Cataract
A cataract starts out first with little effect on our vision. In this condition our vision may get little blurred as if
we are looking through a cloudy glass piece. Cataract, the most common cause of loss of vision in people over 45 years of age
and is also said to be the principal cause of blindness worldwide.
In general, cataract is medically classified as, Subcapsular cataract found to develop on acquiring opacity at the back of the
lens. The people with diabetes or patients going on with higher doses of steroid medications have a greater risk of having this
condition. Nuclear cataract often occurs deep in the central zone or nucleus of the lens, the condition is usually associated with
ageing. Cortical cataract is clearly identified by white, wedge-like opacities that start affecting the periphery of the lens and
develop in a spoke-like fashion later.
Various factors have been found by researchers to contribute into the onset of cataract, like-UV radiation, diabetes,
hypertension, obesity, smoking, prolong use of steroid medications, previous eye injury, hormonal therapy, long term high myopia
and those having such family history.
Cataract surgery is most successful way for restoring vision. Intra Ocular Lens (IOL) implantation has been done to replace the
natural opacity developed lens and provide power corrected vision. The infection during operative and post operative stage is to be
avoided for best possible recovery.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning. In the early stages of the disease,
there may be no symptoms. It is estimated that half of the people affected by glaucoma may not know they have it.
Vision loss is caused by damage to the optic nerve. This nerve acts like an electric cable with over a million wires.
It is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain. It was once thought that high pressure within the eye, also known as intraocular pressure or IOP is the main cause of this
optic nerve damage. Although IOP is clearly a risk factor, we now know that other factors must also be involved because even
people with “normal” levels of pressure can experience vision loss from glaucoma.
CAN I HAVE GLAUCOMA?
Unfortunately glaucoma is a disease, which cannot be seen or felt by the patients in the early stages. It is usually spotted during
the course of a routine eye check-up done by an Eye Surgeon when high IOP is suspected and a more detailed evaluation is done.
The mistake that most people commonly make is getting only their glass number checked by an Optician ignoring the need for a detailed
eye check up.
Sometimes the patient discovers it and come to the Doctor with complaints of a mild headache, fuzzy vision in morning or seeing
rainbow colors around lights. All these are suggestive of raised IOP. It is always a good idea to get your eyes checked once a year
routinely above the age of 40 years.
Neuro-ophthalmology
Neuro-ophthalmology focuses on conditions caused by brain or systemic abnormalities that result in visual disturbances.
Rushabh Eye Hospital has a neuro-ophthalmology division that is specialised in the evaluation diagnosis and treatment of visual
problems that affect the optic nerve, eye movement and the pupil’s reflexes. We identify and treat problems impacting either the
brain’s interpretation of what the eyes see or the brain’s coordination of eye movements. Most commonly, patients come to us for
help with loss of vision and double vision.
A variety of eye problems are associated with the onset of headaches.
Squinting, straining, or pressure and swelling of the eye can all trigger pain in parts of the head. Common eye problems that can cause or contribute to headaches are described in more detail below.