Tag: Contact lenses

March 9, 2026March 24, 2026

7 Contact Lens Mistakes That Can Harm Your Eyes and How to Avoid Them

Contact lenses are convenient, comfortable and give you freedom from glasses. But many people forget one important fact that contact lenses are medical devices and using them casually can harm their eyes. Small daily habits, when ignored, can slowly lead to dryness, infections and even long-term vision problems.

In this article, we will discuss some of the common contact lens mistakes, why they are risky and what you can do to protect your eye health.

What Happens to Your Eyes When Contact Lenses Are Not Cleaned Properly?

Your eyes need oxygen, moisture and a clean surface to stay healthy. Contact lenses sit directly on the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. When lenses are not handled or cleaned properly, they can block oxygen, trap germs and irritate the eye surface. Over time, this can cause redness, pain, blurred vision or serious infections.

But the good news is, most contact lens problems are completely preventable with the right habits.

7 Common Contact Lens Habits That Harm Your Eyes

1. Reusing or “Topping Up” Lens Solution

Many people simply add fresh solution to the old liquid in the lens case. This weakens the disinfecting power and allows bacteria to grow. Rather, you should always throw away the old solution and refill the case with a fresh solution every time.

2. Wearing Lenses While Showering or Swimming

Water from taps, pools or the sea contains harmful microbes. These can stick to lenses and cause serious eye infections, including conditions that may lead to vision loss. Rather, to be safe, you should always remove lenses before bathing or swimming. Use prescription goggles if needed.

3. Sleeping with Contact Lenses On

Even lenses labelled for extended wear reduce oxygen supply to the eyes during sleep. This increases the risk of infection and corneal damage. The best practice is to always remove your lenses before sleeping, unless your eye doctor has specifically advised otherwise.

4. Using Lenses Beyond Their Recommended Time

Wearing daily, monthly or bi-weekly lenses longer than advised damages the lens surface. This increases dryness, irritation and infection risk. You are adviced to follow the replacement schedule exactly as prescribed by your eye doctor.

5. Handling Lenses with Unwashed Hands

Hands carry dirt, oil and germs. Touching lenses without washing hands transfers these directly to your eyes. The simple rule is, first you wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching your lenses.

6. Ignoring Lens Case Hygiene

Your lens case can collect bacteria and invisible layers of germs over time, even if the solution is changed regularly. You need to rinse the case daily with fresh lens solution, let it air-dry and replace it every 1 to 3 months.

7. Skipping Regular Eye Check-ups

Even if your lenses feel comfortable, problems can develop silently. Changes in lens fit or eye health may go unnoticed without an exam. You are always recommended to get a complete eye check-up at least once a year, or more often if advised.

What Problems Can Occur If Contact Lenses Are Not Used Properly?

Contact lenses are safe only when used correctly. Poor hygiene can lead to:

Dry eyes and irritation
Painful eye infections
Frequent redness and watering
Scarring of the cornea
Long-term vision damage

Ignoring early symptoms and continuing lens use can worsen the problem.

Thinking Beyond Contact Lenses?

If you are tired of daily lens care or face repeated discomfort, modern eye care offers advanced alternatives like Laser vision correction. This option can reduce or even remove the need for contact lenses, depending on your eyes and daily routine.

Why Book an Appointment at Ojas Eye Hospital in Mumbai?

Your eyes are precious, don’t let small habits put them at risk. Take good care of your contact lenses, listen to early warning signs and never skip eye check-ups.

At Ojas Eye Hospital, the best eye hospital in Mumbai, we offer complete eye services, from routine eye exams to advanced surgical treatments, all under one roof.

Whether you need guidance for safe contact lens use or are looking for long-term vision correction options, at Ojas you will receive personalized attention from the best ophthalmologist in Mumbai. Book your appointment now!

Healthy eyes today mean clear vision for life.

