Oculoplasty surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed to correct or improve the functionality and appearance of the eyelids, tear ducts, and other structures around the eyes. It is an intricate surgical procedure that requires expertise and precision to achieve successful outcomes. It is a specialized branch of ophthalmology that requires extensive training and expertise to achieve successful outcomes. 

     Oculoplasty surgery can treat various conditions of the eye, including eyelid tumors, ptosis (droopy eyelids), entropion (inward turning of the eyelid), ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid), eyelid malpositions, tear duct obstructions, orbital fractures, and thyroid eye disease. These surgeries can have both risks and benefits, which are detailed below:

     Benefits of Oculoplasty surgery

1. Improved vision: Oculoplasty surgery can help correct vision problems that are caused by drooping or sagging of the eyelids or other eyelid abnormalities and provide you with an improved vision for a prolonged time.
2. Enhanced appearance: Oculoplasty surgery can improve the appearance of the eyes and make you more confident, giving you a more youthful, refreshed look.
3. Relief from discomfort: Some patients may experience discomfort or pain due to drooping eyelids or other eye-related conditions. Oculoplasty surgery can provide them with the needed relief from such discomforts.
4. Improved self-confidence: Improving the appearance of the eyes can help boost self-confidence, make you optimistic, and improve your quality of life.
5. Painless surgery: Oculoplasty surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during the procedure.
6. Long-term effect: The results of oculoplasty surgery can last for several years, depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s overall health and lifestyle.

     To ensure that you have a successful surgery with the desired result and minimal complications visit Dr.Rani Menon’s Eye Clinic, Thrissur for the most advanced and modern oculoplasty surgeries.

     Glaucoma is an eye condition or eye disease that occurs due to damage in the eye’s optic nerves. It occurs when the fluid in the front part of the eye builds up causing intraocular pressure eventually damaging the optic nerve. Glaucoma is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness mainly in the age group above 60 years. There’s no specific glaucoma cure, but early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision. Eye specialists in kerala can offer you better vision and help you to read better, look better and live a better life with the right treatment. 

     Symptoms of glaucoma

    Although, no symptoms are seen during the early stages of glaucoma, as the eye disease progresses the patient may experience the below symptoms:

• Blurred or hazy vision
• Severe eye pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Redness in the eye
• Tunnel vision
• Seeing halos around lights

     The risk factors of glaucoma

   Some people have a higher chance of getting glaucoma eye disease, this includes people who: 

• are above the age of 40
• have a family history of glaucoma
• are of African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage 
• increased eye pressure
• nearsightedness 
• have had an eye injury 
• have thinner corneas in the center
• are using long-term steroids and other medications
• are having thinner optic nerves
• have diabetes, migraine, high blood pressure, 

If you have experienced more than one of these risk factors then you are at a higher risk of glaucoma. 

     The different types of glaucoma 

     There are four different types of glaucoma:

1. Open Angle Glaucoma – This is the most common type of glaucoma and it occurs when the eye does not drain fluid as it normally should leading to increased pressure and damage of the optic nerve. This kind of glaucoma has no visible symptoms and is painless. 
2. Closed Angle Glaucoma – Also called Angle-Closure Glaucoma or Narrow Angle Glaucoma. This type of glaucoma occurs when the iris is too close to the drainage angle and blocks it raising the eye pressure.
3. Normal-Tension Glaucoma– usually occurs when the optic nerve in the eye is damaged despite normal intraocular pressure levels.
4. Congenital Glaucoma – Rarely seen in infants and young children, it is a genetic defect affecting the drainage system of the eye.                       

     Treatment options for glaucoma

One of the most effective ways to diagnose glaucoma is through routine eye checkups with an ophthalmologist or optometrist. During an eye exam, the doctor will measure the pressure inside the eye. They will also examine the optic nerves. Lastly, they will perform certain visual field tests to check for any loss of peripheral vision. 

Once detected one of the primary glaucoma treatment is the use of eye drops. If used regularly or as prescribed, it can lower eye pressure by reducing the amount of aqueous fluid thereby reducing pressure and helping the fluid flow through the drainage angle. Surgery is another treatment for glaucoma, there are two main types of surgery, trabeculectomy is often prescribed for open angle glaucoma and iridotomy for angle closure glaucoma. Surgery also includes laser treatment for glaucoma which also helps to keep the glaucoma eye disease to a minimum.

