Cataract

How malaria can affect your eye sight! Dr. Vijay Shetty – Consultant Ophthalmologist MS, DNB, FRCS (Glasg.) FAICO (Glaucoma) Meet – Dr. Vijay Shetty Dr. Vijay Shetty has performed several PHAKIC IOLs implantations. He has used Staar ICL and other Indian PHAKIC IOL like IPCL and EYECRYL PHAKIC IOLs. He has trained several surgeons for the same PHAKIC IOLs (2006 – till date) 0 Malaria is primarily known as a disease that affects the red blood cells and is caused by the Plasmodium parasite transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. While the most common symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, and fatigue, the disease can also have various other manifestations, including effects on eyesight. In five ways How malaria can affect your eye sight! Here’s how malaria can affect eyesight: Retinal Changes: Malaria can lead to changes in the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. These changes can manifest as hemorrhages (bleeding), white patches, or swelling of the retina. These alterations can affect vision and may lead to blurred vision or loss of vision in severe cases. Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve, known as optic neuritis, can occur due to malaria. This inflammation can cause pain in the eye, reduced visual acuity, and even blindness if not treated promptly. Cerebral Malaria: In severe cases of malaria, especially cerebral malaria, the brain can be affected leading to seizures, coma, or even death. When the brain is affected, it can indirectly impact vision by affecting the visual pathways or causing swelling in the brain that can press on the optic nerves. Malarial Retinopathy: This is a specific type of retinal damage caused by malaria, particularly by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. It can result in retinal whitening, vessel changes, hemorrhages, and cotton-wool spots (small areas of whitening). These changes can impair vision and can be a marker for severe disease. Conjunctivitis: While less common, some individuals with malaria can develop conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. This can cause redness, itching, and discharge from the eyes. Preventing malaria-related eye problems involves primarily preventing malaria infection itself. In SEVEN ways Here are some preventive measures: Use mosquito repellents: Apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin. Sleep under mosquito nets: Use bed nets treated with insecticides, especially if you’re in areas where malaria is prevalent. Take antimalarial medication: If you’re traveling to areas where malaria is endemic, consult with a healthcare professional about appropriate antimalarial medication for prevention. Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes to minimize exposure to mosquitoes. Stay indoors during peak mosquito activity: Mosquitoes that transmit malaria are most active during dawn and dusk, so try to stay indoors during these times or take extra precautions if you need to be outside. Eliminate breeding sites: Reduce the risk of mosquito bites by eliminating standing water around your living area where mosquitoes breed. Seek prompt medical treatment: If you suspect you have malaria or are experiencing any symptoms, including visual disturbances, seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing severe complications, including those affecting vision. Find all your answers below! Dr. Vijay Shetty has compiled videos for you answering all your cataract related queries. http://drvijayshetty.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/play-begin-video-1073616.png Also read :GETTING RID OF SPECTACLES / LENS Can Eye Exercises and Eye Yoga Help You Get Rid of Your Spectacles? Experts continue to reiterate that the only way to remove glasses is surgical, but also add that the eye exercises, if done under supervision, are not harmful to eye health. It is therefore up to the individual to try them out, with a healthy dose of skepticism, to see if they work. It is also imperative to keep in mind the fact that there is no definite scientific research that demonstrates eye exercises can effectively reduce or eliminate refractive errors or decrease your dependence on glasses or contact lenses while improving your eyesight. There is no robust scientific evidence to suggest that these techniques work The environmental factors such as focusing stress and fatigue may benefit from eye exercises. Blinking Conscious blinking is a good idea since our blink rate reduces significantly when sitting in front of the computers, televisions or smartphones. Blinking redistributes the tear film and makes the eyes lubricated, it also provides the eyes some much-needed rest, therefore decreasing fatigue and strain. Palming The technique of covering both eyes gently with your palms is called palming. It helps by relaxing the eyes and also resulting in redistribution of tears and lubrication of the eye surface. Experts recommend that you must take a deep breath and relax your neck muscles, closing your eyes. Eight or circular eye movements You are supposed to imagine a large “8” figure in front of you, about six feet away, and you must revolve your eyes to trace its shape slowly in the clockwise direction. This process must be repeated for three to five minutes. After this, you must trace the shape of “8” in the anti-clockwise direction for the same duration. Have more of such questions? : Meet – Dr. Vijay Shetty (Click here to book an appointment) What is the skin growing in my eye? Read here to know more