February 9, 2026March 10, 2026

How Long Does Laser Eye Surgery Last? What to Expect from Long-Term Results

Laser eye surgery has helped millions of people see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. Many people think about getting the procedure for years but pause at one common question: “How long do the results of laser eye surgery actually last?”

This is an important concern because your eyes play a major role in your daily life. When you choose laser vision correction, you want results that stay stable for a long time. We usually get a mixed opinion – some say the results are permanent, while others say vision can change later. So, what is the truth?

In this article, we will discuss how laser eye surgery works, whether the results are permanent, what factors affect long-term vision and what to expect as your eyes age. By the end, you will understand why choosing the right hospital and eye specialist makes all the difference.

How Does Laser Eye Surgery Work?

Laser eye surgery, commonly known as LASIK, corrects vision by reshaping the cornea. The cornea is the clear front part of the eye that helps focus light onto the retina. When its shape is not correct, vision becomes blurry, leading to problems like short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism.

During LASIK:

A precise laser gently reshapes the cornea
Light starts focusing properly on the retina
Vision becomes clear without glasses or contact lenses

Once the cornea is reshaped, it does not return to its old shape. This is why laser eye surgery in Mumbai is considered a long-lasting vision correction option.

Is Laser Eye Surgery Permanent?

Yes, the correction made during laser eye surgery is permanent. The laser permanently changes the shape of the cornea. This means the vision correction itself does not wear off over time.

However, it is important to understand one thing clearly. While the laser correction stays the same, your eyes continue to age naturally, just like the rest of your body. Age-related changes can still happen, whether you have surgery or not.

Most people enjoy stable vision for decades after surgery. Many studies show that more than 95% of patients maintain their improved eyesight long-term. Some people may need small enhancements later in life, but this does not mean the surgery failed. It simply means the eyes have changed naturally over time.

Why Vision Might Change Over Time

Every person’s eyes are different. While laser eye surgery offers long-lasting results, a few factors can influence how your vision behaves in the future.

If someone says their vision “went back” years after surgery, it’s usually due to natural ageing, not because the surgery wore off. Eyes change throughout life, even if you’ve never had any procedure.

The main factors that influence long-term results:

Age at the time of surgery: Younger patients with stable vision usually enjoy results for a very long time. As people cross their 40s or 50s, natural changes like difficulty in near vision may occur.
Natural aging of the eyes: Conditions like presbyopia (age-related near vision problem) happen to almost everyone and are not caused by laser surgery.
Original eye power: People with very high eye power before surgery may notice slight changes earlier than others. This doesn’t mean the laser correction is reversed, rather it simply reflects the natural progression of their original eye condition.
Lifestyle and eye care: Protecting eyes from UV rays, avoiding excessive screen strain and following post-surgery care instructions help maintain good vision.
Overall health: Medical conditions such as diabetes or hormonal changes can affect vision. Regular eye check-ups help keep your eyes healthy.
Technology and expertise used: Advanced laser machines and experienced eye surgeons play a major role in long-term stability and safety.

Does Laser Eye Surgery Wear Off?

This is a common myth. Laser eye surgery does not wear off. The laser reshaping of the cornea is permanent.

What may change over time is your natural eyesight due to aging. For example, you may need reading glasses later in life, even if your distance vision remains clear. This happens to people who have never had surgery as well.

In some cases, a minor enhancement procedure can be done years later to fine-tune vision, if needed.

Long-Term Vision After Laser Surgery

Most patients enjoy clear vision for 10 to 20 years or even longer without needing glasses or contact lenses, and many continue to see well throughout their lifetime. Many people share experiences of waking up every day with naturally clear vision long after their surgery.

With proper care, regular follow-ups, and expert guidance, laser eye surgery continues to deliver excellent long-term results.

Why Book an Appointment at Ojas Eye Hospital in Mumbai?

Laser eye surgery offers a long-term solution for clear vision and freedom from glasses or contact lenses. The correction is permanent, and most people enjoy stable results for many years. While natural aging of the eyes cannot be stopped, expert care ensures your vision remains at its best.

