Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also known as thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy or Graves’ eye disease, is an autoimmune condition that affects the tissues and muscles around the eyes. Although it is most commonly linked to an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) caused by Graves’ disease, it can also occur in people with normal thyroid function or even an underactive thyroid.
TED is more than a cosmetic concern. While many people first notice bulging eyes or changes in their appearance, the condition can also lead to discomfort, double vision, and, in severe cases, permanent vision loss if left untreated. Understanding the symptoms and seeking early treatment can help preserve both eye health and quality of life.
What Causes Thyroid Eye Disease?
Thyroid Eye Disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the muscles and fatty tissues behind the eyes. This inflammation causes swelling, pushing the eyeballs forward and affecting the normal movement and function of the eyes.
The condition is strongly associated with Graves’ disease, but not everyone with Graves’ disease develops TED. Several factors increase the risk, including:
Autoimmune thyroid disorders
• Smoking, which significantly increases both the risk and severity of the disease
• Poorly controlled thyroid hormone levels
• Family history of autoimmune diseases
• Female gender, although severe cases are more common in men
Common Symptoms
The symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease can develop gradually and vary from mild to severe. They may affect one or both eyes. Common signs include:
• Bulging or protruding eyes
• Dry, gritty, or irritated eyes
• Excessive tearing or watery eyes
• Redness and swelling around the eyes
• Eyelid retraction, making the eyes appear wide open
• Sensitivity to light
• Eye pain or pressure, especially when looking up or down
• Double vision
• Difficulty closing the eyes completely
• Blurred vision
If the disease progresses, swelling around the optic nerve may reduce vision, making immediate medical attention essential.
How Does TED Affect Vision?
The inflammation and swelling associated with Thyroid Eye Disease can interfere with normal eye function in several ways.
• Double Vision: Inflamed eye muscles become stiff and cannot move properly, causing the eyes to become misaligned. This leads to double vision, making everyday tasks like reading and driving difficult.
• Dry Eye Disease: Because the eyelids may not close completely, the surface of the eye remains exposed. This causes excessive dryness, irritation, burning, and increases the risk of corneal damage.
• Corneal Problems: Continuous exposure can result in scratches, ulcers, or infections of the cornea, potentially affecting vision if left untreated.
• Optic Nerve Compression: In severe cases, swollen tissues behind the eye compress the optic nerve. This is a medical emergency because it can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
How Is Thyroid Eye Disease Diagnosed?
An ophthalmologist performs a comprehensive eye examination to evaluate vision and eye movement. The evaluation may include:
• Visual acuity testing
• Eye movement assessment
• Measurement of eye protrusion (proptosis)
• Examination of the optic nerve and retina
• Thyroid function blood tests
• CT scan or MRI to assess swelling of the eye muscles and surrounding tissues
Early diagnosis allows treatment before permanent damage occurs.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage and severity of the disease.
Mild Disease: Patients with mild symptoms may benefit from:
Artificial tears to relieve dryness
• Lubricating eye ointments at night
• Wearing sunglasses outdoors
• Sleeping with the head elevated to reduce swelling
• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining stable thyroid hormone levels
Moderate to Severe Disease
When inflammation is significant, treatment may include:
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Immunotherapy or biologic medications that target the autoimmune response
• Radiation therapy in selected cases
• Prism glasses to improve double vision
Surgical Treatment
Once the disease becomes inactive, surgery may be recommended to improve function and appearance. Surgical options include:
• Orbital decompression surgery to relieve pressure behind the eye
• Eye muscle surgery to correct double vision
• Eyelid surgery to improve eyelid position and protect the eye surface
Can Thyroid Eye Disease Be Prevented?
While TED cannot always be prevented, several steps can reduce the risk of severe disease:
• Stop smoking
• Keep thyroid hormone levels under good control
• Attend regular follow-up appointments with your endocrinologist and ophthalmologist
• Report any new eye symptoms promptly
• Protect your eyes from wind, dust, and excessive sunlight
When Should You See a Doctor?
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:
• Sudden decrease in vision
• Persistent double vision
• Severe eye pain
• Inability to close your eyes completely
• Changes in color vision
• Rapid worsening of eye bulging or swelling
Prompt evaluation can prevent irreversible vision loss.
The Bottom Line
Thyroid Eye Disease is a potentially serious autoimmune condition that affects both the appearance and function of the eyes. While symptoms such as bulging eyes, dryness, and redness are common, the disease can also interfere with vision and, in rare cases, threaten eyesight. Early diagnosis, proper thyroid management, smoking cessation, and timely treatment play a crucial role in protecting vision. If you have a thyroid disorder and notice changes in your eyes, don’t ignore them—consult an eye specialist as early intervention offers the best chance for preserving your eye health and vision.

