FAQ
General Eye Care
Quick, clear answers to common questions about eye check-ups, appointments, and
everyday vision care.
For most adults, an eye exam every 1–2 years is a good routine. You may
need yearly check-ups (or more often)
if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma risk, a strong
family history of eye disease, high power glasses,
or new symptoms like blurred vision, headaches, or eye strain.
In most cases, you can book an appointment directly without a referral.
If you are using an insurance scheme,
requirements can vary—bringing any previous reports helps us give you
the best care.
Typically we check vision (distance/near), glasses power (refraction),
eye pressure (IOP), and examine the front of the eye
and the retina using a slit lamp and fundoscopy. Dilation drops may be
used to examine the retina properly.
Plan for 30–60 minutes depending on tests needed.
Bring your current glasses (and old glasses if available), any previous
eye reports, a list of medicines you take (especially diabetes/BP),
and details of any allergies. If you wear contact lenses, bring the lens
box/blister so we can note the brand and power.
Dilation is commonly used to examine the retina and is safe for most
people.
Your near vision may blur and you may feel light-sensitive for 3–6
hours. It’s best to avoid driving immediately after dilation—
bring a companion if possible and use sunglasses.
Long screen time usually causes dryness, watering, headaches, and
blurred vision from reduced blinking (digital eye strain).
Try the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20
seconds), keep screens slightly below eye level, and use lubricating
drops if advised.
If symptoms are frequent, a check-up helps rule out refractive error or
dry eye.
Common Queries
Symptoms & Conditions
Common symptoms people notice—and when it’s wise to see an eye doctor.
Common symptoms include blurred or cloudy vision, glare while driving at
night, halos around lights, frequent change in glasses power,
and colours looking faded. Cataract is common with age and is
treatable—an exam confirms if cataract is the cause of symptoms.
Cataract surgery is usually done with numbing drops/injection, so you
should not feel pain.
The procedure typically takes about 10–20 minutes per eye and is
commonly a day-care surgery.
Your doctor will advise on recovery, drops, and follow-up visits.
Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and often has no early symptoms.
Screening includes eye pressure measurement and optic nerve evaluation.
Early detection helps prevent permanent vision loss—especially if you
are over 40 or have a family history.
Yes. Diabetes can affect the retina (diabetic retinopathy) and may
reduce vision without pain.
People with diabetes should have a dilated retinal exam at least once a
year (or as advised), even if vision feels normal.
Avoid rubbing the eye and avoid using steroid eye drops without a
doctor’s advice.
Artificial tears can help mild dryness, but seek an eye check-up if
there is pain, light sensitivity, discharge, injury, or reduced vision.
Occasional floaters can be normal, especially with age. However, seek
urgent evaluation if you notice a sudden shower of new floaters,
flashes of light, a shadow/curtain in vision, or sudden decrease in
vision—these can indicate a retinal problem.
Urgent Eye Care
When should I see a doctor immediately?
Some eye problems need urgent evaluation. If you are unsure, it’s safer to get
checked.
Seek immediate care for sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain, eye
injury, chemical exposure,
new flashes/floaters with a curtain-like shadow, a painful red eye with
light sensitivity, or a sudden painful swelling around the eye.
Immediately rinse the eye with clean running water for 15–20 minutes (do
not wait).
Remove contact lenses if possible while rinsing. After rinsing, seek
urgent medical care and bring the chemical container/label if available.
Flashes, sudden increase in floaters, or a curtain-like shadow can
indicate a retinal tear or detachment.
This needs urgent evaluation the same day to prevent permanent vision
loss.
No. Steroid drops can worsen infections, raise eye pressure (glaucoma),
and delay healing.
Always use eye drops based on an eye doctor’s advice—especially for red
eye, pain, or discharge.
After procedures (including cataract surgery), contact your doctor
urgently if you have increasing pain, sudden vision drop,
significant redness, swelling, discharge, or flashes/floaters. Follow
your prescribed drop schedule and avoid rubbing the eye.
New-onset double vision, especially with headache, weakness, facial
droop, or imbalance, can be serious and should be evaluated urgently.
If double vision is sudden or associated with other symptoms, do not
delay seeking care.