Max Institute of Eye Care

ARMD is a condition which generally affects older adults and leads to vision loss in the center of the visual field (the macula) because of damage to the retina. This condition is considered as the major cause of blindness and visual impairment in older adults (>50 years).

Know More

Once it is confirmed that the patient has cataract, the treatment is essentially surgical. Whenever the patient feels his vision has decreased to a level where it interferes with his daily activities he can get operated upon (no longer is it required for the cataract to become mature). However, in certain cases where there are associated complications or potential risks of complications, an early (even urgent) operation may be required - here the advice of your Consulting Eye Surgeon should be followed. The operations done for cataract treatment are the following (the list includes only established standard procedures): Phacoemulsification with foldable IOL Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) with Intra-ocular Lens (IOL) Implantation Conventional Surgery (Extracapsular Cataract Surgery-ECCE) is virtually obsolete now

Know More

Diabetic Retinopathy is a disease, referring to the damage of small blood vessels in your retina, the back part of eye. Diabetes also increases your risk of having glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye problems. The retina is the layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye. Diabetic retinopathy has no symptoms until the damage to your eyes is severe. There are two stages of diabetic retinopathy: Nonproliferative develops first Proliferative is more advanced and severe

Know More

At Max Hospital, we recognize the challenges of managing glaucoma, both physically and emotionally. Our dedicated ophthalmology team, composed of experienced glaucoma specialists and caring support staff, prioritises your comfort and dignity throughout your treatment journey. Using cutting-edge technology and evidence-based medical approaches, we tailor treatment plans to address current symptoms and prevent future complications. Our commitment to providing comprehensive care and advanced therapeutic options establishes us as a leading centre for glaucoma treatment in Delhi, enabling patients to regain their vision and confidence in their daily lives.

Know More

This is a disease where the central mirror like structure, called Cornea, become weak, leading to progressive thinning and stretching which gradually progresses. Gradually, the Cornea bulges forwards, leading to an irregular cone shape. This causes distortion and blurring of the image formed by the cornea. Usually the disease is bilateral, though the severity may vary between the two eyes. Keratoconus affects about 1 in 7000 people.

Know More

LASIK or Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis is laser eye surgery used to correct vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It involves reshaping the cornea to correct refractive errors and vision problems. Invention of spectacles was a great achievement at a time when patients with refractive error were severely handicapped or practically blind. Spectacles enjoyed a high degree of popularity for a long time, but now their disadvantages such as, cosmetic blemish, restricted field of clear vision, aberrations, obstruction in sports and physical discomfort, are apparent. However, this does not mean that spectacles are to be condemned. There are still many situations where spectacles are the only alternative available for restoration of vision and also a respectable visual device. A question that always haunts the minds of the ophthalmologists and patients alike is “Why should we depend on prosthesis when it is possible to restore natural vision with all its inherent advantages (not just cosmetic)?” The answer to all our doubts and apprehensions lies in LASIK Surgery.

Know More

The ICL(Implantable Collamer Lens) is an intraocular lens (IOL) used to correct spectacle power (refractive errors-myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism). The phakic ICL is placed inside the eye between iris and the natural lens. Implantable lenses function like contact lenses to correct nearsightedness. The difference is that phakic IOLs work from within your eye instead of sitting on the surface of your eye.

Know More

Ptosis is a condition when the upper eyelid droops downward. It can affect one or both eyelids. Ptosis can happen because of a genetic disorder, nerve damage, weakened muscles that lift the eyelid, and more. Levator muscles lift the eyelids. If they are weakened or not properly developed, it can lead to ptosis. Ptosis only requires treatment if it affects vision. There are many treatment options available.

