborns' eyes are susceptible to bacteria normally present in the mother's birth canal. These bacteria cause no symptoms in the mother. In rare cases, these bacteria can cause infants to develop a serious form of conjunctivitis known as ophthalmic neonatorum, which needs treatment without delay to preserve sight. That's why shortly after birth, an antibiotic ointment is applied to every newborn's eyes. The ointment helps prevent eye infection.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION YOU MAY CONTACT THE LIONS GIFT OF SIGHT EYE HOSPITAL, PANADURA. TEL : 0383 060, 0382 245 880 & 0385 674 950.
Overview
For centuries, people have promoted eye exercises as a “natural” cure for vision problems, including eyesight. There’s very little credible scientific evidence suggesting that eye exercises can improve vision. However, exercises can help with eyestrain and may help your eyes feel better.
If you have a common eye condition, like myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), or astigmatism, you probably won’t benefit from eye exercises. People with the most common eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma, will also see little benefit from eye exercises.
Eye exercises probably won’t improve your vision, but they can help with eye comfort, especially if your eyes get irritated at work.
A condition known as digital eye strain is common among people working at computers all day. This condition can cause:
A few simple eye exercises may help you improve digital eye strain symptoms.
How to exercise your eyes
Here are a few different types of eye exercises that you can try, depending on your needs.
Focus change
This exercise works by challenging your focus. It should be done from a seated position.
Near and far focus
This is another focus exercise. As with the previous one, it should be done from a seated position.
Figure eight
This exercise should be done from a seated position as well.
20-20-20 rule
Eye strain is a real problem for a lot of people. Human eyes are not supposed to be glued to a single object for extended periods of time. If you work at a computer all day, the 20-20-20 rule may help prevent digital eye strain. To implement this rule, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
What is vision therapy?
Some doctors specialize in a field of treatment called vision therapy. Vision therapy may include eye exercises, but only as part of a more specialized treatment program done under the supervision of an eye doctor, optometrist, or ophthalmologist.
The goal of vision therapy can be to strengthen the eye muscles. It also can help to retrain poor visual behavior, or help with eye tracking issues. Conditions that may be treated with vision therapy, often affecting children and sometimes adults, include:
Tips for eye health
There are many things you can do in addition to eye exercise to keep your eyes healthy.
Takeaway
There’s no science to back up the claim that eye exercises improve people’s vision. It’s possible that eye exercises won’t help you, but they can’t hurt either. It’s also important to have your eyes checked regularly by an eye doctor. They can often detect and treat problems before noticeable symptoms begin.
WHAT IS STRABISMUS OR CROSS EYES?
Affecting an estimated two percent of children globally, Strabismus or Esotropia, more commonly known as cross eyes, is an eye condition most commonly occurring in infants. The condition causes a misalignment of the eyes — wherein one eye looks straight ahead and the other eye looks upward, downward, to the left or right.
WHAT CAUSES STRABISMUS OR CROSS EYES?
Strabismus occurs when the six muscles around your eye don’t function in perfect coordination. This is often caused by:
Genetics may play some role, as parents with strabismus have a higher of chance of having children with the same condition.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF STRABISMUS
This eye condition can affect our vision and cause discomfort for many. Some of the common symptoms include:
Besides vision-related problems, coping with strabismus can lead to issues of low self-esteem. Routine exams by the optometrist can detect strabismus early and provide assistance in determining the best options for treatment.
WHAT IT IS LIKE TO HAVE STRABISMUS?
For people with strabismus, the eyes aren’t able to focus on a single point or object. Therefore the brain cannot combine the two images produced by the eyes to form a normal 3-dimensional image.
Rather than trying to process two different images, the brain ignores the image sent from the more misaligned eye. This is a problem because the eyes are meant to work together for a more accurate vision. This is why people suffering from strabismus often have issues with depth perception and coordination problems.
HOW CAN STRABISMUS BE TREATED?
Strabismus treatment aims to improve eye alignment so that your vision is improved. Treatment options are varied, but often involve eyeglasses, eye exercises, and eye muscle surgery.
Though surgery is often a common treatment, vision therapy that includes corrective glasses and consistent eye exercises, has been shown to be successful in correcting cross eyes.
To find out more about strabismus and if surgical treatment is necessary, visit our hospital.
While people are hearing about mouth, nose and hand protection to stay safe from COVID-19, many may be overlooking protection for a key body part—their eyes.
