Eyesightness: Causes and Treatment

"Contact lenses are worst you can do to your eyes." (For more info read Bonus section down there)

Introduction

The human eye is a complex organ that helps us perceive the world.

Millions of people suffer from refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).

Thanks to modern medical advancements, new treatment options are available in India.

1. How the Eye Works

The eye functions like a camera, where light enters through the cornea, passes through the lens, and gets focused on the retina.

The retina converts light into electrical signals, which are processed by the brain to form images.

A clear image depends on how accurately the cornea and lens focus light on the retina.

2.What is Myopia (Nearsightedness)?

Causes:

Light focuses before reaching the retina instead of on it.

Usually due to an elongated eyeball or excessive corneal curvature.

Genetic and lifestyle factors, like excessive screen time and reading in dim light, contribute to myopia.

Symptoms:

Blurry vision for distant objects.

Frequent headaches.

Squinting to see clearly.

Treatments in India:

1. Prescription Glasses & Contact Lenses – Traditional correction method.

2. Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK, SMILE, PRK) – Permanent vision correction by reshaping the cornea.

3. Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) – A newer option where a lens is implanted inside the eye.

4. Atropine Eye Drops – Slows down myopia progression in children.

5. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K Lenses) – Special lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily.

3. What is Hyperopia (Farsightedness)?

Causes:

Light focuses behind the retina instead of on it.

Usually due to a shorter eyeball or insufficient corneal curvature.

Symptoms:

Difficulty seeing nearby objects.

Eye strain while reading or using a phone.

Headaches after close-up activities.

Treatments in India:

1. Glasses & Contact Lenses – Most common correction method.

2. Refractive Surgery (LASIK, LASEK, PRK, SMILE) – Modifies corneal curvature for clearer vision.

3. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) – Replacement of the natural lens with an artificial lens, ideal for extreme cases.

4. Latest Technology in India for Vision Correction

1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis)

Most popular laser treatment.

Quick procedure (15 minutes per eye), painless, and fast recovery.

Can correct both myopia and hyperopia.

2. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

Minimally invasive alternative to LASIK.

Uses a femtosecond laser to reshape the cornea.

Faster healing time and fewer dry eye issues.

3. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

Best for people with thin corneas.

No corneal flap creation, unlike LASIK.

Longer healing time but excellent long-term results.

4. ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

An advanced alternative to LASIK and SMILE.

A permanent contact lens is implanted inside the eye.

Suitable for high-degree myopia patients who are not eligible for laser surgery.

5. Artificial Intelligence in Eye Care

AI is used to detect early eye diseases and customize laser treatments.

AI-powered tools like Topography-Guided LASIK ensure precise vision correction.

5. Cost of Eye Treatments in India

Lasik : INR25,000 to INR1,00,000/ NPR 40,000 – NPR 1,60,000 / $300 – $1,200

SMILE – INR60,000 – INR1,25,000 / NPR 96,000 – NPR 2,00,000 / $720 – $1,500

PRK – INR20,000 – ₹INR80,000 / NPR 32,000 – NPR 1,28,000 / $240 – $960

ICL – INR80,000 – INR1,50,000 per eye / NPR 1,28,000 – NPR 2,40,000 per eye / $960 – $1,800 per eye

RLE – INR1,00,000 – INR2,50,000 / NPR 1,60,000 – NPR 4,00,000 / $1,200 – $3,000

6. Choosing the Right Treatment

For mild to moderate myopia/hyperopia: Glasses, contact lenses, or LASIK.

For high myopia/hyperopia: SMILE, ICL, or RLE.

For people with thin corneas: PRK or ICL.

For children with myopia progression: Atropine drops or Ortho-K lenses.

Bonus:

Contact lenses are worst you can do to your eyes..!

While contact lenses are a popular alternative to glasses, they can cause serious eye problems if not used properly.

How Contact Lenses Can Damage the Eyes

1. Reduced Oxygen Supply

The cornea (transparent front part of the eye) gets oxygen directly from the air.

Contact lenses block oxygen flow, leading to corneal hypoxia, which can cause redness, irritation, and swelling.

2. Dry Eye Syndrome

Contact lenses absorb tear fluid, making the eyes feel dry, itchy, and irritated.

Long-term dryness can lead to eye fatigue and discomfort.

3. Corneal Infections (Keratitis)

Wearing lenses for too long or sleeping in them can trap bacteria, fungi, or viruses, leading to serious eye infections.

Poor hygiene (not cleaning lenses properly) increases the risk.

4. Corneal Ulcers

Bacterial infections from dirty lenses can cause painful open sores on the cornea.

Can lead to vision loss if untreated.

Even it treated a black spot will permanently be anywhere in the black part of eye. The spot can also be in middle of the black part of the eye which will definitely block the vision making more difficult to see.

5. Allergic Reactions & Protein Deposits

Over time, lenses accumulate protein deposits from tears, which can cause itching, redness, and discomfort.

Some people develop contact lens intolerance (CLI) and can no longer wear them.

6. Increased Risk of Eye Trauma

Inserting or removing lenses incorrectly can cause tiny scratches (corneal abrasions), making the eye vulnerable to infections.

How to Use Contact Lenses Safely

Limit wearing time – Avoid wearing lenses for more than **8-10 hours per

Conclusion

With cutting-edge technology like LASIK, SMILE, ICL, and AI-powered diagnostics, India is at the forefront of vision correction. If you struggle with blurred vision, consult an ophthalmologist to explore the best treatment options for you.

Have you considered laser eye surgery? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Book an appointment with an eye specialist today for a consultation.