Retina Food

Today, increased use of digital screens including television, computer and phone screens is seen amongst all age groups. This has further increased during the COVID-19 pandemic related lockdowns and greater efforts to study and work from home. 

Dr. Hasanain Shikari, Ophthalmologist and Vitreo-retina and Laser Specialist reminds that spending long hours with digital screens exposes you to excessive blue light. This is believed to cause phototoxic damage to the eyes. 

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants, that work together to protect your eyes. They accumulate in the macula region of the retina at the back of your eye. Infact, lutein gives the macula its yellow hue and together Lutein and Zeaxanthin are known as “macular pigments”. They work as a natural sunblock by absorbing excess light energy. They’re thought to especially protect your eyes from harmful blue light, by acting as a blue light filter. 

The human body does not naturally make the lutein and zeaxanthin it needs. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids and their only source is food. Getting daily amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin through your diet or nutritional supplements can help maintain good eye health and thus protect you from age-related macular degeneration (ARMD, AMD), cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. 

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are common in dark green leafy vegetables and foods with yellow and orange pigments. Green leafy vegetables include kale, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, green peas, romaine lettuce, basil and parsley. The highest concentrations of lutein are found in kale and cooked spinach while orange bell peppers, maize (corn) and chicken egg yolks are rich in Zeaxanthin. Pistachios, corn-based breakfast cereals and Freekeh, an ancient grain are also sources.

Breastfeeding and Dental Health

Naturally the best: Breast beats Bottle

MYTH

Breastfeeding to get your baby to sleep causes tooth decay

FACT 

Breastfeeding protects against tooth decay; bottle-feeding and formula cause tooth decay

Dr. Na'ama Attar gives you four reasons why breastfeeding is better for your baby's dental health:

1. Breast milk contains antibodies that make it difficult for cavity causing bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) to grow. Lactoferrin, a protein in breast milk can even kill these bacteria. Artificial milk products have been found to be cariogenic ie they can cause tooth decay.

2. Bacteria break down sugar to cause cavities. Bacteria are unable to breakdown lactose, the sugar in breast milk, as easily as they breakdown sucrose, the sugar in formula.

3. In breastfeeding, a nipple is drawn far back into the mouth and releases milk into the throat. The suckling process includes swallowing and the nursing child has to swallow before being able to suck again. This can happen only when the baby is awake.

In bottle-feeding, milk is squirted into the front of the mouth and pools around the teeth as artificial nipples need less effort to allow rapid flow of milk. When the baby falls asleep, a bottle can continue to leak milk into a baby’s mouth. Active suckling is not needed. This can contribute to baby bottle tooth decay.

4. Breast milk deposits calcium and strengthens enamel but artificial baby milk can actually dissolve tooth enamel.

"Exclusive breastfeeding can reduce the risk of your child developing baby bottle tooth decay." reminds Dr. Na'ama Attar 

World Breastfeeding Week 2020

Support Breastfeeding for a Healthier Planet

WABA

Dear Patients,

Arete Clinics is always open for you. Our clinic continues to remain open during the Mumbai Covid Crisis as per the directions of the Maharashtra State Government. 

At this time, we advise you to visit the clinic only for urgent care and emergency treatment with prior appointments.

Our doctors are now also available for teleconsultation via video call on WhatsApp/Zoom/Facetime. For a limited time, video consultations will be possible in a limited capacity.

Please call +91-22-23645350 or WhatsApp/sms +91-9819845350 for queries or appointments with 
Dr Hasanain Shikari (Eye Surgeon)
Dr Na'ama Attar (Dental Surgeon)

Eye Care: Dr Hasanain Shikari is currently available at Saifee Hospital and Arete Clinics as need arises.
Dentistry: Dr Na'ama Attar will be available at Arete Clinics as need arises.

As we have always done, we continue to practice optimal infection prevention protocols. Your safety and the safety of our doctors and staff is our number one priority. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Find us at:
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @areteclinics

-Team Arete Clinics

Glaucoma Awareness

Read Dr Hasanain Shikari's comments on glaucoma in The Pioneer national daily newspaper on 13 March 2018. http://www.dailypioneer.com/pioneer-health/sneak-thief-of-sight.html

The daily grind: is stress setting your teeth on edge?

 Is stress or depression wearing you down? It may be wearing down your teeth too! Emerging research indicates that stress not only invites hypertension, diabetes, heart attacks, stomach problems and migraines, but also damages your teeth.

Stress is related to:

Bruxism

Grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw is a habit that may be caused or worsened by stress. It is often done subconsciously and leads to wearing and fracturing of teeth. Pain develops in the face and ear as the jaw joint gets damaged.

Tender gums, bleeding or swollen gums, loose teeth and bad breath

Research shows that the immune system has a more difficult time fighting off infection in the presence of stress. Cortisol, a hormone produced in excess by stress, can lead to increased destruction of gums and jaw bone, as well as to a suppressed immune system that allows the bacteria to flourish.

Mouth sores

Non-contagious canker sores are small grey-white ulcers with red borders. These can be painful and are known to occur at the time of emotional upsets. Cold sores or “fever blisters” are contagious fluid filled blisters that can be triggered by stress or lack of sleep.

Poor oral hygiene from unhealthy eating routines

It gets hard to take care of everyday things when you are stressed, sad or depressed. You may smoke or eat unhealthy food. You may ignore your oral hygiene and not schedule regular dental check-ups. Unhealthy eating routines can cause acid reflux which may erode your teeth making them susceptible to decay.

Even drugs used for treatment of stress or depression may cause dry mouth. Decreased saliva causes tooth decay.

Regular exercise, plenty of sleep and a balanced diet can reduce stress. A positive mental attitude is beneficial too!  Meditation and yoga are also helpful. This will help you live better and longer with a healthy smile. You can make your body happy and healthy by keeping your natural teeth! :)

Charitable Cataract Surgery Camp in Khambat, Gujarat - February 2018

Follow a cataract extraction surgery with Dr Hasanain Shikari at a camp in Khambat, Gujarat.

Preparing the eye for surgery

Beginning the cataract extraction surgery

Removing the cataract from the eye

The extracted cataract

Placement of a new lens in the eye.

Annual Screening Initiative for World Diabetes Day 2016

On November 12-13, 2016, a Free Screening for Diabetic Eye Disease and Gum Disease was organized at Arete Clinics. Dr. Hasanain Shikari and Dr. Na'ama Attar screened persons with diabetes to identify these complications as part of an initiative to support World Diabetes Day.

Random Blood Sugar Testing

Vision Testing and dilated Retina Examinations by Dr. Hasanain Shikari at Arete Clinics

Fundus Photography at Arete Clinics. This involves capturing a photograph of the back of the eye i.e. the fundus. The main structures that can be visualized on a fundus photo are the central and peripheral retina, optic disc and macula.

Screening for Gum Disease during a dental check up by Dr. Na'ama Attar

Measuring Blood Pressure

Consultation with Dr. Hasanain Shikari

Dilated Retina Exam by Dr. Hasanain Shikari