Rather than loosing your vision completely due to glaucoma, taking treatment will ensure slowing down and even arresting the advancing vision-loss, helping the patients live quality life for longer.  

     Preventing Glaucoma

While there is no sure shot way to prevent glaucoma, there are several steps that patients can take to reduce the risk of developing glaucoma. The first glaucoma cure is, regular and routine eye checkups to help detect glaucoma during its early developmental phase. Make sure to always visit your eye doctor every once in a while to rule out any possibility of glaucoma and to undertake the necessary treatments at the right time to save your eyesight. 

Dr Rani Menon’s Eye Clinic in Thrissur offers the best glaucoma surgery in kerala. We perform surgeries with precision and professionalism, our biggest asset is having the best lineup of advanced eyecare doctors in kerala. Dr Rani Menon’s Eye Clinic is the best eye care clinic in kerala offering the most modern and advanced eye care treatment in glaucoma. Our specialized eye care center offers the best recovery treatments after the surgery.

    Cataract surgery is a common procedure that involves removing the natural lens of the eye that has got opaque due to ageing or medications and replacing it with an artificial lens. while the surgery is generally safe, there are some potential side effects, including eye irritation. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what causes eye irritation after cataract surgery and what can be done to overcome it.

Causes of Eye irritation after Cataract surgery.

These are several potential cause of eye irritation. These can include : 

1. Dry Eyes : The eyes may become dry after cataract surgery, which can cause irritation, itching, and discomfort.

2. Inflammation : Inflammation can occur after cataract surgery, which can cause redness, swelling and discomfort.

3. Infection : Although rare, infections can occur after cataract surgery, which can cause eye irritation, pain and discharge.

4. Allergies : Some people may be allergic to the eyes drops or other medications used after cataract surgery, which can cause eye irritation and itching in eye.

Managing Eye irritation after cataract surgery

If you’re experiencing eye irritation after cataract surgery, There are several things you can do to manage it. These include : 

1. Using Eye Drops : You will be prescribed eye drops to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection after cataract surgery. Make sure to use them as directed to help manage any eye irritation you may be experiencing.

2. Applying Warm Compress : Applying warm compress to the eyes can help reduce inflammation and soothe any irritation you may be experiencing after the surgery.

3. Avoid Eye Rubbing : Rubbing your eye can exacerbate any irritation you may be experiencing. avoid rubbing your eyes and try to keep your hands away from your face as much as possible.

4. Using Artificial Tears : If you’re experiencing dry eyes after cataract surgery, Using artificial tears can help keep the eyes lubricated and reduce any associated irritation.

When to contact your Doctor?

While eye irritation after cataract surgery is common, it’s important to contact your doctor if you are experience any of the following symptoms : 

1. Sever pain in the eye

2. Decreased vision

3. Increased redness or discharge from the eye.

These symptoms could indicate a more serious complication, such as infection or inflammation and require prompt medical attention. 

     Most people may experience eye irritation after cataract surgery , it is common and caused by several factors including, dry eyes, inflammation, infection or allergies. while there are several things you can do to manage eye irritation. It’s important to contact your doctor if you’re experiencing severe symptoms. with proper care and management, most of them will be able to recover from cataract surgery without complications or long-term side effects. 

     Dr Rani Menon’s Eye Clinic in Thrissur offers the best cataract surgery in kerala. we perform surgeries with precision and professionalism, our biggest asset is having the best lineup of advanced eyecare doctors in kerala. Dr Rani Menon’s Eye Clinic is the best Eye Care Clinic in kerala offering the most modern and advanced eye care treatment in cataract. Our specialized eye care center offers the best recovery treatments after the surgery. Eye specialists in kerala can offer better vision and help you to read better, look better and live a better life.

Always ensure proper eye care and and identify any any small changes to your vision, so you can get them checked and get necessary treatment.

