Eye health screening is a process that involves testing your eyesight and looking for signs of common eye conditions. It usually takes place at an optician (optical outlet).
The tests carried out during an eye health screening can help to detect some common eye conditions. Early detection and treatment of these conditions can help to prevent sight loss. Learn more about the specialists that can help with eye health screening here: https://www.drchelvinsng.com/eye-screening/.
During an eye health screening, the specialist will carry out a series of tests to check your vision and look for any signs of eye disease. These tests are quick and painless and don’t usually require special preparation.
The ophthalmologist will start by asking about your general health and any problems you’ve been having with your vision. They’ll then carry out a series of tests.
These may include: checking the pressure in your eyes (tonometry) using a bright light to check for signs of damage or disease at the front of your eyes (slit-lamp examination) using drops to widen (dilate) your pupils so that the back of your eyes can be checked for signs of damage or disease (fundoscopy) checking how well you see things at different distances (visual acuity test) checking your side (peripheral) vision. You may need to have more than one test during an eye health screening, depending on the results of the initial tests.
After the tests are carried out, the specialist will discuss the results with you and talk through any further actions that may be needed, such as returning for another appointment or arranging for specialized treatment.
How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?
Most people ask; how often I need to see my eye doctor for an eye checkup. It is important to note that how often you need an eye exam depends on many factors.
These include your age, your family’s history of eye disease, whether you have chronic health conditions that could affect your vision, and your personal history of vision problems. If you’re a young adult with no risk factors for eye disease, you should get a routine eye exam every four to five years.
But if you’re at high risk for developing glaucoma or cataracts, you may need to be seen more frequently. For example, people with diabetes often need to have their eyes checked yearly.
Your ophthalmologist or optometrist can help you determine how often you need to have an eye exam based on your individual risk factors. And if you have any changes in your vision between exams, don’t hesitate to contact your eye care professional right away.
What are the Most Common Types of Eye Diseases
The eye is susceptible to a number of different diseases and disorders. Some of these conditions are relatively common, while others are quite rare. Here are some of the most common diseases of the eye;
● Age-related macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a medical condition that results in gradual loss of vision in the center of the visual field because of damage to the photoreceptor cells in the retina. AMD is most common in people over 65 years of age and is the leading cause of blindness among older adults.
There are two main types of Age-related macular degeneration: the dry AMD and wet AMD. Dry Age-related macular degeneration is more prevalent compared to wet AMD.
It also progresses more slowly. Wet AMD is less common but progresses more rapidly and can lead to severe vision loss. There is no cure for either type of AMD, but there are treatments available that can help slow down its progression.
● Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to age and occur in people over 60 years of age, but they can develop at any age. Cataracts can also be caused by injury, disease, or other factors.
Cataracts cause vision to become cloudy, blurry, or foggy. The more severe the cataract, the more difficult it is to see. Colors may seem less bright, and objects may not be as clear as they once were.
Cataracts usually develop slowly over time and often do not cause pain. However, if left untreated, they can cause serious vision problems.
● Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is the nerve that carries information from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma can lead to vision loss and blindness if it is not treated.
There are two main types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type and usually develops slowly over time. Angle-closure glaucoma is less common but can develop quickly and without any warning signs.
Glaucoma can be treated with medication, surgery, or a combination of both. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent vision loss from glaucoma.
● Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that occurs in people with diabetes and causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among adults 20 to 74 years of age.
Diabetic retinopathy often has no early warning signs or symptoms, which is why it’s important for people with diabetes to have their eyes checked by an eye care professional at least once a year.
● Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, becomes separated from the underlying layer of support tissue. Retinal detachment can lead to vision loss or blindness if it is not treated promptly.
Retinal detachment usually occurs spontaneously and is often associated with a change in vision, such as a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light. If you experience any of these changes in vision, you should see an eye care professional immediately. Treatment for retinal detachment often requires surgery, but the success rate is high if the retina is treated before it becomes completely detached.
Final Words
Eye health screening is important for detecting these and other eye diseases early before they cause vision loss or blindness. Regular eye exams can help catch eye diseases early when they are most treatable. Many eye diseases have no early warning signs or symptoms, so it’s important to see an eye care professional even if you are not experiencing any problems with your vision.
If you are over the age of 60, have a family history of eye disease, or suffer from diabetes or another chronic health condition, you should be screened for eye disease more frequently. Talk to your doctor or eye care professional about how often you should have your eyes checked.
We offer comprehensive eye exams that can help detect these and other eye diseases. We also offer a wide range of treatment options for all stages of eye disease. Call us today at (65) 6334 2282 to schedule an appointment or visit us at:
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Glaucoma | Cataract Surgery | Retina Specialist | Ophthalmologist Singapore
38 IRRAWADDY ROAD
#06-25 MT ELIZABETH NOVENA SPECIALIST CENTRE,
Singapore 329563