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Dr Hareesh K V
Medical director
Abhishek Nethradhama
Krupa Bindu, No.971/37, Mig 15Th A Cross, A Sector
Khb High Rise Apartment
Ambedkar Colony, Yelahanka New town
Bengaluru -64
Ph: 080-4093 3219/77957 15203

Eye Hospital in Yelahanka new town – Abhishek Nethradhama

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Also read articles of  Dr Hareesh K V

Dr Hareesh K V
Medical director
Abhishek Nethradhama
Krupa Bindu, No.971/37, Mig 15Th A Cross, A Sector
Khb High Rise Apartment
Ambedkar Colony, Yelahanka New town
Bengaluru -64
Ph: 080-4093 3219/77957 15203

Eye Hospital in Yelahanka new town – Abhishek Nethradhama

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What Is Keratoconus?

The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye that helps focus light onto the retina. In people with keratoconus, the cornea gradually becomes thinner and bulges outward into a cone-like shape instead of maintaining its normal round curve.
This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly, leading to distorted and blurred vision. Keratoconus usually begins during the teenage years or early twenties and may continue to progress for several years before stabilizing.
Common Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Keratoconus often develops slowly, making it easy to mistake the symptoms for a simple change in eyesight. Some of the most common warning signs include:
• Blurred or distorted vision
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
• Double vision in one eye (monocular double vision)
• Increased sensitivity to bright light
• Glare and halos around lights, especially at night
• Difficulty driving after dark
• Eye strain and headaches
• Mild eye irritation
As the condition progresses, everyday activities such as reading, using a computer, or recognizing faces from a distance can become increasingly difficult.
Why Do Glare and Halos Occur?
In a healthy eye, the smooth cornea bends light evenly, producing a clear image. In keratoconus, the irregular cone-shaped cornea scatters incoming light instead of focusing it accurately.
This causes visual disturbances such as:
• Halos surrounding headlights and streetlights
• Starbursts around bright lights
• Excessive glare
• Ghost images or double vision
• Reduced contrast, particularly in dim lighting
These symptoms often become most noticeable at night, making nighttime driving particularly challenging.
What Causes Keratoconus?
The exact cause of keratoconus remains unknown, but experts believe several factors contribute to its development.
These include:
• A family history of keratoconus
• Chronic eye rubbing
• Allergic eye diseases that cause persistent itching
• Certain genetic conditions
• Weakness in the collagen fibers that help maintain the cornea’s shape
Avoiding vigorous eye rubbing is especially important, as repeated mechanical stress may worsen the condition.
Who Is at Greater Risk?
Although keratoconus can affect anyone, the risk is higher among:
• Teenagers and young adults
• Individuals with a family history of the disease
• People with chronic eye allergies
• Those who frequently rub their eyes
• Individuals with certain inherited disorders
Because the disease often begins early in life, regular eye examinations are essential for young people experiencing unexplained changes in vision.
How Is Keratoconus Diagnosed?
A comprehensive eye examination can usually detect keratoconus before significant vision loss occurs.
Your eye specialist may perform:
• Visual acuity testing
• Refraction testing to determine your prescription
• Corneal topography, which creates a detailed map of the cornea
• Corneal tomography to assess corneal thickness and shape
• Slit-lamp examination
Corneal topography is one of the most valuable tools for identifying keratoconus in its earliest stages.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity and progression of the condition.
Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses: In the early stages, glasses or soft contact lenses may provide adequate vision correction. As the disease advances, rigid gas-permeable lenses, scleral lenses, or hybrid contact lenses often provide clearer vision by creating a smooth optical surface.
Corneal Cross-Linking: Corneal cross-linking has become one of the most significant advances in keratoconus treatment. This minimally invasive procedure uses riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops and ultraviolet light to strengthen the cornea.
Its primary goal is to stop or slow the progression of keratoconus rather than improve vision dramatically. Early treatment offers the best chance of preserving eyesight.
Corneal Implants: Some patients may benefit from tiny corneal ring segments, which help flatten the cornea and improve vision.
Corneal Transplant: In advanced cases where severe corneal scarring or thinning has occurred, a corneal transplant may be necessary. Fortunately, only a small percentage of patients require this surgery thanks to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment options.
Can Keratoconus Be Prevented?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent keratoconus, but you can reduce the risk of progression by:
• Avoiding eye rubbing
• Treating eye allergies promptly
• Wearing prescribed contact lenses correctly
• Attending regular eye check-ups
• Seeking medical attention if your vision changes rapidly
Double vision, glare, halos, and frequent prescription changes should never be ignored, especially in teenagers and young adults. While these symptoms can have several causes, keratoconus is an important possibility that requires prompt evaluation.
Early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and timely treatment—particularly corneal cross-linking—can help preserve vision and reduce the likelihood of severe complications. If your vision seems to be getting worse despite new glasses or contact lenses, consult an eye specialist. Protecting your eyesight starts with recognizing the warning signs before permanent damage occurs.