     Oculoplasty, also known as ocular plastic surgery, is a specialized field of ophthalmology that focuses on the reconstruction, repair, and cosmetic enhancement of the eyelids, tear ducts, and surrounding structures of the eyes. While oculoplasty is often associated with cosmetic procedures, such as eyelid lifts and brow lifts, it also plays an important role in restoring function and improving the quality of life for patients with a variety of eye conditions.

What is Oculoplasty?

     Oculoplasty is a branch of ophthalmology that deals with the surgical and non-surgical management of conditions affecting the eyelids, orbit, lacrimal system, and the cosmetic and functional aspects of the eyes. It is a field that has made significant advancements in recent years, enabling the restoration of sight, the improvement of facial aesthetics, and the enhancement of the overall quality of life for those who have undergone oculoplastic treatment.

     One of the most common conditions that oculoplasty addresses are droopy eyelids (ptosis), which can cause visual obstruction, headaches, and a tired appearance. Ptosis can be congenital or acquired and can be corrected through a simple surgical procedure called blepharoplasty. This procedure not only improves vision but also enhances the appearance of the eyes, giving patients a more youthful and alert look.

     Another important aspect of oculoplasty is the management of eyelid malposition such as entropion and ectropion. These conditions can lead to chronic irritation, infection, and even loss of vision if left untreated. Oculoplasty surgeons use various surgical techniques to correct these conditions, resulting in improved comfort, appearance, and protection of the eye.

     The field of Oculoplasty also involves the management of orbital and lacrimal disorders. Orbital disorders such as orbital tumors, fractures, and inflammation can cause significant functional and cosmetic issues. The surgical management of these conditions can not only improve the patient’s vision but also enhance the appearance of the eyes and the surrounding area. Similarly, lacrimal disorders such as blocked tear ducts can cause chronic tearing and infection and can be treated with minimally invasive procedures that improve the patient’s comfort and appearance. In addition to these functional aspects, Oculoplasty also has a strong cosmetic facet.

Conditions that can be corrected with Oculoplasty

     One of the most common conditions treated with oculoplasty is ptosis, or drooping of the upper eyelid. This can occur as a result of aging, nerve damage, or other conditions and can cause vision impairment, as well as physical and emotional discomfort. Oculoplasty can correct ptosis by repositioning or tightening the eyelid muscle, resulting in improved vision and a more youthful appearance.

     Another important aspect of oculoplasty is the correction of congenital and acquired eyelid malformations. These can include conditions such as congenital ptosis, eyelid colobomas, and facial nerve paralysis, which can cause significant functional and cosmetic issues. Oculoplasty can repair these malformations, improving both function and appearance.

     In addition to these functional procedures, oculoplasty also offers a variety of cosmetic procedures to enhance the appearance of the eyes. The procedure of blepharoplasty can be used to improve the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids, giving patients a more youthful and refreshed look. The use of Botox and fillers can also be used to enhance the appearance of the eyes and the surrounding area, resulting in a more natural and rejuvenated appearance, boosting their self-confidence and improving their overall quality of life.

     Oculoplasty is a field that has the power to enhance the lives of patients by restoring their vision, improving their comfort, and enhancing their appearance. With the advancements in surgical techniques and technology, oculoplasty surgeons can now achieve more precise and predictable results, resulting in improved outcomes for patients. If you are experiencing any eyelid, orbital or lacrimal disorders, it is always best to consult an oculoplasty specialist for the best possible management of your condition.

     It’s important to note that, as with any surgical procedure, it’s important to consult with a qualified oculoplasty surgeon to determine if the procedure is appropriate for you and to discuss the potential risks and benefits. With the help of a qualified and experienced surgeon, patients can achieve their desired outcome and enjoy improved vision, function, and appearance.

Where can I get Oculoplasty procedure done?

     Oculoplasty is getting widespread popularity these days as a cosmetic surgery. Dr. Rani Menon’s Eye Clinic provides the best eye treatments and surgeries in Kerala with the most modern and best quality AI-controlled equipment like the wave light EX 500 Excimer Laser (Optilasik) and experienced doctors to ensure that you get the best treatment and crystal-clear vision. 