If you are thinking about laser eye surgery, choosing the right eye hospital is just as important as deciding to have surgery. At Ojas Eye Hospital, the best eye hospital in Mumbai, patients receive care that combines experience, advanced procedures and world-class care. Book your appointment now!

Clear vision is not just about seeing better today, it is about seeing confidently for years to come.

July 30, 2025July 30, 2025

Monsoon Eye Care Tips in Mumbai – Protect Your Eyes from Infections & Allergies This Rainy Season

The treatment of the sweltering summer day that Mumbai faces, the monsoons bring relief. The positivity is that the rains bring relief and increase susceptibility to eye infections, allergies, and vision problems. Ojas Eye Hospital realises the importance of keeping your eyes in top condition during the rainy season. This all-inclusive guide will cover everything you have ever wanted to know about eye problems during the monsoons, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, so you can have your rains without sacrificing your vision.

Why are there more eye issues during monsoons?

Monsoon translates to high humidity, water-logging, and reduced immunity levels, ideal for bacterial, viral, and fungal growth. It predisposes to an increased risk of:-

Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Styes
Eye allergies
Fungal Keratitis
Dry eyes (due to indoor air pollution)
Contact lens-related infections

The excess moisture in the air also makes eyes prone to airborne allergens such as mould spores and dust mites.

What are the top-most frequent rainy-day eye infections and their symptoms?

The following are the most frequent conditions of the rainy days:-

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Redness
Watering
Itching or burning
Sticky discharge
High contagion risk

Stye (Eyelid Boil)

Red painful swelling on the eyelid
Swollen
Pus discharge
Light sensitivity

Fungal Eye Infections

Blurry vision
Eye pain
Increased sensitivity
White patches on the cornea (visible upon examination)

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Severe itching
Swollen eyelids
Watery discharge
Redness in both eyes

How do I prevent such infections in my eyes from the rain during the monsoon?

Experts back the following precautionary steps:-

Avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands
Avoid sharing towels, handkerchiefs, or eye makeup
Keep using UV-protected glasses outside
Avoid close contact with people suffering from eye infections
Disinfect your contact lenses and avoid using them in the rain
Cleanse your eyes with cold, clean water as soon as you return indoors
Avoid self-medication, and especially steroid eye drops

What is to be done if I get an eye infection?

See an eye specialist immediately if you notice redness, pain, or discharge. Never apply ‘over-

the-counter’ drops without consulting. We offer at Ojas Eye Hospital:-

Comprehensive Eye Examination treatment
Slit Lamp Evaluation for thorough anterior segment examination
Corneal Staining Tests to examine dry eye or infection
Conjunctival Swabs to identify microbial infections
Digital Retinal Imaging (if infection reaches the retina)

Early diagnosis results in quicker recovery and prevents complications.

Is it safe to wear contact lenses during the monsoon?

You must take additional precautions:-

Use daily disposables if available
Never travel in the rain while wearing lenses
Always clean and dry your hands before touching lenses
Clean the lens case often
Stop using and visit us if your eyes look red or feel gritty

Ojas Eye Hospital provides Contact Lens Clinics with professional guidance for lens cleanliness and care.

How are allergies managed or treated?

If you are allergic during monsoons, you may be prescribed:-

Anti-allergic eye drops (antihistamines, mast cell stabilisers)
Cold compresses
Lubricating eye drops
Steroid drops (only on medical advice)

If required, we perform a Tear Film Break-Up Time (TFBUT) test and Allergy Panel Screening at Ojas Eye Hospital.

Do monsoon eye infections in children become more serious?

Yes. Children are more prone to it due to:-

Frequent rubbing of the eyes
Exposure at school/workplace
Poorer immunity

Parents must be careful with warning signs and visit pediatric eye specialists at our Child Eye Care Unit.

What state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities are offered by Ojas Eye Hospital?