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Dr Hareesh K V
Medical director
Abhishek Nethradhama
Krupa Bindu, No.971/37, Mig 15Th A Cross, A Sector
Khb High Rise Apartment
Ambedkar Colony, Yelahanka New town
Bengaluru -64
Ph: 080-4093 3219/77957 15203

Eye Hospital in Yelahanka new town – Abhishek Nethradhama

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Eye flu, also known as viral conjunctivitis, is an infection of the conjunctiva—the thin, transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. It is most commonly caused by viruses, including adenoviruses, and spreads easily through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or shared personal items such as towels and handkerchiefs.
Common symptoms include:
• Redness in one or both eyes
• Excessive tearing or watery discharge
• Itching or a gritty sensation
• Mild swelling of the eyelids
• Sensitivity to light
Eye flu is highly contagious but usually clears up on its own within one to two weeks.
What Is an Eye Infection?
The term “eye infection” is broader and includes infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. One of the most common types is bacterial conjunctivitis, which differs from viral eye flu in several ways.
Signs of a bacterial eye infection may include:
• Thick yellow or green discharge
• Eyelids stuck together, especially after sleep
• Redness and swelling
• Eye pain or discomfort
• Blurred vision in some cases
Unlike viral eye flu, bacterial infections often require antibiotic eye drops or ointments prescribed by a doctor.
How to Tell the Difference?
Although both conditions cause red eyes, a few key signs can help distinguish them:
• Eye flu (viral): Watery discharge, highly contagious, often begins in one eye before affecting the other, and may be accompanied by a cold or sore throat.
• Bacterial infection: Thick, sticky discharge, eyelids crusted shut in the morning, and symptoms may improve quickly with antibiotics.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: Usually affects both eyes, causes intense itching, and is often associated with sneezing or other allergy symptoms.
If you experience severe eye pain, significant vision changes, sensitivity to light, or symptoms that worsen despite home care, seek medical attention immediately.
Prevention and Care
Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, and never share towels, cosmetics, or eye drops. If you have eye flu, stay home when possible until the risk of spreading the infection decreases. Use a clean, cool compress to relieve discomfort, but avoid wearing contact lenses until your eyes have fully healed.
While eye flu is usually a mild viral illness that resolves on its own, other eye infections—particularly bacterial ones—may require medical treatment. Paying attention to the type of discharge, associated symptoms, and how your condition progresses can help you identify the problem. When in doubt, consult an eye specialist for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment to protect your vision.

