Adults should have an eye exam every one to two years. Children should have an exam at least annually, and those aged 60 and above should undergo yearly checkups to monitor age-related eye diseases. Regular eye exams facilitate early detection and prevention of potential long-term vision damage.

Difficulty seeing at night is a warning sign of night blindness. Impaired night vision affects activities such as driving, making timely diagnosis crucial. Depending on the cause, interventions may include dietary changes, corrective lenses, or medical treatment to restore safe vision.

Excessive squinting or discomfort in normal light is a sign worth noting. Causes include dry eye syndrome, migraines, corneal damage, or infections. An eye exam can identify underlying issues, reduce discomfort, or prevent further damage.

Blurred vision can affect near or farsightedness, appearing gradually or suddenly. According to the National Eye Institute, refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism are common causes. However, persistent blurring can also indicate cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma.

Sudden blurred vision in one eye could be a sign of retinal detachment or stroke-related complications. Prompt detection and treatment can reveal underlying health problems, protect vision, and prevent serious complications.

Occasional eye strain is normal, but persistent pain or discomfort accompanied by redness, swelling, or light sensitivity can signal numerous vision problems. This could be due to dry eye, infection, inflammation, or more severe conditions like glaucoma, corneal ulcers, or optic neuritis.

Double vision (diplopia) occurs when the eyes perceive a single object as two images. Temporary double vision can result from eye muscle imbalance, uncorrected refractive errors, cataracts, or neurological disorders like stroke or brain tumors. Sudden-onset double vision requires prompt evaluation to prevent complications.

Bao Bao ( *Times of India* )