Eye care during pregnancy for all the expecting mothers

This week we will be discussing over eye care during pregnancy for all the expecting mothers. Most expecting mothers know that they may have morning sickness or lower back pain. But many pregnant women are surprised when their vision changes. The fact is hormonal and physical changes that accompany pregnancy can affect eyesight. Fortunately, vision problems are usually minor and temporary. Eyesight typically returns to normal after your baby is born.

Take the best ‪care‬ of your ‪child‬'s ‎eyes

Carrying on with yesterday's post, here are some more helpful tips to take the best ‪care‬ of your ‪child‬'s ‎eyes‬;

1. Give your child ‪‎toys‬ that encourage visual development.
2. Watch your baby for signs that the eyes are crossed or turned out.
3. Look at your baby for any ‪‎haziness‬ or clouding in the pupil.
4. Provide ‪sun‬ ‪protection‬ when outdoors by means of shelter or UV coated lenses, especially if your child's eyes are light in color.
5. Be an example to your child by wearing the proper ‪protective‬ athletic gear when ‪playing‬ ‪‎sports‬.
6. Have your child's eyes examined regularly, particularly during infancy and childhood.

Give your new born baby a gift of beautiful and healthy eyes

New‬ ‪‎born‬ ‪‎babies‬ have an under-developing immune system, thus they are more prone to infections and various diseases.

And hence, the eyes of a new born requires undivided attention. Follow the following tips to gift your child healthy eye, and see the world at its best:
1. Eat right both during pregnancy and after. Your baby will be healthier and you will set a good example.
2. Provide nutritious meals with fruits, vegetables, nuts, and up to 12 ounces a week of fish.

3. Provide your child with age-appropriate toys that are free from sharp edges.

Monsoon Eye Care

‎Monsoon‬ brings smile of joy and a sense of refreshment, but with it also comes various not so friendly ‪bacteria‬ which can cause serious ‪‎harm‬ to our ‪‎eyes‬. Read an article of mine, published today in ‪The‬ ‪‎Hindu‬ and take care of the eyes this monsoon.

Protect your eyes while playing.

‎Outdoor‬ ‪‎games‬ and ‪sports‬ are an enjoyable and important part of most children's lives. Whether playing catch in the back yard or participating in team sports at ‪‎school‬, ‪‎vision‬ plays an important role in how well a ‪‎child‬ performs.

‪‎Eye‬ ‪protection‬ should also be a major concern to all ‪‎student‬ ‪‎athletes‬, especially in certain high-risk sports. Thousands of children suffer sports-related eye injuries each year and nearly all can be prevented by using the proper ‪‎protective‬ ‪‎eyewear‬. That is why it is essential that all children wear appropriate, protective eyewear whenever playing sports

Simple obeservations can help children fight vision problems

A ‪child‬ may not tell you that he or she has a ‎vision‬ ‪‎problem‬ because they may think the way they ‪‎see‬ is the way everyone sees.

Signs that may indicate a child has vision problem include:
1. ‪‎Frequent‬ eye rubbing or blinking
2. ‪‎Short‬ attention span
3. ‪‎Avoiding‬ reading and other close activities
4. Frequent headaches
5. ‪‎Covering‬ one eye
6. ‪‎Tilting‬ the head to one side
7. ‪Holding‬ reading materials close to the face
8. ‪‎An‬ eye turning in or out
9. ‪‎Seeing‬ double
10. ‪Losing‬ place when reading
11. ‪Difficulty‬ remembering what he or she read

Essential visual skills for school going children for better learning

Every ‪child‬ needs to have the following ‪vision‬ ‎skills‬ for effective ‪‎reading‬ and learning‬:

