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Cost is often a concern when it comes to a surgical procedure - and rightfully so. For most people, cataracts-removal surgery, also known as phacoemulsification, and the insertion of an intra-ocular lens (IOL) which is an artificial lens to replace the original cloudy lens that was removed from the eye, is a life-changing experience that is only done once (for each eye, that is). Here, we break down the different costs and make it clear for you , just like the cataracts surge

"Is Cataracts Surgery in Singapore covered by insurance and Medishield or Medisave?" This is a surprisingly common question - but perhaps in a good way, since cataracts removal surgery is a 'once in a lifetime' matter. Insurance - can it be used for cataracts surgery in Singapore? In Singapore, cataracts-removal surgery, or cataracts surgery, is a common and vital surgery (and a life-changing one) done mainly for older patients as age is a risk factor, restoring clear vision

Not sure when you should see an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) in Singapore? Learn the key symptoms and when you should seek professional care, and how urgently. 10 reasons to visit an ophthalmologist Here are 10 important signs and symptoms that should prompt you to see an ophthalmologist, along with possible causes and how urgently you should seek care: Gentle note: These are provided as very general information and are not complete or full, hence it should never be used as a

How much is the cost of an eye check up in Singapore? How much does an eye examination cost in Singapore? These are common questions when patients find that they need to do an eye check in Singapore - whether for blurry vision or to address more urgent symptoms or major needs. Eye health is an essential part of overall well-being, yet many people delay check-ups due to uncertainty about cost. In Singapore, the price of an eye examination varies depending on the type of clinic

Understanding the roles of eye care professionals is essential for making informed decisions about your vision and eye health. In Singapore, three main types of professionals provide eye care services: ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians. While their roles may overlap in some areas, their training, scope of practice, and responsibilities differ significantly. Ophthalmologist: Medical and Surgical Eye Specialist An ophthalmologist is a medically trained doctor who sp

Ophthalmologists examine the health of the eyes, diagnose and treat diseases of the eyes and carry out eye surgery. But what happens when you visit the eye doctor at the eye clinic? What Happens When You Visit an Ophthalmologist at an Eye Clinic? Visiting an ophthalmologist for the first time can feel unfamiliar, especially if you are unsure what to expect. In Singapore, eye clinics follow a structured and efficient workflow designed to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropria

Yes, Singapore has a well-established and regulated optometry profession that plays a vital role in the nation’s eye care system. Optometrists are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking vision care, and they work across a range of settings from retail optical shops to clinical environments and even research institutions. What Is an Optometrist? An optometrist is a trained eye care professional who provides primary vision care and performs non-surgical eye as

A retinal surgeon is a subspecialist within ophthalmology who focuses on diseases of the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) and the vitreous (the gel-like substance inside the eye). This field is commonly referred to as vitreoretinal surgery. Scope of Specialisation Retinal surgeons manage complex and often sight-threatening conditions affecting the back of the eye. These include: Retinal detachmen: a condition where the retina separates from its under

Ophthalmology is the field of medicine that deals with the anatomy, functions and diseases of the eye. It encompasses both medical and surgical care, making it a highly specialized discipline that addresses a wide spectrum of visual and ocular conditions. The Ophthalmology Practice - where ophthalmology is practiced. Scope of Ophthalmology Ophthalmology covers the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of conditions affecting different parts of the eye, including the cornea, l

The anterior chamber angle (also called the iridocorneal angle) is the angle formed between the cornea and the iris. This angle contains the eye’s "drainage system" - the trabecular meshwork and the Schlemm’s canal. It is in this angle the fluid in the eye (called the aqueous humour) drains away. Our eyes continually produce fluids, and this angle determines how well the fluid drains. When the angle is open, there is normal fluid drainage, hence the pressure within the eye, c

Visual field testing aims to test the sensitivity of the peripheral retina, that is, how good the side, paracentral, or surrounding vision is. This is important as any changes or loss in periphery vision can go undetected by the person him/herself - this is because any loss or reduction in our central vision is easily 'seen' by us, but not for our 'side vision'. Reasons for Doing Visual Field Testing: Visual field testing is performed to: 1. Detect and Monitor Glaucoma Glauco

Retinopexy is a medical procedure used to treat a retinal tear or help repair a retinal detachment. Its main goal is to prevent vision loss by sealing the retina back against the wall of the eye. Purpose The retina is the thin layer of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. If there is a tear, fluid in the eye can pass underneath it, leading to a retinal detachment (i.e. the retina coming off the back of the eye). This is a serious condition that can cause permanent v

Blurry vision? Refractive Errors: Understanding Common Prescriptive Issues Refractive errors are among the most common causes of blurred vision. They occur when the shape of the cornea or length of the eyeball prevents light from focusing directly and sharply on the retina, or when the natural lens in the eye loses the ability to adjust focus, resulting in unclear images. The four main types are myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Myopia (Near-Sightedness) Myopia,

High eye pressure, also known as ocular hypertension, occurs when the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP) is higher than normal. While it may not cause immediate symptoms, persistently elevated pressure can damage the optic nerve (the part of the eye that transmit visual infomation to the brain) and increase the risk of developing glaucoma, and causing irreversible vision loss. Causes Eye pressure rises when the eye’s internal fluid ( known as aqueous humou

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI), also called laser iridotomy, is a common outpatient laser procedure used primarily to treat or prevent angle-closure glaucoma (also known as narrow-angle or closed-angle glaucoma). Why do we perform it? The main reason is to address or prevent a dangerous buildup of pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, also called IOP) that can damage the optic nerve and lead to permanent vision loss. In a healthy eye, the fluid in the eye is const

Red eyes from wearing contact lenses? Here are some possible complications resulting from contact lens wear: Microbial Keratitis Microbial Keratitis (also called infectious or infective keratitis) is one of the most serious complications, involving bacterial, fungal, or parasitic (e.g., Acanthamoeba) infection of the cornea. It is strongly linked to poor lens hygiene, overnight wear, or contaminated solutions, causing severe pain, redness, discharge, light sensitivity, and bl

Retinal bleeding (also called retinal hemorrhage) occurs when blood vessels in the retina - the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye - leak or rupture. This can lead to vision problems like floaters, blurred vision, or even severe vision loss if untreated. It's often a sign of an underlying issue rather than a standalone condition. Dot-blot haemorrhages or bleeding on the retina. Common causes include: Trauma or injury: A blow to the head or eye (from accidents, falls

Optometrists and opticians play an important role in screening and assessing the general public for eye diseases, and making a call on whether it requires an urgent referral. Through routine vision testing when a client comes in for eyeglasses, optometrists and opticians are the first-line in detecting potential eye conditions and diseases. By identifying red-flag symptoms such as sudden vision changes, field defects, or signs of retinal detachment that necessitate urgent oph

Seek immediate medical care or go to the emergency room if you have: Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes New flashes of light, many floaters, or a dark curtain/shadow in your vision Severe eye pain, especially if it comes on suddenly Red eye with pain, light sensitivity, or blurry vision Chemical exposure to the eye Eye injury or trauma, including being hit in the eye Sudden double vision Eye pain with headache, nausea, or vomiting Halos around lights with eye pain or n

An epiretinal membrane (also known as ERM) is a thin layer of fibrous tissue that forms on the surface of the retina, most often over the macula. What causes it? ERM is most commonly age-related, following normal vitreous separation. However, it can also develop after retinal surgery, inflammation, trauma, vascular disease, or retinal tears. 1. Idiopathic (most common) Age-related (usually >50 years) Associated with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) 2. Secondary Causes Reti