     Squint or crossed eye is a condition that affects many children at a young age and even adults. While some squints may get corrected in the course of time, some need treatment or surgery to be corrected. Squint treatments are now available at Dr Rani Menon’s Eye Clinic thanks to modern medical inventions.  

Listing below some of the effective ways for squint treatments in Kerala: 

 1. Glasses – Glasses are the initial treatment prescribed by the doctor if the condition is caused by a refractive error  like long-sightedness. After the glasses are worn for a certain period of time, the doctor reassesses the condition of the squint and suggests further treatment.  The use of glasses does not have any side effects and is the most convenient treatment for kids. Glasses will have to be worn for a long time for the squint to be improved or corrected.  

 2. Eye Exercises – Performing exercises for the eyes helps the muscles that control the eye movement to remain active and strong allowing the eyes to work together. Your eye doctor can help you show the eye exercises to be performed on a routine basis. 

3. Surgery – surgery is usually performed on the muscles that control the eye movements so that they line up correctly. Glasses may sometime be recommended if the surgery has not been entirely effective. Sometimes surgery may be required in one eye only and at times in both. Typically, a squint surgery is not very painful and the operation lasts for 30-60 minutes. The post Operative session may feel a little uncomfortable or uneasy but all you need is to ensure the safety of your eye during this time.

4. Injections – Injections onto the muscle of the eye are done to weaken the eye muscles to help them line better. Injections are often suggested if no underlying causes are identified some patients can also develop lazy eyes or amblyopia because of squint and it needs to be treated initially before treating squint. and for lazy eye, the treatment involves wearing a patch over the eye which is normal so that the vision in the lazy eye can be improved by the brain receiving signals and sending them to the defective eye to make it back to normal.

     if the squint is left untreated for a long time you will have to rely on surgery to improve the alignment of the eye. surgery is only recommended if other treatments are ineffective or ruled out. any vision problem that is left untreated for a long time, can cause severe damage to your vision. Hence , Dr. Rani Menon’s Eye Clinic , we suggest periodical eye checkups for early detection.

     At times, you might need more than one surgery to fine-tune the eye and correct the misalignment. in some cases, the patient may have double vision even after straightening the eyes but that is only because the eyes have not been in alignment for many years

     The main purpose behind performing squint surgeries is for the realignment of eyes, restoration of binocular vision, vision correction with glasses, correction deviation for cosmetical and functional reasons, preservation and restoration of binocular vision, prevention of diplopia, etc.

     Make sure to get expert advice from squint specialists regarding squints and treatments to follow for your particular eye conditions. Dr. Rani Menon’s Eye Clinic in thrissur provides complete solutions to all kind of eye-releted problems Dr. Rani Menon is renowned squint specialist in kerala.

     Always ensure proper eye care and identify any small changes to your vision, so you can get them checked and get the necessary treatment.

     Lasik surgery in Kerala is rising in popular demand to live a glass-free life without eyeglasses or contact lenses. The LASIK eye procedure is a popular laser surgery that is used to correct vision problems. In this article, we will discuss what you need to know about the LASIK eye procedure, including:

• What LASIK is and how it helps
• The benefits of the procedure
• Costs associated with it 
• Who can benefit from LASIK surgery

   What is the LASIK Eye Procedure?

      LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a laser surgery that is used to correct vision problems such as myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. It involves using a laser beam to reshape the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye. This helps improve visual clarity and reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses.

   The Benefits of LASIK Surgery:

     The benefits of undergoing LASIK surgery include:

– Get rid of contact lenses and glasses

– improved clarity of vision

– Fast recovery time 

– No general anesthesia is required; eye drops are given for any pain 

– No pain during or after the surgery. 

   How much does LASIK Surgery cost?

     Dr. Rani Menon’s Eye Clinic in Thrissur does the most advanced Lasik surgery in Kerala at a competitive and reasonable cost. 

   Who can benefit from LASIK Surgery?

     Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK surgery. Ideal candidates usually have healthy eyes without any autoimmune diseases or other medical conditions that could affect healing post-surgery. At Dr. Rani Menon’s Eye Clinic, we recommend Lasik treatment in Kerala for patients in the age group 18 to 45 only.