Know More

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that occurs when the retina at the back of the eye pulls away from its normal position. As a result, it separates from the layer of blood vessels. It requires immediate medical attention. The longer it is ignored, the higher the chances of permanent damage to the diseased eye. It may also lead to vision loss from the affected eye. Some important signs of being wary of are: The appearance of flashes and floaters Reduced vision Contact an ophthalmologist immediately if any of these signs become evident. Symptoms of Retinal Detachment A detached retina can clinically present as: In peripheral vision, bright flashes of light can be seen. Overall blurry vision. Suddenly appearing, new floaters in the eye. Shadowing that appears similar to a curtain or shade across the vision range. Pain is usually absent in or around the eyes. Decreased peripheral vision. Types of Retinal Detachment Retinal detachment is of three types: Rhegmatogenous: It is the most common type of retinal detachment caused by a tear or hole in the retina. The tear allows fluid to seep in and accumulate underneath the retina. Subsequently, the retina detaches, loses blood supply, and stops functioning. This leads to loss of vision. Tractional: Tractional detachment occurs when the scar tissue grows on the retina's surface. This leads to the retina pulling away from the back of the eye. This type of detachment is commonly seen in people with poorly controlled diabetes and other medical conditions. Exudative: When fluid accumulates beneath the retina without a tear or hole in it, the type of detachment is referred to as exudative detachment. This type may be caused by age-related macular degeneration, injury to the eye, tumours, or inflammatory disorders. Causes of Retinal Detachment The retina detaches from the eye due to a tear or hole. When the eye fluid leaks through it, the retina eventually detaches from the remaining part of the eye. This is the result of a condition termed posterior vitreous detachment. Retinal detachment occurs due to the following reasons: Trauma Extremely bad near-sightedness. Family history of retinal detachment. Tractional detachment. Exudative detachment. Diagnosis of Retinal Detachment Doctors record the patient's medical history and family history and perform a physical examination. The tests they may recommend are: Retinal examination: An instrument with a bright light and special lenses may be used to examine the back of the eye and the retina. A highly detailed view of the whole eye, such as retinal tears, holes, or detachments, is available with this device Ultrasound imaging: Ultrasound tests help evaluate the presence of blood leaks in the eye that may make it difficult to see the retina. Doctors examine both eyes to see if symptoms are present in both. If the tear has not been identified at the first consultation visit, another visit may be necessary for a few weeks to confirm that the eye has not developed a delayed tear Treatment for Retinal Detachment Multiple surgical approaches are available to repair retinal tears. Depending on the treatment required (retinal tear or detachment), the doctors shall discuss the procedure or combination of techniques to select the best treatment option for a specific case. Some of the treatment choices are: Retinal Tears: When a retina shows a tear or hole that has not progressed to detachment, it can be treated to prevent retinal detachment and preserve vision. Laser Surgery or Photocoagulation: A laser beam is directed into the eye, which causes burns around the retinal tear. This creates scarring. Consequently, the retina is welded to the underlying tissue. Freezing (Cryopexy): First, local anaesthesia is injected to numb the eye. This is followed by applying a freezing probe to the eye's outer surface over the tear. This causes a scar that secures the retina to the eyewall. Both these procedures do not require hospitalisation. Avoiding outdoor activities for a couple of weeks can help with better recovery Surgery for Retinal Detachment The detached retina requires surgery to repair within days of diagnosis to prevent loss of vision. The surgical approach is determined based on the severity of the detachment. Injecting air or gas into the eye: Pneumatic retinopexy involves the injection of a bubble of air or gas into the centre of the eye. If positioned correctly, the bubble will push the part of the torn retina against the wall of the eye. This prevents the flow of fluid into the space available behind the retina. Cryopexy may also help repair the retinal tear. The accumulated fluid resorbs by itself. Subsequently, the retina adheres to the wall of the eye. Indenting the surface of the eye: This procedure is called scleral buckling. It involves sewing (suturing) a piece of silicone material to the white part of the eye, called the sclera, over the affected area. This procedure indents the eyewall and helps relieve some of the pressure caused by the tugging on the retina. Several tears or an extensive detachment may form a scleral buckle. This buckle encircles the whole eye like a belt. The buckle is positioned such that it doesn't block the vision and remains in place forever. Draining and replacing the fluid: The vitrectomy procedure removes the vitreous and any tissue tugging on the retina. This procedure involves injecting gas, air, or silicone oil into the vitreous space to flatten the retina. The injected substance eventually resorbs, and the space thus created gets filled with body fluid. Complications of Retinal Detachment Retinal detachment leads to loss of vision, which can be prevented with timely treatment. However, surgical procedures carry some risks. A detached retina can cause: Bleeding Infection Glaucoma - Increased pressure within the eye. Cataract - Fogging of the lens of the eye. Risk Factors of Retinal Detachment The following factors help increase the risk of retinal detachment: Age: common in people over the age of 50. Family history of retinal detachment. History of retinal detachment in one eye. Myopia - Extreme near-sightedness. History of eye surgery, such as cataract removal, severe eye injury, or other eye disorders, such as retinoschisis, uveitis, or thinning of the peripheral retina (lattice degeneration). Prognosis of Retinal Detachment The prognosis after the treatment of retinal detachment depends upon the location and extent of the detachment. Early detection and treatment significantly affect the prognosis. If the macula is not damaged, the outlook with treatment could be too good. Successful surgery may not always restore vision fully. One must remember that not all detachments can be repaired. Review Reviewed by Dr. Nikhil Pal - Principal Consultant, Eye Care / Ophthalmology.

