Taking care of our eyes should be at the top of our health priorities. Think about it – how often do we stop to check our vision? For many people, the answer is never, unless something feels wrong. The truth is that as we age, our eyes may face many challenges, especially in the modern lifestyle with screens and fast-paced routines.

So what should you do to maintain your eye health? Times Now contacted Dr. Priyanka Singh (MBBS, MS, DNB, FAICO), consultant and eye surgeon at Netra Eye Centre, New Delhi, who explained that eye health is often ignored until a problem arises. May it not happen. He said, “Regular checkups can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss and help in early detection of conditions, thereby improving treatment outcomes. It is not just about treatment, but prevention.” Is about.”

So what should every age group know about eye health—and how to keep your vision sharp? check for!

For Children: Refractive Errors and Amblyopia

Children often cannot express when their vision is not clear. Therefore, parents need to stay one step ahead. Problems like refractive errors (think nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) can cause amblyopia — known as “lazy eye.” If left untreated, it can result in permanent vision loss in one or both eyes.

“Ideally, children should have their first eye examination at the age of six months,” says Dr Singh. “Follow-up should happen at 3, 5 years of age and before starting school. Early detection of refractive errors or lazy eye can prevent lifelong vision problems through simple interventions such as glasses, exercise or corrective surgery.

For adults: saving vision in the digital age

In your 20s and 30s, it’s easy to take your perspective for granted. Working for long hours on digital devices, reading in low light and stress can cause tired eyes, dryness or blurred vision. But here’s the good news: Regular checkups can help prevent these issues from escalating.

Dr. Singh explains, “Adults in their 20s and 30s are often unaware of the strain digital devices place on their eyes. Digital eye strain is common and can be managed with simple steps like the 20-20-20 rule – looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. However, an eye checkup every two years is important to catch more serious conditions. cataracts Or develop cataracts early.”

In addition to glasses or contact lenses, exams can also reveal early signs of conditions like diabetic retinopathy, especially for people with underlying health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

For the elderly: painless vision loss

For older adults, vision changes may emerge gradually over time. Common defects such as cataracts, macular degeneration or glaucoma often progress painlessly, making regular checkups essential.

“By the time symptoms like blurred vision or difficulty seeing in low light appear, conditions like cataracts or glaucoma have often progressed,” says Dr Singh. “For senior citizens, annual eye test “There cannot be compromise, especially if there are additional risk factors such as diabetes or a family history of eye disease.”

Timely intervention, e.g. cataracts Surgery or medications for macular degeneration can preserve independence and quality of life for older adults.

How to control your eye health?

No matter what your age, regular eye exams are the foundation of healthy vision. Dr. Singh says, “Eye health is not just about solving problems, but also about preventing them. “Start early, be consistent, and make eye care a lifelong habit.”

Whether it’s a baby getting her first glasses, an adult adjusting to life with contacts, or an older adult managing age-related changes, regular checkups can make all the difference.

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