Looking to get rid of your spectacles? Dr. Vijay Shetty – Consultant Ophthalmologist MS, DNB, FRCS (Glasg.) FAICO (Glaucoma) Meet – Dr. Vijay Shetty Dr. Vijay Shetty has performed several advanced cataract surgeries (PHACO and Robotic surgeries – FEMTO Laser assisted cataract surgery. He has a vast experience of using Trifocal, Multifocal, Edof and Toric IOLs. 0 Cataract Surgeries (2003 – till date) Keep your spectacles away! FOREVER While glasses are a common and effective solution for correcting vision problems,there are some disadvantages and challenges associated with wearing them. Find all your answers below! Dr. Vijay Shetty has compiled videos for you answering all your cataract related queries. http://drvijayshetty.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/play-begin-video-1073616.png Here are some general problems or disadvantages of spectacles: 01. Cosmetic Concerns Some individuals may feel self-conscious about their appearance while wearing glasses, which can affect their self-esteem or confidence. 02. Peripheral Vision Distortion The frames of glasses can obstruct peripheral vision, leading to reduced awareness of objects or movement on the sides. 03. Fogging Glasses can fog up in cold or humid environments, making it difficult to see clearly. 04. Limited Sports and Activities Glasses may be inconvenient or unsafe during certain physical activities or sports due to the risk of breakage or discomfort. 05. Dependence on Glasses Regular use of glasses can create a dependency, making it challenging to function without them, especially in situations where glasses might not be available. 06. Discomfort Glasses can cause discomfort or pressure on the nose and behind the ears, especially if not fitted properly. 07. Inconvenience with Rain or Sweat Raindrops or sweat on glasses can obstruct vision and require frequent cleaning. 08. Limitation in Some Professions Certain professions or job roles that require specialized eyewear (e.g., safety goggles) may be less compatible with wearing glasses. 09. Reflections and Glare Glasses lenses can reflect light or glare from various sources, causing visual discomfort, especially in bright environments. 10. Adjustment Period Some individuals may experience an adjustment period when they start wearing glasses, during which they might need time to get used to the altered vision and the feel of the glasses. 11. Misplacement and Breakage Glasses can be easily misplaced, and there’s a risk of breakage, which can result in the inconvenience of obtaining replacements. It’s important to note that many of these disadvantages can be mitigated or minimized by choosing appropriate frame styles, lenses with anti-reflective coatings, and proper care and maintenance of glasses. However with the recent advances we have the option to have clear vision without needing to wear glasses. Various options are available which can address people of different age group. Children and young adults(Up to the age of 18 years) In this age group, the focus of treatment is prevention. With the growing prevalence of myopia (nearsightedness) among children, it’s essential to understand how we can take proactive steps to prevent its onset and manage its progression. Here’s what you need to know: Understanding Myopia: Myopia is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects can be seen clearly. It typically develops during childhood and tends to worsen as a child grows. Genetics play a role, but environmental factors also contribute significantly. PreventiveICAL PROCED Measures: Outdoor Time: Encourage your child to spend more time outdoors. Studies suggest that natural light and outdoor activities play a crucial role in preventing myopia onset and progression. Screen Time and Reading Habits: Keep a balanced approach to screen time and reading. Encourage breaks every 20 minutes when using digital devices or reading. The 20-20-20 rule is helpful: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Proper Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting when your child is reading or using digital devices. Poor lighting can strain the eyes and contribute to myopia progression. Distance from Screens: Encourage your child to maintain a healthy distance from screens. The screen should be at least an arm’s length away from their eyes. Healthy Habits: Nutrition: A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients, particularly vitamin A, C, and E, can support eye health. Include foods like carrots, spinach, oranges, and eggs in their diet. Hydration: Proper hydration is vital for overall health, including eye health. Make sure your child drinks an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Regular Eye Check-ups: Schedule regular eye check-ups with ophthalmologist. Early detection and intervention can prevent severe myopia and related complications. Ergonomics: Proper Workspace Setup: If your child is studying or using a computer, ensure their workspace is ergonomically designed. The screen should be at eye level, and the chair and desk should support good posture. Appropriate Eyewear: If your child already wears glasses or contact lenses, make sure they wear them as prescribed. Incorrect prescriptions can contribute to myopia progression. Setting a Healthy Example: Children often mimic their parents’ habits. Show them the importance of following these practices by incorporating them into your daily routine as well.   In recent years, there have been exciting developments in the field of ophthalmology regarding the treatment and prevention of myopia progression in children. These newer modalities offer additional options alongside traditional methods. Here are some of the emerging treatments: Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-K involves using specially designed rigid contact lenses that reshape the cornea while the child sleeps. Upon waking up, they remove the lenses, and the reshaped cornea allows for clear vision throughout the day. This method has shown promise in slowing down the progression of myopia. Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have gained attention for their effectiveness in slowing down myopia progression. Atropine is a medication that dilates the pupil and temporarily relaxes the focusing mechanism of the eye. Low concentrations of atropine are used to minimize side effects while still providing benefits in reducing the rate of myopia progression. Customized Spectacle Lenses: Customized spectacle lenses use advanced optical designs to provide clear central vision while simultaneously altering the peripheral optical profile. This approach aims to provide clearer peripheral vision, which might influence the eye’s growth