Dr. Mark Ruchman, - chief medical officer, Versant Health, shares eye safety is just as important as staying protected in other areas of your body in the time of COVID-19.
"The eyes are an important part of the body to protect, because, like the nose and mouth, they are mucous membranes where germs can infect the body,
Dr. Ruchman says. "The virus spreads when infected droplets from a sick person’s mouth or nose come in contact with another person’s face, often when they cough, sneeze or talk. Although it’s more likely to be infected by inhaling these droplets through your mouth or nose, they can also enter through your eyes, especially if you touch something that has viral particles on it and then rub your eyes."
Related: How to Prepare For The Potential Second Wave of COVID-19
Dr. Ruchman answers concerns and shares these tips as ways to protect your eyes and best wear protective gear:
Following these tips are important because people can reduce their risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 and remain comfortable while sheltering in place,
"There has been a lot of focus on the importance of covering your mouth and nose to reduce spread of COVID-19, but people should remember that their eyes are also an entry point into their bodies and take all of the proactive steps that they can to reduce their risk of infection."
After guidelines have been loosened, people should still try to continue common-sense practices like washing hands often, avoiding touching your face, regularly disinfecting surfaces and avoiding close contact with other people,
If you wear contact lenses during this time, be extra vigilant about washing and disinfecting your hands before handling your contacts. If you find you tend to touch your eyes more often when you wear contact lenses, consider wearing glasses instead.
"The American Academy of Ophthalmology has reported that there may be a connection to coronavirus and pink eye," he adds. "If someone in your family has contracted pink eye, the virus can be spread by either touching fluid from an infected person’s eyes, or touching objects that may carry the fluid. Be sure to keep an eye out for these types of signs."
Should you have any questions – you may contact the General Manager on mobile 071 494 9229 or Operations Manager 071 865 0744 & Lions Gift of Sight Hospital 038 3 011 060.
WHAT ARE CATRACTS:
Inside our eye, we have a natural lens. The lens blends (refracts) light rays that
come into the eye to help us see. The lens should be clear.
VISION PROBLEMS WITH CATARACTS:
If you have a cataract, your lens has become cloudy. It is like
looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield. Things look blurry, hazy or less colorful with a cataract.
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF CATARACTS?
Here are some vision changes you may notice if you have a cataract:
WHAT CAUSES CATARACT?
Aging is the most common cause. This is due to normal eye changes that happen starting around 40 years. That is when normal proteins in the lens start to break down. This is what causes the lens to get cloudy. People over 60 usually start to have some clouding of their lenses. However, vision problems may not happen until years later.
OTHER REASONS YOU MAY GET CATARACTS INCLUDE:-
Most age-related cataracts develop gradually. Other cataracts can develop more quick, such as those in
Younger people or those in people with diabetes. Doctors cannot predict how quickly a person’s
cataract will develop.
THE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CATARACT SURGERY
1. When should I have my cataract operated on?
Traditionally, cataract surgery has been performed when the patient starts to experience vision loss. However, we now also take into account subtle changes to vision, such as loss of contrast sensitivity and loss of color perception. You may notice that colors are faded and dull, and also that you have trouble seeing in low-contrast situations (e.g. at night). These are early signs that the cataract is having an effect on your vision and you may want to consider surgical removal.
2. Does my cataract need to be mature to have it removed?
That was the case in the past when cataracts had to be removed in one piece. Now, we use ultrasound and laser technology to break the cataract into smaller pieces for removal – this means it is better that the lens is softer (i.e. immature) to aid the fragmentation process. In fact, the length of the patient’s surgery and recovery are both shorter if the cataract is immature when operated on.
3. Is the operation painful?
Cataract surgery is not at all painful. Most patients describe a mild sensation of pressure around the eye. In some cases, we may use local anesthesia (administered via eye drops) or perform a small anesthetic block around the eye. The levels of pain and light sensitivity during cataract surgery, the majority of patients did not find the operation particularly painful or distressing.
We also have the option to offer patients a general an anesthesia if they prefer to be asleep during the procedure or if there are other medical issues that need to be taken into account (e.g. patients with tremors who cannot lie flat for ten minutes).
4. How long after cataract surgery do I have to wait before driving?
Most patients can drive within 48 hours after the operation – the general advice is that they can start driving when they feel comfortable doing so. It is a good idea to avoid driving long distances in the first week, as the eye will feel strained after the surgery. And also recommend wearing sunglasses to minimize the effect of sensitivity to bright lights and sunlight.