At Ojas Eye Hospital, Mumbai, we provide world-class diagnosis and treatment of all seasonal and chronic eye conditions:-

Diagnosis Services:-

Digital Eye Scanning
Non-Contact Tonometry (IOP)
Fundus Fluorescein Angiography
Corneal Topography
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Visual Field Analysis

Treatment Services:

Medical Management of Infections & Allergies
Stye Incision & Drainage
Corneal Ulcer Management
Tear Duct Irrigation
LASIK & Refractive Surgeries
Cataract Surgeries (Phaco, Femto-LASIK)
Corneal Transplants
Dry Eye Therapies

What care do I need to take after eye treatment during the monsoon?

Post-treatment care is required:-

Adhere to prescribed medication only
Avoid rain exposure, swimming, or dusty atmosphere
Patients recovering from conjunctivitis or a Stye need to adhere to rigorous hygiene practices
Follow-up visits are a must
Follow the prescribed use of artificial tears

Our Patient Care Coordinators at Ojas ensure our post-treatment instructions and reminders are communicated clearly.

Why must I choose Ojas Eye Hospital for eye care this monsoon?

Here’s why thousands trust Ojas Eye Hospital:-

Experienced Ophthalmologists with more than 30 years of experience
Super-specialised Clinics: LASIK, Retina, Cornea, Cataract, Children’s, Glaucoma
State-of-the-art Technology: Carl Zeiss, Alcon and Wave Light machines
The sterilisation process is very strictly followed, particularly during the monsoon
Packages are Affordable: For consultation, procedure, or surgery
24/7 Emergency Eye Services: Prompt response to unexpected infections or trauma
Patient-centric Service: Empathetic care with transparency & respect

Conclusion

Don’t let the monsoon spoil your eyesight. With the possibility of infection, being careful, clean, and educated only makes sense. From mild irritation to an outright infection, early detection and professional attention are the solutions to speedy recovery. Annoyed, red, or feeling like something is amiss in your vision—come to Ojas Eye Hospital now. Make your eyes blissful about the rain without any damage, with the finest care in Mumbai.

March 21, 2025April 7, 2025

Contact Lens Usage Guidelines for Long-term Use & Safety Concerns (15–20 years)

Introduction

Contact lenses are now a routine part of vision correction for millions of people worldwide. To correct refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia) or enhance the cosmetic appearance of the eyes, contact lenses offer comfort, convenience, and unobstructed vision. However, extended contact lens wear (15–20 years or more) is linked with some safety concerns and hazards that must be acknowledged by the users.

While new contact lenses are designed with maximum safety and comfort, incorrect handling, poor personal hygiene, and long-term dependency on lenses may lead to severe eye complications, like corneal infection, dry eye, reduced oxygen level, and even blindness.

Learning About Contact Lenses and Types

Knowing about the different types of contact lenses and how they impact the eyes is essential before we learn the guidelines for extended use.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft, pliable plastic material.
Allows transmission of oxygen via the lens to the cornea.
Compliant with day and continuous wear.
Used most often in conjunction with myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

Hard lenses with oxygen-permeability.
Provide sharp, clear vision for patients who have astigmatism or an irregular cornea.
Greater adaptation time needed but corrects vision in the long term more.

Extended Wear Contact Lenses

Constantly worn for nighttime or long hours (30 days).
Freely inhaled or drawn through, creating high chances of corneal infection and hypoxia.
Applying only with expert supervision.

Cosmetic or Colored Contact Lenses

Are used cosmetically to modify the color of the eyes.
Sourced either on a prescription basis or as Plano versions.
Based on care requirements similar to those for everyday contact lenses.

Why Long-Term Contact Lens Usage Needs Special Care

Usage of contact lenses for over 15–20 years demands excellent eye care and maintenance. The continuous use of lenses for over 15-20 years can cause:-

Corneal Hypoxia (Shortage of Oxygen Supply)

Contact lenses obscure the cornea, denying oxygen supply. Excessive use of lenses for over 15-20 years results in:-

Swelling of the cornea (edema).
Excessive risk of eye infections.
Reduced corneal sensitivity.