1. ‪‎Visual‬ ‪acuity‬ — the ability to see clearly in the distance for viewing the chalkboard, at an intermediate distance for the computer, and up close for reading a book.
2. ‪‎Eye‬ ‪Focusing‬ — the ability to quickly and accurately maintain clear vision as the distance from objects change, such as when looking from the chalkboard to a paper on the desk and back. Eye focusing allows the child to easily maintain clear vision over time like when reading a book or writing a report.
3. Eye ‪‎tracking‬ — the ability to keep the eyes on target when looking from one object to another, moving the eyes along a printed page, or following a moving object like a thrown ball.
4. Eye ‪teaming‬ — the ability to coordinate and use both eyes together when moving the eyes along a printed page, and to be able to judge distances and see depth for class work and sports.
5. Eye-‪‎hand‬ ‪‎coordination‬ — the ability to use visual information to monitor and direct the hands when drawing a picture or trying to hit a ball.
6. Visual ‪‎perception‬ — the ability to organize images on a printed page into letters, words and ideas and to understand and remember what is read.
If any of these visual skills are lacking or not functioning properly, a child will have to work harder. This can lead to headaches, fatigue and other ‪‎eyestrain‬ ‪problems‬. ‪‎Parents‬ and ‪teachers‬ need to be alert for symptoms that may indicate a child has a vision ‪problem‬s.

Don't let poor vision hurdle your child's learning abilities

A ‪‎child‬ needs many abilities to succeed in ‪school‬. ‪‎Good‬ ‪vision‬ is a key. It has been estimated that as much as 80% of the learning a child does occurs through his or her eyes. Reading, writing, chalkboard work, and using computers are among the visual tasks students perform daily. A child's eyes are constantly in use in the classroom and at play.

When his or her vision is not functioning properly, ‪‎education‬ and ‪‎participation‬ in ‪sports‬ can suffer.

Monsoon Eye Care Tips

Eyes‬ need extra care during ‪Monsoons‬ as the moist and humid conditions make it the most favorable time for bacteria to breed.
As always, ‪Prevention‬ ‪‎Is‬ ‪Better‬ ‪Than‬ ‪‎Cure‬.
1. ‪‎Firstly‬, if drenched in the rains, once back home one should wash the eyes with clean water and dry the sides of the eyes with a dry towel.

2. Don't ‪rub‬ the eyes with dirty hands. Keep kids away from stagnated water.
3. If one wears ‪contact‬ ‪‎lenses‬, one should clean them thoroughly.
4. But if one develops ‪‎itchiness‬, just wash the eyes initially with cold water. If the itchiness does not subside, then go and see a specialist.
5. If one still notice any symptom of an ‎eye‬ ‪‎infection‬, splash some cold water on your eyes and visit a ‪doctor‬ as soon as possible.
6. Wear ‪sunglasses‬ when ‪outdoors‬.

Steps to ease the discomfort during the attack of ‪Ocular Migraine

Follow the following steps to ease the discomfort during the attack of ‪Ocular Migraine
1. ‪Close‬ the eyes until the visual disturbances fade. If possible, lie down in a dark room or cover the eyes with a towel to block out all light.
2. ‪Use‬ over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, if experiencing discomfort.
3. ‪Drink‬ plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

4. ‪Try‬ biofeedback, yoga or meditation to promote relaxation.
5. ‪Avoid‬ taking medications prescribed for other types of migraines.
6. ‪Contact‬ the health care provider if the frequency of the attacks increases.

Preventing Ocular Migraines

The first step to preventing ‪‎Ocular Migraine‬ is to avoid triggers. The triggering factors include ‪Stress‬, ‪‎Smoking‬, High blood pressure, Hormonal birth control pills, High altitude, ‪Dehydration‬, Low blood sugar, ‪‎Excessive Heat‬.

One Should consider having a comprehensive eye exam with an ‪‎Optometrist‬ or ‪Ophthalmologist‬ whenever he/she experience unusual vision symptoms to rule out sight-threatening conditions, which requires immediate attention.

