Screen Time to Surgical Precision: Dr. Hardik Parikh on Modern Eye Care and Why Prevention Matters

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 01: With increasing screen exposure, rising stress levels, and environmental factors, eye health concerns are becoming more prevalent across urban India. While many issues begin subtly, delayed diagnosis can lead to serious complications.

In this exclusive interaction with Dr. Hardik Parikh ,Medical Director & Chief Surgeon,Global Eye Clinic Laser Eye Surgery Centre, shares detailed insights on common eye problems, preventive care, early warning signs, and the latest advancements transforming eye treatment.

Q1. In today's digital era, what are the most common eye problems you are seeing among urban Indians, and what lifestyle factors are contributing to them?

In urban India, eye problems are largely driven by three factors—excessive screen usage, stress and lack of sleep, and increased exposure to pollution-related allergens.

While many believe blue light is harmful, there is no strong scientific evidence linking it directly to eye diseases. The real concern is prolonged near work, which strains eye muscles. Reduced blinking also leads to tear film evaporation, causing dryness, burning, and discomfort.

Stress and lack of sleep further impact eye health by limiting proper recovery. Additionally, dust and pollution-related allergies are increasingly common, leading to redness and itching. While over-the-counter drops may offer temporary relief, proper medical consultation is essential to treat the root cause and prevent recurrence.

Q2. Many people delay eye check-ups until vision significantly drops. Why are preventive eye examinations important, even if someone feels their eyesight is normal?

This is a very important concern, as several eye conditions show no symptoms in their early stages despite normal vision. A common example is glaucoma, often called the “silent thief of vision,” where damage occurs gradually without pain or warning signs.

By the time symptoms appear, the damage is often irreversible. While glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection can help control its progression. Similarly, conditions like retinal holes, early cataracts, or abnormal growths may go unnoticed initially but can lead to serious complications if untreated.

Routine eye examinations are essential for early diagnosis, timely intervention, and preventing vision loss, while also helping maintain a record to track changes over time.

Q3. What are the early warning signs of serious eye conditions like glaucoma or keratoconus that people often ignore?

In glaucoma, early signs are often subtle, such as reduced vision in dim light or difficulty reading moving text like news tickers—both indicating declining contrast sensitivity. These changes are gradual and often go unnoticed.

For keratoconus, early symptoms include slight double vision, blurred or distorted vision, and shadowing of text. Frequent eye rubbing and itching are also common. A key indicator is when vision does not improve significantly even with glasses.

Though these symptoms may appear minor, they should not be ignored and require timely evaluation to prevent progression.

Q4. Digital eye strain has become extremely common. Can prolonged screen exposure cause permanent damage, or is it reversible with proper care?

It may not be practical to completely avoid screens, but using them correctly is important. There is no strong evidence linking screen use directly to permanent damage like cataract or retinal disease.

However, prolonged use can cause eye strain and dryness. Simple habits like the 20-20-20 rule—taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes and looking 20 feet away—help relax eye muscles. Frequent blinking, maintaining moderate brightness, and using dark mode can further reduce strain.

With these measures, digital eye strain is largely manageable and reversible.

Q5. There are many myths around cataract surgery — such as waiting for the cataract to “mature.” Could you clarify some common misconceptions?

The belief that cataracts need to “mature” before surgery comes from outdated practices, when procedures were done mainly to prevent complications rather than improve vision.

Today, cataract surgery is quick, painless, and stitch-free, typically taking around 10 minutes with rapid recovery. Advanced intraocular lenses also help restore clear vision and reduce dependence on glasses.

There is no need to wait for cataracts to mature anymore, and delaying surgery can unnecessarily impact quality of life.

Q6. With advancements like blade-free LASIK, premium IOLs, and minimally invasive glaucoma procedures such as iStent, how has modern ophthalmology changed patient outcomes in the last decade?

The goal of modern ophthalmology is to make treatments safer, more effective, and long-lasting. Innovations like blade-free LASIK offer greater precision, improved safety, and fewer complications compared to older techniques.

Procedures such as implantable collamer lenses (ICL) provide excellent vision correction without corneal alteration and with minimal risk of dryness.

Similarly, cataract surgeries with premium lenses deliver better visual outcomes, while minimally invasive glaucoma procedures like iStent ensure long-term eye pressure control with faster recovery.

Overall, these advancements have significantly improved patient comfort, safety, and long-term results.

Q7. At what age should children undergo eye screening, and how can individuals differentiate between temporary discomfort and serious symptoms?

Eye screening can begin as early as six months of age, especially if there is a family history of vision problems, as it helps detect refractive errors and monitor eye development. If there are no risk factors, screening can begin around two years of age.

When it comes to symptoms, temporary discomfort like dryness or fatigue usually occurs after prolonged work and improves with rest. However, symptoms that persist—such as blurred vision, difficulty seeing clearly, distortion, light sensitivity, or halos—should not be ignored and require prompt consultation with an eye specialist.

Q8. What everyday habits can protect eye health, and what advancements will shape the future of eye care?

Maintaining good eye health involves simple daily habits like limiting unnecessary screen time, following the 20-20-20 rule, and blinking frequently. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and micronutrients, along with consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables, supports overall eye health. Spending time outdoors and avoiding unnecessary touching or rubbing of the eyes can also help prevent infections and irritation.

Looking ahead, three major advancements are set to transform eye care. Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is emerging as a safer alternative to LASIK, iStent is improving glaucoma treatment with long-term pressure control, and IRPL therapy is addressing dry eye by treating its root cause.

Eye health is often overlooked until problems become severe, but as Dr. Parikh emphasizes, early intervention and preventive care are key. With the right habits and awareness—combined with advancements in modern ophthalmology—maintaining long-term vision is both achievable and sustainable.

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