Why Regular Eye Checkups Are Important, And Ways To Prevent Vision Loss

Eyes are not only the most sensitive but also the most complex organs in the body. Hence, maintaining good eye health is crucial. One may not realise vision defects until they get their eyes tested. 

Many eye conditions causing vision loss, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are symptomless at first. Symptoms of such eye diseases may not appear until the problem has progressed significantly. These eye conditions can be treated better if detected earlier.

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By Dr Shraddha A Chandorkar

It is often said that "eyes are the windows to the soul" and serve as the "gateway to the glimpse of the world." They are not only the most sensitive but also the most complex pair of organs in the body. Hence, maintaining good eye health is crucial. One may not realise vision defects until they get their eyes tested. 

Many eye conditions causing vision loss, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration in adults, lazy eye due to unnoticed glass power in children, and allergic eye diseases are symptomless at first. Symptoms of such eye diseases may not appear until the problem has progressed significantly. These eye conditions can be treated better if detected earlier.

Why regular eye checkups are important

People are often unaware that an eye test can actually catch other health conditions earlier, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, increased risk of stroke, autoimmune conditions like Sjogren's/systemic lupus erythematosus, heart conditions involved in Marfan's syndrome, and even grave conditions like a brain tumor, before any symptoms become obvious.

General eye conditions like computer vision syndrome, glasses, dry eyes due to mobile phones/laptops, and rising pollution lead to dry, tired, itchy eyes, lethargy, and general discomfort, which can be treated earlier.

The following are some frequently asked questions about eye health. 

Q1. How often does one need a routine eye check-up? 

Ans: At least once a year.

Q2. What all tests are to be covered in an eye check-up? 

Ans: Vision, glass power, eye pressure, and health of optic nerve and retina.

Q3. Who all need to get their eyes checked routinely? 

Ans: All age groups, preschool and school-going kids because they may not complain of low vision, newborn babies in ICU or on oxygen therapy, adults of all age groups, especially those close to 40 years and above, diabetics and those with systemic illnesses, those with a family history of glaucoma (eye pressure), a family history of retinal detachment, and people on systemic medications for tuberculosis.

Q4. What are the charges for an eye test? 

Ans: The charges vary, ranging from Rs. 100 to Rs 1,000. Many eye centers offer free eye check-ups.

Q5. Is getting your glasses checked at an optician shop enough? 

Ans: Various eye conditions like glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy can be missed as vision can be normal in earlier stages.

Q6. How long does it take for an eye check-up? 

Ans: A dilated detailed eye check-up by a specialist may take an hour.

Tips for good eye health

To maintain good eye health, one must focus on their diet, reduce their screen time, use protective eye glasses, avoid eye rubbing, and undergo routine eye checkups. 

1. Diet: A healthy balanced diet can promote good eye health. Include foods rich in vitamins C, A, E, and B, along with supplements like Omega-3 fatty acids and lutein.

2. Reducing screen time, avoiding screen usage during bedtime, and following the 20-20-20 rule for those using screens (mobile/PCs). Every 20 minutes of screen use, take a 20-second break, and look 20 feet away.

3. Using protective eye glasses/goggles/eye shields when required.

4. Avoiding eye rubbing.

5. Routine eye check-ups.

A comprehensive dilated eye examination by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) is necessary to find diseases in the early stages when treatment to prevent vision loss is most effective. With better availability and easy access to eye clinics and the latest technologies in the field, one can get their eye check-ups done regularly and even get laser-corrected vision at affordable costs. It is of utmost importance that one takes good care of their eyes, as "in the blink of an eye, everything can change."

(The author is a consultant ophthalmologist and surgical retina specialist at Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital)

[Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for general guidance only. Individual results may vary. It is important to consult a healthcare professional, who knows your body type and medical history, before implementing the suggestions and information provided herein.]