Best Hospital for Ophthalmology in India | Top Eye Care Hospital - Apollo Hospitals

Overview   When tears evaporate very quickly, or the eyes produce less than the required quantity of tears, it can lead to dry eyes. This condition is found in both humans and animals, which can affect one or both eyes and can also result in inflammation as well. This syndrome may occur at any age. Even healthy people may get affected at times by this condition. It is more common among women than in men, especially among women who are older in age and produce fewer tears.  Dry eyes can aggravate in a variety of conditions, including on an aero plane, in an air-conditioned room, when riding a bike, or while staring at a computer screen. Treatments for dry eyes help the patient feel more at ease. These include dietary adjustments as well as eyedrops. To control the symptoms of dry eyes, the patient will probably need to use the medications indefinitely.   What are the causes of dry eyes?   Dry eyes are caused by a variety of factors that affect the tear film’s normal function. The three layers of your tear film are made up of  fatty oils, aqueous fluid, and mucus. They make your eyes stay hydrated. Issues with any of these layers might lead to dry eyes.  The major causes of dry eyes are:  Decreases in tear production The following are the most common causes of decreased tear production:   Ageing  Vitamin A insufficiency Antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, and pharmaceuticals for high blood pressure, acne, birth control, and Parkinson’s disease, to name a few.  Corneal nerve de-sensitivity can be induced by contact lenses, nerve injury, or laser eye surgery where the symptoms of dry eyes are usually very transitory.   Book An Appointment Increased tear evaporation   Increased tear evaporation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:   Blepharitis of the posterior eyelids Blinking less frequently, which might happen if the patient has a condition like Parkinson’s disease or if you’re concentrating on anything for too long  like reading, driving, or working at a computer.  Allergies of the eyes  Topical eye drops containing preservatives Wind, smoke, or an overly dry atmosphere  Vitamin A deficiency   Medications   Dry eyes can be caused by numerious medications, including:   Diuretics  Antihistamines  Decongestants  Sleeping tablets  Pills for birth control  Antidepressants  Various acne treatments   What are the symptoms of dry eyes?   The following are some of the symptoms that a patient with dry eye syndrome may experience:   A burning or stinging sensation in the eyes, as well as a feeling of dryness, grittiness, and pain  A sand-like sensation in the eyes  Mucus in or around the eyes  Sensitivity to smoke or wind  Having trouble keeping eyes open  Even if it is only for a short period, reading causes eye tiredness Hazy vision, particularly at the end of the day  Light sensitivity  Using contact lenses causes discomfort  Tearing upEyelashes stick together   The discomfort can be excruciating for some people, resulting in irritation, worry, and trouble functioning in daily life. A worsening of eye redness and light sensitivity,  increased pain in the eyes, and impairment of vision are all possible complications.   What are the treatment options available for dry eyes?   Most people with mild dry eye symptoms can use over-the-counter eye drops daily. There are additional options like medication and surgery if the symptoms are persistent and serious.    Medications   You can manage dry eyes with frequent washing of eyelid and by using over-the-counter (OTC) eyedrops or other products to help lubricate the eyes. If the condition is chronic (long term), use eyedrops even when your eyes feel fine to keep them well lubricated. The following prescription medicines can be used for the treatment of dry eyes:   Medications to reduce eyelid inflammation: Inflammation along the edge of eyelids may keep the oil glands from secreting oil into the tears. Your eye doctor may suggest antibiotics to reduce the inflammation. Eyedrops to control cornea inflammation. Eye inserts which work like artificial tears: If you have moderate to severe dry eye symptoms and artificial tears do not help, your eye doctor may recommend another option –  inserting Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose), a tiny eye insert that looks like a clear rice grain, once in a day between your lower eyelid and the eyeball. The insert dissolves slowly to release a substance that is used in eyedrops to lubricate the eye.Tear-stimulating drugs: Medications known as cholinergics (pilocarpine, cevimeline) help in increasing the tear production. Eyedrops made from your own blood: These eyedrops, known as autologous blood serum drops, can be an option for severe dry eye symptoms that do not respond to any other treatment. Surgery   A surgeon who specializes in eyelid difficulties can treat eyelid problems such as incomplete blinking. To conserve the tears, tear ducts may be stopped partially or totally. To restrict the tear ducts, silicone plugs can be inserted. Both natural and artificial tears last longer in the eyes as a result of this.  Thermal cautery is an operation in which a surgeon uses a hot wire to shrink the tissues of the drainage area. A Boston Scleral Lens is a contact lens that sits on the eye’s sclera or white portion. It forms a fluid-filled layer on top of the cornea to keep it from drying out.    Salivary gland transplantation is a surgical procedure used to treat persistent and severe cases. Some salivary glands are grafted or implanted into the side of the eyes after being removed from the lower lip. They use their saliva as a substitute for tears.   Conclusion Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface, a system made up of multiple components that work together to protect the eye from environmental and biological stress. As a result, it’s vital to address both the primary pathogenic mechanism(s) involved in dry eye disease and the secondary processes that, if not properly managed, can contribute to the vicious cycle of dry eyes. Good and appropriate treatment will improve the eye surface, resulting in symptom reduction and a significant increase in quality of life. 