Contact Lens-Induced Dry Eye (CLIDE)

Long-term lens wearers develop Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome as a result of:-

Reduced tear production.
Increased evaporation of tears.
Desensitization of the cornea.

Corneal Neovascularization (Invasion of the Cornea by Blood Vessels)

If the cornea is starved of oxygen for a prolonged duration, new vessels may invade the cornea to bring oxygen. This can lead to:-

Disturbance in vision.
Permanent damage to the cornea.
Intolerance to contact lenses.

Increased Risk of Infections

Individuals who wear contact lenses over a long period of time are 4-5 times more likely to get bacterial, viral, or fungal eye infections if they:-

Sleep in lenses.
Use lenses beyond their expiration date.
Fail to observe good hygiene.

Long-Term Contact Lens Use Guidelines (15–20 Years)

For long-term contact lens use that is safe and healthy, follow these professional-approved guidelines:-

Practice Strict Hygiene

Excellent hygiene is the secret to long-term contact lens safety. Always do the following:-

Wash hands with soap and water prior to handling your lenses.
Always dry your hands with a lint-free towel prior to handling lenses.
Use only a recommended multipurpose solution to clean lenses.
Never handle lenses with tap water, saliva, or household solutions.

Avoid Sleeping with Contact Lenses On

Extended wear contact lens users should never sleep with contact lenses on except for extended wear as directed. Sleeping with lenses can:-

Reduce the oxygen supply to the cornea.
Complicate corneal infections 6-8 times.
Irritate, redden, and discomfort eyes.

In the event that you sleep in lenses unintentionally, remove them the following morning and get your eye doctor examined if:-

Your eyes become sore or red.
They acquire blurry vision.
Symptoms of watery or light-sensitive eyes.

Replace Lenses According to Prescribed Frequency

There are specific frequency replacement plans provided with contact lenses:-

Disposable daily lenses – Dispose after one day’s use.
Bi-weekly lenses – Replace after every 2 weeks.
Monthly lenses – Replace every 30 days.

Never overextend lens use beyond the specified duration, as this raises the chances of:

Lens contamination.
Eye infection.
Corneal ulcers.

Plan Regular Eye Check-Ups

If you have worn contact lenses for 15-20 years, you need to:-

Put in an eye check-up every 6 months.
Undergo a corneal health check-up once a year.
Check for any early symptoms of lens intolerance.

Regular follow-ups will help to detect early:-

Corneal hypoxia.
Dry eye caused by lenses.
Oxygen starvation damage.

Give Your Eyes a Respite from Lenses

Having your contact lenses on your eyes all the time for 15-20 years can exhaust your eyes.

Remove your lenses at least 2 hours prior to bedtime.
Relax your eyes once or twice a week using prescription glasses.
Steer clear of lens wearing with prolonged computer use to reduce dryness.

Avoid Water Contact with Lenses

Never expose your contact lenses to:-

Tap water.
Swimming pool water.
Shower water.

Water contains destructive microorganisms (Acanthamoeba) that create painful corneal infections, leading to permanent vision loss at times.

Avoid Dry Eyes with Artificial Tears

People wearing contact lenses for extended periods are most likely to develop dry eye syndrome. To maintain your eyes’ moisture:-

Preservative-free artificial tears should be applied 2-3 times a day.
Frequent blinking during screen work.
Drink adequate amounts of water.

Possible 15-20 Year Risks of Contact Lens Usage

Despite proper practices, prolonged usage of contact lenses for 15-20 years may lead to:-

Corneal Scarring or Opacity

Long-term usage of lenses may cause micro-corneal abrasions, which lead to:

Permanent corneal scarring.
Deterioration in vision.

Reduced Oxygen Flow (Hypoxia)

With 20 years of wearing lenses, oxygen supply to the cornea decreases, which results in:

Corneal swelling.
Bleeding vision.