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Dr Hareesh K V
Medical director
Abhishek Nethradhama
Krupa Bindu, No.971/37, Mig 15Th A Cross, A Sector
Khb High Rise Apartment
Ambedkar Colony, Yelahanka New town
Bengaluru -64
Ph: 080-4093 3219/77957 15203

Eye Hospital in Yelahanka new town – Abhishek Nethradhama

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What Is the Cornea?
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface covering the front of the eye. It plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina, enabling us to see clearly. When the cornea becomes damaged, scarred, swollen, or diseased, vision can become blurred, distorted, or even completely lost.

What Is a Corneal Transplant?
A corneal transplant, also known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure in which damaged or diseased corneal tissue is replaced with healthy donor corneal tissue obtained from an eye donor. The goal is to restore vision, reduce pain, and improve the appearance and function of the eye.
Unlike many other organ transplants, corneal transplantation has a high success rate because the cornea does not contain blood vessels, reducing the risk of rejection.

Conditions That May Require a Corneal Transplant
Several eye conditions can lead to corneal damage and may require transplantation, including:
• Keratoconus, where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped
• Corneal scarring from infections or injuries
• Corneal dystrophies such as Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy
• Corneal ulcers that do not respond to treatment
• Complications from previous eye surgeries
• Chemical burns affecting the eye
• Corneal swelling and clouding

Types of Corneal Transplant Procedures
Modern eye care has evolved beyond traditional full-thickness corneal transplantation. Today, surgeons can replace only the affected layer of the cornea, resulting in faster recovery and better outcomes.
• Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK): This is a full-thickness corneal transplant where the entire damaged cornea is replaced with donor tissue.
• Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK): This procedure replaces the front layers of the cornea while preserving the patient’s healthy inner layer.
• Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK/DMEK): These advanced techniques replace only the innermost diseased layer of the cornea and are commonly used for conditions such as Fuchs’ dystrophy.
• The Surgical Procedure: Corneal transplant surgery is usually performed under local or general anesthesia. The damaged corneal tissue is carefully removed and replaced with donor tissue. Fine sutures may be used to secure the graft, although some modern techniques require minimal or no stitches.
Most patients can return home the same day, making it a relatively convenient procedure.

Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery depends on the type of transplant performed. While some patients notice improvement within weeks, others may require several months to achieve optimal vision.

Postoperative care typically includes:
• Regular eye examinations
• Prescription eye drops to prevent infection and rejection
• Avoiding eye rubbing
• Protecting the eye from injury
• Following the ophthalmologist’s instructions carefully
Patients should immediately report symptoms such as redness, pain, sensitivity to light, or sudden vision loss, as these may indicate graft rejection.

Success Rates and Outcomes
Corneal transplantation is considered one of the most successful transplant procedures in medicine. Advances in surgical techniques, donor tissue preservation, and postoperative care have significantly improved long-term outcomes.
Many patients experience substantial improvements in vision, allowing them to return to daily activities, work, and independent living. In some cases, glasses or contact lenses may still be needed to achieve the best visual results.

The Importance of Eye Donation
Corneal transplantation is only possible because of the generosity of eye donors and their families. A single donor can help restore sight to multiple individuals. Increasing awareness about eye donation remains essential to reducing waiting lists and ensuring that more patients receive timely treatment.

Looking Ahead
The future of corneal transplantation continues to evolve with innovations such as laser-assisted surgery, bioengineered corneas, stem cell therapies, and artificial corneal implants. These advances promise even better outcomes and expanded treatment options for patients with complex corneal diseases.

