There are no age criteria to have one’s eye to be checked by an ophthalmologist. However, neonates, preschool children, school-going kids, adults and old people need annual eye check-ups to detect various eye diseases at an early stage and receive treatment if necessary.

1. Loss or blurring of vision
2. either sudden or gradual.
3. Double vision
4. Redness of eye
5. Stickiness of eyelids
6. Watering of eyes
7. Itchy eyes
8. Abnormal looking eyes
9. Drooping of eyes
10. Squinting of eyes
11. Abnormal white reflex in the eye.

Yes, One needs to have a regular eye checkup even if they are using glasses. Most people who wear glasses also need an annual dilated eye examination to rule out any problems in the retina.

Eyes can become red and itchy because of various reasons like allergy, infection and eye strain. A thorough checkup is needed to rule out any problem.

All diabetics require a detailed evaluation of their eyes on diagnosis of diabetes. An annual eye checkup subsequently is required even if your diabetes is under good control. Once you develop some changes in the eye due to diabetes, you may be asked to follow up more frequently. A dilated examination of the eye is mandatory at every visit.

When the eye lens becomes cloudy, one may have 1) blurring of vision 2) sensitivity to light/glare, 3) poor night vision, 4) needing brighter light to read. An ophthalmologist will be able to confirm to you whether your symptoms are due to cataract/ any other problem in any part of the eye and advise surgery for the same if required.

Glaucoma is a chronic eye condition where the nerves get weak with normal or increased eye pressures. It does not show any symptoms until very advanced stage f the disease. It is referred to as the SNEAK THIEF OF VISION. Although not completely curable, glaucoma can be controlled with medications in most patients, and surgery rarely. Patients with glaucoma or those with a family member with glaucoma needs regular eye checkup with visual field testing to manage their glaucoma

These symptoms constitute what is called as Computer Vision Syndrome. One needs to constantly blink as much as possible and follow 20: 20: 20 rule.. Look at 20 ft object every 20 minutes and blink for 20 sec so as to spread the tear film over the eye evenly and completely and relax the eye. Keep the laptop at a good distance from eye and avoid sitting under air conditioner directly to avoid dry eyes.

Squinting eyes definitely require an ophthalmologist’s opinion. Do not neglect it considering it LUCKY. Sometimes children with squint harbour serious problems in the eye. Early detection and management is also essential to avoid LAZY EYE.