By Joel Paige
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating eye disorders, from common vision problems to rare eye diseases. By studying the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the eye and its surrounding structures, ophthalmologists provide comprehensive care for patients with various conditions affecting the eyes.
Your ophthalmologist in Singapore can also diagnose and treat conditions that may not directly affect the eye but have an impact on vision. This blog post will discuss some of the most common conditions treated by an ophthalmologist. We will also discuss signs that may indicate that you need to see an ophthalmologist.
Why would you be Referred to an Ophthalmologist?
As explained before, an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating eye disorders. Patients may be referred to an ophthalmologist when they experience vision loss, have an eye injury, or are experiencing pain or inflammation in their eyes. Ophthalmologists also treat conditions such as;
● Cataracts
A cataract is an opacity or clouding of the lens in the eye which causes blurred vision. Cataracts can be caused by aging, diabetes, certain medications, or trauma to the eye. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness.
An ophthalmologist is able to diagnose and treat cataracts through a combination of medication and surgery. The most common type of cataract surgery is known as phacoemulsification, which involves making a small incision in the eye and using ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens into tiny pieces, which are then removed from the eye.
● Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve resulting in permanent vision loss if left untreated. Glaucoma affects people over 40 more often than younger individuals but can occur at any age.
It is important to be aware of your risk factors for glaucoma, such as family history or having high blood pressure, because early detection and treatment are critical to preserving vision. Ophthalmologists diagnose glaucoma through tests such as visual field testing or optical coherence tomography (OCT). Treatment typically includes prescription eyedrops to reduce intraocular pressure but may also involve laser treatments or surgical procedures depending on the severity of each patient’s condition.
● Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an age-related condition causing central vision loss due to damage to the macula—the part of your retina responsible for detailed central vision. Macular degeneration usually occurs in people over 60, but it can also affect younger patients.
Ophthalmologists diagnose macular degeneration through tests such as Amsler grid testing or optical coherence tomography (OCT). Treatment usually involves medications or laser treatments, depending on each patient’s individual needs and preferences.
● Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by high blood sugar and affects the blood vessels in the retina. It can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Ophthalmologists diagnose diabetic retinopathy through tests such as fundus photography or optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Treatment usually involves laser treatments or medications but occasionally requires surgery. In some cases, patients may be referred to a retinal specialist who specializes in treating diabetic retinopathy.
● Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or have an imbalance in their tear composition, resulting in dryness and irritation. Ophthalmologists diagnose this condition by examining the eyes, taking a medical history, and performing tests such as Schirmer’s test, which measures tear production.
Treatment usually involves prescription eyedrops or artificial tears to lubricate the eyes and prevent dryness. In more severe cases, ophthalmologists may recommend punctual occlusion, a procedure that temporarily closes tear ducts to increase tear production.
● Strabismus
Strabismus is an eye condition that occurs when the eyes are not properly aligned and appear to be “crossed” or “wandering.” Ophthalmologists diagnose strabismus through a physical examination of the eyes and may also use tests such as a prism bar test or cover test to determine which eye is affected.
Treatment typically involves glasses, eye patches, eye exercises, or surgery, depending on each patient’s individual needs. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent amblyopia (“lazy eye”) which can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.
● Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an eye condition that occurs when the eyelids become inflamed and irritated due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Ophthalmologists diagnose blepharitis through a visual examination of the eyes and may also perform cultures or other tests if necessary.
Treatment usually involves prescription medications, warm compresses, and lid scrubs. In some cases, ophthalmologists may also recommend artificial tears or punctal occlusion (temporarily plugging the tear ducts) to reduce irritation and improve comfort. It is important to keep eyelids clean and free of bacteria or fungus to prevent blepharitis from recurring.
Signs That You Should See an Ophthalmologist
There are numerous signs and symptoms that may indicate a need to see your ophthalmologist in Singapore. If you experience any of the following, it is important to contact your healthcare provider and make an appointment with an ophthalmologist:
- Blurry vision or double vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Pain in the eyes or a headache that is not relieved by over-the-counter medications
- Flashes of light, floaters, or halos around lights
- Sudden loss of peripheral vision
- Redness and/or itching in the eyes
- Frequent tearing or dryness in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to make an appointment with your ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can help preserve your vision and ensure that any underlying conditions are properly managed.
In Closing
Ophthalmology encompasses many different types of conditions that affect our eyesight – both common and rare – with some being easier to treat than others, depending on their severity. It’s important for everyone – especially those at higher risk – to have their eyes checked regularly so that any potential problems can be caught early on when treatment has a higher chance of success!
If you think you might have one or more conditions mentioned above, it’s important that you speak with your GP about being referred for specialist advice from an ophthalmologist who will be able to assess your individual case further and recommend treatments accordingly if necessary.
At Chelvin SNG Eye Center, we specialize in providing personalized care and treatment plans to meet each patient’s individual needs. We are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal vision health through a range of ophthalmology services – from regular eye exams and screenings to laser treatments, surgery, and more!
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you preserve your eyesight.
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Glaucoma | Cataract Surgery | Eye Specialist
38 IRRAWADDY ROAD MT ELIZABETH NOVENA SPECIALIST CENTRE, #06-25, 329563
+65 6334 2282
https://www.drchelvinsng.com/
