Frequently Asked Questions

A cataract is clouding of the eye's natural lens that affects vision. It typically develops gradually with age. You should consider cataract surgery when it starts interfering with your daily activities like reading, driving (especially at night), or recognizing faces. Dr. Rasika will evaluate your condition and recommend the best timing for surgery.

Phacoemulsification is an advanced cataract surgery technique that uses ultrasound energy to break up and remove the cloudy lens. This procedure is injection-less, painless, and suture-less, requiring only a tiny incision. Most patients experience quick recovery and can resume normal activities within a few days. Dr. Rasika specializes in this modern technique with thousands of successful procedures.

Phacoemulsification uses ultrasound technology with a smaller incision (2-3mm), offers faster recovery, and doesn't require stitches. Manual surgery involves a larger incision and may require sutures. Phaco is generally preferred for its superior outcomes, but manual surgery may be recommended in certain cases like very hard cataracts or specific eye conditions. Dr. Rasika will determine the best approach for your individual case.

IOL (Intraocular Lens) is the artificial lens implanted after cataract removal. Options include:

• Monofocal IOL: Clear vision at one distance (usually far), requiring glasses for reading
• Multifocal IOL: Vision at multiple distances, reducing dependence on glasses
• Toric IOL: Corrects astigmatism along with cataract
• Premium IOL: Advanced options for specific visual needs

Dr. Rasika will discuss your lifestyle, visual requirements, and budget to help you select the most suitable IOL.

The actual surgery typically takes 15-20 minutes per eye. With modern phacoemulsification technique and topical anesthesia (eye drops), the procedure is virtually painless. You may feel slight pressure but no pain. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable and quick the experience is.

Most patients notice improved vision within 24-48 hours. Complete healing takes about 4-6 weeks. You can typically resume light activities the next day, but should avoid strenuous exercise, swimming, and rubbing your eyes for a few weeks. Dr. Rasika will provide detailed post-operative instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your recovery.

A corneal transplant (keratoplasty) involves replacing damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue. It's needed for conditions like keratoconus, corneal scarring, corneal dystrophies, severe infections, or injury. Dr. Rasika, with her specialized fellowship in cornea, performs various types of corneal transplants including full-thickness (PK) and partial-thickness (DALK, DSEK, DMEK) procedures.

Corneal transplants have a high success rate, with over 90% graft survival at one year for most conditions. Success depends on the underlying disease, surgical technique, and post-operative care. Dr. Rasika's extensive experience in corneal procedures ensures optimal outcomes. Regular follow-ups and adherence to medication schedules are crucial for long-term success.

Ocular surface surgery includes procedures to treat conditions affecting the front surface of the eye, such as pterygium removal, conjunctival grafts, amniotic membrane transplantation, and limbal stem cell transplantation. These surgeries help restore the health and clarity of the eye's surface, improving both vision and comfort.

Initial recovery takes 2-4 weeks, but complete visual recovery can take several months to a year. You'll need to use prescribed eye drops, attend regular follow-ups, and protect your eye from injury. Activities are gradually increased based on healing progress. Dr. Rasika provides comprehensive post-operative care to ensure the best possible outcome.

Ideal candidates are over 18 years old, have stable vision for at least one year, healthy eyes, adequate corneal thickness, and realistic expectations. Conditions like severe dry eyes, thin corneas, or certain eye diseases may disqualify you. Dr. Rasika performs comprehensive pre-operative testing to determine your suitability and discuss the best option for your vision correction needs.

Refractive surgery can correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and sometimes presbyopia. Various techniques are available including LASIK, PRK, SMILE, and ICL (implantable contact lens). Dr. Rasika's expertise in phaco-refractive surgeries ensures you receive the most appropriate treatment.

LASIK is one of the safest elective procedures with a 96%+ patient satisfaction rate. Serious complications are rare. Possible side effects include temporary dry eyes, glare, halos, or fluctuating vision, which typically resolve within weeks. Dr. Rasika uses advanced technology and thorough screening to minimize risks and achieve excellent outcomes.

The LASIK procedure takes about 10-15 minutes per eye. Most patients notice improved vision within 24 hours and can return to work within 1-2 days. Complete stabilization occurs over 3-6 months. You'll need to avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, and contact sports initially, but most daily activities can resume quickly.

Dry eyes occur when tears don't provide adequate lubrication. Causes include aging, medications, medical conditions, environmental factors, and prolonged screen time. Symptoms include stinging, burning, redness, blurred vision, eye fatigue, and a gritty sensation. Paradoxically, excessive tearing can also be a symptom as the eye overcompensates for dryness.