Contact Lens Intolerance (CLI)

After 15-20 years, intolerance to lenses is developed by some wearers, which implies:

Continuous discomfort with lenses.
Pain, dryness, and redness.
Frequent infection.

In these cases, laser vision correction (LASIK/SMILE) can be recommended.

Conclusion

15-20 years of contact lens use require maximum precautions and regular monitoring to prevent long-term complications. After following proper hygiene, lens replacement at the right time, and regular eye check-ups, you can have your eye health and clear, comfortable vision for a lifetime.

If you experience any redness, irritation, blurred vision, or infection, consult your eye specialist as soon as possible. Contact lenses can be safely used in the long term but responsibly.

February 8, 2025February 11, 2025

Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: What’s Best for You? Find Out at the Best Eye Hospital in Mumbai

When it comes to vision correction, the choice between contact lenses and eyeglasses can be a tricky one. Both options serve to improve vision, addressing issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Only an ophthalmologist can determine the extent of vision correction you need, based on the severity of your eye condition and vision loss. However, the decision often comes down to personal preferences, lifestyle, and eye health.

In this article, we will discuss the differences between contact lenses and glasses, their benefits, limitations, and factors to consider when choosing, guided by insights from the best eye hospital in Mumbai.

What Are Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses are thin, curved lenses positioned on the tear film that coats the surface of your eye. These lenses are usually transparent but may have a slight tint for easy handling. Popular among younger and middle-aged individuals, they are less commonly used by older adults.

How contact lenses are different from eyeglasses

Contacts rest directly on the eye, offering a natural, unobstructed view with no distortion, unlike glasses, which can cause peripheral vision limitations.
There’s no irritation from frames, and no sliding down your nose or pressure on your face.
Ideal for sports or outdoor activities, as they won’t get foggy or fall off.
Lenses don’t interfere with your style, allowing you to wear any kind of eyewear, including fashionable sunglasses.
Contacts remain clear regardless of the weather, unlike glasses, which can fog up in humid or cold conditions.

Benefits of contact lenses

Contact lenses adapt to the curvature of your eye, reducing distortion and offering a broader field of view.
They’re stable and won’t slide down or get in the way during physical activities.
Lenses come in different types to suit various needs, including disposable, rigid gas permeable, and toric lenses for astigmatism.
Some contact lenses, like orthokeratology lenses, can reshape the cornea overnight to temporarily correct myopia.

Limitations of contact lenses

Contact lenses need regular cleaning and care to prevent infections and complications.
They can cause dryness, irritation, or discomfort, particularly during long hours of wear or if you have pre-existing dry eye conditions.
Wearing contact lenses improperly or overnight can increase the risk of serious eye infections, including corneal ulcers.
Contacts limit the flow of oxygen to your cornea, which may contribute to eye problems if worn too long.

What Are Eyeglasses?

Eyeglasses consist of a frame that holds two lenses made of glass or plastic, designed to correct refractive errors. These errors may include difficulty seeing distant objects (myopia) or nearby objects (hyperopia). Eyeglasses function by adjusting the eye’s focusing power, compensating for irregularities in the cornea and lens.

How eyeglasses are different from contact lenses

No need for daily maintenance; simply wear them as needed.
Glasses can shield your eyes from dust, wind, and environmental irritants.
Unlike contacts, glasses don’t reduce oxygen flow to the cornea, making them a better option for those with dry eyes.
Although initial costs may be higher, glasses tend to be a one-time investment unless prescription changes occur.
Glasses are ideal for those with delicate or dry eyes, as contacts can exacerbate these issues.

Benefits of eyeglasses

Since glasses don’t come into direct contact with your eyes, they lower the chances of infection compared to contact lenses.
No cleaning solutions or frequent replacements are needed.
Glasses offer a physical barrier against environmental elements like wind and dust.
Glasses don’t require regular purchases, making them a more affordable option in the long run.