Know More

Squint (Strabismus) is a disease that generally affects children. People also know this disease as crossed eye disorder. It refers to the misalignment of the two eyes so that both the eyes are not looking in the same direction. This misalignment may be constant, being present throughout the day or it may appear sometimes and the rest of the time the eyes may be straight.

Know More

Uveitis refers to the inflammation of the uvea, which is the eye's middle layer encompassing the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. This condition can impact one or both eyes and may arise at any age. It is a significant eye issue that necessitates immediate medical care to avoid complications like vision loss. Types of Uveitis Anterior uveitis: Anterior uveitis is the most common type and affects the front part of the uvea,that is the iris. Symptoms include eye pain, redness, and light sensitivity. It can be acute or chronic. Intermediate uveitis: Intermediate uveitis affects the middle part of the uvea, primarily the ciliary body. Symptoms often include floaters and blurred vision. This type is often associated with autoimmune diseases. Posterior uveitis: Posterior uveitis affects the back part of the uvea, including the retina and choroid. Symptoms include vision loss, floaters, and eye heaviness. It is often caused by infections or systemic diseases. Panuveitis: Panuveitis involves inflammation of all parts of the uvea, including the anterior, intermediate, and posterior segments. It can cause severe vision problems and requires comprehensive treatment. Symptoms of Uveitis Eye redness: One of the most common symptoms of uveitis is redness of the eye. This occurs due to inflammation of the blood vessels in the uvea. Eye pain: Uveitis often causes significant eye pain ranging from mild to severe. The pain is usually worse when the eye is exposed to bright light. Blurred vision: Blurred vision often occurs due to inflammation and fluid accumulation in the eye, which affects its clarity. Light sensitivity: Sensitivity to light, or photophobia, is common in individuals with anterior uveitis. Being in bright environments can be quite challenging. Floaters: Floaters, or small spots that drift through the field of vision, are common in intermediate and posterior uveitis due to inflammation in the vitreous body. What Causes Uveitis? Infections: Various infections, including viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections, can lead to uveitis. Common infectious causes include herpes simplex, syphilis, and tuberculosis. Systemic diseases: Autoimmune and systemic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, lupus etc. can cause uveitis. These conditions trigger the body's immune system to attack the uvea. Injuries: Eye injuries, including blunt trauma or penetrating wounds, can cause inflammation and lead to uveitis. Even surgeries involving the eye can sometimes trigger this condition. Medications: Certain medications, including some antibiotics, antivirals, and medicines used to treat other inflammatory conditions, can cause uveitis as a side effect. Allergy: Any type of food allergy can lead to uveitis. Complications of Uveitis Glaucoma: Glaucoma, a condition marked by increased intraocular pressure, can develop as a complication of uveitis. This condition poses a risk of damaging the optic nerve, potentially resulting in vision loss. Cataracts: Cataracts, or clouding of the eye's lens, can occur due to chronic inflammation from uveitis. This condition can significantly impair vision. Macular edema: Macular edema, which is the swelling of the central part of the retina (macula), is a serious complication of uveitis. It can cause severe vision distortion and loss. Retinal detachment: Retinal detachment, where the retina separates from the back of the eye, can occur in severe cases of uveitis. This condition needs urgent medical care to avoid the risk of blindness. How is Uveitis Diagnosed? Comprehensive eye exam: An ophthalmologist's thorough examination