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Dr Hareesh K V
Medical director
Abhishek Nethradhama
Krupa Bindu, No.971/37, Mig 15Th A Cross, A Sector
Khb High Rise Apartment
Ambedkar Colony, Yelahanka New town
Bengaluru -64
Ph: 080-4093 3219/77957 15203

Eye Hospital in Yelahanka new town – Abhishek Nethradhama

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The human eye is one of the most delicate organs in the body, protected by the bony orbit that surrounds it. While this protective structure shields the eye from many injuries, high-velocity objects such as air gun pellets can sometimes penetrate the orbit, causing severe and potentially vision-threatening damage. Though rare, orbital air gun pellet injuries represent a serious medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

A Rare but Dangerous Injury
Air guns are often perceived as recreational devices rather than weapons. However, modern air rifles and pellet guns can generate enough force to propel pellets at high speeds, making them capable of causing significant injuries. Eye and orbital injuries are among the most devastating consequences of accidental or intentional air gun misuse.
An orbital pellet injury occurs when a pellet penetrates the tissues around the eye and becomes lodged within the eye socket (orbit). Depending on its trajectory, the pellet may damage the eyeball, optic nerve, extraocular muscles, blood vessels, or even extend into adjacent structures such as the sinuses or brain.

How Do These Injuries Occur?
Most orbital pellet injuries occur during:
• Recreational shooting activities
• Hunting accidents
• Improper handling of air guns by children and adolescents
• Lack of protective eyewear
• Accidental discharge at close range
Children and young adults are particularly vulnerable due to inadequate supervision and limited awareness of the risks associated with air guns.

Symptoms and Warning Signs
The severity of symptoms depends on the location and depth of penetration. Common signs include:
• Sudden eye pain
• Swelling around the eye
• Bleeding from the eye or eyelids
• Double vision
• Reduced vision or complete vision loss
• Difficulty moving the eye
• Bulging of the eye
• Headache and dizziness in severe cases
In some situations, the entry wound may appear small, leading patients to underestimate the seriousness of the injury. However, significant internal damage may be present despite minimal external signs.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis
Prompt medical evaluation is critical. Eye specialists often perform a comprehensive ocular examination to assess visual function and identify any damage to surrounding structures.

Imaging studies play a crucial role in diagnosis. CT scans are typically the preferred method because they can accurately locate the pellet and determine its relationship to vital orbital structures. Imaging also helps surgeons decide whether removal is necessary.

Treatment Options
Management depends on several factors, including the pellet’s location, associated injuries, and the patient’s symptoms.

Conservative Management
In some cases, if the pellet is deeply embedded, stable, and not causing symptoms or complications, doctors may choose to monitor the patient closely rather than attempt removal. Surgical extraction may carry greater risks than leaving the pellet in place.

Surgical Removal
Surgery may be required when the pellet:
• Compresses the optic nerve
• Restricts eye movement
• Causes infection
• Produces severe pain
• Threatens vision
• Migrates within the orbit
Advances in ophthalmic and orbital surgery have improved the ability to safely remove foreign bodies while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.

Possible Complications
Orbital pellet injuries can result in serious complications, including:
• Permanent vision loss
• Retinal damage
• Optic nerve injury
• Orbital infection
• Chronic pain
• Double vision
• Cosmetic deformity
The final visual outcome largely depends on the extent of the initial injury and the speed with which treatment is initiated.

Prevention Is the Best Protection
Most air gun-related eye injuries are preventable. Safety measures include:
• Always wearing protective eye gear during shooting activities
• Keeping air guns away from unsupervised children
• Following firearm safety principles
• Never aiming at people or animals unnecessarily
• Educating users about the potential dangers of air guns
Parents, schools, and community organizations can play a key role in raising awareness about air gun safety.

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Dr Hareesh K V
Medical director
Abhishek Nethradhama
Krupa Bindu, No.971/37, Mig 15Th A Cross, A Sector
Khb High Rise Apartment
Ambedkar Colony, Yelahanka New town
Bengaluru -64
Ph: 080-4093 3219/77957 15203

Eye Hospital in Yelahanka new town – Abhishek Nethradhama

The post When a Pellet Enters the Orbit – Rare Eye Injury appeared first on Health Vision.