Overview Watery eyes can be caused by a variety of factors. The presence of tears, which help lubricate the eye, is typically normal. However, too many or too few tears can lead to pain and irritation, which needs treatment. About the Topic Your eyes produce tears when you are emotionally overwhelmed or when something enters your eyes, like dust or sand. Tears rid your eyes of any foreign particles entering the eyes. Once the foreign object is flushed out, your eyes stop watering. However, when the watering does not stop and is accompanied by other symptoms like itchiness and eye pain, it could indicate an underlying health problem. What Are the Symptoms that can occur along with Watery Eyes? Here are some symptoms of watery eyes you may experience. Eye swelling and rednessPain in the eyesInflammation or infectionAllergySneezingVision deficitEye discharge and twitching What Are the Causes of Watery Eyes? A variety of factors can cause watery eyes. Some common causes are: Blocked tear ducts: Your tear glands are located just above the eyeballs. They secrete tears that spread across the eyeball and then flow into the tear ducts in the corner of the eyes. When these ducts are blocked due to an infection or an injury, you get watery eyes.Allergies: Allergies cause cough, runny nose, and watery eyes.Common cold: The common cold also causes watery eyes. They last for a few days and go away on their own as you recover from the cold.Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is a common cause of watery eyes in children and adults.Scratch in the eye (abrasion): You may get an abrasion on your cornea, the outer surface of your eyeball, from wearing contact lenses. Sometimes dust or sand may also scratch the cornea and cause pain, irritation, and watery eyes.Stye: A stye is a small red lump on the edge of your eyelid. It is caused by bacteria and is painful. This can lead to watery eyes.Eyelashes: Sometimes, a condition called trichiasis causes your eyelashes to point inwards. The eyelashes rub against your eye and cause watery eyes.Dry eyes: Lacrimal or tear glands make a fluid, which is mostly salt and water, which gets to the eye via small openings inside the upper eyelids. This watery liquid is spread across the eye when eyelids blinks. There are other important glands (the most important of these are called the meibomian glands) on edges of eyelids that make oils. Actually, the oils from these glands float on top of watery fluid in the tears thus keeping the water from evaporating too quickly. A problem with the meibomian glands, oddly enough, can cause overflowing tears and dry eye syndrome at the same time.Makeup: Makeup products like eyeliners can clog the oil glands and cause watery eyes. If you use eyeliners regularly, you should wipe them off with eyelid wipes before going to bed.Inflammation of the cornea (Keratitis): Inflammation in the cornea can occur because of an infection or an injury. This can cause irritation and watery eyes.Sinusitis: Sometimes, chronic sinusitis can also cause watery eyesEyelid problems: Outwardly or inwardly turned eyelids, also known as ectropion and entropion, can cause excessive tearing. Some other causes of watery eyes are: Infection in the tear ductEye injuryBurnsSinusitisCorneal ulcerSurgery of the nose or eyeRadiation therapyTumorsChemical exposure Medication-related causes EyedropsDrugs related to chemotherapy When to See a Doctor? If your watery eyes do not get better on their own and cause additional trouble, like vision disturbance, bleeding or discharge from the eye, swelling, and headaches, you should see your doctor. Book An Appointment What Are Some Home Remedies For Watery Eyes? If you have watery eyes, you may want to try these remedies. Take a warm damp cloth and start massaging the eyelids.Stay away from screen time or anything that puts pressure on your eyes.Splash water on your eyes. How Are Watery Eyes Treated? Your doctor performs an eye examination to determine the cause. If you are taking any medications or have suffered eye injuries or problems in the past, inform your doctor. Based on the initial diagnosis, your doctor may recommend the following treatment: Eye dropsAntibiotics, if it is an eye infectionIf an allergy is causing watery eyes, your doctor will prescribe medication to treat it.Surgery, if your tear ducts are blocked. Conclusion Watery eyes rarely indicate anything alarming. In fact, in most cases, a watery eye is not a cause for worry. The most common cause of watery eyes is a foreign particle, such as a speck of dust that enters your eye. A watery eye is your body’s attempt to flush out the irritant. That said, several conditions can cause watery eyes, and if left untreated, they can cause more severe problems. If you have persistent watery eyes, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor to figure out the cause. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Can watery eyes affect vision? Watery eyes have the potential to affect your vision by making it blurry. If the blurriness and watering persist, you should see a doctor immediately. What causes watery eyes in winter? You might have experienced watery eyes in cold weather. The cold, windy air makes tears evaporate faster than under normal circumstances, which triggers the lacrimal glands to produce more tears. This is the reason for watery eyes in winter. How to stop watery eyes? Many factors can cause watery eyes. Identifying the cause is important. If your condition does not improve on its own, you should see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Overview A squint or strabismus occurs when both the eyes of the patient do not align properly. While one eye functions properly and displays normal behavior while focusing, the other eye tends to deviate from the expected position. Usually, this happens when the extraocular muscles, which control the movement of the eyes and eyelids, are unable to function in tandem. As a result, neither eye can focus on the same point at the same time. This deformity can also occur if the eyes cannot coordinate properly due to a complication within the nervous system. Strabismus disrupts binocular vision which hampers the patient’s depth perception. In India, the general incidence rate of strabismus, or squint eye, is between 4% and 6%. Premature newborns, on the other hand, have a incidence rate of 30% to 40%. What is squint eye? Squint, also known as strabismus, is a condition in which both the eyes are unable to focus on the same direction at the same time. In such instances, while one eye may be able to focus on an object being observed, the second eye may turn inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards at the same time. This misalignment may be permanent or may appear on occasion. Squint is most typically seen in children; however, it can also manifest in adults. Most strabismus are the results of an abnormality of the neuromuscular control of eye movement. However, if left untreated it can lead to amblyopia, wherein the brain starts ignoring signals from the afflicted eye. Adult squints are often caused by secondary factors such as trauma, brain lesions, looking at a computer screen for long periods of time, etc., and their treatment differs from that of children. How are squints classified? Here is a quick checklist of how squints are classified:   1. Based on direction of the eye deviation Esotropia: in this case, one eye deviates inwards, towards the nose.Exotropia: in this condition, the eye tends to deviate outwards.Hypertropia: this condition leads to the eye deviating upwards.Hypotropia: in this case the eye deviates downwards. 2. Based on the duration of the squint Constant squint – The squint is always presentIntermittent squint – The squint occurs occasionally 3. Based on the occurrence of squint Manifest squint – The squint occurs when the eyes are open.Latent squint – The squint occurs when the eyes are closed. 4. By the severity of the squint Concomitant squint – The angle of the squint remains same when seen from any direction.Non-comitant squint – The angle of the squint varies according to the direction in which the eyes are turned. 