Limitations of eyeglasses

Eyeglasses can restrict peripheral vision and cause visual distortions at the edges of the lens.
Over time, the pressure of the frame can cause discomfort on the nose and ears, leading to headaches.
Glasses can fog up in extreme temperatures or when exposed to moisture.

Choosing the Right Option for You:Contacts vs. Glasses

The decision between contact lenses and eyeglasses ultimately depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and eye health. Some individuals may prefer the convenience and comfort of contacts, especially for sports or aesthetic reasons. Others may opt for the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of glasses, particularly if they have sensitive eyes or want to avoid the maintenance that contacts require.

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, it’s essential to consult with an eye specialist in Mumbai. An ophthalmologist or optometrist can evaluate your vision needs, discuss potential risks, and help you make an informed decision based on your specific eye health.

Why Book an Appointment at Ojas Eye Hospital in Mumbai?

At Ojas Eye Hospital in Mumbai, we provide complete eye care, including vision correction options like glasses and contact lenses. Our expert eye specialist in Mumbai ensures that you receive the highest quality of care tailored to your unique needs. With advanced treatments and the latest technology, we offer the best vision correction in Mumbai, including personalized consultations to help you choose between contact lenses or glasses.

Book your appointment today at the best eye hospital in Mumbai for expert adviceand accurate prescriptions. Whether you require corrective lenses or surgical solutions, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional eye care for your vision needs.

August 25, 2022August 25, 2022

Eye Care

A habit of rubbing your eyes frequently

Many people have a habity of rubbing their eyes without knowing the consequences it may have on our eyes. When you feel tired, itchy, or dryness in your eyes, many people feel rubbing the eyes relieves all these symptoms. BUT THIS IS A MISCONCEPTION.

Is eye rubbing good for eye health? NO. The eye rubbing may temporarily relieve the symptoms, but it causes more harm than benefit to our delicate eyes.

There are invisible germs on your hands, fingernails, and skin constantly

Many microorganisms live on the surface of the skin, including your face and hands. The microorganisms on the skin are referred to as skin flora. It contains thousands of species of bacteria, viruses as well as other germs. Some bacteria, germs, or viruses are beneficial to the skin while others could cause several infections or skin diseases.

With every touch, hands can pick up germs from the any surface that they come in contact with. The germs stay trapped in our fingernails from where they can easily spread to other surfaces, including the eyes. Eyes are vulnerable and have a quick access for germs to enter especially in eye rubbers.

Mechanism of eyes

The eyes though vulnerable to several infections from environmental germs have their defense mechanism to protect them.

The external structure of the eyes includes eyelashes. These eyelashes protect the eyes from foreign body from entering the eye by trapping it within the hair.
The eyelids perform the simple action of blinking which also protects safety from foreign material at the entry
The eye is also protected and nourished by a three-layered tear film that protects the cornea from debris and germs.

Eye Rubbing can cause injury to the cornea and can also give germs an entry to get into the eyes and may cause infection in vulnerable eyes.

Protecting eyes from germs

Doctors always insist upon patients to strictly avoid rubbing their eyes. People who wear contact lenses are in particular advised not to rub their eyes and maintain good eye hygiene. They have to wash their hands clean every time while inserting and removing the contact lenses. Washing hands thoroughly with soaps before touching eyes is crucial for safety of eyes.

Your fingernails should always be trimmed to prevent the transfer of germs to your eyes. Almost all types of germs and debris are collected in the fingernails. It is impossible to keep not touch the face and eyes. The cleaning of long nails is nearly impossible, so it is advisable to keep the nails trimmed.

Also people who are working in outdoor/ dusty areas can use protective glasses/ sunglasses to keep the eyes sheltered.

October 13, 2021October 13, 2021

Vision Therapy

Introduction

Children or adults who notice difficulty in vision even with glasses or contact lenses may have a lazy eye also known as weak eye. Vision therapy is a safe and effective way to improve their visual potential. Vision therapy essentially comprises a set of eye exercises based on principles of binocular vision.