Colour is an essential part of how we experience the world—from recognizing traffic signals to enjoying a vibrant sunset. But for millions of people, colours don’t appear the way most of us see them. This condition, commonly known as colour blindness, is more accurately called colour vision deficiency (CVD).
Colour blindness occurs when the eye’s cone cells—specialized cells in the retina responsible for detecting colour—don’t function properly. These cones respond to different wavelengths of light, allowing us to perceive a full spectrum of colours. When one or more types of cones are missing or not working correctly, colour perception is altered.

Types of Colour Blindness
There are several types of colour vision deficiency, depending on which cones are affected:
• Red-Green Colour Blindness (most common) – Difficulty distinguishing between red and green shades. Includes: Protanomaly (reduced sensitivity to red); and Deuteranomaly (reduced sensitivity to green).
• Blue-Yellow Colour Blindness – Trouble telling blue from green or yellow from violet.
• Complete Colour Blindness (Achromatopsia)- A rare condition where a person sees no colour at all, only shades of gray.

Causes and Risk Factors
Colour blindness is usually inherited, caused by genetic changes passed down from parents. It is more common in men because the genes responsible are often linked to the X chromosome.
However, it can also be acquired due to: Eye diseases (like glaucoma or macular degeneration); Aging; Certain medications; and Injury to the eye or brain.

Signs and Symptoms
Many people may not realize they have colour blindness until tested. Common signs include:
• Difficulty distinguishing between red and green or blue and yellow
• Trouble reading colour-coded charts, maps, or graphs
• Confusion with traffic light colours
• Seeing colours as dull or faded
In children, it may show up as difficulty in learning colours or frequent mistakes in colouring tasks.

Diagnosis
Colour blindness is typically diagnosed using simple eye tests such as the Ishihara colour test, where a person identifies numbers hidden within dots of different colours. Eye specialists may also use advanced tests for more precise evaluation.

Living with Colour Blindness
While there is no universal cure for inherited colour blindness, most people adapt well. Strategies that can help include:

• Memorizing the position of traffic lights rather than relying on colour
• Labeling clothing or organizing wardrobes carefully
• Using mobile apps designed to identify colours
• Choosing high-contrast settings in digital devices
Special lenses and glasses are also available that may enhance colour perception for some individuals.

Impact on Daily Life
Colour blindness can influence career choices and daily tasks. Certain professions—such as pilots, electricians, or graphic designers—may require accurate colour vision. However, with awareness and the right tools, most individuals lead completely normal and successful lives.

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Dr Hareesh K V
Medical director
Abhishek Nethradhama
Krupa Bindu, No.971/37, Mig 15Th A Cross, A Sector
Khb High Rise Apartment
Ambedkar Colony, Yelahanka New town
Bengaluru -64
Ph: 080-4093 3219/77957 15203

Eye Hospital in Yelahanka new town – Abhishek Nethradhama

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Astigmatism is a common refractive error that affects how light enters the eye, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Unlike near-sightedness or farsightedness, astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape. This condition can impact vision at all distances and affect daily activities such as reading, driving, or using digital screens.

What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye is not perfectly round. Instead of having a uniform curvature like a basketball, the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, resembling a football. This irregularity prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision.

Symptoms
• Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
• Eyestrain or discomfort
• Headaches
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Squinting to see more clearly
If left uncorrected, astigmatism can lead to increased eye fatigue and difficulties with daily tasks such as reading, working on a computer, or driving.