   Ideal candidates are: 

• Those with myopia (near-sightedness) between 1-10 dioptre.
• Those with up to 6 dioptre hypermetropia (farsightedness).
• Stable power (those candidates whose power has not changed in the last year).
• The appropriate thickness of the cornea.
• Other tests may be prescribed.

     Lasik is very useful for people whose occupation or passion makes glasses/spectacles a blemish. We can think of many such examples such as dancers, swimmers, police/army, models, actors, or simply people who wear thick glasses which makes it impossible to see without them.

   What to expect during your LASIK Procedure?

     After all your tests, you will meet our counselor who will explain all the steps to you. The date and time are fixed at your and your doctor’s convenience. On the date of the procedure, you will be taken to the Lasik operation theatre, where you will lie down on the operation table. You just have to let the doctor and the Lasik machine do their job.

     At Dr. Rani Menon’s Eye Clinic, we use a microkeratome machine (which is completely automated) and then the custom vise laser to smoothen the surface of the cornea. It merely takes 1.4 seconds for the machine to correct one dioptre power.

     Unlike other surgeries, there are no bandages involved. All that is needed is a pair of spectacles to temporarily protect your eyes. 

     You can return home a few hours afterward. You will be properly guided by our qualified staff as to how to take care of yourself after the surgery.

   There are certain post-Lasik instructions to follow:

• Rest for 2-3 days
• You may experience dry eyes 
• Avoid sports for 2weeks
• Use protective glasses for a while
• Avoid swimming for a month
• You can start working with computers after 3-4 days
• There may be glare/haloes to light for a few days.

   Lasik Treatment In Kerala

     Dr. Rani Menon’s Eye Clinic provides the best Lasik Treatment in Kerala with the most modern and best quality AI-controlled equipment like the wavelight EX 500 Excimer Laser (Optilasik) and experienced doctors to ensure that you get the best treatment and crystal clear vision. 

     Only patients who are eligible for treatment are encouraged to do Lasik surgery. All the necessary tests and consultations are completed before the date of the surgery.

     As you can see, this procedure is safe and pain-free. Don’t let the fear of the procedure stop you from taking advantage of this opportunity to have a spectacle-free life.

     Squint, also known as Strabismus, is a condition when both eyes point in different directions. While one eye may look normal, the other one tends to turn up (hypertropia), turn down (hypotropia), turn in (esotropia), or turn out (exotropia). When the eyes are not properly aligned, one or both eye focuses on different objects and sends the brain a different signal. When the brain perceives these two different images, it tends to get confused.

   Types of Squint

     There are different types of squints. When a squint is permanent, it is called a constant squint, and an intermittent squint when temporary. Squint can often be misguided by a “Pseudo Squint” because of the wide gap between the eyes making the eyes look misaligned and often mistaken for a squint. Sometimes the squint eye can be corrected and made normal with treatments and exercises. Most commonly seen in young children anyone of any age can develop a squint.

   Symptoms of Squint

     Some of the symptoms that can help identify squint are crossed eyes, double vision, depth perception issues, eyes moving separately, loss of vision in just one eye, etc. Strabismus is caused by an abnormal condition of neuromuscular control of eye movement. Here, the eye muscles that control the movement and eyelids are unable to function together in unison, and as a result, the eyes cannot focus on one object at the same time. When you have a squint, the binocular vision is disrupted and obstructs the person’s depth perception.

   Causes of Squint

    Squint can occur for very many reasons, the exact cause of which is not known. While some people are born with a squint, others may develop it later in their life, and for some; it may be genetic or hereditary. In children, squint may be caused due to refractive errors like astigmatism, short-sightedness, and long-sightedness.

    Medical advice is necessary if you notice squint in kids older than three months. You must start an early treatment once you notice squinting eyes. Young children may develop the habit of closing one eye to focus on something else or turning their heads to one side. Ignoring squint eye and delaying treatment can lead to very many other problems and even vision loss in the future.

     In some rare cases, squint can be caused due to medical conditions and infections like measles, viral fever, the incorrect balance of muscles, Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, brain or nerve-related problems, developmental delays, etc. Squint can sometimes be a symptom of retinoblastoma, a rare type of childhood eye cancer. 