Consult an Eye Specialist to reduce the frequency of Ocular Migraine attacks

Because the ‪Ocular Migraine‬ is generally harmless and typically resolve on its own within a half hour, thus usually require no treatment. If you are driving or performing other tasks that require good vision when an ocular migraine occurs, stop what you are doing and relax until your ‪Vision‬ returns to normal.

One Should consider having a comprehensive eye exam with an ‪Optometrist‬ or ‪Ophthalmologist‬ whenever he/she experience unusual vision symptoms to rule out sight-threatening conditions such as a detached retina, which requires immediate attention.

Symptoms of ‪Ocular Migraine‬

Symptoms of ‪Ocular Migraine‬ can be observed as, ‪Vision‬ problems that affect one eye, such as flashing lights, blind spots in the field of vision, or blindness lasting up to a few minutes or 30 minutes.

The visual loss may occur with no headache and at other times throbbing headache on the same side of the head as the visual loss may occur, accompanied by severe light sensitivity and/or nausea. It may be difficult to read and dangerous to drive a vehicle at times.

Understanding Ocular Migraines

Ocular Migraines‬ are painless, temporary ‪Visual Disturbances‬ that can affect one or both eyes. They can be frightening, but they are harmless and resolves without medication within 20 to 30 minutes.
One might see an enlarging blind spot (scotoma) in the central vision with bright, flashing or flickering lights (scintillations), or wavy or zig-zag lines surrounding the blind spot. The blind spot usually enlarges and may move across the field of vision.

It's also possible, though less common, for an ocular migraine and a ‪Migraine‬ headache to occur simultaneously, causing visual disturbances and unilateral (one-sided) or bilateral (two-sided) head pain at the same time, or for an ocular migraine to follow a migraine headache

Role of eye vision during driving

When you're young, ‪#‎Driving‬ at night or in the snow, ice or rain is not an issue, but as you get older, you find it more difficult to drive under adverse conditions. Driving in the rain, especially after dark, can be quite challenging. However, there are things you can do to increase your driving ‪#‎VisibilityInRain‬.

1. ‪#‎Apply‬ a coat of rain repellent to your windshield to improve the visibility in the rain, especially at night. Rain repellent creates a shield and causes the rain to bead up and slide off the windshield.
2. ‪#‎Replace‬ the windshield wipers at least once a year to improve the visibility in rain.
3. ‪#‎Check‬ the headlights for brightness. Use low-beam headlights in the rain to improve the visibility and to ensure that others are able to see the car.
4. ‪#‎Adjust‬ the side and rear-view mirrors.The appropriate setting will help to improve visibility in rain.
5. ‪#‎Slow‬ down while driving. Regardless of the actions to improve visibility in rain, it's important to reduce speed on slippery, wet roads.
6. ‪#‎Turn‬ the emergency flashers on to alert others and get to a safe place when visibility is poor. Parking lots or rest areas are best. Stay clear of trees and power lines.
7. ‪#‎Stay‬ in the right lane. To avoid water splash caused by other vehicles drive in the middle of the lane, as water gets collected in the left side of the lane.
In case of any suspicion regarding the eye sight, immediately contact a ‪#‎EyeDoctor‬. So This ‪#‎Monsoon‬ ‪#‎DriveSafe‬
For any query or appointment Contact me at 011-27681312/ 9210914391 OR Visit: Save Sight Centre, Opposite Adarsh Nagar Metro Station, Adarsh Nagar, Delhi.
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Neglecting Glaucoma can lead to permanent loss of Peripheral Vision

If one is suffering from ‪Glaucoma‬, the best "‪Cure‬" for ‪Tunnel Vision‬/ ‪Peripheral Vision Loss‬ is prevention. If eye drops are prescribed, one must take the glaucoma medication regularly to control high eye pressure, or there is always a risk of permanent optic nerve damage and development of blind spots in the visual field. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent loss of peripheral vision and even ‪Blindness‬.

