From dry eye and pterygium to keratoconus and eyelid disorders, the cornea and ocular adnexa require specialist expertise. Dr. Swati Agarwal manages the full spectrum of anterior segment and oculoplastic conditions at The Eye Clinic.
One of the most common — and most under-diagnosed — conditions in ophthalmology. Tear film assessment, Schirmer test, and meibomian gland evaluation. Treated with lubricants, punctal plugs, lid hygiene, and prescription drops where indicated.
A fleshy overgrowth from the conjunctiva encroaching onto the cornea — common in people with high UV exposure. Removed surgically when it threatens vision or causes significant discomfort. Excision with conjunctival autograft to minimise recurrence.
Progressive thinning and forward bulging of the cornea, causing distorted vision that spectacles cannot fully correct. Early diagnosis is critical — collagen cross-linking (C3R) halts progression. Contact lens fitting for visual rehabilitation. Referral for C3R and advanced cases.
Corneal abrasions from foreign bodies, contact lens overuse, or injury. Corneal ulcers (bacterial, fungal, viral) require urgent diagnosis and tailored antimicrobial treatment. Culture and sensitivity testing where indicated.
Seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis — very common in Kolkata due to high pollen and pollution load. Diagnosis and long-term management with antihistamines, mast cell stabilisers, and avoidance strategies.
Herpes simplex and herpes zoster keratitis — corneal infections requiring careful antiviral management to avoid recurrence and scarring. Long-term prophylaxis for recurrent cases.
Dry eye disease affects an estimated 30–40% of adults in urban India — worsened by air conditioning, long screen hours, contact lens wear, and increasing pollution. Yet the majority of sufferers have either never been properly diagnosed or have been told to "just use eye drops" without addressing the underlying cause.
Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface — it may be aqueous-deficient (not enough tears), evaporative (tears evaporate too quickly, usually from meibomian gland dysfunction), or a combination of both. Each type requires a different treatment approach. Comprehensive dry eye assessment at The Eye Clinic includes:
"Whitening" eye drops (containing vasoconstrictors like naphazoline) are widely used in India for red eyes. They do not treat dry eye and cause rebound redness with prolonged use. If your eyes are persistently red, itchy, or gritty — you need a diagnosis, not a whitening drop.
Drooping of the upper eyelid that may partially obstruct vision or cause head tilt and chin elevation. Assessed for underlying cause — congenital, involutional, neurological, or traumatic. Surgical correction planned as appropriate.
Entropion: eyelid margin turns inward, causing lashes to rub the cornea. Ectropion: eyelid turns outward, exposing the conjunctiva. Both cause chronic discomfort and can damage the corneal surface. Surgically correctable.
Excessive tearing may be due to lacrimal drainage obstruction, eyelid malposition, reflex tearing from dry eye, or other causes. Systematic evaluation to identify the cause before treatment.
Chalazia are lipogranulomas from blocked meibomian glands — very common and often recurrent in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction. Conservative treatment first; incision and curettage for persistent cases.
Benign lid lesions (papillomas, xanthelasma, sebaceous cysts) managed conservatively or excised. Suspicious lesions biopsied. Referral to oculoplastic surgeons for complex reconstruction where required.
Persistent watering and discharge in infants from a blocked tear duct. Most resolve with massage by 12 months. Probing performed under brief general anaesthesia if spontaneous resolution does not occur.
The cornea is at the centre of refractive surgery planning. Before any LASIK recommendation, Dr. Swati performs a comprehensive anterior segment assessment that includes corneal topography (curvature mapping), pachymetry (thickness measurement), and dry eye evaluation.
Detecting keratoconus — even in its earliest "forme fruste" stage — is an absolute prerequisite to safe refractive surgery. Performing LASIK on a keratoconic cornea can cause catastrophic, irreversible vision loss. Our pre-surgical evaluation is designed to identify every contraindication before a surgical plan is made.
If you have persistent dry eyes, a drooping eyelid, a lid lump, or any surface discomfort — book a consultation. Many of these conditions are more easily treated than you think.