Eye Health

Learn more about eye health - its importance, common symptoms, eye conditions and diseases, treatments, and more.

Table of Contents

Eye Health In Singapore

In Singapore, people are vulnerable to eye diseases and disorders at every life stage according to Singapore National Eye Centre. In addition, it is shown that 1 in 2 children in the country develops myopia at the age of 12 while at the age of 18, 83% will turn myopic.

For working adults, diabetic retinopathy is common. A study by Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) revealed that diabetic retinopathy has claimed the vision of 600 Singaporeans, the eye of 8,000 and resulted in visual impairment of 17,500 residents.

Why Is Eye Health Important?

Eye health is one aspect of health that is often overlooked by many. Our eyes are fundamental to our daily functioning, influencing everything from work and leisure activities to personal interactions. Therefore, having healthy eyes – good vision, clarity, and free of diseases and disorders is key to optimal well being.

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Eye Conditions?

Various eye diseases can manifest with different symptoms. While specific symptoms depend on the type of eye condition, some common signs that may indicate an underlying eye problem include:

Blurred Vision – Blurriness or difficulty focusing on objects can be a sign of several eye issues, such as myopia, hyperopia, or even more severe conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration.
Eye Pain or Discomfort – Pain, itching, or a persistent feeling of discomfort in the eyes may indicate conditions like dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis, or more severe issues like glaucoma.
Redness and Irritation – Persistent redness or irritation in the eyes can be a symptom of various conditions, including allergies, infections, or inflammation.
Double Vision – Seeing double images may be a sign of issues with the eye muscles, cornea, or nerves controlling eye movement.
Light Sensitivity -Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) can be associated with conditions such as corneal abrasions, uveitis, or certain infections.
Floating Spots or Flashes of Light – The sudden appearance of floaters (tiny specks or cobweb-like shapes) or flashes of light in the vision may indicate retinal detachment or other retinal issues.
Changes in Peripheral Vision – Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision can be a symptom of conditions like glaucoma.
Sudden Loss of Vision – A sudden and complete loss of vision may be a medical emergency and requires immediate attention, as it could be related to conditions such as retinal artery occlusion or detached retina.
Halos Around Lights – Seeing halos around lights, especially in low-light conditions, can be associated with conditions like cataracts or certain types of glaucoma.
Headaches – Eye strain or certain eye conditions can contribute to frequent headaches, especially after reading or using electronic devices for extended periods.

It is important to note that these symptoms may vary in intensity and may be indicative of different eye diseases or conditions.

Learn More About Common Eye Conditions

Some common eye conditions and disorders are as follows:

Cataract – Clouding of the natural lens in the eye, which leads to a gradual decrease in vision.
Myopia – Commonly known as nearsightedness. It is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly.
Hyperopia – Commonly known as farsightedness. It is a refractive error where distant objects are seen more clearly than close ones.
Astigmatism – A condition leading to blurred or distorted vision.
Glaucoma – Group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure within the eye.
Diabetic Retinopathy – Complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
Floaters – Tiny specks or spots that appear in a person’s field of vision. These are actually shadows cast on the retina by small, suspended particles in the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the eye.

Common Treatments For Eye Conditions

When it comes to treating eye diseases, the approach varies based on the nature and severity of the eye condition. For refractive errors such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, corrective measures like glasses or contacts are prescribed. However, for more serious eye diseases, a comprehensive strategy involving medications or surgical interventions may be recommended such as:

Refractive surgery (LASIK, LASEK, PRK, or SMILE).
Cataract surgery.
Corneal transplant.
Other medications and prescriptions.

Tests To Check Eye Health

Several tests and examinations may be conducted by eye care professionals to check for common eye conditions. Some of the common eye tests are:

Visual Acuity Test – Measures the clarity of your vision by reading letters or symbols from a standardized chart.
Refraction Test – Determines the prescription for glasses or contact lenses using a phoropter.
Slit-Lamp Examination – Examines the front part of the eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens.
Tonometry – Measures intraocular pressure to assess for glaucoma using a tonometer.
Dilated Eye Exam – Evaluates the retina and optic nerve through eye drops that dilate the pupils for examination of the back of the eye.
Visual Field Test – Assesses peripheral vision.
Retinal Imaging – Captures detailed images of the retina using specialized cameras or scanning devices to photograph the back of the eye.
Color Vision Test – Evaluates the ability to distinguish colors by identifying numbers or shapes within colored patterns.
Corneal Topography -Maps the curvature of the cornea using a computerized system to create a detailed image of the cornea’s surface.

Regular eye examinations, including these tests, are crucial for the early detection and management of common eye conditions.

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