Any abnormal phenomena or changes in your vision can indicate a variety of possible problems. The key to preserving vision in the face of most eye diseases is early treatment. Thus it is important to consult an ophthalmologist if you notice anything unusual or any change in your vision. It could be a serious problem, or it could be inconsequential, but the peace of mind and the possibility of catching a serious problem early are certainly worth it.
FAQ
General
Many serious eye diseases often have little or no symptoms until they are well developed. The only way to diagnose a problem early in such a case is to schedule periodic eye exams. This is the best way to preserve the clearest vision possible for life.
Eye exams are recommended periodically, with the interval differing for various age groups. In the first three years of infancy, a child should have vision checked along with normal pediatric checkups. Between the ages of three and six (the most crucial period of eye development) an eye exam should be scheduled every year or two. After that period, until adulthood, exams should be scheduled as necessary. During the twenties one should have at least one exam. During the thirties one should have at least two exams. In the forties, fifties, and early sixties, one should schedule an exam every two to four years. For seniors, an exam every year or two is recommended.
In addition to these basic guidelines, people with a family history of eye problems, those monitoring a diagnosed eye disease, or those with certain high risk diseases such as diabetes, it is recommended that exams should be performed at least once a year. Regular eye exams are the best way to keep you seeing your world clearly.
Contact us today to schedule an eye exam!
FAQs for SQUINT
Squint
When both the eyes have good vision and are aligned properly, they focus on the same object. Each of the eyes sends a picture of the same object, viewed from a slightly different angle. These two images reach the brain where they are fused to form a single three-dimensional picture with depth perception. This is known as 3D vision. This gets affected in children with squint.
When the eyes are not aligned properly, each of the eyes is focusing on a different object and sends signal to the brain. These two different images reaching the brain lead to various problems that are different in children and adults. In children it can cause loss of depth perception (3D vision) and lazy Eye Disease (poor development of vision in the squinting eye). An adult can't ignore the image from either eye, and therefore they can have double vision. This can be very annoying and may interfere with work. Loss of 3D vision and cosmetic deformity are also causes of concern.
In a child, the parents may notice the deviation of eyes. It is important to remember that the eyes of a newborn are rarely aligned at birth. Most establish alignment at 3-4 weeks of age. Therefore squint in any child who is more than one month old must be taken seriously and should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist. Adults noticing double vision, or misalignment of the eyes should get themselves checked up too.
This is a common eye disease affecting nearly 5-10% of children. In this disease a child cannot see well from one or both eyes due to uncorrected refractive error or squint. Unfortunately, Lazy Eye Disease goes undetected as, children do not complain and parents do not realize it. Appropriate treatment at the correct time can restore good vision
Squint is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist specializing in that field. The doctor will do a few special tests to confirm the presence of squint and find out the reason behind the squint. In some cases there may be a false appearance of squint due to broad nasal bridge in a child. This is known as pseudo squint.
India is changing rapidly. In fact, we do not see too many differences between patients in Mumbai and in the United States. Cosmesis, like we said, is NOT about looking beautiful, it is about looking presentable and the best that we can be. It is about improving and maintaining self-esteem and confidence.
The aim of treating a squint in order of importance is:
- To preserve or restore vision
In a child, the treatment of squint and any associated amblyopia should be started as soon as possible. Generally speaking the younger the age at which amblyopia is treated the better the chance of recovery of vision. Remember that the child would never grow out of squint. A delay in treatment may decrease the chances of getting a good alignment and vision. So earlier the better!
Wearing spectacles (glasses) is the most effective and safest treatment option in children. Contact Lenses can be prescribed in children after the age of 12-13 years when they can handle them well and laser correction (LASIK) can be done after the age of 18 years once the power in the eyes become constant. Special glasses and medicines like Atropine 0.01% are found to be effective in retarding the progression of myopia (near sightedness). There are also methods to reduce hypermetropia (far sightedness) by supporting the process called emmetropization.
If the child has significant refractive error, glasses are a must. In some cases wearing glasses may correct squint. In other cases, wearing glasses help the eyes to see clearly. This clear vision is very important for the treatment of amblyopia, and also for maintaining the alignment of the eyes after they have been corrected by surgery. Remember surgery cannot replace the need for glasses.
