Latest news with #JayGoyal
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
5 essential health checkups every Indian mom needs
Indian women face several health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and the possibility of developing cancer. A study by the McKinsey Health Institute and the World Economic Forum found that over 25% of women's lives were spent in poor health. Consequently, it is imperative to prioritise women's physical and emotional health. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Jay Goyal, Eye Surgeon, LASIK Specialist, Retina Specialist and Director at Surya Eye Hospital in Mumbai, suggested that everyone should gift their moms these five critical health checkups. Every woman over 40 should have a physical every year. Your mother's complete medical examination must include tests for blood pressure, blood sugar, lipid profile, haemoglobin, body mass index (BMI), and all other fundamental essentials. Additionally, it is crucial to assess her thyroid profile. Diabetes, heart disease, high or low blood pressure, and obesity are among the health conditions that can be helped and detected by all of these tests. For women without risk factors, cholesterol screening should start at age 45; for those with risk factors, it should start at age 20. Timely action, which is essential for preserving health, is made possible by early identification. Everyone, including mothers, should have a comprehensive eye exam every six months. Women frequently prioritize their children over their own health. Additionally, they frequently overlook early indicators of eye conditions such as gluocoma and cataracts. It is, therefore important that you develop the habit of getting your mother's eyes checked every six months as she ages. Highlighting the importance ofeyes, DrJay Goyal said, 'It is recommended that all women undergo routine eye exams. Mothers are the glue that holds the whole family together. Thus, protecting their vision is crucial. The family has a responsibility to ensure that the women in their homes receive routine eye exams. This is the only method to stop eye disorders from getting worse. After all, a healthier country depends on fostering a culture that promotes women's health via education, preventive and easily available medical treatment.' Women over 40 should get a yearly breast cancer mammography and speak with a gynaecologist. Many lives can be saved by early identification of breast cancer. Regretfully, according to a survey, only one out of every four women over 45 get a mammogram. This indicates that Indian women have a very low chance of developing breast cancer. This also applies to cervical cancer. As early as age 21, this cancer can be screened for. Every three years, women should have a Pap test. Following therapy for precancer (cervical dysplasia), women should receive Pap tests for 20 years or until they turn 65, whichever comes first. A bone density test is a health screening test that is an excellent preventive measure against conditions like osteoporosis. This condition is characterised by bones becoming brittle and weak, allowing them to crack or break under mild pressure. Mothers should take a bone density test to identify and treat any early symptoms of osteoporosis in a timely manner. Mothers should also go for periodic dental exams. They should examine their teeth to identify early signs of rotting or smelly teeth. Regular dental checkups can help detect cavities, gum infections, and plaque buildup before they worsen. Maintaining oral hygiene is essential not just for a confident smile, but also to prevent infections that may affect overall health — especially during and after pregnancy. Dr Jay Goyal asserted, 'Health encompasses mental, emotional and physical well-being. We must talk about health in its broadest sense. Therefore, it is crucial that children look after their mothers' mental and physical well-being. Many women endure an invisible emotional burden. Although the strain of providing care, the burden of expectations and the need to endure in silence are frequently disregarded or internalised, the body actually keeps track of them. Promoting access to mental health treatments, lowering stigma and fostering a healthy atmosphere are all part of investing in well-being.' Schedule your mother's checkups now to ensure she leads a long and healthy life. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Doctor shares 6 eye care tips to protect your vision during latest COVID-19 surge: ‘Avoid unnecessary touching'