5. By age Most squints appear during the first three years of life. However, some of them may also appear in older children and adults. The squints in older children and adults are usually caused by secondary reasons such trauma, injury, brain lesions, tumors, and more. Here is an easy guide of symptoms that can help you identify whether you or somebody you know is suffering from squint eye: Eyes move independently of each other.Crossed eyesDouble visionPeripheral vision impairment or loss of vision in one eyeDepth perception issues When should you visit a doctor? All cases of squint necessitate a visit to the doctor, since they might signal a deeper underlying problem, such as tumor in rare cases. However, if the squint progresses to amblyopia or lazy eye, it is essential to visit a doctor immediately. Medical experts at Apollo can help you chart a path to recovery. Book An Appointment Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment What are the causes of squint eye? Problems in the eye muscles or nerve damage are the most common causes of squint eye. When the muscles around the eye are weaker than other muscles, they are unable to coordinate and work together efficiently. As a result, when one eye is looking at an object, the other eye seems to be looking elsewhere. In this scenario, the brain receives two different signals from each eye. The brain ignores the message from the weak eye. A squint eye is present at birth but may develop later due to eye injuries and general health conditions. What are the risk factors that can lead to the development of a squint eye? The major risk factors vis-à-vis squint eye include: People who have experienced stroke or are affected with Down syndrome or cerebral palsy are more prone to developing a squint eyePeople with hyperopia or far-sightedness are at a higher risk of developing a squint because of the extra strain they tend to put on their eyes to see clearly People who have a family history of squint eye are more susceptible to getting afflictedPoor vision in one eyeHydrocephalus (a congenital disease that results in a buildup of fluid in the brain)Brain tumorsHead injuries, which can damage the area of the brain responsible for control of eye movement, the nerves that control eye movement, and the eye musclesNeurological (nervous system) problemsGraves’ disease (overproduction of thyroid hormone) How can squint eye be treated or corrected? Squint eye does not get cured on its own with the passage of time and requires medical intervention. The prescription of glasses is the initial stage in squint correction. The doctor evaluates the squint after the spectacles have been worn. Based on age, the doctor may recommend patching the healthy eye if the patient has an amblyopia lazy eye. In the case of children, this strategy may result in the improvement of vision in the weaker eye by forcing the brain to receive signals only from the weaker eye. This treatment has been found to be successful for children under the age of 8. Surgery in one eye may be required in other cases, and in case of major abnormalities, surgery maybe required on both eyes. Most squint procedures produce a perfect cosmetic result. Although, amblyopia treatment outcomes in adults are not as promising as in children, most patients gain considerably from prescription glasses. If the squint does not get cured even after a long period of time despite treatment, the doctor may suggest a surgery to correct the resultant double vision(diplopia) and deviation. Squint treatments are done based on four strategies: Glasses and myopia therapy for restoration and correction of visionCorrection of deviation for cosmetic purposesCorrection of deviation for preservation and restoration of binocular visionPrevention of diplopia A Note from Apollo Hospitals/Apollo Group Eye muscle surgery or squint correction surgery helps to improve the vision and alignment of the eyes significantly. Based on the type of squint, two or more operations may be required for a complete cure. You can always reach out to experts at Apollo for more details. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is squint only a cosmetic problem? That is not necessarily the case. A squint can also be accompanied by resultant diplopia also known as double vision. The inability to use both eyes can lead to the loss of depth perception and peripheral visual field. How many surgeries are required to cure a squint? A squint usually requires one surgery to correct the alignment issues. However, if the squint is extremely pronounced, your doctor may suggest a two-stage surgery. What are the precautions to be taken after a squint eye correction surgery? Care must be taken to avoid getting shampoo or soap in the eye while washing. It is also advisable to avoid contact sports and swimming for up to a period of four weeks after the surgery. You should also try avoiding use of cosmetics around the eye area for four weeks post-surgery. 