5. When can I resume my regular chores, like cooking or gardening?
Most patients can resume normal house work within a day or so – it is really up to the individual. I recommend avoiding heavy lifting and vigorous household duties for the first week.
6. When can I go swimming or resume going to the gym?
As a general rule, it is best to avoid swimming for the first month after surgery to reduce the risk of infection. The problem is that pools are often full of viruses and germs that can infect the eye in the immediate post-operative period. Heavy gym workouts are also generally not recommended for the first week. There is no issue with gentle treadmill use or walking.
7. When will I see the results of the cataract surgery?
The results are almost immediate in most cases. However, not all patients and cataracts are the same so some patients may take longer than others to recover. Other medical conditions (e.g. diabetes) can also affect the healing response following surgery. Vision will generally stabilise within one month after surgery for most patients.
8. My friend had her cataract removed and she does not wear glasses anymore. How is that possible?
There are a number of options available to correct presbyopia during cataract surgery. We now have multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) that give us the option to correct distance and near vision, while the latest lenses (trifocal IOLs) correct vision at far, intermediate and near distances. Trifocal IOLs are the lens of choice if your goal is to be as independent from glasses as possible – indeed, many patients can get rid of their glasses completely with trifocal IOLs.
Alternatively, monovision lenses can allow one eye to be set for distance vision and the other for near vision (known as blended monovision), or you can have both eyes set for distance vision and still use a pair of reading glasses. It all depends on your specific needs and the state of your eyes. It’s important that you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option prior to the surgery taking place.
9. I have astigmatism. Can this be cured?
We now have the ability to correct/reduce astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. This involves using a special intraocular lens called a Toric lens. The severity of pre-operative astigmatism will determine whether we can correct it completely.
10. I have had herpes in my eye. Can I still have my cataract removed?
Once infected, the herpes virus becomes resident in the eye and can reactivate following cataract surgery. This means that you will require post-operative antiviral medication to prevent any virus-related complications. The medication is usually taken for a period of four weeks after the operation.
11. I have glaucoma Is it safe to have my cataracts removed?
There is no issue provided your glaucoma is under control prior to the surgery. We now offer patients the option of inserting a micro-stent (iStent inject) at the time of cataract surgery to improve fluid drainage from the eye. The iStent can reduce the amount of glaucoma medication required – in many cases, patients can stop eye drops completely.
12. I have Keratoconus, Can I have my cataracts removed safely?
Patients with keratoconus do very well after cataract surgery. In fact, many find that they can actually get rid of their contact lenses altogether. One of the features of keratoconus is astigmatism and this can also be addressed at the time of the operation.
13. Do cataracts ever come back after having them removed?
A cataract operation is a once-off procedure in the sense that the cataracts themselves do not return. However, sometimes a thin membrane develops behind the lens implant – this can be removed with a quick and painless laser procedure in the clinic (YAG laser capsulotomy).
14. I have had a corneal transplant in the past. Is it safe for me to have cataract surgery?
Patients who have had corneal transplants can have their cataracts removed quite safely. However, they do need to be aware that there is a small risk of developing a rejection of the graft following cataract surgery – this can be treated with steroid drops. There is also a small risk that the cornea may be damaged and that a second graft will be required.
15. Will I have stitches in my eye following the operation?
Modern cataract surgery does not routinely require stitches, as it is a keyhole procedure and the main incision is about 2 mm in length (i.e. tiny). The intraocular lens is inserted via a thin cartridge and is designed to unfold once it has been placed inside the eye. Some cases of complicated cataract surgery may require one or two small stitches. These are removed a few weeks post-operatively, when the tissue has healed.
YOU MAY BE ABLE TO SLOW DOWN YOUR DEVELOPMENT OF CATARACT BY EARLY DETECTION
BY VISITING
OUR LIONS GIFT OF SIGHT EYE HOSPITAL AT GALGODA TEMPLE ROAD, GALGODA, PANADURA.
What is GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure, in which damage to the eye (optic) nerve can lead to loss of vision and even blindness. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world.
What is the first sign of glaucoma?
In these cases, you may have sudden eye pain, headache, and blurred vision, or the appearance of halos around lights. If you have any of the following symptoms, see immediate eye doctor.