India is witnessing a fresh surge in COVID-19 cases, with over 1,009 active infections reported across the country and states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi seeing a sharp uptick, including cases linked to the emerging NB.1.8.1 variant. As the virus stages a quiet comeback, new scientific evidence sheds light on a lesser-known but serious consequence: its impact on eye health. A groundbreaking study by Northwestern Medicine, published in the Journal of Imaging, has found that individuals with long COVID show a marked decrease in the density of blood vessels at the back of the eye, a potential warning sign of lasting visual damage. (Also read: Dentist reveals 5 most common brushing mistakes that could be ruining your oral health: 'Don't forget your tongue' ) As COVID resurfaces, Dr. Jay Goyal, an Eye Surgeon and Director at Surya Eye Hospital, Mumbai, shared with HT Lifestyle how the virus affects our eyes and what steps we can take to protect our vision during an outbreak. Ocular tissues can serve as a reservoir for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which can not only cause conjunctivitis but also serve as a source of infection transmission to others. Additionally, the eye and its tear drainage apparatus can track the SARS-CoV-2 from the eye into the respiratory tract of the patient. The potential ocular presence of the SARS-CoV-2 in the eye of a patient can target ACE2 receptors in the endothelium of the conjunctival vessels and use the lacrimal sac as a potential space to evade immune detection and clinical isolation. A literature search in this area gave preliminary evidence for ACE2 expression in corneal and conjunctival cells. Still, most of the other receptors to which coronaviruses bind appear to be found under the epithelia of the ocular surface. Evidence from animal studies is limited, with a single study suggesting viral particles on the eye can travel to the lung, resulting in a very mild infection. Coronavirus infection is rarely associated with conjunctivitis, with occasional cases reported in patients with confirmed Covid-19, along with isolated cases of conjunctivitis as a presenting sign. Ultimately, self-limiting conjunctivitis and conjunctival hyperemia are the most frequently reported ocular findings; several rarer entities may warrant targeted topical therapies. Despite the overall low risk of ocular transmission, eye protection is advisable in high-risk scenarios. Dr. Jay further shared some tips to protect eyes from the latest outbreak of the COVID-19 virus: 1. Practice frequent handwashing 2. Avoid unnecessary touching of the eyes while in a public place 3. If you are a working professional, screen time-related dry eye syndrome can be an aggravating factor. Make sure to take frequent screen breaks 4. If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, consult your ophthalmologist at the earliest. 5. Flu-like illness, redness, eye discharge, and eye pain could be signs of COVID, which should not be overlooked or treated with over-the-counter medications. Seek your doctor's opinion on the best treatment approach for you. 6. Wear masks covering the nose and mouth in overcrowded and confined spaces, especially for elderly citizens or individuals with a history of kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes, respiratory and other chronic diseases. "As COVID-19 cases once again begin to climb, the spotlight must expand beyond respiratory symptoms to include its hidden effects, especially on eye health. From conjunctivitis and dry eyes to potentially long-term damage to retinal blood vessels, the virus can silently affect vision in both the short and long term," says Dr Goyal. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
India Today
21-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
High blood pressure silently damages your eyes: Know how to catch it early
One of the most common diseases that carries a high burden among the Indian population is hypertension. This non-communicable disease, which is known to show no symptoms, hence its name 'the silent killer', ends up developing into highly serious blood pressure is when the force of blood pushing against the artery wall is too high. For this, the heart has to work harder to pump no treatment is given, hypertension can damage blood vessels throughout the body. Besides leading to health problems like heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, high blood pressure can also damage your vision. "We know that high blood pressure affects the heart, but what we don't realise often is that it can silently damage the eyes and even lead to blindness if left untreated," said Dr. Jay Goyal, Eye Surgeon and Director at Surya Eye Institute. When no treatment is given, hypertension can damage blood vessels throughout the body. () 'In India, about 22.6% of the population has hypertension. This puts a large part of the population at risk for severe vision problems. Thankfully, we now have advanced, non-invasive tools like OCTA and OCT EDI that help us detect early damage in the retina and optic nerve caused by hypertension.'advertisementHOW HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AFFECTS YOUR EYESWhen high blood pressure damages the small and delicate blood vessels that carry blood to the eyes. This can lead to:Retinopathy: This is damage to the retina, the part of the eye that senses light. It can cause blurred vision, bleeding in the eye, or complete vision loss. People with both diabetes and high blood pressure are at even higher risk. When high blood pressure damages the small and delicate blood vessels that carry blood to the eyes. () Choroidopathy: High blood pressure can lead to fluid build-up under the retina, causing distorted vision or scarring that worsens neuropathy: If blood flow to the optic nerve (which sends visual