When should I see an ophthalmologist?
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
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 substitute for an evaluation or recommendation by a trained eyecare professional.
1. Sudden loss of vision (partial or complete)
Possible conditions: Retinal detachment, Central retinal artery occlusion, stroke affecting vision
Urgency: Immediate (same day/emergency)
This can indicate a serious, vision-threatening or life-threatening condition.
2. Flashes of light or sudden increase in floaters
Possible conditions: Posterior vitreous detachment, Retinal tear
Urgency: Immediate to within 24–48 hours
Especially urgent if accompanied by a shadow or “curtain” in vision.
3. Eye pain (especially severe or with redness)
Possible conditions: Acute angle-closure glaucoma, Uveitis, corneal infection
Urgency: Immediate
Severe pain is not typical of minor eye problems and needs urgent evaluation.
4. Red eye with discharge and blurred vision
Possible conditions: Conjunctivitis, Keratitis
Urgency: Within a few days (sooner if worsening)
Vision changes alongside redness are more concerning than redness alone.
5. Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
Possible conditions: Glaucoma
Urgency: Within a few weeks
Often painless and slow, but early detection prevents permanent damage.
6. Blurred or distorted central vision
Possible conditions: Age-related macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy
Urgency: Within 1–2 weeks
May present as wavy lines or difficulty reading.
7. Double vision (diplopia)
Possible conditions: nerve palsy, Myasthenia gravis, brain-related conditions
Urgency: Immediate to within a few days
Especially urgent if sudden or associated with neurological symptoms.
8. Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Possible conditions: Uveitis, corneal abrasion, infection
Urgency: Within a few days
Particularly concerning if persistent or painful.
9. Difficulty seeing at night or frequent prescription changes
Possible conditions: Cataract, refractive errors
Urgency: Within the year (routine evaluation)
Usually gradual and not urgent but affects quality of life.
10. Halos around lights or sudden blurred vision with headache/nausea
Possible conditions: Acute angle-closure glaucoma
Urgency: Immediate (emergency)
This is a medical emergency that can lead to rapid vision loss.
General Advice
Even without symptoms, a routine eye exam every 1 to 2 years is recommended, especially if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease.
When in doubt, err on the side of earlier evaluation, as many eye conditions are more treatable when detected early.
