NEW DELHI: Doctors from Bengaluru-based Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital have said that nearly one in six people above 40 who visited them were found to have an underlying, previously undiagnosed eye condition, highlighting the need for regular eye examinations even when vision appears normal.
The findings underscore a common misconception that clear vision is a reliable indicator of healthy eyes. Several eye diseases, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, can progress silently, causing damage before a person notices any change in eyesight, they said.
The conditions identified among patients included early glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, keratoconus, peripheral retinal degenerations and uncorrected refractive errors. While these conditions differ in severity and treatment requirements, their detection highlights the importance of comprehensive eye examinations rather than relying solely on visual clarity.
“People often use their ability to see clearly as a measure of how healthy their eyes are. However, eye health goes far beyond visual acuity. A person may have healthy-looking vision while changes are already occurring in the optic nerve, retina or other parts of the eye. This is why comprehensive eye examinations are important, not just when there is a problem, but as part of preventive healthcare,” said Dr. Supriya Sriganesh, Executive Director, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital.
The finding that nearly one in six patients had an undiagnosed condition is significant because some eye diseases cause irreversible damage if they are detected late. However, the figure relates to people who visited the hospital and should not be interpreted as the prevalence of undiagnosed eye disease among all Indians above 40.
Glaucoma is a particular concern because it damages the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. The disease often develops without pain or noticeable symptoms in its early stages. By the time a person experiences problems with peripheral vision, significant damage may already have occurred. Vision lost to glaucoma cannot generally be restored, although treatment can help slow or prevent further deterioration.
Diabetic retinopathy, meanwhile, develops when prolonged exposure to high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina. It may remain symptomless even as the damage progresses. Regular eye examinations are therefore important for people with diabetes, including those who feel their eyesight is normal.
“Glaucoma is often called the ‘Silent Thief of Sight’ because patients may not realise they have it until significant damage has occurred. Diabetic retinopathy can also progress silently, which is why people with diabetes need regular eye examinations even when their vision appears normal. Detecting these conditions early gives us a much better opportunity to manage them and protect vision,” said Dr. Sushmitha Sriganesh, Chief Medical Officer, Shraddha Eye Care Trust.
The study’s findings also draw attention to other conditions that may require timely assessment. Keratoconus, for instance, causes the cornea to thin and change shape, potentially affecting vision. Peripheral retinal degenerations may require monitoring or treatment depending on their type and severity. Refractive errors, meanwhile, can often be corrected with appropriate glasses or contact lenses.
“The eye gives us a unique view of the body’s blood vessels and can sometimes reveal changes associated with systemic health conditions. This makes comprehensive eye examinations relevant not just for protecting vision, but also as part of preventive healthcare, particularly for people with diabetes, hypertension and other underlying health risks,” Dr. Supriya Sriganesh added.
An eye examination may involve more than reading letters on a chart. Depending on a person’s age, symptoms and risk factors, an ophthalmologist may assess eye pressure, examine the optic nerve, check the retina and evaluate other structures. A dilated retinal examination may be necessary to identify certain conditions that cannot be detected through a basic vision test.
“Loving your eyes should mean more than checking whether you can see clearly. It means taking care of your eye health before a problem affects your vision. Regular comprehensive eye examinations can help detect conditions early, when timely intervention can make a meaningful difference. Hence, we urge people not to wait for their vision to deteriorate before they start caring for their eyes,” Dr. Supriya Sriganesh added.