signals to the brain) is blocked, it can cause nerve damage, bleeding inside the eye, and permanent vision TO CATCH IT EARLY Since high blood pressure often shows no early symptoms, regular health check-ups are to Dr. Goyal, eye specialists now use tests like OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and OCTA (Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography) to detect changes in blood flow and signs of early eye damage, even before symptoms appear. Since high blood pressure often shows no early symptoms, regular health check-ups are required. (s) These tests are quick, painless, and non-invasive. Therefore, early detection is crucial. You can reduce your risk of eye damage from hypertension by:Getting your eyes checked regularly, especially if you have high blood pressureEating a balanced diet low in saltExercising regularlyManaging stressTaking prescribed medication to control your blood pressureHigh blood pressure may be silent, but its effects don't have to be. With regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle, vision loss from hypertension can often be Watch
India Today
03-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Half of Indian kids may need glasses soon: Blame screen addiction
Spending long hours on phones, tablets, and computers has become a major concern for both parents and doctors. This habit, called screen addiction, is affecting children's health in many screen use has been linked to childhood obesity, which in turn is leading to serious health issues like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, experts are raising alarm about another serious consequence of too much screen time - poor eyesight in a recent public awareness event in Nagpur, doctors at the Association of Community Ophthalmologists of India (ACOIN), said that if steps aren't taken soon, up to 50% of school-going children in India could have myopia by 2050. Ophthalmologists are witnessing a significant surge in cases driven by lifestyle factors, primarily attributed to the pervasive use of digital devices and insufficient time spent outdoors. Currently, about 23% of Indian schoolchildren have or nearsightedness, means that a person can see nearby objects clearly, but things far away appear the Surya Eye Institute, over 2,000 children were treated for myopia in 2024 alone. The number of cases has been growing steadily, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic pushed children toward online learning and more screen use. Myopia, or nearsightedness, means that a person can see nearby objects clearly, but things far away appear blurry. () advertisementDr. Jay Goyal, senior eye surgeon and director of Surya Eye Institute, said that most children don't need surgery for myopia."Children don't need complicated procedures in most cases of myopia. What they urgently need is an understanding of how excessive screen time, inadequate sleep, and prolonged indoor activities are negatively impacting their vision," Dr. Goyal added that small lifestyle changes can help a lot, such as: wearing glasses if needed, playing outside for at least an hour every day, following good daily said that if families act now, children's vision can be protected, and many serious eye problems in the future can be Screen and Sight ConnectionThe link between increased screen time and myopia development is supported by a growing body of scientific evidence. Studies suggest that prolonged near work, such as focusing on screens for extended periods, can strain the eyes and disrupt the eye's natural growth can lead to an elongation of the eyeball, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurry distance vision, while exposure to natural daylight is believed to play a protective role against myopia. Doctors said that if families act now, children's vision can be protected, and many serious eye problems in the future can be avoided. () Research indicates that sunlight stimulates the release of dopamine in the retina, which may help regulate eye growth and prevent excessive elongation. Spending time outdoors also encourages focusing on distant objects, giving the eyes a break from close-up combat this looming public health concern, here are several key recommendations for parents:Restrict digital device usage to essential tasks, such as schoolwork, and discourage excessive recreational screen children engage in at least one hour of outdoor activities daily. This promotes exposure to natural light and encourages distance adequate and appropriate lighting for all near-vision tasks, including reading and studying, to reduce eye routine eye examinations for children, even if they do not exhibit any vision problems. Early detection and intervention are healthy habits, including sufficient sleep and a nutritious diet, which contribute to overall eye low-dose atropine eye drops are being used in some countries under strict medical supervision as a potential treatment to slow myopia progression, Indian experts are currently emphasising preventive lifestyle modifications as the primary line of steps taken today can safeguard their vision for years to come and mitigate the potential for more serious eye complications in adulthood.
