Eye Care FAQs — Clear Answers From Sentra Clinic

LASIK is considered a safe and well-established procedure for suitable candidates. Like any surgery, it can have risks or side effects, so a detailed eye and corneal evaluation is important before deciding if LASIK is right for you.

For most suitable patients, the vision correction from LASIK remains stable for many years. However, natural changes in the eyes can still happen with age, so you may develop a need for glasses later for reasons unrelated to the original LASIK correction.

LASIK is generally considered after 18, when the eye has reached maturity and the spectacle prescription has been stable. The exact timing depends on your eye health, prescription and corneal measurements.

You can use your phone after LASIK, but your eyes may feel dry or tired during the first few days. Keep screen time limited initially, take regular breaks and follow the screen and medication advice given by your surgeon.

There is no single best season for LASIK. The right time is when your prescription is stable, your eyes are healthy and you can comfortably follow the post-surgery care and follow-up schedule.

People with unstable prescriptions, certain corneal conditions, severe dry eye or some other eye problems may not be suitable for LASIK. A proper screening is needed because suitability is different for every patient.

The most important thing is that LASIK is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Your corneal thickness, shape, prescription and eye health all matter, and the best procedure may sometimes be an alternative such as ICL or PRK.

Pre-LASIK screening usually includes vision and prescription testing, corneal topography, pachymetry, tear-film assessment and a detailed eye examination. These tests help your surgeon decide whether laser vision correction is safe for you.

There is no fixed age at which LASIK suddenly becomes unsuitable. After around 40, age-related near-vision changes become more common, so your surgeon will discuss whether LASIK or another option best matches your vision needs.

LASIK may not be recommended when the cornea is too thin or irregular, the prescription is unstable, or certain eye conditions make laser treatment unsafe. Only a complete examination can confirm whether you qualify.

Most glaucoma procedures are performed with anaesthesia, so you should not feel significant pain during surgery. Some discomfort, watering or irritation can occur afterwards, but your surgeon will guide you on medicines and recovery.

Glaucoma treatment continues to advance, with newer medicines, laser procedures and surgical techniques being used for selected patients. The right option depends on your type of glaucoma, eye pressure, optic nerve condition and previous treatment.

There is no single treatment that is best for every glaucoma patient. Eye drops, laser treatment and surgery can all be effective depending on the condition. The main goal is to control eye pressure and protect the vision you still have.

Yes. With early diagnosis, regular monitoring and the right treatment, many people with glaucoma maintain useful vision for life. Glaucoma damage cannot usually be reversed, so protecting the remaining vision is the priority.

The actual procedure is usually much shorter than a full hospital visit. Depending on the type of glaucoma surgery, it may take around 30 minutes to an hour, followed by a period of observation before you go home.

Glaucoma can run in families, so having a parent or close relative with glaucoma can increase your risk. It is not simply inherited from the mother or father alone, which is why regular eye checks are important when there is a family history.

There is no single “strongest” eye drop that is right for everyone. Different medicines lower eye pressure in different ways, and your ophthalmologist chooses one based on your pressure, type of glaucoma, other medicines and overall eye health.

Eye pressure can change during the day and may follow different patterns from person to person. In many people it can be higher in the early morning, but measuring pressure at different times may be useful when your doctor suspects fluctuations.

It depends on the procedure and the severity of glaucoma. Some treatments are relatively quick and minimally invasive, while traditional glaucoma surgery is more involved. Your ophthalmologist will explain which approach is appropriate for your eyes.

The best way to slow glaucoma is to use prescribed treatment consistently and attend regular follow-ups. Do not stop eye drops on your own, and keep your doctor informed about any side effects or changes in vision.

There is no single Indian cataract lens that is best for everyone. Lens selection depends on your prescription, corneal health, astigmatism, lifestyle and how much you want to reduce your dependence on glasses. Your surgeon can recommend the most suitable IOL after examining your eyes.

You can live with an early cataract if it is not affecting your daily life. However, cataracts do not clear on their own. When blurred vision, glare or difficulty reading and driving starts affecting your routine, surgery may be recommended.

Neither is automatically better. Monofocal lenses usually give clear vision at one main distance, while multifocal lenses are designed to provide a wider range of vision and reduce dependence on glasses. The best choice depends on your eyes and lifestyle.

A modern intraocular lens is designed to stay in the eye permanently and normally does not need routine replacement. Regular eye check-ups are still important because other eye conditions can affect vision later.

No food can remove an existing cataract. A balanced diet containing leafy greens, colourful fruits and vegetables, nuts and other nutrient-rich foods supports overall eye health, while controlling diabetes and avoiding smoking can also be helpful.

A cataract usually becomes more advanced over time and can gradually reduce vision, increase glare and make daily activities difficult. In advanced cases, it can also lead to complications, so regular eye examinations are important even if you are not ready for surgery.

Many patients choose monofocal lenses because they provide reliable vision at a selected distance and have a long track record. Others prefer toric, multifocal or EDOF lenses when reducing spectacle dependence is a priority.

Cataract surgery is highly successful, but choosing the right lens and having realistic expectations matter just as much as the operation itself. Your final vision can also be influenced by the health of the retina, cornea and optic nerve.

Ageing is the most common cause of cataracts. Diabetes, eye injury, long-term steroid use, smoking and some other medical or genetic factors can also increase the risk.