What cause Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is usually, but not always, associated with elevated pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). Generally, it is this elevated eye pressure that leads to damage of the eye (optic) nerve. In some cases, glaucoma may occur in the pressure of normal eye pressure. This form of glaucoma is believed to be caused by poor regulation of blood flow to the nerve.
How common is glaucoma?
Worldwide, glaucoma is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness. In fact, as many as 6 million individuals are blind in both eyes from this disease. In the United State of America alone, according to one estimate, more than 3 million people have glaucoma. As many as half of these individuals with glaucoma may not know that they have the disease. The reason, they are unaware of the presence of the disease is that glaucoma initially causes no symptoms and the subsequent loss of side vision (peripheral vision) is usually not recognized.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
People with diabetes can have an eye disease called diabetic retinopathy. This is when high
blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels can
swell and leak. Or they can close, stopping blood from passing through. Sometimes
abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina. All of these changes can steal your vision.
Stages of Diabetic Eye Disease
There are two main stages of diabetic eye disease.
1) NPDR (non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy)
This is the early stage of diabetic eye disease. Many people with diabetes have it.
With NPDR, tiny blood vessels leak, making the retina swell. When the macula swells, it is
called macular edema. This is the most common reason why people with diabetes lose their
vision.
Also with NPDR, blood vessels in the retina can close off. This is called macular ischemia.
When that happens, blood cannot reach the macula. Sometimes tiny particles called
exudates can form in the retina. These can affect your vision too.
If you have NPDR, your vision will be blurry.
2) PDR (proliferative diabetic retinopathy)
PDR is the more advanced stage of diabetic eye disease. It happens when the retina starts
growing new blood vessels. This is called neovascularization. These fragile new vessels
often bleed into the vitreous. If they only bleed a little, you might see a few dark floaters. If
they bleed a lot, it might block all vision.
These new blood vessels can form scar tissue. Scar tissue can cause problems with the
macula or lead to a detached retina.
PDR is very serious, and can steal both your central and peripheral (side) vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms
You can have diabetic retinopathy and not know it. This is because it often has no
symptoms in its early stages. As diabetic retinopathy gets worse, you will notice symptoms
such as:
Diabetic retinopathy symptoms usually affect both eyes.
Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis
Drops will be put in your eye to dilate (widen) your pupil. This allows your ophthalmologist to
look through a special lens to see the inside of your eye.
Your doctor may do fluorescein angiography to see what is happening with your retina.
Yellow dye (called fluorescein) is injected into a vein, usually in your arm. The dye travels
through your blood vessels. A special camera takes photos of the retina as the dye travels
throughout its blood vessels. This shows if any blood vessels are blocked or leaking fluid. It
also shows if any abnormal blood vessels are growing.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is another way to look closely at the retina. A
machine scans the retina and provides detailed images of its thickness. This helps your
doctor find and measure swelling of your macula.
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
Your treatment is based on what your ophthalmologist sees in your eyes. Treatment options
may include:
Medical control
Controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure can stop vision loss. Carefully follow the
diet your nutritionist has recommended. Take the medicine your diabetes doctor prescribed
for you. Sometimes, good sugar control can even bring some of your vision
back. Controlling your blood pressure keeps your eye’s blood vessels healthy.
Medicine
One type of medication is called anti-VEGF medication. These include Avastin , Eylea ,
and Lucentis . Anti-VEGF medication helps to reduce swelling of the macula, slowing vision
loss and perhaps improving vision. This drug is given by injections (shots) in the eye.
Steroid medicine is another option to reduce macular swelling. This is also given as
injections in the eye. Your doctor will recommend how many medication injections you will
need over time.
Laser surgery
Laser surgery might be used to help seal off leaking blood vessels. This can reduce
swelling of the retina. Laser surgery can also help shrink blood vessels and prevent them
from growing again. Sometimes more than one treatment is needed.
Vitrectomy
If you have advanced PDR, your ophthalmologist may recommend surgery
called vitrectomy . Your ophthalmologist removes vitreous gel and blood from leaking
vessels in the back of your eye. This allows light rays to focus properly on the retina again.
Scar tissue also might be removed from the retina.
Preventing vision loss from diabetic retinopathy
Do you have diabetes and need an exam for eyeglasses?
Changes in blood sugar levels can affect your vision. Make sure your blood sugar is under
control for at least a week before an eye exam. Eyeglasses prescribed when your blood
sugar levels are stable work best!