     For all squint-related eye conditions, feel free to get in touch with one of the finest squint specialists in Kerala, Dr Rani Menon from the renowned Dr Rani Menon’s Clinic in Thrissur. Suture-less or no stitch squint surgery using fibrin glue was also pioneered primarily by her in Dr Rani Menon’s Clinic, Thrissur. Make regular eye doctor consultations to identify squint at an early stage and do the necessary corrections and treatment to lead a normalized life. Our next blog will provide more information in detail about squint treatment in Kerala.

     Your prescription glasses are the first thing you take hold of in the morning and the last thing you keep aside before sleeping. Throughout the day, your glasses are kept at a lot of places and encounter many “challenges”. When perfect vision is guaranteed through prescription glasses, you must use them throughout unless otherwise mentioned by your doctor. Hence it becomes important to choose glasses that are stylish, comfortable and functional. Choosing the perfect frame, size, and color that matches your face is indeed a tedious task but once that is done, make sure to take extra care of your glasses for your vision depends on them. If not properly handled your glasses and frames can be damaged, disrupting vision.

     Always make sure to follow the proper guidelines from the concerned optician when cleaning your glasses. If you are wearing them throughout the day, they can accumulate dust, stain, and fingerprints which can disrupt your vision. Hence, proper cleaning of the glasses is essential so that your vision is not impaired. The following tips are applicable even if your lenses are labeled as scratch free.

1. Use a cleaning solution on your glasses to clean them and refrain from using your spit or breath to clean them. Cleaning dry glasses can leave scratch marks on them.
2. Avoid touching the lens of the glasses as it can leave fingerprints and smudges. Hold them by the frame.
3. Always use a microfiber, soft or lint-free cloth to clean your glasses. Do not use a paper towel, napkin, tissue or any other hard cloth for cleaning your spectacles as they can cause scratches on them.
4. Some people also clean the glasses with the clothes. If the clothes are not 100% cotton, it can cause scratches on the lenses. Any stain or dirt on your clothes can easily be transferred to your glasses too upon cleaning.
5. It is also a good idea to air dry your glasses after washing, so other particles or materials do not stick on them.
6. Always store your glasses in their case with the lens facing upward, or else, the lens can get scratches.
7. Leaving the glasses in a hot area or in the dash of a car parked for a prolonged time under the sun can deform the frame.
8. Putting the glass inside your handbag without placing them in a case can damage your glasses.
9. Make sure to not place your glasses on the bed, sofa, chair, or any place where someone might accidentally sit on top and cause it to bend or break.
10. Do not put the glasses on top of your head, as there are chances of it slipping and falling as well as the widening the frame.
11. While removing or putting on your glasses, use both hands so that the alignment is not disrupted and the fit of your glasses is not compromised.

     If your glasses are clean, then you will not have to strain yourself to see through them. Make sure to follow these dos and don’ts so that you have sturdy, clean, and scratch-free glasses promising good vision. With proper guidance, your glasses can last for a long time and continue to give you the gift of clearer vision.

     Our eyes are the most delicate sense organs in our body and are intended for perfect vision. The power of eyes may not be the same for all and certain eye disorders require glasses or contact lenses to be worn depending on the condition. While contact lenses are a good alternative to glasses and come with their benefits, they can lead to great damage to your eyes if not properly taken care.

     If you are not following the correct instructions or taking proper care of your contact lenses it might affect your eyes in a bad way leading to an eye infection. Hence, extra care must be taken when wearing contact lenses as well as caring for them. Practicing unhealthy and unhygienic habits while wearing contact lenses can lead to blurry vision and infection, which is why in this blog we detail some of the bad contact lens habits to leave behind.

1. Not changing the contact lens solution every day 

      Your contact lens solution comes with an expiry date, be sure to discard the solution after its expiry date. The contact solution if turned old will not provide adequate disinfection hence always make sure to use a new and fresh contact lens solution. Not changing the contact lens solution every day will result in an eye infection. 

