Conditions

Lorem Ipsum 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-Sightedn

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

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

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

When does a hole qualify as a hole, and when is it not a hole? What is a macular pseudohole? A macular pseudohole is an optical illusion on retinal imaging where the center of the macula looks like a hole—but the retinal tissue is actually intact. What causes it? Most commonly caused by an epiretinal membrane (also called ERM)—a thin layer of scar tissue on the retinal surface that contracts and pinches the macula, creating a steep contour that mimics a hole. Pseudohole vs.

Oh no it's a bump. Perhaps it's itchy, a little painful and tender to the touch? Differentiating between a style, hordeolum, and chalazion: The Stye A stye, or a hordeolum if you want to sound more professional, is caused by an acute bacterial infection, usually by the Staph bacteria. If this happens to an eyelash follicle, it is an external hordeolum. If this happens to a meibomian gland, it is an internal hordeolum (The meibomian glands sit on the inner side of your eyelid

A complication that can occur after cataracts-removal surgery (also known as phacoemulsification), is Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO). This is not an uncommon issue, and while the layman explanation for it is "some dirt left behind", here's a more scientific explanation - still in simple terms that you can understand: What is PCO? Posterior Capsule Opacification is the most common late complication after cataract surgery. It is sometimes called a “secondary cataract,”

The World Health Organization (WHO) generally defines high myopia as a refractive error of ≤-5.00 Diopters (D), or in a local context we call this 500 degrees. This classification emphasizes the increased risk of sight-threatening diseases, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy, which are significantly more likely when the eye is highly elongated in high myopia (often >26mm). Prevalence of Myopia in Children in Singapore Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a

Introduction Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition that primarily affects older adults, leading to a gradual loss of central vision. The condition involves damage to the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision needed for activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. AMD is one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over the age of 50. Signs and Symptoms The symptoms of AMD can vary, but common

Introduction Dry eyes (also called dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This results in inadequate lubrication of the eye, leading to irritation and discomfort. The condition can be temporary or chronic and can significantly impact quality of life. Dry eyes may be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental influences, medical conditions, medi

Introduction Retinal tears and retinal detachment are serious eye conditions that can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness if not treated promptly. A retinal tear occurs when there is a small break or hole in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. If untreated, a tear can progress into a retinal detachment, where the retina separates from its underlying tissue. This detachment disrupts vision and can lead to blindness if not addressed quickly. Re

Glaucoma - "the silent thief of sight" Introduction Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, often due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). It is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. The optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged over time due to increased pressure inside the eye. If left untreated, glaucoma can result in permanent vision loss. There are different types of glaucoma, with open

Introduction A cataract is a clouding of the natural crystalline lens inside the eye, leading to a drop in vision. It is one of the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness worldwide, particularly in older adults. Cataracts develop gradually and can affect one or both eyes. They occur when proteins in the lens break down and clump together, causing cloudiness. While cataracts can be age-related, they can also result from trauma, certain medications, or medical condit

Introduction Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It is a common condition that can affect one or both eyes. There are several types of conjunctivitis, including viral, bacterial, allergic, and chemical, each with different causes, treatments, and risks. It is a condition often associated with discomfort and redness of the eye. It can also be caused by contact le