Dr. Rasika performs comprehensive testing including tear film evaluation, Schirmer test, and meibomian gland assessment. Treatment options include artificial tears, prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, lifestyle modifications, warm compresses, and omega-3 supplements. Severe cases may require advanced treatments like IPL therapy or specialized procedures.

While not always preventable, you can reduce risk by: taking regular screen breaks (20-20-20 rule), using a humidifier, staying hydrated, avoiding direct air from fans/AC, wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors, and maintaining eyelid hygiene. Regular eye exams help detect early signs.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually due to elevated eye pressure. It's called the "silent thief" because it typically has no symptoms in early stages, with peripheral vision loss occurring so gradually that people don't notice until significant damage has occurred. Early detection through regular eye exams is crucial.

Risk factors include age over 60, family history of glaucoma, high eye pressure, diabetes, hypertension, severe myopia or hyperopia, history of eye injury, long-term steroid use, and certain ethnicities. If you have risk factors, Dr. Rasika recommends more frequent screening to detect glaucoma early when treatment is most effective.

Treatment aims to lower eye pressure and prevent further damage. Options include prescription eye drops, laser procedures (SLT, LPI), and surgical interventions (trabeculectomy, drainage implants). The goal is to preserve remaining vision. While damage cannot be reversed, proper treatment can slow or stop progression. Regular monitoring is essential.

Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. With proper treatment and regular monitoring, most people with glaucoma maintain useful vision throughout their lives. The key is early detection, consistent treatment adherence, and regular follow-ups with Dr. Rasika to adjust treatment as needed.

Common retinal conditions include diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal detachment, retinal vein occlusion, macular holes, and epiretinal membranes. Symptoms may include sudden vision loss, floaters, flashes of light, distorted vision, or dark spots in vision.

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to retinal blood vessels caused by diabetes. It's a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. Early stages may have no symptoms, making regular eye exams essential for diabetics. Treatment options include laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections, and vitrectomy surgery. Good blood sugar control is crucial for prevention and management.

Warning signs include sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, shadow or curtain over vision field, and sudden vision loss. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. If you experience these symptoms, contact Dr. Rasika immediately or go to the emergency room.

AMD treatment depends on the type. Dry AMD is managed with nutritional supplements, lifestyle changes, and monitoring. Wet AMD requires anti-VEGF injections to stop abnormal blood vessel growth. Early detection through regular exams allows for timely intervention. Risk factors include age, smoking, family history, and cardiovascular disease.

Oculoplasty is a specialized field dealing with plastic and reconstructive surgery of the eye, eyelids, tear ducts, and orbit (eye socket). It includes both functional procedures to correct vision-affecting conditions and cosmetic procedures to improve appearance.

Common conditions include ptosis (drooping eyelids), ectropion and entropion (eyelid turning out or in), eyelid tumors and lesions, thyroid eye disease, orbital fractures, tear duct obstruction, and aesthetic concerns like excess eyelid skin. Dr. Rasika evaluates whether surgery is medically necessary or elective.

Ptosis is drooping of the upper eyelid that can affect vision or appearance. It can be congenital or acquired due to aging, injury, or neurological conditions. Treatment involves surgical tightening or repositioning of the levator muscle. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, with recovery over 2-3 weeks.

The first comprehensive eye exam should be at 6 months, followed by exams at age 3, before starting school (age 5-6), and then every 1-2 years. Earlier exams are needed if there's family history of eye problems, developmental delays, or noticeable vision issues. Early detection is crucial for conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye).

Warning signs include frequent eye rubbing, excessive tearing, light sensitivity, eye turning in or out, tilting head, sitting too close to TV, difficulty reading, squinting, covering one eye, avoiding close work, poor hand-eye coordination, or complaints of headaches. If you notice any of these, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Rasika.

Amblyopia is reduced vision in one eye due to abnormal visual development in early childhood. Causes include strabismus (eye misalignment), significant refractive error difference between eyes, or visual obstruction. Treatment includes glasses, patching the stronger eye, atropine drops, or surgery for underlying causes. Early treatment (before age 7-9) yields best results.

Occasional eye crossing is normal in newborns up to 3-4 months as their visual system develops. However, if eyes remain crossed after 4 months or if one eye consistently turns, consult Dr. Rasika. Early intervention for strabismus improves outcomes and prevents amblyopia.

Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea (middle layer of the eye including iris, ciliary body, and choroid). Symptoms include eye redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and floaters. Causes include infections, autoimmune disorders, trauma, or may be idiopathic. Prompt treatment with steroid drops, systemic medications, or immunosuppressants is crucial to prevent complications like glaucoma or vision loss.

Ocular allergies cause itchy, watery, red eyes, often with swollen eyelids. Common triggers include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold. Treatment includes avoiding allergens, artificial tears, cold compresses, antihistamine drops, mast cell stabilizers, and in severe cases, steroid drops. Dr. Rasika can help identify triggers and create an effective management plan.

For eye trauma, seek immediate medical attention. Do not rub, apply pressure, or try to remove embedded objects. For chemical exposure, flush with clean water for 15-20 minutes immediately. For cuts or foreign objects, cover the eye gently and go to the emergency room. Dr. Rasika is experienced in managing various types of ocular trauma and can provide urgent care.

Iris repair surgery (iridoplasty) reconstructs damaged iris tissue due to trauma, surgical complications, or congenital defects. Symptoms of iris damage include glare, light sensitivity, and irregular pupil shape. The procedure can improve both appearance and function. Dr. Rasika's surgical expertise ensures careful restoration of iris anatomy.

Most people can wear contact lenses successfully. Ideal candidates have healthy eyes, adequate tear production, good hygiene habits, and motivation to follow care instructions. Contact lenses can correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Dr. Rasika performs comprehensive evaluation to determine the best lens type for your eyes and lifestyle.

Options include soft lenses (daily disposable, bi-weekly, monthly), rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses for presbyopia, colored lenses, and specialty lenses for keratoconus or irregular corneas. Dr. Rasika will discuss the pros and cons of each type based on your vision needs, eye health, and lifestyle.

Proper care includes washing hands before handling, using fresh solution daily (never tap water or saliva), rubbing and rinsing lenses, storing in clean case, replacing case every 3 months, never sleeping in lenses (unless approved for extended wear), and following replacement schedule. Never use expired or damaged lenses. Regular follow-ups with Dr. Rasika ensure your lenses remain comfortable and safe.

Risks include eye infections, corneal ulcers, dry eyes, allergic reactions, and corneal scratches. These are rare with proper care and hygiene. Warning signs include redness, pain, discharge, light sensitivity, or vision changes. Remove lenses immediately if symptoms occur and contact Dr. Rasika. Annual eye exams ensure your eyes remain healthy for continued lens wear.

For adults with no vision problems: every 2 years under age 40, every 1-2 years ages 40-64, annually after 65. Those with diabetes, glaucoma, family history of eye disease, or existing conditions need more frequent exams. Contact lens wearers should be seen annually. Children should be examined at 6 months, 3 years, before school, and every 1-2 years thereafter.

Please bring your current glasses or contact lenses, list of medications, insurance information, previous eye exam records, relevant medical history, and a list of questions or concerns. If you're considering surgery, bring someone to drive you home if pupil dilation is performed.

Dr. Rasika works with various insurance providers. Please contact the clinic at +91 9284756624 or +91 7305973433 with your insurance details, and the staff will verify coverage and explain any out-of-pocket costs before your appointment.

Schedule by calling +91 9284756624 or +91 7305973433, emailing rasikaeyecare@gmail.com, or visiting Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital at Diwadkar Complex, Kalyan West. Clinic hours are Monday to Saturday, 9:00am-2:00pm and 5:00pm-9:00pm. For urgent concerns, please call to discuss available appointment options.

Dr. Rasika Thakur Deshpande holds MBBS, DOMS, and FCPRS degrees with a Fellowship in Cornea & Phaco-Refractive Surgeries from H.V. Desai Eye Hospital, Pune. With over 10 years of experience and more than 15,000 successful surgeries, she specializes in anterior segment surgery, cornea procedures, cataract surgery, and comprehensive eye care. Her dedication to patient care and surgical expertise makes her a trusted choice for all eye-related conditions.

Absolutely. Dr. Rasika welcomes second opinion consultations and will thoroughly review your case. Please bring all relevant medical records, test results, imaging studies, and current treatment plans to your appointment for comprehensive evaluation and guidance.

For severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, eye trauma, chemical exposure, or foreign object injury, seek immediate emergency care. Contact Dr. Rasika's clinic immediately for guidance. For life-threatening situations, go directly to the nearest emergency room and inform them you need ophthalmologic evaluation.