2. Wearing contact lenses for far too long 

     Contact lenses must be worn for a maximum of 10 to 12 hours only, your eyes breathe by absorbing oxygen through the air, and the contact lenses limit the oxygen intake for they cover the cornea. If worn for a longer time the contact lenses can be exposed to a lot of dirt. Disposable contact lenses are also available in the market, hence make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the recommended time it should be used.

3. Wearing contact lenses to bed 

      Contact lenses are not designed to be worn throughout the day unless they are long-term contacts. Disposable contact lenses should ideally be removed before going to bed. There is a tendency for bacteria to grow if you sleep with your contact lenses on. Also, your eyes need more oxygen to breathe, and wearing contact lenses might act as a barrier while wearing them and sleeping.

 4. Wearing contact lenses in a pool, hot tub, or shower

     Water present in a pool, hot tub, or shower may contain chlorine, microorganisms, bacteria, and impurities which can cause the contact lens to change shape or be deformed.  

5. Not washing your hands when handling contact lenses 

    If you are going to handle contact lenses, make sure your hands are clean and washed because if your hand contains oil or dirt then it could transfer to your eyes and lead to infection. Not washing your hands before handling contact lenses can contaminate your eyes. Use a handwash and dry your hands before touching the contact lenses. Do not touch the contact lens after applying scented lotions or creams as they can easily pass onto your eyes and cause infection.

6. Rubbing your eyes often

     Rubbing your eyes sparingly is ok, but excessive rubbing while wearing contact lenses can lead to irritation and eye infection. It is best to avoid rubbing your eyes, as it can damage your eyes.

7. Wearing contact lenses without consulting a doctor 

     Contact lenses should only be worn after consulting with an eye doctor, it is not a cosmetic accessory hence wearing them needs proper guidance from a professional doctor. Each person’s eye is unique hence only an experienced doctor can help overcome vision problems with the help of the right contact lens.

8. Cleaning contact lenses with water 

     Even if you do not have the contact lens solution at your disposal, you must not resort to using tap water to clean your lenses as they are not the most unhygienic way to clean your lenses. Tap water may also contain a lot of bacteria which can damage your eyes and cause infection.

     Avoiding these bad habits or keeping them at bay can prolong the life of your contact lens and keep your eyes in good health without causing any damage or eye infection. 

     Like any other organs in our body, our eyes are also prone to various diseases and infections due to genetic reasons, age, lifestyle, accidents, etc. While most eye problems can be cured if identified early and treated properly, some cannot be treated or cured. The best way to keep your eyes healthy is by getting them checked at a reputed eye clinic near you regularly.

    Your vision starts deteriorating once you start aging. Other reasons contributing to eye diseases can be controlled by simple changes in lifestyle. Some of the most common eye problems and conditions are:

Refractive errors 

     Refractive error is an eye condition that is seen even at a young age. The eye loses its ability to focus on an object, and clear vision is only attained with the help of a corrective glass prescribed by the doctor. Some of the most common refractive errors are myopia or near-sightedness, hyperopia or far-sightedness, astigmatism or distorted vision, and presbyopia. 

     Astigmatism is when the eyes are not completely round and you experience wavy or blurry vision. Some people are born with astigmatism and often with eye surgery and the use of corrective glasses and lenses, it can be treated.

     Presbyopia occurs between 40-50 years of age when you start losing the ability to focus your eye and to read books or newspapers, you need to hold it far away to see clearly. Refractive errors can be corrected by the use of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and even surgery in some cases. 

Corneal Abrasion

     Corneal Abrasion occurs when dirt or sand gets stuck in the eyes, and in an effort to get rid of it, rubbing them can cause a tear or scratch in the eyes. When you rub them too hard or poke your nails into them, corneal abrasion can occur. Symptoms of corneal abrasion are pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, redness, burning or stinging sensation, etc.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

     Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that occurs due to aging, harming the central vision. In AMD, the macula which is the central area of the retina is damaged. To see objects with clarity, central vision is necessary without which driving, reading or such routine activity may become tedious. 

AMD can be Wet or Dry. While Dry AMD is the initial stage of macular degeneration, Wet AMD is the advanced stage of the condition. Symptoms associated with AMD include seeing distorted images, losing visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity.

