Healthy Vision Month 2025 — Know Why Eye Care Should Be A Priority
(By Dr Devi Unnikrishnan)
May is Vision Health Month — a timely reminder to prioritise your eyes, one of your most vital senses. Vision impacts every aspect of our lives, from working and driving to learning, communicating, and enjoying hobbies. Yet, we often take our eyesight for granted until something goes wrong. This month encourages us all to pause, reflect, and take meaningful steps to care for our eye health — not just for ourselves, but also for our loved ones.
Understanding Common Vision Problems:
Common vision problems such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia affect people of all ages. Additionally, age-related eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration can significantly reduce quality of life if left untreated. These conditions often develop gradually and without noticeable symptoms. By the time vision loss is noticed, the damage may be permanent. Thankfully, many of these issues are either preventable or highly manageable when diagnosed early.
Why Early Detection Matters?
Early detection is the foundation of effective vision care. Regular eye exams are essential — even if your vision seems perfectly fine. A comprehensive annual check-up with an ophthalmologist does not just assess how well you see; it can detect underlying issues like high eye pressure, retinal damage, and even early signs of systemic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. Early treatment can slow or even halt disease progression and preserve vision for the long term.
Important Eye Care Tips:
In addition to regular exams, simple daily habits can play a powerful role in protecting your eyes.
- Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays can help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Eating a nutrient-rich diet — especially foods high in vitamin A, C, E, zinc, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids — supports long-term eye health.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes hydrated.
- If you spend long hours on digital devices, practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Ensure you get adequate sleep, as rest allows your eyes to repair and recover.
Early Vision Care:
Children’s eye health deserves special attention too. Undiagnosed vision issues can impact a child’s academic performance, behavior, and even confidence. A child may not always know they’re struggling to see, so regular eye exams are essential, starting as early as 6 months of age and again before starting school. Early intervention can make a lifelong difference in their development and success.
Common Changes With Age:
As we grow older, our vision naturally changes. Common complaints like difficulty reading small print or adjusting to glare may seem minor but could indicate underlying issues. Age-related eye diseases often progress silently, so older adults should be especially diligent about routine check-ups. Maintaining good vision can help reduce the risk of falls, support mobility, and preserve independence.
Dr. Devi Unnikrishnan is Consultant Ophthalmologist at Disha Eye Hospitals, New Town
[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]
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