Optometrist

Conditions Treated

• •Myopia (Near-sightedness) — Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. Rapidly increasing in Indian children due to increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity.
• •Hyperopia (Far-sightedness) — Difficulty focusing on near objects. Mild hyperopia is normal in young children but needs correction if causing symptoms.
• •Astigmatism — Irregular corneal curvature causing blurry vision at all distances. Very common and easily corrected.
• •Presbyopia — Age-related difficulty reading small text, starting around age 40. A universal condition — everyone eventually needs reading glasses.
• •Computer Vision Syndrome (Digital Eye Strain) — Eye discomfort from prolonged screen use. Affects 50-90% of computer workers.

Health Tips

• •Get your eyes tested every 1-2 years
• •Ensure children spend time outdoors daily
• •Use proper lighting when reading or studying
• •Don't use someone else's glasses
• •Take screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule

How to Prepare for Your Visit

• •Bring your current glasses or contact lenses — even old ones help track prescription changes
• •Remove contact lenses before the appointment if soft lens eye test is planned (ask when booking)
• •Note your symptoms — distance vision, near vision, screen use, headaches, dry eyes
• •List medications you take — some drugs (steroids, certain BP medicines) affect eyes
• •Be honest during the eye test — say when you genuinely cannot read letters, don't guess
• •Mention your primary visual needs — driving, computer work, reading, sports
• •Ask about lens options — single vision, bifocal, progressive, photochromic (auto-darkening)
• •Discuss contact lens options if interested — daily disposable, monthly, toric for astigmatism
• •Allow 1-2 weeks to adjust to new glasses — progressive lenses take longer
• •Follow contact lens hygiene strictly — never sleep in lenses unless specifically approved for overnight wear
• •Return if your vision doesn't feel right after adjusting to new glasses — the prescription may need fine-tuning
• •Schedule your next check-up before leaving — regular monitoring prevents problems

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• •Is my child's eye power increasing too fast?
• •Do I need separate glasses for reading and distance?
• •Are my contact lenses the right type and fit?
• •Should I get anti-reflective or blue-light blocking coating?
• •When should I be referred to an ophthalmologist?
• •How often should my eyes be checked?

When to See a Specialist

An Optometrist performs eye examinations, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and detects eye diseases for referral to an ophthalmologist.

• •Difficulty reading or seeing distant objects clearly
• •Eye strain from computer or phone use
• •Headaches related to eye use
• •Children squinting or sitting too close to TV
• •Contact lens fitting or problems
• •Routine annual eye examination

For eye diseases, injuries, or surgical conditions, you need an ophthalmologist (eye doctor with medical/surgical training).