If one have permanent loss of peripheral vision, the one should consider visiting a ‪Low Vision Specialist‬ who can advise about special eye wear or optical devices that might help with mobility problems caused by tunnel vision.
Also, be aware that reduced peripheral vision may affect the ability to drive safely. A low vision specialist can tell about the extent of the peripheral vision loss and whether the remaining vision meets the legal requirement for a valid driver's license or not.

Eid Mubarak

Eid Mubarak to everyone, May the world prosper with ‪‎Peace‬ and ‪Harmony‬.

Prevent eye diseases during this monsoon

The Monsoon have marked its attendance and their is a smile of relief among the people, battling from soaring heat. But it also brings in its wake certain viruses which can lead to several Eye Diseases.Here in an article below carried in today's edition of Himachal Dastak, I have listed down certain precautions which can help in prevention of eye diseases during rainy season.

Loss of Peripheral Vision may lead to permanent damage to the eye

Generic cause of loss of ‪‎Peripheral Vision‬ is optic nerve damage from ‪Glaucoma‬.

‪‎Eye Strokes‬ (occlusions) that block normal blood flow to the eye's internal structures, including the optic nerve, also can lead to loss of peripheral vision. A stroke or injury also may damage portions of the brain where images are processed, leading to blind spots in the visual field.
If one suspects loss of peripheral vision, see the ‪Eye Doctor‬ for a comprehensive eye exam.

Head injuries may result in loss of the Peripheral Vision.

Head injuries may result in loss of the Peripheral Vision. ‪Peripheral Vision‬ problems means that one doesn't have a normal, wide-angle field of vision, even though the central vision may be fine. Moderate and severe cases of peripheral vision loss create the sensation of seeing through a narrow tube, a condition commonly referred to as "tunnel vision." Symptoms of peripheral vision loss also can include difficulty seeing in dim light and decreased ability to navigate while you are walking.

If one witnesses a sudden decrease in peripheral vision, see the eye doctor immediately. Sudden loss of peripheral vision may indicate a detached retina, which is a medical emergency that must be treated as soon as possible to avoid permanent vision loss.

Steps to keep Your Eyes alert while driving

If one is experiencing ‪Vision Problems‬, one doesn’t automatically need to give up the keys. Taking these steps will help to stay behind the wheel: 1. Have regular ‪Eye Exams‬. One should have their eyes checked annually, to detect vision problems and eye diseases.
2. Don't drive at night, or at dusk or dawn. This is especially important if one is sensitive to ‪Glare‬ or need more light to be able to see clearly.
3. Keep one windshield and mirrors clean. One should also clean the headlights often.
4. Set the seat height so one is able to see at least 10 feet of road in front of the vehicle. Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses to fight nighttime glare.
5. Check the ‎Blind Spots‬ often. Also, one can adjust the side mirrors to get rid of blind spots.

If one feels difficulty in driving and experiences headaches, do consult a ‎Eye Doctor‬ at the earliest.
So this week let's practice ‎Healthy Driving‬ and make the road safer.

One must be alert to every change while driving.

One must be alert to every change while driving. Sometimes, a bit of caution goes a long way. Too many drivers adapt slowly to changes in their ‪Eyes‬ and maintain driving habits that, while appropriate to younger drivers, become actively dangerous to older ones.
First, stay in the slow lane, and don’t be too quick to pass. Changing lanes opens up blind spots for everyone, and these are much worse for those with ‪Low Vision‬.
Second, be realistic about the ‪‎Reaction Time‬ and the vision. Give cars in the front a wide berth. Also, one must be aware of how far ahead one can see. If the headlights and vision combine to give oneself an extremely short range of vision, drive only at speeds that allow one to stop within that distance, even if it’s a little narrower than one might like.
If one feels difficulty in driving and experiences headaches, do consult a ‪‎Eye Doctor‬ at the earliest.
So this week let's practise ‪Healthy Driving‬ and make the road safer.