While eyes are one of the most delicate organs in our body, we often tend to ignore them and do not care for them regularly. From doom scrolling way into the midnight, to sitting closer to the monitor or not wearing sunglasses on bright days, every day we do things that can affect our vision. Siliguri is a pail region which makes it prone to dusty spaces, and glaring sunlight, which can gradually take a toll on the clarity of your vision.
According to an eye specialist in Siliguri, it is essential to get our eyes checked regularly, or at least once every 4-5 months. Most individuals tend to rush to doctors only during emergencies, when it is already too late to handle eye issues. Here is a list of the top 7 warning signs you must not look away from to protect your vision.
1. Persistent Eye Strain or Headaches
It's very normal to get eye discomfort after doing activities such as reading, driving and using digital devices for an extensive time. However, if you are regularly facing issues related to eye strain and headaches, it may be more than just fatigue. In some cases, eye strains can be connected to refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
This may also be a sign of dry eye, which happens to people who stare at screens for hours at work or school. Once you start facing issues related to eye discomfort or strain, specialists suggest booking a check-up immediately.
2. Blurred or Fluctuating Vision
When you are very dehydrated or tired, it is normal to face symptoms such as temporary blurring of vision. However, if this symptom is frequent even during normal instances, it is essential to get it checked immediately with an eye specialist in Siliguri. In severe cases, you may also be facing hazy or double vision, which is often connected to the changes in the ability of your eyes to focus.
This red flag is also connected to early-stage cataracts. Fluctuating vision may also be an indicator of blood sugar issues, especially if you are diabetic. Diabetic retinopathy, a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss, often begins with mild vision fluctuations that are easy to overlook.
3. Difficulty Seeing at Night
Dimmed night vision is one of the major signs of eye-related issues, which often makes it hard to drive after sunset or need brighter lights to read. Contrary to the belief, night blindness can happen at any age and can be an early sign of cataracts, vitamin A deficiency, or retinal issues such as retinitis pigmentosa.
While Siliguri is a glimmering city full of lights, it is important to maintain a regular check-up schedule with your eye specialist. Poor night vision can lead to accidents or progressive vision deterioration. With a regular check-up up you can understand the root cause and get recommendations for the right treatment or corrective measures.
4. Redness, Irritation, or Discharge
City of Siliguri, like any other destination, is packed with irritants such as dust, smoke, and other pollutants. Our eyes tend to naturally respond to these irritants, causing them to be red and itchy. In some instances, this can turn into an infection or cause severe inflammation.
According to an eye specialist in Siliguri, infections caused by dust and other pollutants can lead to conjunctivitis, uveitis, as well as blepharitis. If left untreated, they can become serious, possibly damaging your cornea or affecting your vision permanently. While you can get over-the-counter medication for these, they might only provide relief temporarily.
5. Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia)
Do your eyes hurt or water excessively when exposed to bright lights or the sun? While a little squinting is normal, excessive light sensitivity may be due to a number of eye conditions, such as corneal abrasion, inflammation, or even glaucoma.
Siliguri’s climate, with its sunny spells followed by monsoons, can sometimes worsen photophobia. But if you find yourself avoiding outdoor activities or turning down indoor lights frequently, something deeper may be going on.
Photophobia may also accompany migraines or be a reaction to certain medications. Consulting an expert ensures a proper evaluation and helps rule out serious conditions that require urgent attention.
6. Seeing Floaters or Flashing Lights
Floaters are specks that drift across your vision. These are normal, especially as you age, but a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a dark shadow spreading across your field of view could be signs of retinal detachment or a vitreous haemorrhage.
Both conditions are medical emergencies. If left untreated, they can lead to permanent loss of vision. Don’t wait for these symptoms to “go away on their own.” Immediate intervention is crucial.
Remember, floaters and flashes are not typical "ageing signs." They're your eyes sounding an alarm, and it’s one you should never ignore.
7. Family History of Eye Diseases
If your family has a history of eye diseases, the risk of you facing similar issues increases significantly. This may be true even if you are not regularly facing symptoms related to some of the conditions. Family history with diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy places you at higher risk.
These conditions tend to move very slowly and cause significant damage by the age of 40, especially if you also suffer from hypertension, diabetes and autoimmune diseases. Preventive eye care can help catch abnormalities early and delay or even prevent the onset of disease.
Conclusion
Your eyes deserve the same proactive care as any other part of your body. If you’ve noticed any of the above warning signs, or if you simply haven’t had an eye exam in over a year, consider it a priority.
Regular check-ups, timely interventions, and professional guidance can make a tremendous difference, not just to your vision but to your overall quality of life. So the next time you blink and notice something unusual, don’t ignore it. Reach out to an eye specialist in Siliguri who can help you see the world more clearly, safely, and comfortably.