Let's Talk About Eye Care

Everyone talks about skin care, so let's talk about eye care.

You might feel that there really is something like eye care. Yes! I feel you should give some love to your eyes — after all, they help you love everything around you, including yourself.

Ever stood in front of the mirror just to admire you?

Let's see what we can do:

1. When You Are Outside in the Sun

Wear shades (sunglasses) to prevent UV rays from harming your eyes.

2. When Using Gadgets (Mobile, Tablet & Computer)

Take regular breaks — follow the 20-20-20 rule, which helps prevent Digital Eye Strain.

💡 The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes hydrated.

4. Eat Healthy Fats

Take a good amount of good fats (Omega-3 fatty acids) from walnuts, flax seeds, and avocado.

5. For Makeup Wearers

Always remove your eye makeup before bedtime.

Small steps of simple eye care will always keep your eyes at ease. ✨

More Tips for Healthy Eyes

😴 Get Enough Sleep

Your eyes need rest to repair and recover. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to prevent tired, dry, and irritated eyes.

🚭 Avoid Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and damage to the optic nerve.

🏃 Stay Active

Regular exercise improves blood circulation, which is beneficial for your eyes and can help reduce the risk of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

🧼 Practice Good Hygiene

Always wash your hands before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses to prevent infections.

Why the Long Wait at the Eye Clinic?

"Why is the wait so long at the eye clinic?" This is one of the most common questions I hear from patients, and I completely understand the frustration. Let me explain what happens behind the scenes.

Yes — a typical ophthalmologist visit requires anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours (sometimes even more). But there's a good reason for this, and it's all about ensuring you get the most comprehensive eye care possible.

The Complete Eye Examination Process

A thorough eye examination isn't just about checking if you can read the letters on a chart. It involves multiple steps, each crucial for detecting potential problems:

1. Visual Acuity & Refraction (20-30 minutes)

This is where we determine your exact eye power. It's a detailed process because:

You'll be using this prescription for the next 1-2 years
Even a small error can cause headaches, eye strain, or blurred vision
We need to check both distance and near vision
For children, this process can take longer as we need to be extra patient and thorough

2. Slit Lamp Examination (10-15 minutes)

Using a specialized microscope, we examine:

Eyelids and lashes for inflammation or infection
Cornea (front surface of the eye) for clarity and health
Anterior chamber for proper depth and clarity
Lens for early cataract changes
Pupil reactions and iris structure

This examination can detect conditions that may not cause symptoms yet but need monitoring.

3. Dilated Fundus Examination (30-45 minutes total)

For patients over 40, or those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or family history of eye disease:

We put dilating drops that take 20-30 minutes to work fully
This allows us to see the retina and optic nerve clearly
Essential for detecting glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy
Can reveal signs of other systemic diseases like hypertension

Note: Your vision will be blurry for 3-4 hours after dilation, so it's best to bring someone to drive you home.

4. Additional Tests (if needed)

Depending on your condition, we may need:

Intraocular Pressure (IOP) measurement for glaucoma screening
Visual field testing
OCT scans for retinal diseases
Corneal topography for contact lens fitting

Why This Thoroughness Matters

Many serious eye conditions develop slowly without symptoms. By the time you notice vision changes, significant damage may have already occurred. Regular, thorough examinations allow us to:

Catch diseases in their earliest stages
Start treatment before vision loss occurs
Monitor chronic conditions effectively
Prevent complications through early intervention

So while I know waiting can be frustrating, remember that those few hours you spend at the clinic once a year are an investment in preserving your precious gift of sight for the rest of your life.

Schedule Your Annual Eye Checkup

Your eyes deserve comprehensive care, not just a quick glance.

💙 Every detailed examination is a step toward lifelong healthy vision