How Astigmatism Affects Vision
Astigmatism alters the way light enters the eye, resulting in multiple focal points instead of a single clear image. This distortion can make objects appear stretched, wavy, or shadowed. Here’s how it affects different aspects of vision:
• Blurred Vision: Since the light is not focused properly on the retina, objects at all distances may appear blurry. The severity of the blurriness depends on the degree of astigmatism.
• Distorted Images: Astigmatism can cause objects to look misshapen or elongated. Some people with astigmatism see ghosting or double images due to improper light refraction.
• Night Vision Problems: People with astigmatism often struggle with poor night vision. Lights may appear streaked, halos may form around bright objects, and glare from headlights can become bothersome.
• Increased Eye Fatigue: The eyes work harder to compensate for visual distortions, leading to strain, discomfort, and headaches. This is especially noticeable after prolonged screen use or reading.

Causes
Astigmatism can be present from birth or develop later in life. Some of the main causes include:
• Genetics: Many people inherit astigmatism from their parents.
• Eye Injuries or Surgery: Trauma to the eye or certain surgical procedures can change the cornea’s shape.

• Keratoconus: A progressive condition where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, worsening astigmatism.

Diagnosis and Treatment
• Astigmatism is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, including:
• Visual acuity tests
• Corneal topography (to measure corneal shape)
• Refraction tests

Treatment Options
Fortunately, astigmatism is manageable with several correction methods:
Eyeglasses: Prescription lenses correct the uneven curvature of the cornea.
Contact Lenses: Toric lenses are specifically designed for astigmatism to provide clear vision.
Refractive Surgery: Procedures such as LASIK or PRK reshape the cornea to correct astigmatism permanently.

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Dr Hareesh K V
Medical director
Abhishek Nethradhama
Krupa Bindu, No.971/37, Mig 15Th A Cross, A Sector
Khb High Rise Apartment
Ambedkar Colony, Yelahanka New town
Bengaluru -64
Ph: 080-4093 3219/77957 15203

Eye Hospital in Yelahanka new town – Abhishek Nethradhama

The post How Astigmatism Affects Vision – What You Need to Know appeared first on Health Vision.

A Common Medicine, An Overlooked Danger
Steroids are widely used to treat allergies, skin disorders, breathing problems, and eye irritation. Often seen as quick and effective solutions, they are easily available and frequently used without medical supervision. However, ophthalmologists across India are increasingly warning that prolonged or unsupervised steroid use is emerging as a major trigger for secondary glaucoma, a sight-threatening condition that can cause irreversible blindness.
Steroids—whether taken as tablets, inhalers, skin creams, or eye drops—can raise intraocular pressure when used for extended periods. What makes this especially dangerous is that the rise in eye pressure usually occurs without early symptoms. Patients often feel normal while the optic nerve sustains permanent damage.

India’s Growing Glaucoma Burden
India already bears a significant share of the global glaucoma burden. An estimated 12–13 million people in the country are living with glaucoma, accounting for nearly one-sixth of cases worldwide. Globally, glaucoma affects around 75–80 million people, with projections suggesting the number will exceed 110 million by 2040.
Despite being the leading cause of irreversible blindness, glaucoma remains widely underdiagnosed in India. Experts estimate that 85–90% of cases go undetected, largely because the disease progresses silently. By the time patients notice vision loss, irreversible optic nerve damage has often already occurred.

Steroid-Induced Glaucoma: A Preventable Threat
In recent years, doctors have reported a steady rise in newly diagnosed glaucoma cases. This increase is driven by longer life expectancy, higher rates of diabetes and myopia, improved diagnostic tools, and greater public awareness. However, a growing proportion of these cases are now linked to secondary glaucoma caused by steroid misuse—an avoidable risk factor.
Steroid-induced glaucoma is increasingly seen in routine clinical practice, particularly among patients who have used steroid eye drops or medications for long periods without supervision. Because the condition develops silently, patients are often unaware that treatment for one problem is steadily damaging their vision.