In some children, squints cause the affected eye to become 'lazy' and stop working properly. Patching the 'good' eye will make the lazy eye work harder, which in turn will improve vision. Remember patching only improves vision it does not treat the squint, although the un-patched eye will appear to be straight while the patch is worn. Sometimes when the patch is removed the squint may be temporarily more noticeable but later returns to the pre-patching position. The patch is made from non-irritating material to prevent rashes, and spectacles are worn over the patch. It is thought that the patching therapy works best for children below 7-8 years of age.
This varies according to the child's need and may vary from less than 1 hour a day to all day. It is important that the child is involved in some near vision activity during patching, such as coloring, reading or schoolwork. This will achieve maximum effect and help the child comply with patching because it distracts attention from the patch. Perseverance with patching is vital. The patching needs to be continued at least till the age of 7-8 years.
Treatment of squint generally requires eye muscle surgery. However, some patients may need glasses, prisms, medication, or even left untreated. The best way to determine whether straightening of the eyes is possible and appropriate is to undergo an examination by a strabismus surgeon who is experienced in treating adults.
In the past, most eye doctors thought that adults with misaligned eyes could not be treated successfully, or that treatment was "only cosmetic". Advances in the management of misaligned eyes now provide benefits to most adults as well as children. Treating adults via strabismus can improve depth perception, the way the two eyes work together, and the field of vision. Many patients report improved self-esteem, communication skills, job opportunities, together with enhanced reading and driving skills.
Like any other surgery, squint surgery is not without complications. Significant complications of strabismus surgery include endophthalmitis (infection of the eye ball) and retinal detachment, both as a result of accidental perforation of the globe during surgery. These complications are very rare: Perforation of the globe may occur in 0.3% - 2.8% of cases resulting in endophthalmitis in less than 1:3500 cases and retinal detachment in even fewer cases.
Nearly 80-90% patients are successfully corrected in the straight-ahead position with just one surgery. In some patients the surgery may be only partially successful. In some patients the eye alignment will change over time, resulting in the need for additional surgery after a few months or years
The squint surgery is done under local or general anesthesia depending on the age of the patient and the complexity of the squint. The surgical technique will vary from patient to patient depending on the type of the squint. Please feel free to ask any other queries or clarifications with our squint specialist.
FAQs for SQUINT LASIK & REFRACTIVE SURGERY
Lasik & Refractive Surgery
As in most of the patients, both eyes are treated in the same sitting, your procedure may last for 10 to 15 min
LASIK is a pain-free procedure after putting anesthetic drops. some patients might feel pressure sensation for a few minutes.
You can resume your activities in 3-4 days time. Swimming and eye makeup should be avoided for one month.
One week for soft contact lenses and two weeks for RGP ( Rigid Gas Permeable ) contact lenses.
Yes, However you will need reading glasses once you reach presbyopic age.
LASIK is one of the safest surgeries in the human body. However, as with any medical procedure, there are certain risks involved which a candidate may understand and accept before surgery. please make sure you have discussed your case in detail with your surgeon and understood all aspects of the procedure
FAQs for ORBIT & OCULOPLASTY SURGERY
Orbit & Oculoplasty Surgery
This is a comprehensive department, which deals with all patient related problems of the eyelids, the brow area, the orbit (bony socket in which the eye lies) and the face. We will treat all cosmetic and functional problems of these areas. This is one more step in the direction of providing quality healthcare and eye care to the people of India
Amongst the common eyelid problems encountered are lid drooping (Ptosis), inward-turning and outward-turning of the lid margin. Most people do not even realize that they have any problem. They may only experience mild symptoms such as tiredness of the eyes, watering, irritation or a foreign body sensation initially. It is advisable to seek a consultation with an oculoplasty surgeon at this stage before complications and more serious symptoms ensue.
The eyes are an integral part of the face. In fact this is continuation comprising the Oculofacial continuum. For instance, reconstructing the lids is not similar to any other skin surface as the lids are dynamic, mobile & complex structures. Similarly, fracture treatment around the eyes requires specific expertise and as all these structures are close to the eye, preserving and maintaining vision is of paramount importance. An oculoplasty surgeon provides the necessary specialized expertise to deal with these specific problems. It is the vital link between eye surgery, facial surgery and plastic surgery, with combined benefits. This specialization we feel completes the filling of a very important void in this area of health care.
- Ptosis Surgeries (Eyelid drooping or "small eyes" treatment)
Treatment for each patient is individualized depending on their requirement, age, job profile, skin type, etc. generally, non-invasive therapy is preferable to reduce recuperation time. Whether a patient would benefit the most from a surgical or a non - surgical mode of therapy depends on a thorough evaluation of various factors.