is crucial for diagnosing uveitis. This includes checking for signs of inflammation and assessing vision. Blood tests: Blood tests can help identify underlying causes of uveitis, such as infections or autoimmune diseases. These tests are essential for guiding treatment. Imaging tests: Imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography (OCT) BS scan  and fluorescein angiography are used to assess the retina and other eye structures for signs of inflammation and injury. Diagnostic procedures: In some cases, procedures like a lumbar puncture or biopsy may be necessary to identify the cause of uveitis, especially if it is caused by systemic diseases or infections. At times vitreous biopsy or anterior chamber fluid examination is also required. How is Uveitis Treated? Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce inflammation in uveitis. They can be administered as eye drops, oral medications, or injections. Immunosuppressive drugs are used in severe or chronic cases of uveitis to control inflammation and prevent recurrence. They are typically used when corticosteroids are not effective or contraindicated. Antiviral or antibiotic medications: If an infection causes uveitis, antiviral or antibiotic medications are prescribed to address the underlying infection and reduce inflammation. Surgical interventions: In cases where uveitis leads to complications like glaucoma cataracts or retinal detachment  surgical interventions may be necessary to manage these conditions and preserve vision. Can Uveitis Be Prevented? Regular eye check-ups: Regular eye examinations can help detect uveitis early and prevent complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing this condition effectively. Managing underlying conditions: Controlling systemic diseases like autoimmune disorders can help prevent uveitis. This involves regular monitoring and treatment of these conditions. Avoiding eye injuries: Protecting the eyes from injuries by wearing appropriate protective gear during activities that pose a risk can help prevent trauma-induced uveitis. Medication management: Carefully managing medications and discussing potential side effects with a healthcare provider can help reduce the risk of drug-induced uveitis. Outlook Uveitis is a serious eye condition requiring prompt medical intervention to avert complications such as loss of vision. Understanding the various types, symptoms, causes, and available treatment options is essential for effective management. Regular eye check-ups and managing underlying conditions play a significant role in preventing uveitis. If you notice any signs of uveitis, it's crucial to consult a doctor immediately. Frequently Asked Questions Is there a natural cure for uveitis? There is no natural cure for uveitis. Treatment usually includes medications to reduce inflammation and address the underlying cause. What is the difference between uveitis and conjunctivitis? Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, while conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva. Uveitis is more serious and can lead to vision loss. Is uveitis contagious? Uveitis itself is not contagious. However, if it results from an infection caused by a virus or bacteria, that infection could be contagious. What foods reduce eye inflammation? Consuming foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins—like fish, leafy vegetables, and berries—can aid in lowering inflammation throughout the body, including in the eyes. Can you live a normal life with uveitis? Yes, with the proper treatment and consistent follow-up care, numerous individuals suffering from uveitis can effectively control their condition and live a normal life. Does uveitis lead to blindness? Untreated uveitis can result in serious complications, including glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment, all of which may ultimately lead to vision loss. Review  Reviewed By Dr Abhishek Varshney  - Senior Consultant - Ophthalmology Eye Care / Ophthalmology on 28 Aug 2024.

Know More