Who Is Most at Risk?
Glaucoma is most commonly diagnosed in individuals over 40 years of age, with incidence peaking between 50 and 70 years. However, ophthalmologists are now detecting juvenile and early-onset glaucoma, especially among people with a family history of the disease or secondary triggers such as steroid exposure.
While primary open-angle glaucoma remains the most common form, steroid-induced glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma are being reported with increasing frequency. Individuals with diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, high myopia, long-term steroid use, or a history of eye injury—even from childhood—face a higher risk and require closer monitoring.

Symptoms That Are Easy to Miss
Early glaucoma symptoms are often subtle and ignored. Frequent changes in spectacles, eye strain, headaches, difficulty seeing in low light, or halos around lights may appear minor. Because central vision is usually preserved in the early stages, patients assume their eyes are healthy, leading to dangerous delays in diagnosis.
Adding to the problem are common myths—that good vision equals healthy eyes, that glaucoma affects only older adults, or that normal eye pressure rules out the disease. In reality, glaucoma can develop at any age, and eye pressure alone does not tell the full story.

Why Routine Eye Screening Matters
Regular eye examinations are the strongest defence against glaucoma-related blindness. Adults over 40 should undergo comprehensive screening every one to two years, while high-risk individuals need annual evaluations. Vision testing alone is insufficient; screening must include measurement of eye pressure and detailed assessment of the optic nerve.

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Dr Hareesh K V
Medical director
Abhishek Nethradhama
Krupa Bindu, No.971/37, Mig 15Th A Cross, A Sector
Khb High Rise Apartment
Ambedkar Colony, Yelahanka New town
Bengaluru -64
Ph: 080-4093 3219/77957 15203

Eye Hospital in Yelahanka new town – Abhishek Nethradhama

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Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, is a growing eye problem among school-going children. A child with myopia can see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects like the blackboard, classroom charts, or playground signs appear blurry. Because this problem develops slowly, many children do not complain, making myopia a silent vision problem that often goes unnoticed.

Why Is Myopia Increasing in Children?
• Excessive screen time on mobiles, tablets, computers, and televisions
• Less outdoor play and reduced exposure to natural sunlight
• Prolonged reading or writing without proper breaks
• Poor lighting while studying
• Family history of myopia
Children today spend more time indoors with screens and books, which puts extra strain on their eyes.

Signs and Symptoms Parents Should Watch For
Children often do not realize they have vision problems. Parents and teachers should look for these warning signs:
• Sitting very close to the TV or holding books too close
• Difficulty seeing the blackboard
• Squinting or narrowing the eyes to see clearly
• Frequent headaches or eye strain
• Rubbing eyes often
• Poor academic performance or lack of interest in studies
Early detection can prevent further worsening of vision.

How Myopia Affects a Child’s Life
If left untreated, myopia can affect a child’s learning, confidence, and overall development. Poor vision may lead to:
• Difficulty in schoolwork
• Reduced participation in sports and outdoor activities
• Low self-esteem
• Increased risk of severe eye problems later in life
Severe or progressive myopia can increase the risk of retinal problems, glaucoma, and early cataracts in adulthood.

Diagnosis and Treatment
• Prescription spectacles – the most common and effective solution
• Contact lenses (for older children, under supervision)
• Myopia control lenses or special glasses to slow progression
• Regular eye check-ups to monitor changes in vision

Can Myopia Be Prevented or Controlled?
While myopia cannot always be prevented, its progression can be slowed with healthy habits:
• Encourage at least 1–2 hours of outdoor play daily
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Maintain proper reading distance and posture
• Ensure good lighting while studying
• Limit unnecessary screen time
• Schedule regular eye check-ups, especially for school children

Also read articles of  Dr Hareesh K V

Dr Hareesh K V
Medical director
Abhishek Nethradhama
Krupa Bindu, No.971/37, Mig 15Th A Cross, A Sector
Khb High Rise Apartment
Ambedkar Colony, Yelahanka New town
Bengaluru -64
Ph: 080-4093 3219/77957 15203

Eye Hospital in Yelahanka new town – Abhishek Nethradhama

The post Myopia in School-Going Children – A Silent Vision Problem appeared first on Health Vision.