Know Your Diseases
Patient Education Series -CATARACT– The facts
The most common cause of painless, progressive loss of vision today is Cataract
What is Cataract ?
Any opacity in the lens is called CATARACT.
 Opacity in Lens Cataract |
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What are the main Symptoms of Cataract ?
Main Symptoms are:
- Decreased vision: most obvious and important
- Initially improved near vision but deterioration of both Near & Distant vision
- Multiple vision with glare due to scattered light rays – Difficult driving
- Watering of Eyes
How the cataract can be treated ?
Initially in early Catatact vision can be improved by changing the glass
Ultimately removal of Cataractous lens & replacing it with an artificial Intraocular Lens ( IOL) is main stay of treatment.
What will happen if the operation is not done timely ?
It may lead to complication & make the surgery difficult & less rewarding.
How much time I will be unfit after cataract operation ?
Its Day Care Surgery. Normal day to day activities are never compromised. Driving can be started after one week with consultation of the treating surgeon.
For more information and support contact ‘Jamshdpur Eye Hospital’
Patient Education Series – Glaucoma – The facts 
What is glaucoma ?
Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged gradually. This nerve carries information from the retina (light sensitive layer in your eye), to the brain. The high eye pressure (IOP) is one of the most important risk factors.
What is the normal intraocular pressure ?
In general it should be less than 21mmof Hg. However in 25% of cases Glaucoma may develop even having normal IOP, due to non pressure dependent factors.
Then how is it diagnosed ?
Screening of high risk patients.
Who are the high risk patients ?
- Age- 40 years and above.
- Family history of glaucoma
- Suggestive symptoms – Colored haloes, Frequent change of near glass.
- History of Diabetes mellitus
- Prolonged use of Steroids
- History of significant eye trauma
So the symptoms are very vague ?
Yes. Glaucoma is a silent disease, so by the time is diagnosed visual field is already affected
What is this Visual Field ?
It is the total area around the fixation point you see. In this disease the vision affected from side so field becomes constricted even your vision is 6/6.
Glaucoma silently reduces the vision so can remain undiagnosed till late
How is Glaucoma detected ?
- Eye evaluation checking the Optic nerve of the eye
- Measuring the pressure in the eye
- Visual field assessment and other specialized tests such as OCT of the optic disc
How is Glaucoma treated ?
The main treatment for chronic glaucoma aims to reduce the pressure in your eye. Some treatments also aim to improve the blood supply to the optic nerve Treatment –
- Eye Drops
- Rarely surgery/ laser.
Can chronic glaucoma be cured ?
Although damage already done cannot be repaired, with early diagnosis and careful regular observation and treatment, damage can usually be kept to a minimum, and good vision can be enjoyed indefinitely.
Will I be able to drive ?
Most people can still drive if the loss of visual filed is not advanced
Is the glaucoma damage reversible ?
Glaucoma is not reversible but timely diagnosis, regular use of prescribed medications can prevent further progression.
It is very important to never miss your glaucoma medication as this will prevent further damage.
For further Information please contact: Jamshedpur Eye Hospital
Patient Education Series – Diabetic Retinopathy – The facts
Do you Have Diabetes Mellitus ?
If so have you had an eye checkup and Screening done?
How does Diabetes affect your eyes ?
Diabetes Mellitus affects your vision by damaging the small blood vessels on your retina.
How would you know you have Diabetic Retinal disease (Diabetic Retinopathy) ?
You may notice your central vision being wavy/blurred
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Sudden decrease in vision, presence of black/red floaters in your vision
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Why is diabetic retinopathy important ?
Diabetic retinopathy does not eye problems till advanced stage hence it requires early detection .It can lead to complete irreversible blindness.
Who gets Diabetic Retinopathy ?
All with Diabetes Mellitus are at risk of developing some retinopathy,
Increased risk in
- Increased risk in
- Poorly controlled Diabetes, Hypertension and Cholesterol levels
- On Insulin treatment
- Diabetes associated kidney disease
How can you prevent this? Do’s and Don’ts
- Control your Blood sugar – maintain a Gyclosylated Hb(HbA1c) within 6.5
- Control your blood pressure and cholesterol
- Daily exercise and diet control
- Keep your eye screening appointment as advised by your eye doctor
- Get advice if you have a problem with your sight
Services at JEH – Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT),FFA, Laser Photocoagulation
For more information and support contact
Jamshdpur Eye Hospital
Patient Education Series – Retinopathy of prematurity – The facts
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
What is ROP ?
The retina of a premature baby is not developed fully due to early birth. The abnormal blood vessels in the eye can progress and cause retinal detachment untreatable blindness.
How can ROP be detected ?
An Ophthalmologist can detect ROP by examining your baby’s eye after instilling special drops (Dilating Drops).This is done either in the nursery or as an OPD procedure.
Do all babies need evaluation for ROP ?
It is recommended that all babies born 34 weeks or less / birth weight less than 2000 gms have a baseline evaluation for ROP by the eye doctor.
When should ROP be checked ?
ROP develops after birth and it is essential that that the evaluation be done between day 20 to day 30 of life. This means that the evaluation has to be done once the baby is 2 to 4 weeks of age depending upon the birth weight and prematurity. It is important to a have baseline screening before day 30 of life .It should be done earlier (between 2 to 3 weeks of age) in younger / lower birth weight infant
What is the treatment for ROP ?
ROP usually settles without treatment however in 10 % it may progress to require treatment. Treatment is in the form of laser /Injections or Freezing (Cryotherapy). Rarely advanced disease may need surgery.
How often does the baby need to be examined ?
ROP needs periodic evaluation and follow up continues till the retina matures which only the eye doctor can detect.
How will my child’s vision be in future ?
If treated in the child is expected to have reasonably good vision. All premature babies need eye checkup till they start going to school. They may need glasses or treatment for other problems such as glaucoma cataract, lazy eyes. Follow the day 30 strategy. imely detection can prevent blindness so ensure you bring your baby for this important evaluation within the specific time before it is too late.
For more Information , Contact Jamshedpur Eye Hospital