Every year, ‘World Glaucoma Week’ is observed in the second week of March to raise awareness about the group of eye-related disorders that cause progressive damage to the nerve of the eye leading to loss of vision and if left untreated, results in blindness over time. This year, the theme for the week is ‘Beat Invisible Glaucoma’ (BIG). Glaucoma is usually associated with increase in eye pressure when fluid (aqueous humour) in the front part of the eye is unable to flow out freely. Glaucoma happens to be the main cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, but typically remains asymptomatic until very severe. Hence is also referred to as ‘silent thief of sight’. Statistics in India reveal that 11.2 million individuals are affected by the disorder and the rate of undiagnosed glaucoma cases is 90% in contrast to 40-60% in the developed world. There is serious lack of awareness about the disease in the country and by the time the patient realises that he/she has an eye problem, the eye nerve gets damaged beyond repair. Glaucoma is categorised as: Primary open angle glaucoma Primary angle closure glaucoma Secondary glaucoma following trauma, use of some medications or as a part of other diseases Some of the risk factors for Glaucoma are old age, family history of the disease, increase in eye pressure, use of steroids, diabetes mellitus and blood pressure, among others. Glaucoma is usually asymptomatic. Some people may complain of seeing coloured haloes or frequent change of reading glasses. Visual field loss is peripheral and asymmetric. Compensation from overlapping of visual field of the other eye delays noticing symptoms. Acute attack of angle closure glaucoma is an emergency and requires immediate attention to avoid blindness. Patient usually feels pain, redness with blurring of vision in the affected eye accompanied with headache, nausea and vomiting. It is usually managed by decreasing the eye pressure with medications and followed by laser peripheral iridotomy. If the laser peripheral iridotomy is done in time for angle closure glaucoma, the disease can be prevented. Glaucoma also accounts for 4.2-7% of all childhood blindness. Infants and children with glaucoma show different signs and symptoms compared to adults. Diagnosis of glaucoma: Eye pressure measurement with the use of applanation tonometer Examination of the drainage passage in the eye. This is followed by examination of the optic nerve: Examination of the field of vision using automated perimeter Treatment is usually targeted at reducing the eye pressure by the following these measures: Medical treatment: It involves the use of eye drops that either decrease the production of aqueous humour or facilitate the outflow of aqueous humour from the eye, thereby reducing the eye pressure. Medicines fall in five categories — Parasympathomimetics, Beta blockers, Alpha adrenergic agonists, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, prostaglandin analogues. Laser treatment: There are various types of lasers used in different types of glaucoma. The commonest is the laser peripheral iridotomy done in individuals with angle closure glaucoma; the others being laser trabeculoplasty and laser iridoplasty. Surgery: Glaucoma filtration surgery Glaucoma drainage devices Cyclodestructive procedures It is important to understand that the treatment is to prevent the disease from progressing. There is usually no cure for Glaucoma! Dr Shikha Fogla, MBBS, MS, Ophthalmology Fellowship in Anterior Segment & Glaucoma, Consultant Ophthalmologist Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills

Many times we have experienced the abnormal blinking of an eyelid. It can be really uncomfortable if it lasts for a prolonged period. It can happen at any time of the day and last from a few minutes to several days. Mostly, these eye twitches are harmless, causing slight annoyance but do not affect the vision. What is Eye Twitching? An involuntary blinking of the eye is called eye twitching. Usually, they are harmless. But if they last longer, it can be very uncomfortable and may affect one’s vision. It typically happens when a person is tired or has consumed a lot of caffeine. Eye twitching is mostly common among middle-aged or older women. Symptoms The frequency of eye twitching varies from person to person. Generally, the upper eyelid twitches. Sometimes, both twitch at the same time, shutting the eyelid partially. In addition, other symptoms seen are: Dry eyesFacial spasmsSensitivity to lightIrritation and itching in eyesIncreased frequency of blinking Most of these symptoms go away when you relax, take a nap, or focus on a difficult task. It is observed that involving yourself in activities, such as talking, singing, focusing on another part of your body, or performing