Understand your eye condition in depth — causes, symptoms, investigations, treatment, and follow-up. Available in English and Tamil.
For clear vision, the eye must bend (refract) incoming light so that it focuses precisely on the retina. A refractive error occurs when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing correctly, resulting in blurred vision.
| Option | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Spectacles | Safest, no risk to eye, easy to update, corrects all types | Visual field restriction, fogging, inconvenience for sports |
| Contact Lenses | Better cosmesis, full visual field, good for sports | Infection risk if hygiene poor, dry eyes, not for all cornea types |
| LASIK / Laser Surgery | Spectacle/lens independence, quick recovery | Requires suitable cornea thickness & stable power, cost, not reversible |
| ICL (Implantable lens) | Suits thin corneas, reversible, excellent quality | Surgical risk, cost, requires specialist assessment |
The best option depends on your age, power, corneal thickness, and lifestyle. Dr. Laavanyaa will assess your eyes and discuss the most appropriate solution for you.
Children's refractive errors are very common, often undetected. A child who cannot see the board in school may not volunteer this information — they assume everyone sees the same way.
Myopia often worsens rapidly between ages 8 and 18. Strategies to slow progression include:
First eye check: All children should have a complete eye examination before starting school (age 4–5) and annually thereafter. Early detection of amblyopia (lazy eye) before age 7–8 is critical for successful treatment.
Types of refractive error
Stages of diabetic retinopathy
High blood sugar over years causes progressive damage to the small blood vessels supplying the retina. This process is called diabetic retinopathy (DR) — the leading cause of preventable blindness in working-age adults worldwide.
The critical danger: diabetic retinopathy causes no symptoms in its early stages. By the time the patient notices blurred or distorted vision, significant irreversible damage has often already occurred. This is why regular screening is so important even when vision feels normal.
Warning: Diabetic retinopathy can progress silently to an advanced stage while vision feels completely normal. All diabetics must have annual dilated eye examinations regardless of how good their vision is.
| Investigation | What it shows | When needed |
|---|---|---|
| Dilated Fundus Exam | Direct view of retina, vessels, optic disc | Every visit |
| OCT (Macula) | Cross-section of macular layers — detects fluid (DMO) | Every visit if DMO known or suspected |
| Fundus Photography | Document baseline and monitor progression | Annually, or when DR present |
| FFA (Fluorescein Angiography) | Leaking vessels, ischaemia, neovascularisation | Before laser/injection or to map disease |
| Visual Field (Perimetry) | Peripheral vision defects, concomitant glaucoma | If optic nerve involvement suspected |
| Tonometry | IOP — neovascular glaucoma risk in PDR | Every visit |
Blood tests required: HbA1c, fasting glucose, lipid profile, kidney function (eGFR/creatinine), and BP monitoring are all important — systemic control directly influences the rate of DR progression.
Emergency: See an ophthalmologist the same day if you notice: sudden loss of vision, a shower of black spots or floaters, a dark curtain or shadow across part of your vision, or a significant sudden change in vision.
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin transparent tissue covering the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Red eye is the cardinal sign, but the cause matters enormously for correct treatment.
Key features: Thick yellow-green sticky discharge, crusting in the morning making lids stick together. Usually starts in one eye, may spread to both. Moderate redness. Generally no significant pain.
Key features: Watery discharge, significant redness, foreign body sensation. Often associated with cold, sore throat, or lymph node swelling. Highly contagious. Both eyes usually involved. Antibiotic drops have no benefit for viral conjunctivitis.
Key features: Intense itching (the hallmark), watery discharge, both eyes, seasonal or perennial pattern. No fever, no lymph node enlargement. Not contagious. Associated with other allergies (rhinitis, asthma).
| Type | First-Line Treatment | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial | Antibiotic eye drops (Tobramycin / Moxifloxacin) | 5–7 days | Starts to improve within 24–48 hrs. Complete the course. |
| Viral | Lubricant drops, cold compresses, hygiene | 1–3 weeks | No effective antiviral for adenovirus. Antibiotic drops prevent secondary infection only. |
| Allergic | Antihistamine drops (Olopatadine), mast cell stabilisers, avoid triggers | As needed | Lubricant drops help dilute allergens. Avoid rubbing — worsens mast cell release. |
| HSV (Herpes) | Antiviral drops (Acyclovir), oral antiviral if indicated | 7–10 days | Must be diagnosed and treated by specialist — can cause corneal scarring if missed. |
Do not self-prescribe steroid drops for red eye. Steroid eye drops can dramatically worsen herpes simplex conjunctivitis, cause fungal infections, raise intraocular pressure, and accelerate cataract. Only use steroid drops when prescribed by your ophthalmologist.
Most conjunctivitis resolves on its own or with simple drops. However, certain features demand urgent specialist review as they may indicate more serious conditions.
See a doctor urgently (same day or next day) if you have red eye with any of the following:
Book an appointment with Dr. Laavanyaa at SRM Prime Hospital or P&G Multispeciality Hospital, Chennai.