All Posts

After the admissions are done, you will be lying (or sitting) on a trolley bed and be queued to be sent into the operating theatre. Preparation for the surgery: Upon registration and admission, your information is verified and your vitals will be taken. For a period of time, you will lie or sit on a trolley (a moveable bed, not of the supermarket variety). A plug will be inserted, typically into your hand, which will be used for the anaesthesia during the surgery. Eye drops w

Are you undergoing or intending to undergo a cataracts-removal surgery (phacoemulsification)? When the cataracts or cataractous lens (the eye's natural lens that has turned cloudy and affects your vision) is removed, we replace it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens, or IOL in short. The crystalline lens behind the pupil, indicated in purple here, is the cataractous structure we are replacing with an intraocular lens (IOL). There are different types of IOLs th

Risks and complications of cataract surgery Phacoemulsification cataract surgery is very safe, but like any surgery, it carries some risks. Most are uncommon and treatable when detected early. Common and usually mild - Temporary blurred vision during healing - Eye irritation or discomfort - Redness or light sensitivity - Dry eye symptoms - Mild inflammation, controlled with eye drops Less common but more serious - Infection (endophthalmitis): Rare but serious; causes pain, re

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