physical exercise, makes the eye twitch go away. Book An Appointment Reason for Eye Twitches One-time eyelid twitches happen because of spasms. These spasms arise from the electrical activity in the nerve cells of the brain that do not last long. If it lasts long, it can be because of one of the following reasons: Too much caffeineDisrupted sleep cyclesToo much stressDry eyesEye strain – Exposure to a computer screen for a prolonged period can cause the eye muscle to strain and twitch.Nutritional deficiencies – The deficiency of magnesium and calcium can cause the twitching of muscles.Allergies – Allergy to any substance can cause dry, itchy eyes with inflammation or watery eyes. Rubbing the eyelids can further cause the histamine to spread into the tissues, resulting in an eye twitch.Ocular myokymia – It happens if a person has too much caffeine, is stressed, or has blood circulation problems.Blepharospasm – This refers to recurrent eye twitching where both the eyelids twitch at the same time. It is a neurological disorder that causes issues with the facial muscles around your eyes. If not treated early, the situation can worsen, affecting the vision. The nerve cells that regulate  motor function play a role in controlling these twitches.Hemifacial spasm – These eye twitches generally start as a simple one at a time eye twitch that slowly spreads to the jaws, cheeks, neck muscles, and facial muscles on the same side as that of the eye. It happens when the facial nerve is irritated by the pressure of neighboring blood vessels.Meige syndrome – This is a neurological disorder that involves concurrent twitches in cheeks, mouth, tongue, lips, etc.Tardive dyskinesia – This refers to the involuntary writhing movements  of the tongue, lips, or mouth with eye twitches.Tourette syndrome – This refers to a more regular twitch accompanied by a vocal tic.Physical injuries – Physical injuries like a scratched cornea or inward folded eyelids can cause eye twitch.Side effects of drugs – Certain drugs used to treat mental disorders can cause the eye to twitch. When to See a Doctor Generally, the twitches go away on their own with relaxation, decreased intake of caffeine, and stress management. You should see a doctor if: If the twitches do not go away within 2 weeks.Twitching causes the eyelid to close partially or fully.Twitching spreads to other parts of the face.You have itchy or inflamed eyes.You have drooping eyelids. Your doctor can ask for a brain scan and eye exam and rule out the cause for eye twitching. They might ask you about your medical history, medications, injuries you have suffered in the past, etc. Book An Appointment How to Prevent Eye Twitches If you have frequent incidences of eye twitches lasting from a few minutes to a few hours, you can prevent it by keeping a check on: Caffeine consumptionSleep cycleStress managementKeeping the eyes moist using hydrating eye dropsProtecting the eye from pollution by using sunglassesHeat or cold therapy Complications Arising from an Eye Twitch If the eye twitching is very severe, it can damage the eyelids, affecting your vision. Also, it can cause other symptoms such as: Drooping of the upper eyelidEyebrows drooping lower than normalDevelopment of extra skin on the upper or lower lidUnusual folding of the upper eyelidCausing other parts of the face to start twitching Treatment of Eye Twitching Eye twitching when severe can be treated with the following: Botox injections – It weakens the twitching muscles, causing them to relax. The effect lasts for three months. If the spasms persist, the treatment needs to be continued.Oral medications – These oral medications cause the whole body muscles to relax, thus alleviating twitching.Myectomy – A part of the muscles or nerves are removed from the eyelid area, thus stopping the eye twitch.Acupuncture techniques to get specific muscles in the body to relax.Chiropractic therapyNutrition therapy Twitches are normally quite harmless and mostly related to  lifestyle. Making lifestyle changes can resolve the twitching. If there is an underlying medical condition, it is best to contact your healthcare provider at the earliest for investigations . Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Does taking medication for a mental condition cause twitching? No, there are certain medicines with side effects. If you have doubts, you can approach your healthcare provider for clarity. How can physical activity reduce twitching? The lack of physical exercise can cause poor blood circulation reducing normal oxygen level in human body. Hence, exercising can reduce twitching. What tests should I expect during the diagnosis? To rule out neurological disorders, your doctor may ask you to undergo a CT scan or an MRI. Further, your ophthalmologist can check your vision.