Strict bed rest is usually not required after modern cataract surgery. Most patients can walk around and return to light daily activities soon after the procedure, while avoiding heavy lifting, rubbing the eye and other activities advised by the surgeon.

A paediatrician can identify some common eye concerns and guide you on the next step, but a paediatric ophthalmologist is trained specifically to examine children's eyes and manage problems such as squint, lazy eye and vision development.

Refractive errors such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism are common in children. Squint and amblyopia, or lazy eye, are also important because early treatment can make a big difference to visual development.

Watch for signs such as one eye turning in or out, frequent eye rubbing, excessive watering, unusual sensitivity to light, a white-looking pupil or difficulty following objects. If you notice anything unusual, an eye examination is the safest way to check.

Children should have their vision checked early, especially if there is a family history or any concern about their eyes. Babies and young children can be examined when needed, and routine vision screening becomes especially important before school.

Some eye conditions and refractive errors can have a genetic component, so children may have a higher risk if parents have significant vision problems. However, eyesight is influenced by several factors and does not come from only one parent.

Look for unusual eye movements, constant watering, redness, light sensitivity, a cloudy or white pupil, or eyes that do not appear to move together. Babies cannot explain vision problems, so unusual signs should be checked by an eye specialist.

There is no reliable eye or behavioural sign that can confirm a baby's IQ. Children develop at different rates, so it is better to focus on healthy development, communication, play and regular health and vision checks.

Advanced language, curiosity, strong memory and an unusual interest in learning can sometimes be seen in gifted children, but these signs alone do not confirm giftedness. A proper developmental assessment is more meaningful than any single behaviour.

Long periods of screen use can contribute to eye strain, dryness and may be associated with increasing short-sightedness in children. Encourage regular breaks, outdoor time, good lighting and an appropriate viewing distance.

Common signs include squinting, sitting too close to screens, frequent eye rubbing, headaches, difficulty reading, one eye turning, watering or complaints of blurred or double vision. Children may not always complain, so routine screening is helpful.

The retina has limited ability to repair serious damage on its own. Some retinal conditions can be treated effectively with medicines, laser or surgery, but the treatment depends on the exact problem and how early it is detected.

There is no single best treatment for every retinal condition. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include injections, laser therapy or surgery. A detailed retinal examination and imaging help determine the right approach.

The cost depends on the retinal condition, type of procedure, technology required and whether surgery or another treatment is needed. A retinal specialist can give you an accurate estimate after examining your eye.

Early retinal problems may cause blurred or distorted vision, new floaters, flashes of light, difficulty seeing in dim light or changes in the central or peripheral vision. Some conditions cause no symptoms initially, which is why regular screening matters.

Some retinal conditions can be treated successfully, while others can be controlled rather than completely cured. The outcome depends on the condition, how advanced it is and how quickly treatment begins.

There is no proven natural method that can physically strengthen a damaged retina. Managing diabetes and blood pressure, avoiding smoking, eating a balanced diet and getting regular eye examinations can support overall retinal health.

Five important warning signs are a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, a shadow or curtain across your vision, sudden blurred vision and loss of peripheral vision. These symptoms need urgent eye evaluation.

Yes, diabetic retinopathy can cause severe and permanent vision loss if it progresses without treatment. Regular retinal screening, good diabetes control and timely treatment can greatly reduce the risk of serious complications.

Some retinal problems can be managed without surgery using medicines, injections or laser treatment. However, conditions such as certain retinal detachments may require surgery, so the treatment depends on the diagnosis.

Success depends on the stage of diabetic retinopathy, the condition of the retina and the type of surgery required. Treatment can preserve or improve vision in many patients, but outcomes are better when disease is detected and treated early.

The cost varies depending on the type and complexity of the squint, the number of muscles involved, the surgeon and the hospital facilities. An examination is needed before an accurate treatment plan and cost can be given.

Squint surgery has a high success rate, but it cannot be guaranteed to produce perfect alignment in every patient. Some people may need further treatment or surgery depending on how their eyes respond.

Squint surgery is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced ophthalmic surgeon, but like any surgery it has possible risks. Your doctor will explain the expected benefits and potential complications before treatment.

Squint can often be corrected successfully, but long-term results depend on the type and cause of the squint, age, vision in each eye and other eye conditions. Some patients may need glasses or further treatment even after surgery.

The best age depends on why the child has a squint. Some children need treatment early to protect vision development, while others may benefit from surgery later. An early assessment by a paediatric ophthalmologist is important.

Yes, a squint can sometimes return or become noticeable again after surgery. This depends on the type of squint and how the eyes change over time, and some patients may need additional treatment.

Adults can also have very good results from squint surgery. Besides improving eye alignment, treatment may help with double vision and confidence, depending on the individual condition.

Most patients can return to light activities within a few days, although redness and mild discomfort can last longer. Complete healing takes more time, and your surgeon will advise you when it is safe to resume specific activities.

Squint is not simply a habit that can be ignored. In children, an untreated squint can interfere with normal visual development and may lead to lazy eye. Early assessment can help prevent long-term vision problems.

A squint may remain stable or change over time depending on its cause. In some people it becomes more noticeable with age, while in others it may appear later. Any new or worsening squint should be evaluated by an eye specialist.