Eye Care

Routine eye care is one of the highest-value, most under-used health habits in India. Cataract and uncorrected refractive error together cause the majority of avoidable blindness here — both are entirely treatable when picked up in time.

When to have your eyes checked

• Children: a full eye check at 1 year, before starting school, and then every 1–2 years. Ask about school vision screening — many Indian states run free camps.
• Adults with no issues: every 2 years till 40, then every 1–2 years.
• Over 40: annual check — glaucoma and early cataract pick-up.
• Anyone with diabetes: a dilated retinal exam at diagnosis (type 2) or 5 years after (type 1), then yearly — non-negotiable.
• High blood pressure, thyroid disease, lupus, sickle cell, on long-term steroids / hydroxychloroquine: regular monitoring as advised.

Everyday habits that help

• 20-20-20 rule for screens — every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Blink consciously. Keep screen slightly below eye level and about an arm's length away.
• Two hours outdoors a day for children — strongly linked to lower rates of myopia (urban Indian children have a myopia epidemic).
• Good lighting while reading — neither dim nor harsh.
• Don't share towels, kajal, or eye drops — conjunctivitis spreads fast.
• Take glasses seriously — undiagnosed refractive error is a major cause of poor school performance and falls in older adults.
• Sunglasses with UV 400 protection — cumulative UV adds to cataract and macular damage.

See an eye doctor urgently

• Sudden loss or blurring of vision.
• New floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain/shadow across vision — possible retinal detachment.
• Red painful eye with halos around lights — possible acute glaucoma.
• Eye injury — always; never shrug off chemical splashes.
• Double vision, drooping eyelid, or crossed eyes of new onset.

A few common myths

• "Watching TV too close won't damage eyes" — but it can strain them and worsen headaches.
• "Glasses weaken eyes" — false. Not wearing correct glasses leads to strain, not the other way.
• "Eye exercises cure myopia" — no evidence. They help accommodative fatigue but don't change refractive power.
• "Kajal makes eyes stronger" — no, some kajals have contained lead; not recommended for children.