In this challenging time, everyone has turned to digital communication- smartphones, laptops and tablets. Technology has been the one reason we have been able to continue to work, our children have been able to thrive and learn, and we stay entertained and connected with friends and family. Unfortunately, as a result, our eyes bear the brunt of this extended screen time. Extended screen time had adverse effects on eyes, both in children and adults, which can be short term, medium-term or long term. In children, it is habit-forming, reduces attention span, reduces socializing behavior, impairs sleep patterns and delays language development. Short term side effects include eye strain, discomfort, redness, dryness and foreign body sensation, and frequent blinking of eyes. Medium and long term side effects typically effect children’s eyes, as prolonged near activities can cause increase in growth of eyeball, leading to myopia (minus number), requiring spectacles. However, short term increase in extended screen time and its side effects are temporary and reversible, and do not cause any permanent damage to eyes. There are some simple tips which are very simple to follow while using gadgets for prolonged periods of time. The larger the screen, the lesser the eye strain. So, working or attending online school lessons on a laptop or desktop is preferable to doing the same on a smart phone. It is ideal to reduce the brightness and increase the font size on a laptop or desktop. Ideally, the screen should be atleast 25-30 inches away from the eyes, and 15-20 degrees below eye level i.e; around 4-5 inches below the eyes. Also, the computer screen should be placed away from windows or overhead lighting to avoid glare. Using anti glare screens or spectacles with anti reflective coating will also help minimize glare. Continuous screen time is not advisable, as blink rate reduces with concentrated work on gadgets, leading to symptoms. It is important to consciously blink while looking at the screen. Its important to take frequent breaks. For children, ideally a 30-40 minute online class should have a 10-15 minute break before the next class starts. A golden rule of thumb which can be followed is the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a break from looking at the screen for 20 seconds and look at something which is 20 feet away. A few tips which parents can follow to safeguard kid’s eyes include: No screen time for a child less than 2 years of age. No unsupervised internet time and gadget use young children. Make screen time productive. Ex: Watch an educational video or documentary with them or take virtual tours, either of an animal park or museum. Switch off all digital devices atleast 1 hour before bedtime to maintain a healthy sleep pattern. Involve the child in non screen activities like reading books, playing board games, or drawing and painting. Encourage outdoor physical activities, which can be done as a family. This helps improve bonding as well as exposure to sunlight boosting Vitamin D levels. And the most important fact is that there is a strong association between a parent’s screen time and their kid’s screen time. So, be a good role model and put away your phone. The writer Dr. Rachna Vinay Kumar is a Pediatric Ophthalmologist at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills. To consult log on to askapollo.com or call 18605001066

Overview Almost every person gets dark circles once in a lifetime. It is a common condition and does not need any medical attention in most cases. Read on to know what causes dark circles and how you can cure them. What are Dark Circles? Dark circles under eyes are when the skin under your eyes gets darker than usual. People often believe that they are a sign of tiredness. However, there can be many possible causes due to which dark circles occur.  Dark circles are rarely something to be worried about. People believe that dark circles under their eyes make them look weak, unhealthy, and older. Though the condition does not require medical treatment, people desire to cure or alleviate them to look healthy.  Dark circles under the eyes may look brown, blue, or even purple, depending on a skin type. Yet, they are different from any injury, redness, or bruising around the eyes due to infections.  What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes? When you are tired, it appears on your face, specifically under your eyes. If you experience chronic dark circles under your eyes, you should figure out its causes and treat them right away.  Here are some of the usual causes of dark circles:  Fatigue  Staying up for longer hours, extreme tiredness, exhaustion, and oversleeping are a few things that cause dark circles. Sleep deprivation makes skin pale and dull. It further allows dark tissue to show up.  Lack of sleep builds fluid under the eyes that lead to puffy eyes. It results in a dark shadow under puffy eyelids.  Allergies  Eye dryness or allergic reactions can cause dark circles.  