Avenues to be explored

• Where are we stand on the road to optical perfection?
• Innovation in IOLs and Phakic lens
• Tips and Perils of successful outcomes
• What did i do wrong? What do i do now?
• Managing Astigmatism with Toric IOLs
• Decoding Keratoconus management

For details of the event, please refer to the image below:

The new theme, with its various possible interpretations, lends itself admirably to the development of screening and prevention activities, but equally well to solidarity and support campaigns. Think about it: Glaucoma can darken the patient’s vision through developing and expanding scotomas; it can darken the patient’s psychology through anguish about the future; it can also darken the lives of the patient’s family through fear about their beloved person’s sight; finally – and maybe most important – it can create a strong guilt to a glaucoma patient who has kept the disease secret for whatever reason and learns that a beloved relative, sibling or child, has lost vision because of late diagnosis – a strong incentive to push one’s relatives to get screened!

Now for the first time in Asia, Narayana Nethralaya is introducing a new treatment for Keratoconos.

KXL System

“Avedro’s experienced team of scientists, engineers, software programmers and manufacturing technicians have created today’s most advanced cross-linking device in the KXL System. Highest power output, best beam homogeneity, precision focusing, unparalleled programmability, and superior overall design make the KXL system the only choice for advanced cross-linking.”

If you require any more details please contact us at info@narayananethralaya.com.

One should know that it is one of most common eye related issues faced by diabetic patients which can also lead to complete blindness if left unattended. People with diabetes for more than 10 years are easy prey for this eye problem. Also, it usually effects both the eyes.

Stages of Diabetic retinopathy:

»   Stage 1 – in medical terms it is called Mild Non-proliferative Retinopathy  

It is the earliest stage where in small areas of balloon-like swelling in the retina’s tiny blood vessels occurs. In this stage one may not notice changes in the vision.

»   Stage 2 – in medical terms it is called Moderate Non-proliferative Retinopathy

At this stage as the disease progress, the blood vessels that nourish the retina are blocked.

»   Stage 3 – in medical terms it is called Severe Non-proliferative Retinopathy

In this stage, the above condition aggravates depriving several areas of the retina with their blood supply thus alarming the body to grow new blood vessels for nourishment.

»   Stage 4 – in medical terms it is called Proliferative Retinopathy

This is the advanced stage in which the new abnormal and fragile blood vessels are generated. It is at this stage people can lose their vision completely.

       Normal Vision

 Same scene viewed by a person with diabetic retinopathy

 Who should be worried about Diabetic retinopathy?

All those with diabetes are at the risk for diabetic retinopathy. Hence all the diabetes patients are suggested to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Also, people with diabetes for longer time are more likely to encounter this retinopathy.

Once confirmed the victim of diabetic retinopathy, treatment is given to prevent its progression thus worsening the condition.

 How can diabetes patients protect their vision?

Comprehensive dilated eye exam is a “must” for every diabetes patient at once a year. It should be noted that one can be a victim of this disease without showing any symptoms, thus it is necessary for every diabetes patient to go through eye exam regularly. The early detection and timely treatment can prevent vision loss.

Glaucoma can permanently damage the vision in the affected eye and can lead to blindness if left unattended. It is characterised by a particular pattern of progressive damage of the optic nerve that generally starts with elusive loss of peripheral vision i.e. the side vision and if it is not diagnosed and treated, it can aggravate the condition and lead to loss of central vision or blindness.

This eye disease is the second most common cause of blindness after cataract. And, it is mostly associated with intraocular pressure i.e. elevated pressure in the eye and this leads to damage of the optic nerve. In few cases, glaucoma may occur in the presence of normal eye pressure and this form of glaucoma is believed to be result of poor regulation of blood flow to the optic nerve.

Symptoms:

Glaucoma has its different versions viz.

• Open-angle glaucoma – it is the most common form of glaucoma. It occurs very slowly over time and has no symptoms at the initial stages. Initially, slow loss of peripheral vision can be observed which can aggravate to cause blindness.
•  Angle-closure glaucoma – symptoms in this type of glaucoma may appear and go at first and steadily becomes worse. It is also characterised by severe eye pain, decreased or steamy vision, nausea, vomiting, red eye and swollen eyes.
•  Congenital glaucoma – this type of glaucoma occurs mostly in infants and its symptoms are appearance of cloudiness in the front of the eye, red eye, tearing and sensitivity to light.
•  Secondary glaucoma – it happens as result of another eye problem or disease.