Treatments like laser therapy and the use of drugs will damage the abnormal blood vessels and prevent severe loss of vision and slow down the progress of the disease.

Retinal Detachment 

     Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition in which the retina detaches from its tissue, the condition becomes serious when left untreated leading to complete blindness. You may not experience any pain or warning signs but symptoms include vision problems like seeing floaters, flashing lights, seeing wiggly lines or dark spots, poor side vision etc. Retinal detachment can be treated by laser therapy and other surgical treatments.

Cataract 

     Cataract is the leading cause of blindness across the world. In this condition, the eye lens becomes cloudy and milky white. Effective, quick, and advanced surgery is now available for cataracts with no or reduced risk and faster recovery time. Cataracts occur in people when they start to age usually, from the age of 40 and above. Symptoms of cataracts include cloudy or blurry vision, seeing glare around lights at night, difficulty in seeing at night, sensitivity to bright light, unclear vision even with glasses and contact lenses, etc.

Diabetic Retinopathy

     Diabetes is the main cause and the biggest risk factor of Diabetic Retinopathy and one of the leading causes of blindness. Increased blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina causing them to swell, leak or even stop the blood flow to the retina.

     Though the initial symptoms may not be clearly visible in people having diabetic retinopathy some of them may experience seeing floaters, blurred or distorted vision, seeing faded colours, poor night vision, seeing dark spots, etc.

     Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with surgery and also by changing your lifestyle and keeping your blood sugar levels under control.  

Glaucoma

     Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness damaging the eye’s optic nerve. In glaucoma, intraocular pressure, or the pressure inside the eyes increases causing obstruction in the transmission of images to the brain. Glaucoma if undetected and left untreated can cause blindness and vision loss. Glaucoma is of two types; 

• Open-angle glaucoma develops slowly and changes in vision may not be easily visible.
• Closed-angle glaucoma develops fast and you will experience pain and lose vision quickly.

    Symptoms experienced for glaucoma include eye pain or pressure, headache, red eyes, hazy eyes, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, blind spots, a halo around lights, low vision, tunnel vision etc. 

Amblyopia

     Amblyopia or lazy eye is a condition in which only one eye encounters reduced vision due to abnormal visual developments formed in an early stage of life. Usually develops when the brain and one eye are not working together and the brain favors the other eye which can be seen better. The stronger eye will work better and the other eye becomes lazy.

     Though the eye may look normal, it is not being used normally. If not treated successfully, it can lead to one-eye vision impairment in children and adults. Unless it is successfully treated in children it can persist in adulthood too.

Strabismus 

     Strabismus or squint is a condition in which both eyes are not aligned in the same line and both of them are looking in opposite directions. Usually appearing in infants and young children from their time of birth, the crossed eye is seen in adults too.

     Symptoms of Strabismus include eyes not looking in the same direction, eyes not moving together, squinting or closing one eye in bright light, light sensitivity, etc.

Eye exercises, medication, use of contact lenses and glasses, and surgery are some of the options to treat Strabismus. If not treated, Strabismus can result in lazy eyes, blurry vision, eye strain, fatigue, headache, etc.

Keratoconus

     Keratoconus is a condition in which the usual clear and dome-shaped cornea that helps focus light into our eyes becomes thin and bulges out in the shape of a cone.

     The change in shape in the cornea makes it difficult for light to focus light into the eyes making driving and reading tough for vision to become blurry and distorted.

     Keratoconus occurs genetically and also by other eye allergies, disorders, and diseases. If you ever experience distorted or blurry vision, eye redness, swelling, or sensitivity to light, get your eyes checked for Keratoconus. Using corrective eyeglasses or lenses, corneal transplant, surgery, etc. 

     While these are only some of the most common eye problems or conditions, there are many other conditions related to our eyes. With regular eye exams and diagnosis, an ophthalmologist can detect eye problems at an early stage, and correct and treat them.

     These eye conditions can be cured by adopting lifestyle changes, taking proper eye care, eye exercises, and rest. Some eye conditions are asymptomatic; hence it is essential that you do  not make any compromise on your eye doctor visits to protect your eyes. Let’s start taking care of our eyes!