Eye Health

According to the WHO, about 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from near or distant vision impairment. Vision impairment is seen across all ages. Recent technological advances have ensured that people with low vision can continue their daily life with the aid of visual assistive devices or equipment. T.V Aishwarya educates us on the availability of devices in India, and how they improve independent living. What are visual assistive devices? Who can it benefit? Visual assistive devices are…

While cataracts cannot be completely prevented, certain measures may help reduce the risk of developing cataracts or delay their progression. Here are some strategies that may be beneficial: Eye Protection from Ultraviolet (UV) Light: Prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV radiation can increase the risk of cataract formation. Quit Smoking: Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of cataract development. Quitting smoking or avoiding smoking altogether can contribute to better eye…

Managing cataracts involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments, regular eye care, and, in most cases, surgical intervention. Here are some aspects of cataract management: 1.   Lifestyle and Daily Routine: Good Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting in your living and working environments to improve visibility. Reduce Glare: Wear sunglasses with UV protection and use anti-glare coatings on eyeglasses. Avoid direct exposure to bright sunlight and use hats or visors outdoors. Magnification:…

The primary treatment for cataracts is surgical intervention. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Here is an overview of the cataract treatment process: Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, the ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess the overall health of the eyes and determine the appropriate type of IOL. Measurements of the eye's dimensions are taken to ensure…

Cataracts are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination performed by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. The diagnosis involves a combination of medical history review, visual acuity tests, and specialized eye examinations. Here are some common diagnostic tests and procedures used for cataract diagnosis: Visual Acuity Test: This test measures the clarity of vision using an eye chart. It helps determine the extent of visual impairment caused by cataracts. Slit-lamp Examination: A slit…

There are several different types of cataracts, which are classified based on their location within the eye or the underlying cause. Based on the cause, cataracts could be classified as: Age-related Cataracts: These are the most common type of cataracts and develop as a result of natural aging processes. They typically occur in individuals over the age of 50 and progress gradually over time. Congenital Cataracts: Congenital cataracts are present at birth or develop shortly after birth during…

Symptoms and Signs The symptoms and signs of cataracts can vary depending on the type and severity of the cataract. One of the primary symptoms of cataracts is a decrease in vision clarity. Vision may appear hazy, blurry, or cloudy, which can make it difficult to perform daily activities like reading or driving. It must be noted, that patients with cataract experience blurry vision despite using updated glass prescription. Cataracts can cause increased sensitivity to glare, especially at night…

Causes of Cataract The causes of cataracts can be diverse and may vary depending on the type of cataract. Here are some common causes and risk factors associated with cataract development: Age: Aging is the most significant risk factor for cataracts. As people grow older, the proteins in the lens of the eye can break down and clump together, causing clouding and the formation of cataracts.  The majority of cataract cases occur in individuals over the age of 50, and the prevalence…

Cataract refers to a clouding of the lens in the eye leading to decreased vision. The lens is normally clear and helps focus light onto the retina at the back of the eye allowing us to see clearly. However, when a cataract develops, the lens becomes cloudy resulting in blurred or distorted vision. Cataracts can develop in one or both eyes, but it's not necessary for both eyes to be affected simultaneously. It is possible for a cataract to develop in one eye and not the other, or for one eye to…

“Keep Your Eye On Myopia” is the theme of this year's global Myopia Awareness Week, May 22-26, 2023. Myopia education and management is an important and growing problem for people, especially children. Every 3 out of 10 kids are now seen with spectacles due to short-sightedness. Pavan Verkicharla, PhD Head & Consultant Optometrist - The Myopia Centre who works extensively in this space helps us understand the essentials of this eye condition. What is myopia? Myopia is a medical…