Treatment:

The most common way to treat glaucoma is through medicated eye drops. It helps in reducing the eye pressure and should be taken everyday like any other medication. It should be taken in a regularly as prescribed by the ophthalmologists.

The other treatment involves Iridotomy i.e. Laser therapy and if none of them are effective surgery is recommended.

The commonly occurring Ocular symptoms are:

• Blurred vision                            
• Eyestrain
• Dry eyes
• Headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain

These symptoms can be aggravated by:

• Poor lighting
• Glare on the computer screen
• Improper viewing distances
• Air moving past the eyes
• Poor seating posture
• Uncorrected vision problems
• And/or combination of these factors

These ocular symptoms experienced by computer users are only temporary and will decline gradually once they stop working on it. However, some individuals may exhibit continued visual symptoms even after turning off their computers.

Thus, Computer Vision Syndrome is fast becoming office health related issue!

Prevention or reduction of the vision problems associated with Computer Vision Syndrome includes controlling the lighting and glare of the computer screen, having good posture for viewing of computer, having proper working distances and even the minor visual problem being addressed by the doctor.

Prevalence:

According to recent research, about 90% of people are affected by Computer Vision Syndrome who spends more than three hours a day at computer.

Diagnosis:

A comprehensive eye examination is the part of diagnosis for Computer Vision Syndrome which includes:

• Patient History – to determine the general health problems of the patient, the medication taken for the same, the ocular symptoms shown by the patient or any other Environmental factors which may be contributing directly or indirectly to the symptoms related to computer use.
• Visual Acuity Measurement – to determine the extent to which vision may be affected.
• Refraction – to determine the appropriate lens power needed to compensate for any refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.
• Testing how well the eyes can focus, move and work together.

The information obtained by conducting these tests and other related tests will determine whether the person is suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome or not and an appropriate course of treatment can be adopted.

Treatment:

Computer Vision Syndrome can be palliated by obtaining regular eye care and making changes in how one sees the computer screen.

• Wearing computer reading glasses.
• Using anti glare screens.
• Computer screens should be 15 to 20 degrees below the eye level and 20 -28 inches away from the eye.
• Placing the computer screen near window or overhead lighting should be avoided.
• Better seating position i.e., good cushioning in the chair, height adjusted to rest the feet flat on the ground, better arm support etc should be ensured.
• Adequate Rest Breaks i.e., giving rest to the eyes for 15 minutes for every two hours of computer usage and looking at distant objects for every 20 minutes of computer viewing is a must.
• Blink frequently to avoid dry eyes.

In the modern developing world surgeons prefer to offer patients low-cost surgery facilities like the Sutureless Cataract Surgery. It is a non-phaco extraction of cataract that is less complicated also. The procedure adopted in this system involves an incision that is very small and self-sealing. Stitches are not required in this Sutureless Cataract Surgery. After the cataract is removed the more advanced intraocular lens is often placed in order to restore vision.

Hence contact lens or glasses are not required. The advantage of this kind of surgery is that the phaco-incision that is self-sealing offers visual rehabilitation quite rapidly and this Sutureless Cataract Surgery is being done on the basis of outpatient. Actually the other form of surgery namely phaco-emulsification is conducted on those patients who are able to bear the high costs of the treatment.

To provide a low-cost treatment of cataract removal, specialists are working hard to promote this method of surgery. Other advantages of Sutureless Cataract Surgery are that it provides fast vision recovery and one can return to usual life just after the day operation has been done. Moreover, there are no suture-related problems thereafter as the wound is water-tight and stable. It does not take a long time to operate in this method of surgery and the cost of the consumables is also less that makes it affordable to cataract patients.

The Sutureless is a difficult technique and has to be mastered well for which additional training is required. But once it is mastered well, such a Sutureless Cataract surgeon can do a lot for the society at large and can contribute considerably in reducing the blindness caused by cataract around the world. It is a beneficial system of surgery especially for the low-income countries and by this method the goal of Vision 2020 can be fulfilled for certain and the eye-surgeons are trying their best to find an alternative to phaco-emulsification.

