Latest news with #SupriyaSriganesh
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Are you always cleaning your glasses? It can be cataract: Doctor shares 6 early warning signs to know
Cataract is an eye condition that progresses very slowly, often making early detection challenging. However, one of the earliest warning signs is foggy or blurred vision. Foggy vision is one of the early symptoms of cataract.(Freepik) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Supriya Sriganesh, ophthalmologist, cataract and refractive surgeon, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bangalore said, 'By the time the patient really understands that the vision is blurry, they would have already gotten used to that lower degree of vision. And that's why they let it progress until it reaches a much later stage. Some people notice very late that the cataracts need to be operated on.' Also read | What are cataracts and how they can be treated Dr Supriya Sriganesh further shared the early signs of cataract we should be aware of to prevent progression of this condition: 1. Double vision in one eye: Patients often see two images of a single object, even when only one eye is open. This often goes unnoticed at first or is mistaken for eye strain. 2. Coloured halos around lights: Patient might notice rainbow-like circles or glare around lights, especially at night. This can make night driving uncomfortable. Know the early symptoms of cataract.(AFP / Relevant Image ) 3. Poor night vision: Many patients find it harder to see clearly in low light or while driving at night. Things may appear dim or less sharp than usual. Also read | Father's Day 2025: Is your dad diabetic? Doctor says it can lead to cataract; know risk factors, prevention tips 4. Foggy or blurry vision: The vision may seem cloudy or hazy, like looking through a frosted glass. Cleaning your glasses won't help, as the problem is within the eye. 5. Difficulty reading small print: Even with reading glasses, small text might start to look unclear, particularly in low lighting. 6. Frequent changes in your glasses prescription: If your glasses need to be changed often but your vision still doesn't feel right, it could be due to a developing cataract. The ophthalmologist emphasised the importance of annual eye check-ups to detect the condition early, monitor its progression, and ensure timely medical intervention. Also read | Cataract surgery can't be done during monsoon? Top surgeon debunks 5 myths, shares facts Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Cataract surgery can't be done during monsoon? Top surgeon debunks 5 myths, shares facts
Cataract is a common eye condition that typically affects older adults, causing cloudy or blurred vision. It occurs when proteins in the eye's lens break down and clump together, preventing light from passing through clearly to the retina. Also read | What are cataracts and how they can be treated However, myths associated with cataract surgery often stop patients from seeking timely help. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Supriya Sriganesh, ophthalmologist, cataract and refractive surgeon, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bangalore busted several myths. Fact: This is absolutely untrue. In fact, allowing the cataract to mature can be very dangerous. The ideal stage to get operated is in the early stages, such as stage 2. If you allow the cataract to progress to the point where your vision is severely impaired, it makes the surgery much more complicated. A mature cataract carries an increased risk of instability, retinal complications, and glaucoma after surgery. Therefore, never wait for the cataract to mature. The right time to undergo cataract surgery is when the drop in vision begins to affect your day-to-day activities. If your vision is blurry and it's interfering with your routine, it's time to get the surgery done. You don't need to wait for it to worsen. Fact: This is a very old belief from the time when cataract surgery was a major, manual procedure involving large incisions and a long recovery period. Modern cataract surgery is a quick, painless, and bloodless procedure, often performed using laser technology. Recovery is rapid, and there are no seasonal restrictions. You can safely undergo cataract surgery during the monsoon, summer, winter or any time of the year. Fact: Some patients ask whether it's necessary to put a lens in the eye after cataract removal. It is absolutely essential. The eye functions like a camera, and the lens is what focuses light onto the retina, much like a camera lens focuses light onto film or a sensor. Without a lens in the eye, the light entering cannot be focused, resulting in blurred vision. Implanting an intraocular lens (IOL) after cataract removal is mandatory for clear vision. Fact: Cataract refers to the clouding of the eye's natural lens. During surgery, the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one, which is placed inside the original lens capsule (a natural bag within the eye). Some people experience blurred vision a few years after surgery due to a condition called posterior capsular opacification (PCO), where some cells grow on the back of the lens capsule. This is not the cataract returning. It is easily treated with a simple, one-time laser polishing procedure that restores clear vision. Also read | Cataract to glaucoma: Doctor shares 5 common eye conditions that affect women after the age of 40 Fact: Another myth is that the lens implanted during cataract surgery can be replaced later. In reality, the artificial lens is a permanent implant. Once it is placed inside the eye, it is not routinely removed or exchanged. Only in rare cases, such as lens displacement or complications, might the lens need to be removed or replaced and even then, it carries certain risks. Therefore, choosing the right lens is a crucial decision. It is based on the patient's lifestyle and visual needs, whether they prefer near vision, distance vision, or do not mind wearing glasses. These considerations are discussed with the patient beforehand to ensure the most suitable and permanent choice is made. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Sudden redness in eye? Top surgeon explains 5 visual red flags that should be checked
Every time you experience red eyes or blurry vision, don't dismiss them as minor issues or temporary discomfort. They could signal something more serious. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Supriya Sriganesh, ophthalmologist, cataract and refractive surgeon at Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bangalore, highlighted five visual red flags and what they might indicate. Also read | Frequent eye fatigue from high screen time? Ophthalmologist suggests top nutrients to improve your vision If there is a sudden drop in vision along with pain and redness, this could indicate acute glaucoma or acute angle-closure glaucoma. If you're experiencing redness, pain, and a sudden drop in vision, you must visit an eye hospital immediately. The pressure inside the eye needs to be relieved promptly to avoid permanent damage to the optic nerve. A drop in vision associated with flashes of light could indicate a retinal detachment. Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition and is considered an emergency. It can be treated, but the prognosis depends on how quickly the detachment is addressed. Also read | From screen time to nutrition: 10 expert-approved eye care habits to maintain healthy vision in 2025 If you notice your eye deviating to one side, or if you see yourself cross-eyed in the mirror, and it is associated with double vision or a sudden drop in vision, this could indicate a stroke. A stroke affecting a nerve controlling eye movement can cause such symptoms. This must be investigated thoroughly, and you need to rule out any underlying conditions that could predispose you to a more serious stroke in the brain. If you experience a sudden, painless loss of vision, it could be due to several conditions. One common cause is vitreous hemorrhage, particularly in diabetics with diabetic retinopathy. In such cases, unstable blood vessels in the retina can rupture, leading to bleeding inside the eye. Many people ignore this because they can still see with the other eye, but the condition may worsen over time. Any sudden, painless vision loss should prompt an immediate visit to the eye hospital. If someone has had weak eyesight for a while and their vision is not improving with glasses, and if their prescription keeps changing with worsening vision, even with glasses, and they have a habit of eye rubbing or suffer from eye allergies, it should not be ignored. It could indicate keratoconus. Keratoconus is increasingly common and often seen in young individuals. In the early stages, the vision loss may seem minor and be mistaken for a change in prescription. However, if your prescription is frequently changing and the vision does not improve with glasses, it may be due to keratoconus—a progressive condition that must be treated early to halt its progression. It is sight-threatening and requires consultation with a specialist. Also read | Doctor shares 6 eye care tips to protect your vision during latest COVID-19 surge: 'Avoid unnecessary touching' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
