Dr. Suchitra
Singh

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye, causing blurry vision, sensitivity to glare, faded colours and difficulty reading. It is the leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide — but it is completely curable with surgery.

Types of cataract surgery: Modern Phacoemulsification (Phaco) uses ultrasound to break and remove the lens through a tiny 2.2mm cut — no stitches needed, recovery in 1–2 days. Traditional SICS (Small Incision Cataract Surgery) is equally effective and preferred in certain cases. Both techniques are performed by Dr. Suchitra Singh with 20,000+ surgeries of experience.

After surgery, an artificial Intra-Ocular Lens (IOL) is implanted to restore clear vision. Premium IOL options can even correct distance and reading vision simultaneously. If you notice any of the early signs above — don't wait. Earlier surgery means safer, faster recovery.

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels of the retina caused by high blood sugar. It is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults — and the most dangerous part is that it has no symptoms in early stages. By the time vision changes appear, significant irreversible damage may have already occurred.

Who is at risk? Every person with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes — regardless of how well their sugar is controlled. The risk increases with duration of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and pregnancy.

What can be done? Laser treatment (PRP, focal laser) can seal leaking vessels and stop progression. Intravitreal injections (Anti-VEGF) reduce swelling and new vessel growth. In advanced cases, vitreoretinal surgery may be needed — all of which Dr. Suchitra performs at EYE Health.

Myopia (short-sightedness) in children has nearly doubled in the last decade, driven by excessive screen time and reduced outdoor play. But vision problems in children go far beyond myopia — and many go undetected because young children don't know what "blurry" looks like. They simply adapt.

Common paediatric eye conditions: Myopia (needing glasses) · Amblyopia (lazy eye — one eye sees poorly despite normal anatomy) · Strabismus (squint — eyes not aligned) · Colour blindness · Congenital glaucoma · ROP in premature babies.

Why age 7 matters: The brain and eyes develop together in the first 7–8 years of life. If one eye is not stimulated enough during this "critical period" — due to amblyopia, squint or uncorrected refractive error — that eye may never develop full vision, even with glasses later in life.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve — the nerve that carries vision signals from the eye to the brain. It is the leading cause of permanent, irreversible blindness worldwide. Unlike cataract, once vision is lost to glaucoma, it cannot be restored.

The most common type — Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma — is completely painless and symptom-free until a significant portion of vision is already gone. Patients often lose their peripheral (side) vision first, then tunnel vision sets in, and finally total blindness. Most patients don't know they have it until it's too late.

How is it diagnosed? A simple clinic test measures the eye pressure (Tonometry). The optic nerve is examined with a slit lamp. Visual field testing maps any vision loss. OCT imaging can detect nerve damage before symptoms appear.

Not all eye problems can wait for a routine appointment. Certain conditions can cause permanent vision loss within hours — and knowing the difference between "see a doctor this week" and "go right now" can save your sight.

What to do while waiting: Do not rub the eye. Do not apply pressure. Rinse gently with clean water if chemical splash. Cover with a clean cloth — do not patch tightly. Call immediately.

Retinal detachment warning: A retinal detachment often starts with a sudden curtain or shadow across part of the vision, preceded by flashes and floaters. This is a surgical emergency. Every hour of delay risks permanent vision loss in that eye.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding eye disease affecting premature babies. It occurs when the blood vessels of the developing retina grow abnormally after premature birth. The baby looks completely normal — no red eye, no swelling, no obvious sign — making screening the only way to catch it.

What happens if ROP is not treated? The abnormal blood vessels can pull on the retina and cause retinal detachment — leading to permanent, total blindness. This is completely preventable with timely laser treatment.

Treatment: Laser photocoagulation destroys the abnormal vessels and stops progression. It is done under sedation, takes 30–45 minutes, and prevents blindness in over 90% of cases when done at the right time. Anti-VEGF injections are used in severe or complex cases.