Patient Guide – Sunetram Eye Care

What are the common problems that happen in the eyes?

Loss and blurring of vision
Vision can be defective to a variable degree. It may be easy to detect gross decrease in vision but it may be more difficult to detect subtle degree of loss of vision, especially when the other eye is healthy. It is a good practice to test each eye separately at regular intervals using any fine reading material such as newspaper.
Double vision
Normally the image formed by the two eyes is coordinated into a single image by the brain. Two distinct images are seen once this coordination is disturbed due to various diseases involving the muscles of the eye and the nerves that control the same. Multiple images often are an early symptom of cataract.
Redness of the eye
Visible redness of one or both eyes is a common symptom pertaining to several varieties of diseases. One should not mistake every red eye as having viral conjunctivitis. Hence do not self-medicate and delay seeking medical advice if you have a red eye. It could be something serious.
Stickiness of the eye
A common symptom of infection in the eye is stickiness of the eyelids due to discharge. This infection could be purely external or could be more serious. Persistent stickiness of the eye lashes needs early evaluation.
Watering
Watering could be the result of misalignment of the eyelids or eyelashes or a blockade of tear ducts that normally drain the tear fluid into the nose. Presence of tearing in newborn babies can indicate lack of patency of the tear ducts and may need attention.
White reflex in the eye
Normally the center of the eye gives a black reflex due to the pupil. A white reflex can be due to opacification of the normally transparent cornea, the lens (cataract) or due to an abnormal growth of tissue behind the lens. A white reflex in a child can potentially be dangerous and should not be ignored.
Abnormal looking eye
Abnormal look of the eye could be due to prominence of the eye, or could be the result of defects involving the eyelids. Prominence of the eye could be due to large eyeballs or due to protrusion of normal sized eye by abnormal growth behind the eye. Any change in appearance of the eye should be investigated. Previous photographs could be useful in comparing especially when one is not certain about the time of onset of the abnormal look of the eye
Drooping of the eyelid
Drooping of the upper eyelid could be present at birth or could occur later. If the defect has occurred later in life, one should note the frequency of the occurrence and in what part of the day it is more prominent. These observations can help the doctor make important decisions.
Squinting of the eyes
Squinting indicates the misalignment of the eyes. In children, this can potentially lead to reduction of vision in the squinting eye due to disuse (lazy eye). When in doubt, taking photographs with flash can help identify the squint in the photographs. This is especially useful to the doctor, in case of children who refuse to cooperate with the doctor for adequate examination.

Some Do's & Dont's

Smoking is strictly prohibited in the premises.
Chewing of pan and spitting are prohibited.
Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited.
Please do not use mobile phone inside consultation or diagnostic rooms as it may interfere with the working of sensitive electronic gadgets.
Playing loud music is not permitted.
Please do not litter the premises.
Please do not tip the employees.
All bills should be settled only with the designated staff at the reception.
Please ask for a receipt for any payment made.
Instructions on how to clean the eye and how to administer the medications will be taught to you.
Please bring to the notice of the doctor any systemic illness you may have as well as any allergies.
Please wait for your turn. All Patients are equal to us.
Few investigations/ consultations may need longer time. Kindly comply if instructed so. Please don’t loose patience.
Please maintain the decorum at Netram Eye Care.
Please don’t hesitate in contacting the Help Desk/ Reception or the Doctor in case of any grievance.

To know the names of consultants and care providers.
Privacy during consultation, examination & medical procedures.
Care without discrimination of race, color, religion, gender, age, nationality and physical or mental disability.
Protection from verbal, physical, mental and sexual abuse and/or assault.
Emotional and physical protection for disabled, elderly or a vulnerable child.
Confidentiality of all the health information.
Understand the possible benefits or risks or side effects or outcomes of treatment.
To expect Indian law and culture to be followed regarding withholding/ withdrawal of life - sustaining treatments.
Refuse treatment.
To be informed of treatment charges and expected costs.
Obtain a Medical Report and a copy of Medical Test Results as per hospital policy.
To seek a transfer to another facility.
To get information about the nature of pain and pain relief measures.
To voice complaints regarding the Care.
To be informed of the response to complaint.
Procure informed consent before anesthesia, blood and blood product transfusion and any invasive/ high risk treatment.
Patient and family have a right to have access to his/her clinical records.

To provide all personal and family health information needed to provide appropriate care.
To provide complete and accurate information including full name and address.
To participate to the best in making decisions about medical treatment.
To show respect and consideration to others receiving and providing care.
To observe the facility policies and procedures including those regarding smoking, drinking, noise, number of visitors, visiting hours, and use of mobile phones etc.
To respect the priority given to emergency and special cases.
To accept financial responsibility for health care services and settle bills promptly.
To give general consent for treatment within the hospital and informed consent before surgery and invasive procedures and transfusion of blood and blood products or high risk procedures.
To treat hospital staff and other patients with courtesy and respect.
To be on time for appointments.
To cancel or reschedule appointments in advance as far as possible so that the slots can be utilized for others.
Not to give medication prescribed for him / her to others.
To provide complete and accurate information for insurance claims and work with the hospital and billing offices to make payment arrangements.
To communicate with the health care provider if the patient's condition worsens or does not follow the expected course.
To follow the prescribed treatment plan and carefully comply with the instructions given.
To attend follow up appointments requested.
Not to take medication without the knowledge of the consultant.
To provide truthful and complete history.