Eye specialists diagnose and treat various eye conditions that affect vision and overall eye health. Several people go to an eye doctor for regular checkups, discomfort, or changes in vision. Individuals can effectively seek prompt medical assistance at an eye clinic by being aware of prevalent eye problems.
Discover the six common eye ailments that eye specialists in Singapore treat.
1. Refractive Errors (Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, Presbyopia)
Refractive errors affect how light is focused on the retina, leading to blurred vision. Myopia (nearsightedness) is prevalent in the region, with a high incidence among children and young adults. Hyperopia (farsightedness) makes near objects appear blurry, while astigmatism causes distorted vision due to an irregular cornea shape. Presbyopia, commonly occurring after age 40, affects the ability to focus on near objects due to lens rigidity. Treatments include prescription glasses, contact lenses, LASIK, and other refractive surgeries performed at an eye specialist clinic.
2. Cataracts
Cataracts develop when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to gradual vision impairment. Aging is the primary cause, but other risk factors include diabetes, prolonged UV exposure, and eye trauma. Symptoms include blurry vision, glare sensitivity, faded colours, and difficulty seeing at night. Eye doctors in Singapore diagnose cataracts through comprehensive eye exams and recommend cataract surgery when vision loss affects daily activities. The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
3. Glaucoma
Glaucoma results from increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which damages the optic nerve and leads to irreversible vision loss if untreated. It is often asymptomatic in the early stages, making regular screenings at an eye clinic essential, especially for individuals over 40 or those with a family history. There are different types of glaucoma, including open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma. Treatment options include medicated eye drops, laser therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce IOP and prevent further optic nerve damage.
ALSO READ: 5 Eye Health Tips To Maintain Good Eyesight
4. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. It primarily occurs in older adults and is classified into two types: dry AMD and wet AMD. Dry AMD involves gradual thinning of the macula, leading to central vision loss. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, causing rapid vision deterioration. Symptoms include blurry or distorted central vision, difficulty recognising faces, and dark spots in the visual field. Eye clinics in Singapore manage AMD with lifestyle modifications, nutritional supplements, anti-VEGF injections, and laser therapy, depending on the severity of the condition.
5. Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss if left untreated. High blood sugar levels cause damage to the retinal blood vessels, resulting in bleeding, swelling, and leakage of fluid. In advanced stages, new abnormal blood vessels form, increasing the risk of retinal detachment. Symptoms include floaters, blurred vision, and dark areas in the visual field. Eye specialist clinics offer treatments such as laser photocoagulation, anti-VEGF injections, and vitrectomy surgery to manage the condition and prevent further vision loss. Regular eye screenings are essential for diabetic patients to detect early signs of retinopathy.
6. Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tear quality is poor, leading to irritation, redness, and a gritty sensation. Factors such as prolonged screen time, ageing, certain medications, and environmental conditions contribute to dry eyes. Symptoms include burning sensations, light sensitivity, and difficulty wearing contact lenses. Eye clinics provide treatments such as artificial tears, prescription eye drops, punctal plugs to retain moisture, and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to improve tear gland function.
Conclusion
These six eye conditions are commonly diagnosed and treated by eye specialist clinics in Singapore. Frequent eye exams lower the risk of problems by assisting in early detection and therapy. Anyone with symptoms should speak with an eye doctor to get the right care. Remember, eye clinics provide a range of medicinal and surgical options to preserve eye health and stop vision loss.
Contact Nova Eye Clinic to book an eye check-up today.