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Contact Lens Hygiene: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Author - The Eye Care Clinic Contact lenses offer an alternative to spectacles for correcting vision. However, wearing them requires proper hygiene and handling. Incorrect contact lens practices can increase the risk of eye irritation, infections and corneal complications. Whether you wear lenses occasionally or every day, following recommended care instructions is important for maintaining eye health. Why Is Contact Lens Hygiene Important? Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of the eye. If they are handled with unclean hands or stored incorrectly, microorganisms can reach the eye and cause infections. Some infections, including microbial keratitis, can affect the cornea and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Common Contact Lens Mistakes 1. Sleeping while wearing lenses Unless specifically prescribed for overnight use, contact lenses should be removed before sleeping. Sleeping in lenses can increase the risk of eye infections. 2. Washing lenses with tap w...
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Eye Floaters and Flashes: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention

Author - The Eye Care Clinic Have you ever noticed small dark spots, thread-like shapes or moving shadows in your vision? These are commonly called eye floaters. Some people also notice brief flashes of light, particularly when moving their eyes. Floaters and flashes can occur due to changes inside the eye. While some are related to normal ageing, a sudden increase in floaters or flashes can sometimes indicate a retinal problem that needs urgent medical attention. What Are Eye Floaters? Floaters are small shapes that appear to move across your field of vision. They may look like: Tiny dark dots. Threads or cobweb-like shapes. Transparent spots. Small circles or irregular shadows. They are usually caused by changes in the vitreous, a gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. As people age, the vitreous may become thinner and develop small clumps that cast shadows on the retina. Why Do Flashes of Light Occur? Flashes may appear as brief streaks, sparks or flickers of light. Th...
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Diabetic Retinopathy: How Diabetes Can Affect Your Eyes

Author - The Eye Care Clinic Diabetes can affect several parts of the body, including the eyes. One condition associated with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, which develops when prolonged high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It helps convert light into signals that the brain interprets as images. Damage to this tissue can affect vision and, in advanced cases, lead to serious visual impairment. How Does Diabetes Affect the Retina? High blood sugar levels over time can weaken the tiny blood vessels supplying the retina. These vessels may leak fluid or blood, become blocked or develop abnormal new blood vessels. Diabetic retinopathy generally progresses through different stages: 1. Mild or early non-proliferative retinopathy Small changes, such as tiny bulges in retinal blood vessels, may appear. Vision may remain normal at this stage. 2. Moderate to severe non-proliferative retinopathy More...
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Glaucoma: Early Signs, Causes and Why Regular Eye Tests Matter

Author - The Eye Care Clinic   Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is often associated with increased pressure inside the eye, although glaucoma can also develop when eye pressure is within the normal range. One of the challenges with glaucoma is that it may develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Understanding the condition and undergoing appropriate eye examinations can help identify changes before significant vision loss occurs. What Causes Glaucoma? The eye continuously produces and drains a fluid called aqueous humour. When this fluid does not drain properly, pressure inside the eye may increase. Other factors associated with glaucoma include: Increasing age Family history of glaucoma High eye pressure Certain medical conditions Previous eye injuries Long-term use of steroid medications Having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean a person wi...
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Dry Eye: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek an Eye Examination

Author: The Eye Care Clinic Dry eyes are a common problem that can cause discomfort, irritation, and temporary blurred vision. The condition occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Although occasional dryness may improve with simple changes in daily habits, persistent symptoms may require an eye examination. Understanding the causes and symptoms of dry eye can help you recognise when professional advice may be needed. What Is Dry Eye? Dry eye is a condition in which the tear film does not provide adequate lubrication to the surface of the eyes. Tears help keep the eyes comfortable, protect the surface, and maintain clear vision. When the tear film becomes unstable, the eyes may feel dry, irritated, or uncomfortable. Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person. Some commonly reported symptoms include: A burning or stinging sensation in the eyes. Redness and irritation. A gritty feeling, as though something is...
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Blurry Vision - Common Causes and When to Seek an Eye Examination