To determine whether you have allergies or not, you should check for other symptoms as well. You may observe redness, itchiness, and puffy eyes due to allergies. Histamines released by allergy can also cause your blood vessels to dilate and become more visible beneath your skin. It is advisable not to rub or scratch on and around your eyes. Rubbing can worsen the symptoms and result in swelling, inflammation, and broken blood vessels. Eventually, all these will result in dark circles.   Aging  Dark circles are natural with aging. As time passes, the skin of a person gets thinner and loses collagen and fat. Collagen and fat are responsible for protecting skin elasticity. By responding to this, the blood vessels become visible and darken the area under the eyes.  Dehydration  Drinking enough water is no new suggestion. Yet, many people avoid it. Dehydration is when your body does not receive the proper amount of water. It makes your under-eye area look darker due to its proximity to the underlying bone.  Eye Strain  Eye strain is another common cause that can give rise to dark circles. More screen time results in more dark circles. Eye strain enlarges blood vessels and darkens the skin around them.  Sun overexposure Overexposure to the sun results in more production of melanin in the body. Overexposure to the same leads to pigmentation around your eyes. Skin pigment irregularities can also be a cause of dark circles under the eyes.  Heredity  Many people get dark circles due to genes passed on to them. People may notice dark circles in childhood, and it gets worse as they grow. Yet, this is not always the case. Many times dark circles due to heredity disappear over a period.  When to see a doctor  Dark circles under the eyes are not a medical emergency. However, in some cases, if there is a combination of unusual symptoms, you should consult a doctor.  If you feel there is swelling and discoloration under one eye, you should visit a doctor.  The doctor will recommend supplements, creams, or a combination of treatments to cure dark circles under the eyes.  Book An Appointment. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.  How can I Prevent Dark Circles? You can take care of your eyes and prevent dark circles only if you are consistent about it. Sometimes, some lifestyle changes are the only effective way to treat dark circles. To prevent them, make sure you:  Eat healthy Drink enough waterWorkout oftenGet enough sleepTake care of your skin Limit your screen time  How to Cure Dark Circles at Home?  Many people do not visit a doctor for dark circles. They either accept the condition or try to reduce them by experimenting with home remedies. These therapies do not necessarily remove dark circles. Even if they do, they provide a short-term solution depending on the cause.  However, if you have dark circles due to tiredness, you may try these remedies to pamper your eyes a little extra:  Cold Therapy  A cold compress can reduce the swelling under the eyes and shrink dilated blood vessels. The process can alleviate dark circles and reduce puffiness. You can also use chilled tea bags, chilled teaspoons, frozen peas, or ice wrapped in a washcloth.  Extra Sleep  Lack of sleep is a prime cause of dark circles. In the same way, if you get enough sleep, it will eliminate your dark circles caused by lack of sleep. Extra Pillow  Elevating the head by using extra pillows prevents puffiness under the eyes. It may also help in reducing the dark circles under the eyes.  Is there any Proven Medical Treatment for Dark Circles?  Yes, there are permanent solutions to dark circles. When you visit a doctor, s/he will look for the causes and your concerns and suggest  the correct treatment.  Some of the common treatments for dark circles are:  Laser surgery to re-surface the skin and enhance skin tighteningChemical peels to decrease pigmentationMedical tattoos to inject pigment into thinning skin regionsTissue fillers to conceal blood vessels and melanin causes skin discoloration beneath your eyes.Fat removal to remove excess fat and skin, revealing a smoother and more even surfaceSurgical implants of fat or synthetic products You can get the best treatment for  dark circles at Apollo Hospitals.  Conclusion Dark circles are curable with numerous home remedies and medical treatment. To treat dark circles under eyes, check with your doctor to suggest the best option.  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Which vitamin is good to cure dark circles?  Vitamin E is good for dark circles as it has the most skin benefits as a vitamin. Vitamin E can be available in the form of a capsule, oil, and cream. You can use them as per your skin type and health condition after consulting with your doctor. Why do I have sudden dark circles?  Reasons for sudden dark circles can be an exhausting day, a sleepless night, or stress. In all cases, you should take some rest and relax your body and mind.  What is the permanent treatment of dark circles under the eyes?   To remove the dark circles permanently, you can go with any medical treatment that claims to do the same. Laser surgery can be one option. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor to figure out the best solution for you.