Frequently Asked Questions

Adults with no known eye conditions should have a comprehensive eye exam every 1–2 years. People with diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or those over age 40 should have annual checkups. Children should have their first eye exam by age 3, then before starting school, and annually thereafter. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, annual exams are recommended to keep your prescription up to date.

Modern cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) is one of the safest surgical procedures in medicine with a 99%+ success rate. It is performed under local anaesthesia using only eye drops — no injections in or around the eye. The surgery takes 20–30 minutes and is virtually painless. You go home the same day. Most patients notice significant vision improvement within 24–48 hours. Full recovery takes about 4–6 weeks, during which you use prescribed eye drops and avoid water entering the eye. Activities like reading and watching TV can resume the next day.

Glaucoma is a condition where the optic nerve (which connects eye to brain) is damaged, usually due to elevated eye pressure. It is called the "silent thief of sight" because it causes no pain and no symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. Unfortunately, vision lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered. However, with early detection and proper treatment (eye drops, laser, or surgery), the progression can be completely halted and remaining vision preserved for life. This is why regular eye pressure checks are so important — especially if you're over 40 or have a family history.

The first eye examination should ideally be done by age 3 years. The most critical period for treating eye problems like lazy eye (amblyopia) and squint is before age 7–8, when the visual system is still developing. After this "critical window," treatment becomes much less effective. If you notice any signs like one eye turning inward or outward, the child sitting too close to the TV, squinting, rubbing eyes frequently, or a white/grey pupil — bring them immediately regardless of age. Even newborns can be examined if there is concern.

A monofocal IOL (intraocular lens) provides excellent vision at one distance — usually set for distance vision. You will need reading glasses for near work. This is the standard lens covered by insurance. A multifocal IOL provides good vision at multiple distances (far, intermediate, and near) — most patients achieve spectacle-free vision for all activities. A toric IOL corrects astigmatism in addition to cataract. The best lens depends on your lifestyle, work requirements, and the health of your eye. Dr Pooja Kanodia will recommend the most suitable option after a thorough examination.

Yes, we accept most major health insurance plans including government health schemes (Ayushman Bharat, UP Government schemes) and private insurance (Star Health, HDFC Ergo, New India Assurance, etc.). We offer cashless treatment for eligible insurance holders. For patients without insurance, we offer affordable fees and flexible payment options. Cataract surgery cost varies based on the type of IOL selected — standard monofocal surgery is available at a lower cost while premium multifocal/toric lenses are available at additional cost. Please call our reception for a detailed quote.

Every diabetic patient should have a dilated retinal examination at least once a year — even if vision seems perfect. Diabetic retinopathy (damage to retinal blood vessels from high blood sugar) is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults, but it is completely treatable when detected early with laser or injections. If you already have diabetic retinopathy, you may need checks every 3–6 months depending on severity. Keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol well controlled is also essential for protecting your eyes.

OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is like an MRI scan for the retina. It produces detailed cross-sectional images of the retinal layers, optic nerve, and macula with extraordinary precision — detecting disease changes even before symptoms appear. OCT is non-invasive, painless, and takes only 5–10 minutes. It is essential for diagnosing and monitoring glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, and many other retinal conditions. It is also used to plan and monitor treatment, including intravitreal injections.

Traditional teaching was that amblyopia (lazy eye) can only be effectively treated before age 7–8. However, recent research shows that some improvement is possible even in older children and teenagers, particularly up to age 17, and occasionally in adults. The key is that treatment during the critical developmental period (under 7) gives the best and most permanent results. In adults, while dramatic improvement is less likely, optimising the prescription glasses for the amblyopic eye and sometimes vision therapy can provide some benefit. Never give up without consulting a specialist.

Booking is simple and convenient! You can: (1) Click the "Book Appointment" button on this website to fill a quick form — we'll confirm within 1 hour; (2) Call us directly at 089600 78001 (Mon–Sat, 9AM–7PM); (3) WhatsApp us at the same number; (4) Walk in to our clinic at 1/14 Vivek Khand 1, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. We recommend calling ahead to ensure Dr Kanodia is available at your preferred time. Emergency eye cases are given priority same-day appointments.