Blurry vision can make everyday activities such as reading, driving, and using digital screens difficult. It may affect one or both eyes and can develop gradually or suddenly. While some causes are minor, persistent or sudden blurring may indicate an underlying eye condition that requires medical attention. Common Causes of Blurry Vision 1. Refractive Errors Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can make objects appear unclear. An updated spectacle prescription may help correct vision when refractive error is the cause. 2. Cataracts Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy. Symptoms may include blurred vision, glare, difficulty seeing at night, and faded colours. They are more common with increasing age. 3. Dry Eyes Insufficient tear production or poor tear quality can cause temporary blurring, irritation, and a gritty sensation. Symptoms may become more noticeable during prolonged screen use. 4. Diabetes-Related Eye Problems High blood sugar can affect vis...
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Night Vision Getting Worse? Here’s When You Should See an Ophthalmologis

Have you started experiencing a difficulty of seeing clearly while driving at night lately? Do headlights appear brighter or do you see more of glare, halos, or even blurred vision at night? While the changes you are encountering might seem like something normal to you, worsening of night vision can sometimes be an indicator of an underlying eye disease that requires your prompt medical attention. Why Does Our Night Vision Get Affected? When transitioning from a brightly lit room to a dark environment our eyes need some time to adjust. If you are facing difficulty in adjusting to dimly lit surroundings, it could be because of a number of reasons including the following: • Vision changes • Dry eyes • Eye diseases • The effect of aging As you age it becomes harder for your eyes to function optimally. One common eye condition that is characterized by loss of vision at night is cataract. A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of your eye. As the clouding worsens, it prevents sufficie...
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Complete Guide to Cataract Treatment and Post-Surgery Care

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 Cataracts are among the most common causes of gradual or cloudy vision loss. The condition is characterized by the clouding of the eye lens which leads to impaired vision. Cataracts can develop gradually, starting off small and growing larger over time. If you start noticing changes in your vision, blurred and/or hazy eyesight that makes it hard to read, watch TV, drive, work, or do other activities, you should set up an eye examination with an eye specialist. What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts? Cataracts can develop in different ways, but all of them are characterized by specific symptoms: • Blurry or hazy vision • Difficulty driving at night • Sensitivity to light • Seeing halos around lights • Loss of color vibrancy • Changes in eyeglass prescription • Difficulty with reading and other visual tasks If you experience any of these vision issues, you should be on high alert and schedule an appointment with an eye specialist. He/she will determine the underlying cause and...
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How Screen Time Can Affect Your Eyes

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With smartphones, computers, tablets, and other digital devices becoming part of everyday life, many people spend several hours looking at screens. While screen use does not usually cause permanent eye damage by itself, prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain and other temporary discomforts. Common Effects of Excessive Screen Time 1. Eye Strain and Tired Eyes Looking at a screen for long periods can make your eyes feel tired, heavy, or sore. You may also experience difficulty focusing, especially after extended computer or mobile use. 2. Dry or Irritated Eyes People tend to blink less frequently while concentrating on a screen. Reduced blinking can cause the eyes to become dry, gritty, itchy, or irritated. 3. Headaches and Blurred Vision Extended screen use may contribute to headaches, temporary blurred vision, or difficulty changing focus between the screen and objects at different distances. 4. Neck and Shoulder Discomfort Poor posture while using phones or computers c...
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Cataract Symptoms: Signs You Should Not Ignore

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Cataracts are one of the most common age-related eye conditions. They develop when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, gradually affecting the clarity of vision. Cataracts usually develop slowly, so many people may not notice the early changes. Recognising the symptoms can help you seek an eye examination at the right time. Common Symptoms of Cataract The symptoms of cataract can vary depending on how advanced the condition is. Some of the most common signs include: 1. Blurred or Cloudy Vision Vision may gradually become hazy, foggy, or blurred. You may feel as though you are looking through a dirty or misty window. 2. Difficulty Seeing at Night People with cataracts may find night-time activities increasingly difficult. Driving after sunset can become uncomfortable, particularly because of glare from headlights and streetlights. 3. Increased Sensitivity to Light Bright sunlight or artificial lights may appear unusually uncomfortable. Some people also notice halos around light...
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