Answer library

Answers to worrying eye questions.

Some searches are really one worried question. This section answers those questions directly, then points you to the full surgeon-reviewed guides behind each answer.

Medically reviewed by Mr Mohamed Mohyudin · Last reviewed 2026-07-06 · How review works

All answers

White pupil in photos Why a white pupil in a child's photo needs an urgent eye examination — and why many photos still turn out to be harmless. Floaters: dangerous or not? Most floaters are harmless — but a sudden increase is an emergency. The warning signs, explained simply. Flashes: when urgent Occasional flashes are often harmless — new or repeated flashes can be an emergency. Know the patterns. Screens and your eyes Screens do not permanently damage healthy eyes — but the strain is real. What actually helps. Sudden vision loss Sudden vision loss is always an emergency — treat it like a stroke. What it can mean and what to do. Eye twitching An eyelid twitch is almost always harmless — here are the rare signs that mean it needs checking. Eye test intervals Most adults: every one to two years. Children around age four to five. The full intervals, and when to book sooner. Diabetes and your eyes Diabetes can damage the retina before symptoms start. Annual screening matters — and some symptoms are emergencies. Cataract lens choice How surgeons choose an intraocular lens — monofocal, toric, EDOF, multifocal — and what that means for glasses after surgery. Glasses after cataracts Whether you will still need glasses after cataract surgery depends on lens type, target focus and how your eyes heal — never a guarantee. Monofocal vs multifocal Monofocal and multifocal cataract lenses offer different balances of sharpness, reading range and night-time visual effects. Cataracts after laser surgery Previous LASIK or PRK changes cataract lens-power planning — always tell your surgical team, including the approximate year.

How answer pages work

The question is the title. The short answer comes first, followed by red flags where they matter, then links onward to the complete guides for depth.

When an answer says 'urgent'

Urgent means the same day or within a day or two — not weeks. If an answer page asks for an urgent eye examination, arrange it first and read later.

Frequently asked questions

Are these answers a diagnosis?

No. They explain what a sign might mean and how urgent it is, but only a professional who examines your eyes can diagnose.

Who writes the answers?

They are drafted in plain language from our full guides and reviewed by a consultant ophthalmic surgeon before publication.

Where can I read more detail?

Every answer links onward to the relevant symptom or condition guide, plus related eye-care guides.