Also you might want to check out Narayana Nethralaya’s Facebook page where experts from NN have initiated a social cause by providing free Second Opinions to any eye related issues. Check it out and share among your friends.

Make sure they’re treated that way”

They are your eyes –they deserve special treatment.

You are unique. You have special qualities & characteristics that set you apart from everyone else.

But did you know that your eyes are just as unique? Its true! Eyes have their own special attributes – traits that make them yours and yours alone. Sometimes though, the quirks of your eyes can lead to vision problems.

TIRED OF GLASSES AND CONTACTS?

If you’re looking into LASIK vision correction, it’s probably because you don’t want to wear glasses or contact lenses any more. Sure, glasses can be a fashion statement, but they can also just get in the way.

They’re a hassle during your favorite activities, and they block your beautiful eyes from the world. If they’re not getting smudged, they’re getting knocked off. Contacts show your eyes off, but they’ve got their own set of problems.

All the supplies you have to buy, the constant cleaning procedures and checkups, lost lenses and allergies. Now, imagine life without contacts and glasses – the simplicity, the freedom to do what you want without worry. That’s what LASIK surgery can give you.

Laser vision correction

Changing the way you see the world.

You’ve had vision problems for most, maybe all of your life? So, you’ve paid dues, it’s time for a brand new outlook! But, before you dive in, you need to know the basics about your eyes, the condition that affects them, and how laser vision correction gets the job done.

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Light rays bend more than they should, so they focus in front of the retina. Distant objects seem blurred.

Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

Light rays bend less than they should, so they focus behind the retina. Close objects seem blurred.

Astigmatism

Light rays bend at different angles, so they’re not all focused at the same spot. All objects seem blurred.

IS LASER VISION CORRECTION RIGHT FOR YOU?

 Certain eye conditions can affect your surgical options -thin corneas, Dry Eye Syndrome, etc. Your doctor may test for them, just in case. Don’t forget to mention any other medical conditions you have, or any medications you might be taking, as they can affect Surgery as well. Finally, and most importantly, your surgeon will make sure that you are comfortable and knowledgeable about laser vision correction, answering any questions you might have and helping you understand what you can expect from the procedure. Based upon your unique needs, your surgeon will recommend the laser eye correction procedure that is right for you. Keep in mind, though, that no matter which procedure you choose, each type of laser vision correction is safe, effective and can give you the results you have always dreamed of.

It is the relationships between the hospital and patients which is put in high order at Narayana Nethralaya. Here is one of those few stories which bring a smile in our face that we would want to share with you.

Following is a letter sent by Dr. Ramgopal, Quality Coordinator, to us regarding one of the feedback from a patient.

Dear Sir,

Yesterday, Mr. Jagannath Mallya, a patient referred by Dr Colin Nazareth, had this feedback to give me.

He said that he had spent 4 hrs at a hospital in Bombay and was given the date for cataract surgery there, but at the end of it “felt like running away from there”. So his friend Dr Colin referred him here.

By the time the cataract dept had seen him and I finished his fields and saw him, he had already spent 2 hrs in our hospital, BUT he said that he never felt neglected and appreciated our “work culture” where we “take care” of patients (as patients and not cases) – in his own words.

Obviously, I could not tell him to write this in a feedback form, but these kinds of feedback should serve as a great motivation for all the staffs.

For your information,
Dr. Ramgopal
Quality Coordinator, Glaucoma Consultant
Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore

Unlike other hospitality industries where the culture of giving user feedback is common, it is very difficult for hospitals to ask for feedback from patients. But these kinds of candid comments make a much more impact on us, rather then long filled forms.

Hence we are always delighted to share this and hope that if you have ever had any memorable experiences at Narayana Nethralaya please do share them.

The contact lenses myth debunked.
There has been a viral message floating across Facebook about how contact lenses melted in a boy’s eye making him blind. We always believe in spreading the right information and we just felt you should know the truth behind this message.

The contact lens are bathe by tear film, which not only covers the contact lens but also maintains the temperature of the cornea, contact lens etc. The contact lens would never ever melt like this!

Even in the worst case scenario someone get severe thermal burns (or heat related injury) to their cornea e.g. molten metal falls into the eye (may sound super scary but not an uncommon industrial accident) and even if the burn is very deep, the person may not be blind and we may be able to save his/her eye by doing stem cell transplantation.