It is an also useful for those who are doing patching or occlusion therapy for lazy eye (also known as amblyopia). Vision therapy aims to train the eye and the brain to visual issues.

About 1 in 10 children estimated to have vision problem impeding school learning. A comprehensive eye exam can help in enhancing eye health, vision and visual skills of the child.

What Is Vision Therapy?

It is a progressive program of eye exercises. It is a remarkably effective procedure that improves visual acuity and binocularity. It is a safe, non-surgical and customized program performed under the supervision of a doctor. It is a drug-free therapy and is effective in both children and adults. Vision therapy can be an in-office or at home practice. Generally, it is conducted once or twice a week for 30 minutes to an hour.

When The Doctor Advises Vision Therapy?

The doctor advises vision therapy when your child has poor vision i.e weak eyesight inspite of glasses or frequent headaches and eyestrain. An eye doctor may also prescribe vision therapy to treat vision problems caused by weakness in eye muscles. Studies have proved that vision therapy is helpful in improving long-term educational performance in children.

How The Doctors Perform Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy corrects certain problems that cannot be treated by eyeglasses, contact lenses and surgery. The therapy mainly focuses on enhancing the visual system including the eyes and pathways in the brain. It improves visual acuity in lazy eye, improves synchronisation between the eyes, reduces symptoms of eye fatigue and eye strain.

Doctors can use tools and techniques for vision therapy includes

Prisms
Filters
Therapeutic lenses
Patches
Balance boards and brocks ring
A variety of tools designed specifically for vision therapy

It is also important to know that vision therapy is not limited to just tools and techniques. Successful results of vision therapy can be achieved only when the patient and doctor actively engage in the procedure of vision therapy.

What Are The Advantages Of Vision Therapy?

Children and adult can benefit through vision therapy who have the following visual challenges

Difficulty in reading, writing and learning
Double vision
Memory problems
Frequent headaches with visual tasks
Poor eye contact
Eye-tracking problem
Eye teaming problem
Dyslexia (It is a condition that affects the ability to read, write and speak mainly among kids)

Vision therapy also enhances various visual skills includes- Tracking moving objects, changing quick focus from far to near, recognizing depth perception, maintaining attention and binocularity.

What Are The Various Exercises Involved In Vision Therapy?

Pencil push-up exercise

The exercise commonly approaches binocular vision disorders such as strabismus. Typically, the therapy is done with a pencil or any object of similar shape like pencil. To start the procedure, you have to:

Hold the pencil at arm’s length
Move the pencil slowly towards the nose
Trying to keep a clear focus on the pencil
Then draw the pencil away from the nose
Repeat the process several times, for several sessions in a day

Computer-assisted vision therapy

Computer programs involve software to enhance the movement of eyes, visual thinking and processing skills.

Lens or prism fixation

In this exercise, your doctor will ask you to look at an object through different lenses. The lenses are of varying powers or prisms and placed at a certain position. The exercise will allow your eyes to see objects or person from near or close distance.

Patching

Sometimes if one eye is weaker than the other. Then the brain will not accept the image from the weaker eye. It can lead to amblyopia & also known as lazy eye. A patch will ask to wear on the stronger eye to reduce its stimuli. That’s how patching helps the brain in learning to accept the images from weak eye and improve vision in that eye.

Screen rest

The exercise is mainly for individuals who spend long periods focusing on computer screens. It consists 20-20-20 rule in which a person should focus for at least 20 seconds, on the object placed at 20 feet after every 20 minutes of a computer screen.

Conclusion

Vision therapy can be an excellent choice over surgery in various cases. Sometimes visual therapy is recommended after strabismus surgery to restrain the visual system. There is no need to afraid of the surgery procedures. If you are experiencing any vision problem at home, at work, you can choose vision therapy. It is better to take the advice of your doctor and schedule an eye examination.