Q. How often eye examination should be done?

Detailed eye examination by Eye doctor should be done every six months. Computerized eyes checkup done at various optical shops is not comprehensive eye checkup.

Q. What is Comprehensive eye examination?

After initial examination eye drops are put to dilate your eyes. This takes some time, but this is especially important for detailed eye checkup which includes following examinations to rule out any disease in the eyes: Slit lamp biomicroscopic examinations. Autorefracto Keratometry. Applanation Tonometry. Detailed Fundus / Retinal Examination

Q. What is Cataract

Cataract is a clouding that develops in the Natural lens of the eye or in its envelope, varying in degree from slight to complete opacity and obstructing the passage of light. Our eye works like a camera where light from various objects passes through clear cornea and clear natural lens, so as lens start getting clouded and our vision starts getting blurred even, we can see but quality of vision gets bad. As lens get more clouded (mature) our vision deteriorates further.

Q. How soon should I get operated for cataract?

Cataract should be operated as soon as possible, you should not get cataract to get mature as more you delay, it gets hard, and chances of complications increases. With modern cataract surgery recovery is amazingly fast if surgery is done at right time.

Q. My eyes are fine, then why do I need to visit the doctor regularly?

This is because through regular and thorough examination the doctor can diagnose silent diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye conditions in its early stage. These conditions do not have any initial symptoms and are impossible to diagnose without thorough check up.

Q. I have noticed small spots floating in front of my eyes. Is this a cause for concern?

Eye floaters are tiny specks and spots that keep floating in your field of vision. These are annoying at times but usually are harmless. These occur when tiny pieces of the gel-like vitreous of your eyes break loose. However, if you notice flashing spots, then you should immediately consult an eye doctor.

Q. What causes dry eyes?

The tears in your eyes keep them lubricated and moist. That keeps your eyes comfortable. Dry eyes are caused when your eyes are not producing enough tears. You may notice a blurred vision, light sensitivity, redness, and itching in your eyes. Any disbalance in your tear-flow system can cause dry eyes. Other causes include natural ageing process, conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and collagen vascular diseases; less blinking or staring at computer screens or any other object for a long time without blinking.

Q. How to treat dry eyes?

The doctor may give you artificial tears and ointments to keep your eyes lubricated. The doctor may even opt for a procedure called temporary punctal occlusion to treat your condition.

Q. Can Dry Eye be Prevented?

While it may not always be feasible to completely avoid dry eye, there are things you can do to lower your risk and manage the symptoms.
Blink regularly, especially during prolonged screen use.
Wear sunglasses or protective eyewear outdoors.
Follow a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Use a humidifier in dry environments.

Q. What is diabetic retinopathy?

It is damage to the vessels and tissues in the retina caused by changes that occur in people with  diabetes.

Q. When should I start receiving eye examinations if im a diabetic?

Rigorous ophthalmological monitoring is essential, check-ups are normally performed once a year, although the frequency may be greater in more severe cases. The first ophthalmological examination, normally by taking photographs of the eye fundus, should be conducted within 3–5 years of diagnosis in patients with type 1  diabetes , whereas people with type 2  diabetes  will undergo the test as soon as their condition is diagnosed.

Q. What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the back of the eye to the brain. Risk factors for glaucoma include age, family history, the shape of the eye, race/ethnicity, and increased eye pressure. Although glaucoma may not have symptoms in the beginning, eventually permanent vision loss can occur.

Q. Does Glaucoma Run in the Family?

The risk of glaucoma is even higher in first-degree relatives (parents, siblings) of patients with glaucoma; the risk may be up to ten-times higher in this population. It is important that first-degree relatives and family members get screened for glaucoma with a comprehensive eye examination at least 10 years prior to the age of diagnosis of the family member or starting at age 40 at the very least. After an initial examination, intermittent exams are also important to continue to monitor family members who are at increased risk.

Q. When Should Glaucoma Screenings Start?

Glaucoma can affect anybody, which is why regular screenings are important. Because the symptoms of glaucoma can be mild, or even non- existent, it is recommended that individuals get a baseline screening at the age of 40. Some factors suggest a higher risk and may require earlier or more frequent screening, including:
Those who are aged 60 or older;
Those who have a family history of glaucoma;
Those who are of African American, Latino, or Asian descent;
Those who are significantly near-sighted;
Those who have risk factors based on eye exam, such as elevated eye pressure, narrow angles, or particular optic nerve findings.
How often a glaucoma screening exam should be performed will be determined by the results of your initial exam.

Q. Will I Go Blind from My Glaucoma? Is Glaucoma Reversible?

Unfortunately the vision loss from glaucoma is not reversible. Therefore it is important to prevent blindness by diagnosing and treating glaucoma as aggressively as possible early on.